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85+ Work Anniversary Wishes And Messages They’ll Love

Showing appreciation improves engagement, productivity, and well-being. Discover how to write messages that honor employees (and bosses!) for their time, talent, and impact.

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What keep employees engaged at work for the long haul? One of the many factors that contribute to engagement includes employee appreciation. In fact, employees are 56% less likely 1 https://www.workhuman.com/press-releases/gallup-workhuman-study-finds-organizations-can-save-more-than-16m-annually-by-having-culture-of-recognition/ to look for work elsewhere if they feel appreciated!

A great way for managers, bosses, and colleagues to show appreciation is to recognize work anniversaries with memorable and meaningful words of affirmation and gratitude that honor their time, talent, and impact.

In this article, we’ll look at what work anniversary messages are, why they’re important, and examples of how to write and deliver great messages that make people feel valued.

What Are Work Anniversary Messages?

Work anniversary messages are a great way to show appreciation for someone’s hard work and dedication to an organization and their teammates. They are shared in various contexts, including emails, cards, LinkedIn messages, and speeches at work events. 

They usually include an acknowledgment of the work someone has done and its specific impact on the organization. And depending on the relationship, these messages may also include an anecdote or personal sentiment about the impact on someone’s life personally as a close colleague or work friend. 

Ultimately, the more personalized the message, the more meaningful it is! Let’s look at what the science says about the positive impact of appreciating employees.

What Are Examples of Work Anniversary Messages?

Utilize the examples of work anniversary messages below for various scenarios—from bosses to close colleagues to one-year anniversaries to 10+ year anniversaries. Try putting more than one message together, and personalize them to connect with your colleague to make them feel valued and appreciated. 

Work anniversary messages for bosses

These messages are great to share with a boss and acknowledge their leadership and support. To make them even better, add as much specification as possible, calling out specific ways they have impacted you and your team.

  • Happy work anniversary! It’s been a pleasure working under your leadership for the past year. Thank you for your guidance and support.
  • Congratulations on another year with the company! Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated. I look forward to many more years of working together.
  • Wishing you a happy work anniversary and a heartfelt thank you for all you do. Your leadership has made a significant impact on our team’s success.
  • Your commitment to excellence is truly inspiring. I’m grateful to work for and learn from you. 
  • Congratulations on reaching another milestone with the company! Your contributions have not gone unnoticed. We are lucky to have you as our boss!
  • Wishing you a happy work anniversary and a heartfelt thank you for your guidance and mentorship over the last year. Your leadership has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
  • Happy work anniversary! Your dedication to the company and our team is truly admirable. I’ll never forget how you rallied us to overcome challenges this year. Thank you for being such a great boss.
  • Congratulations on another year of success with the company! Your hard work and commitment are deeply appreciated. I’ll always appreciate how you advocated for me and cheered me on. Here’s to many more years of working together!
  • Wishing you a happy work anniversary and a sincere thank you for all you do. You truly make a difference in the lives of those you lead, including mine! Thank you for bringing out the best in us. 
  • Your leadership and guidance have been invaluable to our team’s success. Thank you for your continued unwavering support.

Watch our video below to learn how to feel happier at work:

Work anniversary messages for employees

These messages are best for employees or colleagues you maybe don’t know as well. If you can add personalization or specification to them, please do!

  • Happy work anniversary! I admire your dedication to our success as a team. Thank you for all that you do!
  • Congratulations on another year with us! Your hard work and commitment to excellence are much appreciated.
  • We are lucky to have you on our team! Your contributions have not gone unnoticed and made our lives better!
  • Happy anniversary! You make our workplace a better place with your positive attitude and hard work.
  • Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our company. We are better because you’re here! Congratulations on another year!
  • Your work ethic and positive attitude inspire us all. Happy work anniversary!
  • Congratulations on another year of making a difference at our company. Your contributions are invaluable.
  • Thank you for the time and incredible talent you’ve dedicated to our company. Happy anniversary!
  • Thank you for your continued commitment to excellence and for bringing your best self to work every day. You inspire me to be my best too. Happy work anniversary!
  • We appreciate you and how you make this a great place to work. Congratulations!
  • I’m excited to celebrate another year working together! You are such a bright spot in my life, and I’m honored to work with you daily!
  • Thank you for making our company what it is today! You’re an important part of the team. Happy anniversary!

