For HR leaders
Who recognizes the recognizers?
Managers hand out the recognition your people remember most. Hardly anything flows back to them. National Boss's Day is the one day a year your culture expects it to, which makes it a good place to start.
October 16 National Boss's Day
The manager squeeze
Manager engagement fell 9 points in three years
The people you rely on to engage everyone else are running low.
Managers engaged at work, worldwide
Why it reaches your whole org
When the manager runs dry, the team feels it next
of the variance in team engagement comes down to the manager.
Gallup, 27M employees studied [2]of employees say their most memorable recognition came from their manager. No other source ranks higher.
Gallup [3]Employees who don't feel adequately recognized are twice as likely to say they'll quit within a year.
Gallup [3]The one-way street
Recognition flows down. Very little comes back up.
Most programs are built for managers to recognize their teams. Few give a team an easy way to thank the manager. Treat Boss's Day as a test run for the other direction.
The HR playbook for October 16
Four ways to make Boss's Day count
Hand people the words
Most employees want to say thanks and then freeze at the blank card. Share ready-to-use messages in four tones: funny, heartfelt, professional, and short.
Ask for one specific moment
"Thanks for everything" is forgotten by Friday. "Thanks for backing my call on the vendor switch" sticks. Prompt people to name a real example.
Make it a team effort
A team-signed card or a short video montage works for hybrid and remote teams, and nobody has to go first alone.
Fit the person and your culture
A private manager may dread a decorated cubicle. A handwritten note or a LinkedIn recommendation can mean more than a cake.
Add upward and peer recognition to your program so managers aren't waiting a full year for the next thank-you.
Give teams options
14 ways teams can celebrate their manager
Words 4 ideas
- Team-signed appreciation card
- Handwritten thank-you letters
- LinkedIn recommendation
- Video montage from the team
Moments 4 ideas
- Team lunch or virtual coffee
- A shared experience, like an escape room
- Decorated desk or cubicle
- A custom cake
Things 6 ideas
- "Best Boss" trophy, mug, or plaque
- Personalized care package
- Their favorite treats
- Gift card to a favorite spot
- Flowers or a plant
- A desk, wellness, or book gift
Free Boss's Day kit
Run Boss's Day this month. Keep it going all year.
- 40 ready-to-share messages in four tones
- A manager recognition checklist for HR