They say time flies when you’re having fun, but sometimes it seems to disappear somewhere between the coffee machine and the office printer. You glance up from your computer one day and realize: Jim in accounting has been with the company for five years, and Sue in marketing is celebrating her tenth work anniversary next month! They certainly deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication over the years.
Creating a culture of appreciation is crucial, just as recognizing individual achievements is. Celebrating employee work anniversaries isn’t just about tallying up the Mondays you’ve survived. Employee work anniversaries provide a chance to show employees they are valued and that their contributions matter.
With that in mind, here are ten thoughtful ways to celebrate employee work anniversaries:
1. Host a Company-Wide Celebration
Invite all employees to join in on celebrating the milestone of their colleague. This could be in the form of a lunch or happy hour, where everyone can come together and congratulate the employee on their work anniversary.
2. Personalized Gifts
Give your employee a personalized gift to commemorate their time with the company. This could be something as simple as a customized coffee mug or a heartfelt handwritten note expressing gratitude for their dedication and hard work—but make sure it’s actually something they’ll love!
Here are some Lemonade Stand favorites that our team has received over the years:
- Tickets to local plays, sporting events, or performances
- Gift cards or prepaid dinner reservations at their favorite restaurant
- Specialized gifts we know they’d love like drones, back massagers, essential oil diffusers, and Minky Couture blankets
- Bark boxes for their pets
- Anything from their Interest Board on the Build Then Bless app shown below!
3. Paid Time Off
Show your appreciation by offering an extra day or two of paid time off to the employee on their work anniversary. This small gesture can go a long way in showing that you value their hard work and dedication.
4. Team Outing
Organize a team outing to celebrate the employee’s work anniversary. This could be anything from a company picnic to a group activity such as bowling or mini-golf. It gives the team an opportunity to bond outside of the office and show their appreciation for each other’s contributions.
5. Company Swag
Give your employee some branded company swag, such as t-shirts, water bottles, or tote bags with the company logo. This not only shows appreciation but also promotes a sense of camaraderie and pride in the company.
6. Professional Development Opportunities
Investing in employee growth and development is always a thoughtful gesture. Consider offering them the opportunity to attend a conference or workshop related to their field as a way to celebrate their work anniversary.
7. Public Recognition
Make sure to give public recognition to the employee on their work anniversary, whether it’s through an announcement at a company meeting or sharing their achievements on social media. It not only makes the employee feel appreciated but also highlights their hard work and accomplishments to others.
8. Personalized Cake
Who doesn’t love cake? Make the celebration even sweeter by ordering a personalized cake for the employee’s work anniversary. It could even have a special message thanking them for their years of service.
9. Extra Perks
Consider offering some extra perks to show your appreciation, such as free lunch for the week, a gift card to their favorite restaurant, or tickets to an event they’ve been wanting to attend. These small gestures can make a big impact on how valued an employee feels.
10. Employee Awards
Create special employee awards that recognize and celebrate different aspects of an employee’s contributions, such as teamwork, innovation, or customer service. This not only shows appreciation but also motivates other employees to strive for excellence in their work.
Celebrate The Ones That Make Business Possible
Look, we get it. Budgets are tight, and time is short. Maybe throwing a party or giving out gifts isn’t feasible for your company. But it’s still crucial to acknowledge and appreciate employees on their work anniversaries. A simple thank you note, a shoutout in the company newsletter, or a heartfelt conversation can show an employee that they are valued.
Simple things go a long way, and Build Then Bless can help! 93% of employees at Lemonade Stand say they joined the company because of Build Then Bless. Explore the platform and schedule a demo to see it in action.
Don’t let those work anniversaries go unnoticed—celebrate and show your employees just how much they mean to your company. After all, it’s the people that make a business successful.
