Boss's Day 2023: 19 Creative Ways to Show Your Appreciation

A terrific boss who embodies strong leadership is certainly something worth celebrating, which is why Boss’s Day can be so much fun. 

Boss’s Day helps organizations recognize the role that bosses play in fostering positive employee relations and maintaining a healthy work environment. And the benefits of such recognition extend beyond the bosses themselves — recognition and healthy relationships create a positive culture that supports all employees.

Use these fun, innovative, and meaningful ideas to knock Boss’s Day 2023 out of the park!

What Is Boss's Day?

Boss's Day is an annual observance dedicated to acknowledging and appreciating the contributions and leadership of bosses and supervisors in the workplace. 

The initial intent behind Boss's Day was to improve employee-supervisor relationships and create a positive work environment. It was created decades ago by Patricia Bays Haroski, an employee at State Farm Insurance Company, in Deerfield, Illinois. She registered National Boss's Day with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958 and chose October 16th as the date to celebrate Boss's Day because it was her father's birthday — who she believed was an excellent boss. 

 It’s since gained popularity and become a widely recognized occasion to express appreciation to bosses across various industries and organizations/ Employees can recognize and express gratitude to their bosses for their guidance, support, and the positive impact they have on their careers and work environments. This is great for employees and your organizational culture and can inspire bosses to be even more effective leaders and role models. 

When Is Boss's Day 2023?

Boss's Day in 2023 will be celebrated on Monday, October 16th. 

The Benefits of Celebrating Boss's Day

Celebrating Boss's Day can have numerous benefits for workplace culture and morale by fostering positive relationships between employees and their superiors. They include:

• Enhanced Employee Engagement: When employees feel appreciated and valued by their bosses, they are more likely to be engaged in their work. Leaders deserve employee recognition too, and taking a day to appreciate them can improve the overall work experience and keep them committed to their jobs.
• Improved Communication: Boss's Day provides an opportunity for open and honest communication between employees and their superiors. It encourages employees to express their gratitude and feedback, leading to better understanding and collaboration within the workplace.
• Boosted Morale: Celebrating Boss's Day can boost employee morale. When employees see that their bosses are appreciated and celebrated, it creates a positive atmosphere in the workplace, making everyone feel more satisfied and motivated.
• Strengthened Team Cohesion: Acknowledging bosses promotes a sense of unity among team members. When employees and superiors come together to celebrate, it fosters a sense of belonging and teamwork, which can lead to improved collaboration and productivity.
• Increased Loyalty: Employees are more likely to stay with a company where they feel valued and appreciated. Recognizing bosses on this day can increase employee loyalty, reducing turnover rates and associated recruitment costs.
• Enhanced Leadership Skills: Boss's Day celebrations can serve as an opportunity for bosses to reflect on their leadership styles and qualities. Constructive feedback and recognition can help bosses improve their leadership skills, making them more effective and approachable.
• Positive Role Modeling: When employees witness their bosses being recognized and celebrated, it sets a positive example for leadership behavior. It encourages bosses to exhibit qualities like humility, empathy, and appreciation, which can be emulated by their subordinates.
• Reduced Workplace Stress: Positive employee relations, especially among supervisors and leaders, can reduce workplace stress. When employees feel comfortable approaching their superiors, they are more likely to seek help or guidance when facing challenges, reducing stress levels.

19 Creative Ideas to Celebrate Boss's Day 2023

So what can you actually do to help someone feel the difference on Boss’s Day this year? Get inspired by the following list of creative ideas!

1. Write a Heartfelt Thank-You Note

Sometimes, powerful and meaningful words are the most impactful thing you can do for someone. Express your gratitude in a heartfelt letter or note, highlighting the boss’s impact on the organization or the careers of the employees.

2. Decorate Their Office

A visual display of appreciation takes time and intention, which also means its got heart. Spruce up their workspace with balloons, streamers, or decorations that match their personality.

3. Get Out of the Office

Breaking free from routine and getting a little vitamin D may be just what the boss needs, especially if they operate from their desk most days. Plan an outdoor team-building activity, like a picnic or hiking trip, to celebrate in a different setting.

4. Give Public Recognition

Most bosses have put in many hours and sacrificed much for the good of the company. Recognize this and your boss's achievements in a company-wide meeting or newsletter, showcasing their leadership.

5. Surprise Them

An unexpected gift or bonus can be even more meaningful than a planned one. Coordinate with colleagues to surprise your boss throughout the day with small, unexpected gifts.

6. Create a Video Tribute

Videos combine several creative elements and acknowledge someone both verbally and visually. Collect video messages from team members sharing their appreciation and compile them into a heartwarming video that your boss can enjoy for a long time.

7. Host a Surprise Party

Who doesn’t like a surprise celebration? Organize a surprise party at the office or a local venue, complete with decorations and their favorite snacks.

8. Make a Donation in Their Name

If your boss is passionate about a non-profit or a movement, consider contributing to a charity or cause your boss cares about and present the donation as a gift.

9. Organize a Volunteer Day

Similarly, you can help your boss give back to something they care about by arranging a day where the team volunteers together, like helping a local charity or community organization.

10. Give Them a Spa Day

The gift of destressing is huge for some people. Gift them a spa or wellness package for a day of relaxation and pampering.

11. Buy Them a Subscription

This is the gift that keeps on giving—find a subscription service related to their interests, such as a magazine, streaming service, or gourmet food club.

12. Cook/Bake for Them

Something homemade and delicious could hit the spot for Boss’s Day. Prepare a homemade meal or bake a special treat to share with your boss.

13. Give Them a Self-Care Basket

You can show your organization that wellness comes first and assemble a basket filled with self-care items like scented candles, bath products, and cozy blankets.

14. Gift Them a Desk Plant

Plants can bring a lot of joy and life to a work area! Add some greenery to their workspace with a low-maintenance desk plant.

15. Best Boss Award

This one takes a little more creativity but can be entertaining and collaborative, too. Try creating a fun "Best Boss" award and present it to them during a team meeting.

16. Give Them a Gift Card

Choose a gift card to their favorite restaurant, store, or online retailer—this one is a simple classic gift, but it can make the boss feel special.

17. Give Them the Best Day at Work

Your boss may just want a little time to themselves. You can plan a day where you and your colleagues take care of their tasks, allowing them to have a stress-free day at work.

18. Take Them Out for a Coffee or Drink

If quality time speaks to your boss, invite them for a coffee, lunch, or after-work drink at their favorite spot.

19. Give Them a Personalized Gift

Custom-made items like a photo book, engraved desk accessory, or custom artwork can make for a thoughtful and unique gift.

Wellness Starts at the Top

Recognizing bosses positively impacts workplace culture and morale by enhancing employee engagement, boosting morale, and improving communication. It helps an organization foster a positive workplace culture, where wellbeing and mental health of all employees are valued. 

Caring about the wellness of the boss is a great way to show employees that wellness matters at work — and there’s plenty you can do to foster this kind of environment.

Wellhub is dedicated to providing wellness programs and resources for organizations that want to put employee health first. Talk to a wellbeing specialist to learn more about how Wellhub can help you improve employee wellness.

References

• Wellhub. (2023, October 18). The State of Work-Life Wellness 2024.