Work anniversary messages for close colleagues

These messages are crafted to feel more personal and are meant for friends or colleagues you feel closer to. Make them your own with specific anecdotes, stories, or inside jokes!

  • I’m excited to celebrate another year working together! You are such a bright spot in my life, and I’m honored to work with you every day!
  • You make coming to work every day a little brighter. Happy anniversary, and thanks for all you do!
  • Happy anniversary to one of the kindest and most hardworking people I know. Thanks for all you do!
  • You’ve been a rockstar on our team! I don’t know what I would do without you. Thank you for always going above and beyond and bringing a smile to my face daily.
  • Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your career! Your dedication to your craft and commitment to excellence have truly made a difference in the lives of those around you, including mine. Keep up the good work, and let’s celebrate!
  • It’s hard to believe it’s been another year since we celebrated your last work anniversary. You continue to inspire and motivate us all with your creativity, passion, and unwavering work ethic. Beyond that, you’ve also been a great friend, and I’m so grateful to you!
  • Happy work anniversary! Your positive attitude, attention to detail, and willingness to go above and beyond have made a real impact on our team and organization. I’m so grateful to work alongside you daily.
  • Thank you for being such an integral part of our team! I’m grateful for the front-row seat I’ve had watching you work through trials and triumphs with unwavering dedication. You’re an inspiration to me and the whole team!
  • It’s amazing to think about everything you’ve accomplished over the past year. Your hard work, dedication, and innovative ideas have helped us achieve remarkable things.
  • Happy work anniversary! Your talent, dedication, and positive attitude have made a real impact on our team and organization. We are so lucky to have you!
  • Congratulations on another successful year in your career! Your skills, strengths, and creativity continue to inspire and amaze me. Here’s to many more years of success and fulfillment!

Funny work anniversary messages

Want to add a little humor to your message? Try adding some puns and TV joke references to your note.

  • I looked up “best coworker ever” in the dictionary, and your picture was there! Happy anniversary!
  • You’ve been with us so long you practically run the place. Thanks for all your hard work, and happy anniversary!
  • You’re like the Swiss Army knife of our team—you can do anything! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. Happy anniversary!
  • You’re the reason we all keep coming back every day. Thanks for being an amazing colleague and friend. Happy anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary! “Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda (and you definitely did!)
  • Congrats on another year of being a rockstar employee! Let’s raise a glass (or three) to all your hard work! I’m excited to celebrate with you!
  • Happy work anniversary! May your coffee be strong and your Mondays be short.
  • You’re a wizard at your job! Keep up the great work, and let’s celebrate like the Hogwarts crew after a Quidditch win!
  • Congrats on another year of being an all-star employee! Let’s party like it’s 1999 (or at least like it’s Friday at 5 pm).
  • Happy anniversary! You’re the Chandler Bing to my Joey Tribbiani. Let’s celebrate with some pizza and beer!
  • You’re a shining star in the workplace! Keep up the great work, and let’s celebrate like the cast of Parks and Recreation on Treat Yo Self Day!
  • Happy work anniversary! You definitely deserve a standing ovation and a trophy for “Best Coworker.” I don’t know where we’d be without you!

1-year work anniversary messages

These messages acknowledge how a new employee jumped in during their first year and brought value to the team.

