National Above the Bus Day
October 5
About National Above the Bus Day
National Above the Bus Day takes place every year on 5 October and encourages people to publicly recognise the coworkers, friends and family members who deserve credit for their good behaviour and achievements. In 2026 it falls on Monday, 5 October. The day was created as a deliberate, positive flip of the phrase “thrown under the bus”, asking us to lift people up instead of pushing them down.
How to Celebrate National Above the Bus Day
The whole point of the day is to put someone in the spotlight for the right reasons. Here are practical ways to take part:
- Give credit out loud – In your next meeting or team chat, name the person who actually did the work and explain exactly what they contributed. Specific praise lands far better than a vague “good job everyone”.
- Tell their manager – A quick message to someone’s supervisor or team lead noting a job well done can shape performance reviews and promotions. Recognition that travels upward carries real weight.
- Write a handwritten note – A short, sincere card left on a desk or posted to a friend stands out in a world of instant messages and lingers long after the day ends.
- Post a public shout-out – Use social media or an internal channel to thank someone by name, with the hashtag #AboveTheBusDay. Make sure the person is comfortable being named publicly first.
- Offer the gift of time – If you manage a team, consider letting a hard-working colleague leave early or take a longer break. Time back is one of the most appreciated rewards of all.
- Nominate someone for an award – Many workplaces and community groups run recognition schemes that go unused. Put forward the name of someone who consistently does right by others.
- Thank the people who go unseen – Cleaners, drivers, carers and support staff rarely get acknowledged. Use the day to recognise someone whose work usually goes unnoticed.
- Pass the praise forward – When you receive a compliment, share where the real effort came from. Deflecting credit to a teammate keeps the spirit of the day alive.
What is National Above the Bus Day?
National Above the Bus Day is an observance dedicated to spotlighting the people in our lives for their great behaviour, accomplishments and milestones. It is the opposite of throwing someone under the bus, where a person is blamed or sacrificed to protect oneself. Instead, the day asks participants to take the high road and reward those who treat others well. It applies to every part of life, but it has a particular focus on the working world, where credit is so often misplaced or quietly absorbed by the loudest voice in the room.
When is National Above the Bus Day?
National Above the Bus Day is held annually on 5 October. In 2026 that date falls on a Monday. The date is fixed and does not move from year to year. It deliberately shares the calendar with National Do Something Nice Day, which is also observed on 5 October, allowing the two occasions to reinforce one another.
The History of National Above the Bus Day
National Above the Bus Day was created in September 2021 by writer and comedian Evan Wildstein. The idea grew out of his frustration with the familiar workplace experience of being thrown “under the bus”, where someone shifts blame onto a colleague to protect their own standing. Rather than dwell on retaliation, which he recognised as harmful and unproductive, Wildstein chose to channel the energy in the opposite direction and celebrate the good things happening in and around the office.
He noticed that 5 October was already National Do Something Nice Day and decided to build on it, adding a sharper focus on professional life and the everyday acts of generosity that hold teams together. The “above the bus” wordplay turns a phrase associated with betrayal into a call for recognition, putting people on a pedestal instead of under the wheels.
The observance is registered with the National Day Archives and is supported by a dedicated website at abovethebus.com, where Wildstein sets out the meaning of the day and offers suggestions for taking part. Since its launch it has been picked up by a range of awareness day calendars and shared across social media each October.
Fun Facts About National Above the Bus Day
- The day was founded in September 2021, making it one of the newer additions to the awareness calendar.
- Its creator, Evan Wildstein, is a writer and comedian, and the day carries a light, witty spirit while making a serious point about recognition.
- The name is a direct play on the idiom “to throw someone under the bus”, turning a phrase about blame into one about praise.
- It shares its date with National Do Something Nice Day, which inspired part of its creation.
- Suggested ways to celebrate range from social media shout-outs and handwritten notes to giving a colleague the gift of time off.
- The observance is officially registered with the National Day Archives.
Why National Above the Bus Day Matters
Recognition is one of the simplest and most overlooked drivers of morale. Feeling seen and valued strengthens relationships at work and at home, while a culture where credit is hoarded or blame is shifted quietly erodes trust. By setting aside one day to deliberately lift people up, National Above the Bus Day reminds us that small, sincere acts of acknowledgement carry a lasting impact. It costs nothing to name the person who earned the praise, and the effect can ripple far beyond a single conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Above the Bus Day?
It is an annual observance that encourages people to spotlight others for their good behaviour, achievements and milestones. It is the positive opposite of throwing someone under the bus, and it has a particular focus on giving proper credit in the workplace.
When is National Above the Bus Day in 2026?
National Above the Bus Day is on Monday, 5 October 2026. It is held on the same date every year.
Who created National Above the Bus Day?
It was created in September 2021 by writer and comedian Evan Wildstein, who wanted to turn the phrase “throw under the bus” into something positive. The day is registered with the National Day Archives and has its own website at abovethebus.com.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share the people you want to lift up on social media with #AboveTheBusDay and #AboveTheBusDay2026. Tag the colleague, friend or family member who deserves the spotlight and challenge others to do the same. If you like marking kindness in the calendar, you might also enjoy B Kinder Day, another occasion built around everyday acts of generosity.
Related Awareness Days
- National Making Life Beautiful Day – A day devoted to small acts that brighten the lives of the people around us.
- B Kinder Day – Encourages deliberate acts of kindness in schools, workplaces and communities.
- National Thank a Teacher Day – Sets aside time to recognise and thank educators for their work.
Links
- Visit the official National Above the Bus Day website
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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