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.
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.
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):
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Even leadership needs to know they’re good at what they do. After all, bosses aren’t fueled by coffee alone — a little recognition goes a long way. That’s where platforms like Achievers make all the difference. That’s where platforms like Achievers make all the difference.
When leaders feel like they’re more than delegating machines, they show up as people leaders — supported, confident, and ready to bring out the best in their teams. In fact, managers at companies using Achievers are 55% more likely to feel supported as leaders and 48% more likely to feel confident in their skills.
Boss’s Day is one moment to say thanks, but it shouldn’t be the only one. A recognition platform is an easy way to show appreciation year-round, giving leaders the same recognition they work so hard to give their teams. Because when recognition flows both ways, bosses feel supported, employees feel valued, and work just feels better.
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 our 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.
Send an online recognition card for Boss's Day
Boss’s Day is typically celebrated on October 16, unless it falls on a weekend. In that case, it’s observed on the closest weekday. It’s a chance to show appreciation for managers who support, recognize, and lead their teams well.
A thoughtful Boss’s Day gift doesn’t have to be extravagant — a handwritten note, team card, or group recognition message goes a long way. Aim for something personal and sincere that highlights their impact and leadership style.
Celebrate Boss’s Day by showing genuine appreciation. Plan a team thank-you, share stories of their positive influence, or post a public recognition shoutout. Whether it’s a small gesture or a coordinated effort, the goal is simple: Make your boss feel valued.
Written by
Kyla Dewar
Discover how easy recognition can be with Achievers
We use cookies
We use cookies to help us understand how you use our site so we can show you personalized content and enhance your browsing experience.