  • Happy one-year work anniversary! It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year since you joined our team. I’m so grateful for all of the hard work and dedication you’ve brought to the table.
  • Congratulations on reaching your one-year work anniversary! Seeing how much you’ve learned and grown in such a short time has been amazing. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
  • Happy one-year work anniversary! Your contributions to our team have been invaluable this past year. Thank you for jumping in and making a difference right from the start.
  • Congratulations on reaching your one-year work anniversary! You’ve positively impacted our team, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve done. Here’s to many more years of success!
  • Happy one-year work anniversary! It’s been a pleasure working with you this past year. I’m excited to get to know you more and see even more of the amazing things you can do!
  • Congratulations on reaching your one-year work anniversary! The way you jumped in and fit right into the team is impressive. It feels like we’ve been working together for years already! I’m excited about what else we can do together!
  • Happy one-year work anniversary! It’s been an amazing year working with you. Our future is very bright because you’re here!
  • Happiest 1st work anniversary! It’s been exciting to see your creativity, talent, and ideas come to life in the short time you’ve been here. I hope we keep you around for a long time!
  • Happy one-year work anniversary! You’ve made such a positive impact on our team this past year. I’m grateful for all you’ve done, and I look forward to many more years of success together.
  • Congratulations on one year at the company! It’s been amazing to see how much you’ve learned and grown in such a short time. Thank you for all you do, and I’m excited for what’s to come.
  • Happy one-year work anniversary! It’s such a delight to work with you every day. What you bring to the table has made us a stronger team and company. I look forward to many more years to come!

5-year work anniversary messages

Use these messages for teammates who’ve been around for five years. This is an important milestone to acknowledge. Research shows 2 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/tenure.nr0.htm that employees tend to stay with an employer for an average of about four years (approximately five years if they are in manager or professional positions).

  • Congratulations on reaching your five-year work anniversary! Your skills, talents, and creativity have contributed greatly to our company’s growth. Thank you for being an integral part of our team.
  • We are so grateful for your dedication and hard work over the past five years. Your contributions have helped us achieve great success as a company. Thank you, and happy work anniversary!
  • Congratulations on your five-year work anniversary! Your ideas and strengths have been invaluable to our team. I’m excited to watch you continue to grow and achieve great things here!
  • Thank you for five amazing years of hard work, dedication, and innovation. It’s been awesome to see your direct impact on the company’s success. Happy work anniversary!
  • We have been so fortunate to have you on our team for the past five years. Your skills and talents have been instrumental in our success. Thank you, and happy work anniversary!
  • Thank you for your five years of service! Your contributions made what felt impossible possible. We owe a debt of gratitude to you! Congratulations on your work anniversary!
  • Congratulations on reaching your five-year work anniversary! Your talents and ideas have helped us achieve great things as a team. Thank you for your commitment.
  • We are so grateful for your contributions over the past five years. Your skills and creativity have helped us grow and thrive as a company. And personally, you’ve also helped me to grow and thrive! Thank you, and happy anniversary!
  • Congratulations on your five-year work anniversary! We appreciate your hard work, dedication, and contributions to our team. Thank you for being an important part of our success.
  • Wow! Five years. What a journey of triumphs, trials, and celebration. Thank you for going above and beyond. Your skills, ideas, and talents have been instrumental in our growth. Happy work anniversary!
  • We are grateful for being there through thick and thin over the past five years. Your contributions have helped us achieve great things! Congratulations on your work anniversary!

10-year work anniversary messages

If someone has been with a company for ten years, I hope you’re having a celebration or acknowledging this person’s achievements in a significant way! Utilize the messages below, but be sure to personalize them with specific recognition of their accomplishments.

  • Congratulations on reaching your ten-year work anniversary! It feels like the time has flown by. As I look back on the last decade, I especially admire how you pushed through every challenge, came up with innovative ways to overcome obstacles, and inspired and encouraged us all the while. Thank you!
  • Happy ten-year anniversary! It’s no wonder that you’ve been here for ten years. You are a catch with amazing skills, talent, and wisdom. You’ve made this company what it is today. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do!
  • You’ve been with us for a decade, and your fingerprints are everywhere! You’ve made this company what it is today, and we wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you for your time, dedication, and invaluable service. Celebrate well!
  • Thank you for ten wonderful years of service! You’ve been here for the best and even the worst times, sticking with us through it all! You’ve helped make this company what it is today. Thank you!
  • Working with you over the last ten years has not only made this company stronger, but you’ve also managed to pull out the best in me and everyone around you as well! We wouldn’t be where we are without you. Congratulations on ten years!
  • The passion, skills, and excitement you bring to this company are so appreciated. Congratulations on ten years and making this place all that it can be!
  • I can’t believe it’s been ten years already! Time flies when you’re having fun with the best of the best. Thanks for all you’ve done and continue to do for this company!
  • Do you remember where you were ten years ago? New and eager, you joined the team with enthusiasm, awesome skills, and big aspirations. Over the years, you’ve taken this place to another level, and I couldn’t be more grateful for being part of the foundation of a great place to work!
  • Over the last ten years, you’ve been there through so many ups and downs at the company! Thank you for your dedication and for making this an amazing workplace.
  • Ten years have flown by! Congratulations on this incredible milestone. I so appreciate the way you’ve upheld our company’s values and been an example of excellence to everyone around you. You are an inspiration!
  • Working with you has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life! I’m so honored to have had the chance to meet you and work with you on different projects over the years. You’ve taught me a lot and inspired me to bring my best self to work every day. Congratulations on ten years!

