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Boss’s Day is October 16, 2025 — are you ready to give a little credit where it’s due?
Yes, it’s a Hallmark holiday. No, it won’t solve all your workplace challenges. But recognizing your boss — the person juggling meetings, decisions, and the occasional fire drill — actually matters more than you might think.
Leaders who feel a strong sense of purpose are 9x more likely to be engaged in their work. And when they receive feedback on what they’re doing well, they can boost profits by 9%. Turns out, even the boss needs a little “you’re doing great” now and then.
When recognition goes both ways — not just top-down, but bottom-up too — it strengthens workplace culture, increases retention, and boosts engagement. So, whether you’re going for sincere, cheeky, or somewhere in between, we’ve put together 40 ways to say “thanks, boss” that won’t make you cringe.
40 sample messages for Boss’s Day
Sure, coffee and lunch are nice gestures — but a thoughtful message can go a lot further (and doesn’t get cold). To help you get started, we’ve pulled together 40 messages you can use to show your appreciation in a way that’s sincere.
Use them straight up, edit to fit your vibe, or mix and match like a recognition smoothie. However you do it, a few kind words can make a big impact.
Messages for bosses that listen
Having a boss who actually listens? That’s gold. Whether they make time for your ideas, remember the little things, or just really get how annoying the printer is — that kind of leadership deserves recognition.
This Boss’s Day, show your appreciation with a message that says, “Thanks for hearing me out — and not just nodding while checking your email.” Below are a few ways to put your gratitude into words (without sounding like you copied them off a greeting card… even if you did):
- Your ability to listen without judgement creates a safe space for open and regular communication. I truly appreciate your leadership style.
- I know it’s called Boss’s Day, but that doesn’t quite fit. I think of you as a coach, a mentor, and a leader. Thank you for your constant willingness to listen to my perspective — and to do something about it when you can.
- Thank you for always making time to listen to my feedback. Not only do you do your best to make me feel heard through our regular conversations, but you show you really care by following up and taking action on my feedback.
- One day isn’t enough to recognize the work you put in all year-round. Thank you for always being willing to listen, helping us to meet our goals, and showing us how much you appreciate our efforts — even when things don’t go as planned.
- Whenever I have a down day, I know I can count on your support. Thank you for making me feel like a priority, no matter how busy you are.
- Leaders that truly listen are rare. Thanks for being one of them.
Messages for bosses that motivate
Some bosses just have it — that uncanny ability to inspire, push you out of your comfort zone, and somehow make Monday mornings feel… not terrible. If your boss is the kind who cheers you on, challenges you (in a good way), and leads by example, that deserves more than a generic “Thanks, boss.”
This Boss’s Day, use one of these messages to recognize the motivational magic they bring — no motivational poster required:
- Thanks for embodying our core values every day with such passion and enthusiasm. Your energy is contagious and inspires both me and our team to put our best foot forward each day.
- You consistently walk the talk in all you do at the workplace. The high standards you set for yourself are an inspiration to our team. Thank you!
- Happy Boss’s Day to a mentor and leader who knows how to keep us inspired!
- You are more than a boss. You challenge us to think bigger, step outside our comfort zones, and take smart risks to reach our full potential. That makes you a leader, and we appreciate everything you do.
- I have heard it said that average leaders raise the bar on themselves, good leaders raise the bar for others, and great leaders inspire others to raise their own bar. You are clearly a great leader, because you have motivated me to raise my own bar again and again. Thank you.
Messages for bosses that sets clear expectations
Let’s be honest — not all heroes wear capes. Some just know how to write a clear email and actually mean what they say in a meeting. If your boss is the kind who lays out goals, gives direction without micromanaging, and somehow makes ambiguity vanish, they deserve a little extra recognition.
- This Boss’s Day, thank them for making your to-do list feel more like a plan and less like a guessing game. Here are a few message ideas to get you started:
- Your clear direction and guidance allow us to work independently with confidence. Thank you for placing that trust on us to do the best work possible!
- Having a clear understanding of our roles and objectives makes all the difference. Thanks for your leadership!
- I especially appreciate your willingness to revisit goals and adapt as needed. It fosters a sense of flexibility and collaboration that’s much appreciated.
- Your ability to break down complex business needs into actionable steps is an incredible gift. It allows us to be more efficient and effective at doing our jobs well.
