National Hug Your Boss Day

A group of employees enthusiastically hugging their smiling boss, dressed professionally, in a modern office setting.. — National hug your boss day illustration

Ready to give your boss a big bear hug? Well, mark your calendars because National Hug Your Boss Day is here! This quirky holiday is all about showing appreciation and spreading some love (platonic, of course) to the person who manages your workload and keeps the office running smoothly. So, get those arms warmed up and get ready for a day of warm embraces and potentially awkward encounters!

When is Hug Your Boss Day?

It's national hug your boss day on the 4th September.

The Internet History:

First off, let's talk about the internet history of National Hug Your Boss Day. Back in 2015, this delightful day gained some online attention with a whopping 1072 mentions. The buzz peaked on 04 Sep 2015, painting the internet with images of friendly hugs happening in workplaces around the world.

While the origins of this national day are a mystery, it's clear that employees were eager to show their appreciation for their bosses. What better way to do it than with a good ol' bear hug?

The Actual History (if there is any):

Now, if we dive into the actual history behind National Hug Your Boss Day, we'll find that it may not be as ancient as some of our other national holidays. In fact, it seems to be more of a fun and lighthearted way to break the ice in the office.

Picture this: a group of coworkers sitting around, tired of the daily grind, when someone blurts out, "Hey, imagine what it would be like if we could just hug our boss and all our stresses would melt away!" And just like that, a silly holiday was born.

So, How Do You Celebrate?

Celebrating National Hug Your Boss Day is pretty straightforward. It's all about giving your boss a warm, friendly embrace that shows appreciation for their hard work and leadership. Of course, consent is key, my friends. Not everyone is comfortable with physical touch, so be sure to respect boundaries and opt for a more relaxed gesture of appreciation if necessary. A heartfelt thank you or a high-five can go a long way!

Some offices take the celebration to the next level by organizing team-building activities or fun bonding exercises throughout the day. Think trust falls, group lunches, or even silly games to bring everyone closer together. After all, a happy team makes for a happier workplace!

History behind the term 'Hug Your Boss'

1956

The Birth of Boss's Day

Boss's Day, also known as National Boss Day, was officially established in 1958 by Patricia Bays Haroski. However, the idea for the holiday originated in 1956 when Haroski's boss's birthday took place on October 16th. She saw this as an opportunity to show appreciation to her boss and recognized the need for a day dedicated to honoring bosses.

1958

Boss's Day Becomes Official

After two years of lobbying and effort by Patricia Bays Haroski, Boss's Day was officially registered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 1958. The purpose of the holiday was to strengthen the relationship between employers and employees by promoting appreciation and gratitude towards bosses.

2008

The Rise of 'Hug Your Boss'

In the early 2000s, the concept of 'Hug Your Boss' gained popularity as a playful and humorous take on Boss's Day. While the exact origin of 'Hug Your Boss' is unclear, it is believed to have emerged as a lighthearted way to celebrate bosses and show appreciation. Hugging your boss became a popular trend on social media, with employees posting pictures and stories of embracing their bosses on Boss's Day.

2017

The Psychological Benefits of Hugging

Scientific studies have shown that hugging can have several psychological benefits. Hugging releases oxytocin, known as the 'love hormone,' which has been linked to reducing stress and increasing feelings of trust and connection. The act of hugging on Boss's Day not only expresses appreciation but also fosters a positive and supportive work environment.

Present

Hugging Your Boss: A Symbol of Appreciation

Today, 'Hug Your Boss' has become a symbol of appreciation, camaraderie, and gratitude towards bosses on Boss's Day. It represents a shift from the traditional formalities of showing respect to a more personal and affectionate approach. While not everyone may feel comfortable hugging their boss, the intention behind 'Hug Your Boss' is to foster positive relationships, acknowledge leadership, and recognize the importance of bosses in the workplace.

Did you know?

Did you know? Hugging has been scientifically proven to release oxytocin, also known as the "cuddle hormone." So not only will you be making your boss feel appreciated, but you'll also be giving them a little oxytocin boost!