20-year work anniversary message 

If someone has been with a company for 20 years, plan something big to celebrate. In addition to notes or even a group video message from everyone on the team, consider a gift, bonus, and additional time off. Utilize the messages below, but be sure to personalize them with specific recognition of their impact on the organization over the years.

  • Congratulations on reaching your 20-year work anniversary! Thank you for your unwavering dedication and unparalleled commitment to our company. Your contributions over the years have been invaluable, and we are grateful for all you have done.
  • Happy 20-year work anniversary! Your hard work and contributions have been an inspiration to our team. Your loyalty and dedication to our company have helped us achieve great success, and we are truly grateful for your continued service.
  • It’s amazing to think that you have been with us for 20 years! Your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts are truly inspiring. Your contributions have been essential to our growth and success, and we are grateful for all you have done.
  • Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your career! I admire your strength, commitment, and loyalty to the work we’re doing here together. Thanks for being an inspiration to me and everyone around you!
  • Happy 20-year work anniversary! You are such an important part of the history of this company. I know we wouldn’t be where we are today without you. Thank you for contributing your wisdom, creativity, and skills to the success of this team. You will leave a lasting legacy for years to come!
  • It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since you joined our team! You have definitely proven your worth, and we are honored that you’ve chosen to work with us and make such an invaluable contribution to our success. There aren’t enough words to say thank you!
  • Congratulations on your 20-year work anniversary! I’m so proud to have had the chance to work with you over the years. You’ve not only made this company a great place to work, but you’ve also made a huge impact on everyone who’s had the honor to work with you, including me. Thank you!
  • Happy 20-year work anniversary! You are an inspiration to all of us and a reminder that dedication and commitment really do pay off. We are so fortunate to have you on our team. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do!
  • Thank you for your 20 years of service to our company. When I think of a winner, I think of you. Thank you for all you’ve done to help make this company all that it can be. 
  • Congratulations on reaching this impressive milestone in your career! We are proud to have you as part of our team. Thank you for giving 100% and helping us progress toward our goals, but never failing to recognize the people around you and encouraging us all along the way. 
  • Happy 20-year work anniversary! If I’m ever unclear about how to embody the company values and culture, all I have to do is think of you. You remind me of what I love about working here every day. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do!

Why Are Work Anniversary Messages Important? 

Work anniversary messages are important because they make people feel valued and recognized for who they are and what they bring to the organization, increasing their job satisfaction and motivation. 

This is important because, according to recent surveys 3 https://go.bonus.ly/hubfs/What%20Employees%20Want_%20More%20Appreciation%20at%20Work.pdf , 63% of workers feel unappreciated by their employers. However, even when an employee’s manager doesn’t appreciate them, employees are 65% more likely to stay with the company if they are at least appreciated by their peers. Not only does employee recognition strengthen a company, but it also strengthens relationships between colleagues and creates a positive work environment.

By acknowledging the important role that employees play in a company’s success, work anniversary messages can also foster a sense of loyalty and commitment. In fact, research shows 4 https://www2.deloitte.com/ie/en/pages/deloitte-private/articles/recognition-programmes.html that organizations with employee recognition programs have 14% more engagement than organizations that don’t. Additionally, employees are 56% less likely 1 https://www.workhuman.com/press-releases/gallup-workhuman-study-finds-organizations-can-save-more-than-16m-annually-by-having-culture-of-recognition/ to seek another job when organizations prioritize employee appreciation!

