National Hug Your Boss Day

Categories:: Appreciation
Tags:: Appreciation Work
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every September 13
Holiday emoji:: 🤝

National Hug Your Boss Day is celebrated every September 13 to appreciate the vital role of managers and employers in our professional lives. This day encourages stronger workplace relationships, improved morale, and increased motivation. Consider sharing a thoughtful note, offering a genuine compliment, or simply acknowledging their hard work.

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Hero
History
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Businesses
FAQs
Importance
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Expected National Hug Your Boss Day Deals

While National Hug Your Boss Day isn’t typically a day for retail sales, it’s an excellent opportunity for corporate gifting and employee appreciation programs. Companies like Gift Baskets Overseas and SnackMagic often see increased orders for team-wide treats. Businesses might offer special discounts on professional development courses from providers like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning. Office supply retailers such as Staples and Office Depot could promote bulk discounts on appreciation cards or small desk gifts. Look for local bakeries and coffee shops, like Starbucks or Dunkin’, to offer catering specials for office celebrations. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as September 13 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Hug Your Boss Day

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #HugYourBossDay. Share a post recognizing a great leader and their impact.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalHugYourBossDay. Tweet a short, positive anecdote about a manager who inspired you.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #HugYourBossDay. Post a photo of your team celebrating with a non-physical gesture of appreciation.

National Hug Your Boss Day Hero

Peter Drucker

Peter Drucker (1909–2005) was an Austrian-born American management consultant, educator, and author whose writings contributed to the philosophical and practical foundations of the modern business corporation. Often called 'the founder of modern management,' his work emphasized the importance of people and relationships in organizational success, advocating for leadership that inspires and empowers.

History of National Hug Your Boss Day

Work is an activity that predates human civilization and is inextricably linked to human evolution. According to scholars, work developed out of the need to fulfill humans’ most basic needs — food, child care, and shelter. As some individuals exhibited mastery of specific tasks, division of labor became more prominent. By around 10,000 years ago, the first fixed agrarian settlements had developed. With the concept of land ownership came human hierarchies and differentiation between people that were working and those that weren’t. In ancient Rome, work became based on people’s status in society.

Enslaved people handled most of the physical labor, while citizens carried out physical activities, such as commercial, art, and warfare. The growth of Christianity in Europe led to the development of organizations. Monasteries were the first modern organizations, as they possessed some of today’s organizational elements, such as integrated management and production systems. Banking, credit, and trade, on the other hand, were considered devilish by the Church. This stigma was gradually dispelled with the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s. Between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, there was an increase in organized labor (guilds), craft, arts and science, trade, and banking.

Some of the tools we use today can be traced back to this period. The advent of the Industrial Revolution led to a change and brought an end to forced labor. While much hasn’t changed in the workplace, we are seeing rapid adoption of new work models, including remote and hybrid models. In addition, there is widespread development of self-entrepreneurship and self-expression as well as the establishment of the knowledge worker movement. In 2008, TipTopJob.com founded National Hug Your Boss Day to promote better workplace relationships between bosses and their employees.

National Hug Your Boss Day timeline

8th Century B.C — 6 Century A.D

The Development Of Work

Work develops to fulfill human’s most basic needs.

1500s

The Reformation

The Protestant Reformation brings dignity to labor and ends age-old views of banking and trade.

19th Century

Mass Production

The Industrial Revolution brings an end to forced labor and changes work to job.

2008

National Hug Your Boss Day

TipTopJob.com launches National Hug Your Boss Day.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Hug Your Boss Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Hug Your Boss Day by fostering a culture of appreciation that extends beyond a single day. Consider organizing a team lunch, providing a small gift basket for managers, or creating a ‘Wall of Appreciation’ where employees can post thank-you notes. Encourage peer-to-peer recognition programs and offer professional development opportunities as a gesture of investment in leadership. Small, consistent acts of gratitude can significantly boost morale and strengthen workplace bonds.

National Hug Your Boss Day FAQs

When is National Hug Your Boss Day?

National Hug Your Boss Day 2026 falls on Sunday, September 13. It’s a day to recognize the contributions of leaders and managers in the workplace.

Why was National Hug Your Boss Day created?

National Hug Your Boss Day was first observed in 2008 by TipTopJob.com to promote positive workplace relationships, improve morale, and acknowledge the responsibilities of managers. The initiative aims to foster a more appreciative work environment.

How many people are managers in the U.S.?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are approximately 17 million people employed in management occupations across various sectors. This significant number underscores the widespread impact of effective leadership.

What are appropriate ways to celebrate National Hug Your Boss Day?

Appropriate celebrations focus on professional respect and appreciation, such as a heartfelt thank-you note, a thoughtful email acknowledging their work, or a small, non-personal gift from the team. The ‘hug’ is symbolic, emphasizing warmth and positive regard.

National Hug Your Boss Day Activities

Hug your boss
Hugging your boss is obviously the simplest way to celebrate National Hug Your Boss Day. However, before hugging them, get their permission first. You don't want to make things awkward or uncomfortable for yourself or your boss. It is usually best to give a side hug or gentle hug. However, if you have a good relationship with your boss, you can go for tighter hugs, especially if you are of the same sex.
Give your boss a gift
The gift does not have to be extravagant. It could be a team appreciation card, a thank-you card, a customized mug or t-shirt, or even a tie.
Plan a hangout
It’s best to have the hangout planned with your coworkers and ensure you receive permission from your boss. The hangout could be a team lunch, a dinner at a restaurant, or games after work.

5 Facts About The Workplace

Sick days
People are more likely to take a sick day on Monday and less likely to do that on Friday.
Workspace on productivity
Employees who have control over their workspace arrangement are happier and healthier at work.
The origin of the word ‘boss’
It originated from the word ‘baas,’ meaning ‘master.’
Dress codes and productivity
According to a study, 61% of employees experience increased productivity in a workplace with relaxed dress codes.
Appreciation affects retention
Employees are more willing to look for another job if they don’t receive enough appreciation for their work.

Why We Love National Hug Your Boss Day

It builds a good working relationship
The primary goal of National Hug Your Boss Day is to foster positive working relationships between managers and employees. Although this is not achieved solely through the exchange of hugs, National Hug Your Boss Day provides an opportunity to engage in team-building activities with your boss or manager to strengthen your relationship. These activities would include games, social hangouts, and, if permitted, hugs.
It contributes to work productivity
A positive working relationship makes work more enjoyable for employers and employees, allowing for more innovation and creativity. Taking advantage of the opportunity offered by National Hug Your Boss Day can go a long way in contributing to productivity at your workplace.
It serves as a way to appreciate your boss
The value of a good boss cannot be overstated. They are always willing to cover for you or support you when you are in need. So, if your boss has had a significant positive impact on your work life, appreciate them on National Hug Your Boss Day.