Messages for bosses that appreciate their employees
There’s something special about a boss who actually sees their team — not just the output, but the effort behind it. If your boss makes time to say “thank you,” celebrates wins big and small, and reminds you that your work matters, that’s worth a shoutout.
- This Boss’s Day, return the favor with a message that shows you noticed them noticing you. It’s appreciation, but with a twist of mutual respect (and maybe a dash of caffeine-fueled camaraderie):
- It’s said that a good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, and a little less than his share of the credit. I’ve noticed that you live this every day. Thank you for being my biggest fan!
- You always make it a point to recognize my efforts. It’s a pleasure to have this opportunity to recognize yours. Thank you for your constant support and leadership.
- Thank you for making it a priority to recognize my contributions every day. I appreciate the hard work and dedication you put into our team’s success.
- Thank you for always sharing words of appreciation and being a recognition champion for me and the team. Your support means the world.
- I’m always motivated to go the extra mile because I know you appreciate my work. Thank you for putting a priority on recognizing my efforts each day. I’m grateful for your consistent and ongoing support.
- I’m grateful to work for a boss who always recognizes and celebrates the team’s wins — big or small. You make it a pleasure to come in and give my best effort each day. Thank you!
Messages for bosses that are mentors
Some bosses do more than manage — they mentor. They invest in your growth, share their wisdom (and their mistakes), and help you see your potential even on the days you’re just hoping to survive your inbox.
- If your boss has been more of a guide than a supervisor, Boss’s Day is a great time to say thanks for the career advice, the encouragement, and yes, even the tough love. Here are a few messages to help you show your appreciation — no handwritten life lesson required:
- Thanks for taking the extra time and effort to advise, guide, and grow me as a professional. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for your mentorship.
- I truly appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge and experience. It’s made a real difference in my development.
- Thanks for always believing in me. I’m inspired to push myself further and I’m grateful to have you as a mentor.
- Your mentorship has helped me discover new strengths and navigate challenges. Thanks for everything!
Messages for bosses that care
A boss who truly cares doesn’t just ask how the project is going — they ask how you’re doing. They notice when you’re overwhelmed, they make time for a chat, and they support you both professionally and personally.
- If your boss goes beyond the paycheck and actually cares about your well-being, they deserve more than a quick “thanks” on Boss’s Day. Here are a few ways to let them know their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed — without turning into an emotional mess (unless, of course, that’s your style):
- Peter Drucker said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right thing.” Thanks for being our leader through even the most complicated situations.
- I know how busy you are, and I appreciate that you’re never too busy to provide guidance and support when I need it. Thank you!
- Lots of people complain about work, but you never do. I know how fortunate I am to have a thoughtful, caring leader like you in my corner. Thank you!
- It’s been a challenging year, but you never let it show. Thank you for your calm, thoughtful handling of complicated problems. Your advice, support, and guidance has helped us thrive, no matter what obstacles came our way.
- I know we can sometimes be a tough team, but somehow you make managing us look effortless! Thanks for sticking with us through thick and thin — we know we can count on you.
Messages to bosses that are a bit fun
Some bosses know how to strike the perfect balance between professionalism and fun. They bring a sense of humor to meetings, keep things light when the pressure’s on, and maybe even sneak in a little office karaoke (we’re looking at you, Zoom call rockstars).
- If your boss knows how to keep things fun while still getting the job done, Boss’s Day is a great chance to show appreciation — with a smile, of course. Here are a few playful message ideas that show gratitude without taking things too seriously:
- Happy Boss’s Day to someone who does the job no one else wants — managing me!
- Sorry I was late — I stopped to buy you this beautiful Boss’s Day card!
- Happy Boss’s Day to a person I would speak to even if you didn’t sign my paychecks!
- In honor of Boss’s Day, I think you should declare a half-day for the whole office!
- Thanks for answering my endless questions! You are better than Google!
Make your boss’s inbox a little brighter
With 35 heartfelt, funny, and downright sincere messages to choose from, showing appreciation to your boss this Boss’s Day is refreshingly simple. Whether your boss is the motivating mentor, the calm-in-the-chaos type, or just really great at approving PTO, there’s a message that fits.
And thanks to Achievers‘ handy Appreciation Card tool, you don’t need to worry about finding the perfect card or remembering where the office keeps the stamps. Just pick a message, personalize it if you’d like, and send it straight to your boss’s inbox as a sleek digital card.
It’s a quick, meaningful way to recognize the person who signs your paychecks — and maybe even smiles during 1:1s.
Boss's Day FAQ
