15 Thoughtful Ways To Celebrate Work Anniversaries

Employee Engagement

5 minutes

June 24, 2025

Written by Hirex

How would you feel if it’s your birthday and no one wishes you? That would be quite disappointing, and it may ruin your mood for the rest of the day. Amid a busy schedule, it’s easy to overlook special occasions. However, as professionals, there’s one particular event we shouldn’t forget: the work anniversaries of our colleagues and employees.

Furthermore, such workplace celebrations positively impact employee engagement and encourage employees to remain connected with their jobs.

Why Work Anniversaries Are So Important?

The first year of tenure at work is crucial. A positive experience with your employees sets your company up for success.

Employee turnover creates more turmoil than most of us care to admit. Some estimates suggest that turnover costs $15,000 per worker, accounting for lost productivity, rehiring, and training costs.

One of the best ways to prevent employee turnover is to be genuinely invested in your employees and their development within the company. One way to show your employees how much you care is by celebrating essential dates, such as their anniversary or birthday.

The first anniversary represents an employee’s initial experience of how you treat them as they progress through the organization. Celebrating work anniversaries fosters employee loyalty and shows how much you care.

Celebrate work anniversaries and career milestones

Work anniversaries mark significant milestones in an employee's career. Celebrating them demonstrates that your company and their teammates value their efforts and commitment.

Acknowledging work anniversaries helps:

• Boost employee morale and motivation

• Create a positive work environment where employees feel seen, respected, and encouraged

• Build team camaraderie, connection, and a positive organizational culture

• Establish a culture that values and appreciates employees' contributions

• Improve employee experiences and performance

The Power of a Thoughtful Work Anniversary Gesture

Recognizing work anniversaries is a thoughtful and effective way to enhance employee engagement and foster loyalty.

Studies show that formal, public recognition on a work anniversary can significantly impact motivation, with 79% of employees reporting that being recognized encourages them to put in more effort​.

These gestures of appreciation create a more positive workplace culture, allowing employees to feel valued, motivated, and deeply connected to their company.

Three key benefits of celebrating work anniversaries:

1. Boosts Morale: Recent research from Deloitte supports that as much as 85% of professionals want to hear a “thank you” for their work on a consistent basis. Acknowledging an employee’s contributions reinforces their sense of accomplishment, and it’s a simple way to let them know their efforts make a difference.
2. Fosters Loyalty: Employees are more likely to remain with companies that demonstrate care. Celebrating milestones enhances the connection between staff and the organization, with research indicating that an employee who has been recognized is 63% more likely to stay in their current position.
3. Enhancing Team Cohesion: When employees observe their colleagues being recognized, it cultivates a culture of mutual respect and motivates others to aspire toward excellence. Companies that consistently express gratitude to their staff are five times more likely to foster a connection to company culture and four times more likely to enhance workplace engagement.

As Workhuman emphasizes, "Moments of recognition, such as work anniversaries, allow companies to humanize the workplace and establish lasting trust with their teams. " By thoughtfully celebrating these milestones, you’re not only appreciating employees for their time and effort but also cultivating an engaged and dedicated workforce.

Tips on Tailoring the Gift to Each Employee

No work anniversary celebration is complete without work anniversary gifts. When choosing gifts, consider the number of years of service, the individual's preferences, and the company's company culture.

• Buy a gift suited to an employee's tastes, passion, or interests.

• Choose a gift that doesn't just represent the passage of time; choose something that focuses on the actions, achievements, and growth the employee has achieved.

• Consider what type of anniversary you're celebrating; a 10-year anniversary requires a more meaningful gift than a 1-year anniversary.

• Wrap the gift and write a thoughtful card detailing what you appreciate and why.

Memorable Gifts or Services You Can Provide to Celebrate Employee Work Anniversaries

The best way to make employees feel appreciated on their service anniversaries is to offer them something meaningful.

It could be a physical gift, a subscription to a service, or a gift certificate. Consider the following ideas that may be suitable for your employees:

1. Subscription to a Newspaper, Journal, Magazine, or Book Club

For readers in your office, a subscription to their favorite publication would demonstrate that you value their curiosity, support their hobby, and understand their priorities.

2. Customized Company Gifts

Giving branded clothes, mugs, bags, and accessories can make for great gifts. Customize them with a name or nickname to add a personal touch.

3. Personalized Trophy

Purchasing a custom trophy for an employee to commemorate an achievement can be a delightful gift. Discover something commendable and uplifting about the employee and engrave it on the trophy.

4. One-year Membership

If your employee participates in a gym, plays golf or tennis, swims, rock climbs, or engages in any other recreational sports activity, consider buying them a 1-year membership.

This also helps to promote retention by demonstrating that you are investing in the employee for the next year.

5. Parking Spot or Transit Pass

Help enhance your employees’ commute by providing them with a prime parking spot if they drive, or a one-month transit pass for those who use public transportation.

6. Weekend Away

Identify a bucket list destination or activity and offer your employee an all-expenses-paid trip to check it off their list.

7. Donate to a Cause They Are Passionate About

Many employees have causes outside of work to which they donate their time, talent, or money. Discover which cause your employee supports and make a donation in their name.

8. Upgrade Their Equipment

Upgrade whatever your employees use for their jobs to the latest functional models. This will make their work easier, help them be more productive, and serve as a tangible reminder of your appreciation.

9. A Paid Sabbatical

Provide long-term employees with the chance to study, travel, or pursue other forms of enrichment that will enhance their skills and make them more well-rounded.

10. Stock Options

For employees with specific tenures, such as 5 or 10 years, offering them a stake in the company shows appreciation for what they have helped build and provides a financial incentive for continued achievement.

11. Professional Development Course

Enroll them in a course or workshop that aligns with their interests or career goals.‍

12. Office Plant

A beautiful potted plant for their workspace can be a constant reminder of your appreciation.

13. Team Lunch

Organize a lunch for the whole team in honor of the employee.

14. Personal Wellness Packages

Spa treatments, massage vouchers, or a day at a wellness retreat.

15. Subscription Boxes

There are many types available, from gourmet foods to hobby kits.

Conclusion

Employee recognition makes a significant difference in the workplace. Your team wants to be acknowledged and rewarded for their contributions to your company.

Planning work anniversary celebrations and recognizing years of service can significantly enhance employee engagement by fostering a positive and dynamic company culture with satisfied employees.