With National Boss’s Day right around the corner (October 16th), it’s the perfect time to talk about appreciation!
As a generational speaker and enthusiast, I’m always excited to explore ways we can bridge the gaps between generations in the workplace.
But first, a quick throwback…
Did you know that National Boss’s Day was created in 1958 by Patricia Bays Haroski – an employee at State Farm Insurance Company? She chose October 16th (her father’s birthday) as a day to show appreciation for bosses and improve workplace relationships. What a sweet sentiment! Meagan and Larry Johnson know a thing or two about a powerful daughter-father duo!
While it’s impactful for employees to acknowledge and appreciate their bosses, I want us to focus on the latter – improving workplace relationships.
National Boss’s Day
Bosses can make or break the entire workplace, and not just from a business perspective. As leaders, we have a responsibility to challenge our biases/stereotypes and lead with curiosity. Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is challenging the way we’ve always done things but as I mentioned in my keynote “Zap the Generational Gap,” this is nothing new. Welcoming change is always our best bet… especially considering Gen Z will account for more than a quarter of the workforce by 2025.
Lead Change and Foster a Culture
So, how can we, as bosses, lead change and foster a culture of mutual respect and gratitude?
- Acknowledge their unique experiences: As Cat Ward, vice president of Jobs for the Future, said in a LinkedIn article, “Theirs is a generation molded by transformative forces, including a global pandemic, a racial reckoning, political gridlock, climate crisis, and the rise of artificial intelligence.”
- Provide meaningful feedback and mentorship: A mentor to Gen Z is more than a career guide; they are life coaches, sounding boards, and sometimes, fellow travelers on the journey of self-discovery. Reverse mentoring is another powerful tool in providing opportunities to develop leadership skills and confidence.
- Create a culture of inclusivity and belonging: “Gen Z values a far more diversified world than previous generations. Therefore, dedication to diversity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace is not simply a “nice-to-have” for them, it’s an expectation.”
- Embrace flexibility and work-life balance: Be an advocate for mental health, encourage them to prioritize their well-being, and offer flexible work arrangements. According to Gallup, around 53% of workers expect hybrid environments to continue, while 24% expect fully remote environments in the future.
- Environmental, sustainable, and social responsibility: Gen Z is passionate about change! Create opportunities for them to contribute to meaningful projects, empower them to take ownership of their work, and show them their voices matter.
Appreciation is contagious.
When we, as leaders, show genuine appreciation for our employees, we create a ripple effect that spreads throughout the entire organization.
This National Boss’s Day, let’s grow beyond the traditional “thank you” and let’s celebrate by showing our appreciation for all the amazing people who make our organizations thrive!
You are appreciated!