National Boss’ Day: Ideas to Celebrate in a Virtual & Socially Distant World

The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. They are the one that gets people to do the greatest things.

Ronald Reagan

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This week, on October 16, it is National Boss’ Day! Chances are that you haven’t even been face-to-face with your boss for several months now, especially with all of the work-from-home mandates. This year continues to be one of unusual challenges. The office-flow has been disrupted, and quite possibly, we are starting to lose touch with the people with whom we used to spend most of our waking hours.

National Boss’ Day always comes with that big question: “What do I do for them?” And this year is going to be more challenging than ever. Or is it? We may be experiencing a worldwide pandemic, but one thing remains the same: people are still people. So, what do people like? Take a look at these suggestions to make your boss feel like an Honored Chief for the day! (Maybe even longer!)

Ask for a Task

Is there anything better than when someone volunteers to help? “Can I do the dishes?” “Can I fold the laundry?” Those are two questions we love to hear! So, why not do the same for your boss? Ask for a simple task or two to do for your boss each week, to help lighten their load (and maybe their mood). This will be the gift that keeps on giving way beyond National Boss’ Day!

Make a Video

Get the whole work-family to submit short snippets expressing their feelings of gratitude. Then, with a free and easy video tool, link them all together (you can even put it to your boss’ favorite song). If you’re at a loss for words, maybe share one of your favorite at-work memories that involves your boss (or one of the top funniest office moments). Try to rekindle workplace nostalgia, especially if you’re all still working from home.

Give Them a Snack Subscription Box

This can go one of two ways… healthy or decadent. There are plenty of snack subscription boxes out there. And, in 2020, I think we are all guilty of eating more than the average amount of goodies. There are even boxes you can customize to fit your boss’ dietary restrictions. Gluten-free? No problem! And adventurer? Try a snack box option with unique tastes from around the world. An added plus is that many subscription services offer a deep discount for the first box: this means you can supply your boss with some ‘work-fuel’ for a couple months without going broke.

Write a Note

Writing a note may sound really basic, but is there anything more touching, especially if it’s hand-written? Give your boss sincere commendation. Remember, this isn’t flattery; so don’t be vague. The best-written cards come from the heart. Even if you aren’t a wordsmith, pick a few specific things to tell your boss that they do well. Maybe it was that one time they were super helpful to a customer. Or perhaps they did something nice for you when you were sick. Whatever it is, remind them of it. And tell them why it’s your special memory of them.

Give a Gift

We all relish gifts, and there are a plethora of ideas out there. You could get your boss a work-related gift: business card holders, plants for the office, desk organization… the list is really endless. If they travel for work, there are even more options! (Who doesn’t need a cute toiletry bag or power cord organizer?) You could also give a personal gift. What are their hobbies? If they like exercising, gardening, or teas, there are plenty of presents out there that would fit with their interests.

Share a Team-Focused TED-Talk

TED-talks are all about “ideas worth spreading.” So why not listen and share together some terrific talks that can inspire your team or get the individual creative juices going. Get the group together with your boss, even virtually, and watch a short 15-20 minute video; then have a group discussion afterward. Fun topics here include: Nerdcore Comedy (a fun 18-minute stand-up comedy about helping people create using simple web tools); The Happy Secret to Better Work (how happiness inspires us to be more productive); Got a Meeting, Take a Walk (fresh air leads to fresh ideas).

No matter how you decide to celebrate Boss’ Day, make sure to make your manager feel special. This year hasn’t been easy for anyone, let alone someone trying to coordinate the efforts of a group of remote workers! Hopefully, these suggestions will give your boss an unforgettable Boss’ Day amidst an unforgettable year.