When appreciation is personalized, specific, and especially honoring, people often keep them for a long time. Personally, I have a box where I keep special notes I’ve received over the years from bosses, colleagues, and friends. When I’m feeling down about whether or not I can make a difference, I turn to these notes for a confidence boost and reminder about who I am. 

Ultimately, work anniversary messages are an effective way to celebrate employees’ achievements and show them that their hard work is truly appreciated.

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How to write work anniversary messages.

Writing an effective work anniversary message that makes someone feel appreciated comes down to three essential elements, personalization, specification, and gratitude . You’re definitely on the right track if you can incorporate all three elements into your message. You also get bonus points for humor and sentimentality, especially if you can make them laugh because it’s funny or cry because it’s so touching!

Let’s look at the three essential elements of a work anniversary message, as well as the bonus elements of humor and sentiment that put the icing on top.

  • Personalization: Acknowledge something unique to them or your relationship.
  • Specification: Call out how they impacted your life at work, the organization, or a project. Be as specific as possible about outcomes or goals they’ve achieved.
  • Gratitude: Say thanks for the specific ways they’ve benefited you or the company.
  • Humor: If you can, incorporate an appropriate funny story, inside joke, or something about them that brings you joy. (Attention: Be careful about using humor in public acknowledgments, as you don’t want to embarrass them inadvertently!)
  • Sentimentality: If you can, acknowledge them with a story or phrase about their impact on your life or how they’ve made you feel. Perhaps they’ve been an advocate or mentor to you. This is the place to gush a bit for going above and beyond.

Here’s how I take these elements and apply them in real life!

Before writing a note to someone I want to honor, I grab some scratch paper and then ask myself different questions that help get my juices flowing. Ultimately, you want the note to be all about them, so this helps you focus your mind on thinking about who they are. These questions include:

  • What are the first three words that come to mind when I think of this person? Why did I pick those words? Are there any stories that go along with them?
  • What are their specific skills, strengths, or personality traits that I admire?
  • How have they very specifically made my life, the team, or the company better?
  • What happened over the last year of working together that was special or memorable?
  • Where would the team, the company, or I be if they hadn’t been here?
  • How does this person make me feel?

Once I’ve written down my thoughts, I have the building blocks to craft a thoughtful congratulations message for my colleague that I hope makes them feel valued!

Pro Tip: Be careful with how personalized you decide to get. While specification and personalization are key to an effective message, you also don’t to get so personal that you end up embarrassing someone! In general, try to avoid calling out people’s age, appearance, or stories that could get them in trouble (especially if it’s a public speech or toast).

How To Deliver Work Anniversary Messages

How you deliver a work anniversary message will vary by context, the length or depth of your relationship, preferred communication style, and potentially how your organizational culture honors work anniversaries. 

Here are some methods of delivering a work anniversary message, as well as where and when to use them.

  • Handwritten Card or Note: Handwritten notes rank high on personalization. There’s something special about receiving a card that someone picked out, took time to think about and write, and sent in the mail or dropped on your desk. This is a definite go-to to deliver your message if you’re honoring a close colleague or friend. 
  • Email: Writing a personalized email to a colleague is a great way to acknowledge someone you may not work with regularly. However, note that emails from colleagues are often associated with work and may not be received with the same special sentiment as a handwritten note. 
  • LinkedIn: LinkedIn makes honoring anniversaries easy, fun, and public. Their helpful reminders about the anniversaries in your network make it convenient to drop in a quick anniversary note for people both in and outside your organization. It also lets people within their network see the public praise around important milestones. Feel free to use these with acquaintances and close colleagues alike!
  • Speech: Giving a speech for a work anniversary is best used in the context of a work event or group meeting, celebration, or function (like a dinner or outing). A carefully crafted message that publicly honors someone’s contribution may be a great way to celebrate. Be careful, though! Not everyone enjoys public praise. Consider the person you’re honoring and what they would appreciate most. 
  • Video: Receiving a video message is a fun, personalized way to honor someone’s anniversary. You can share them on social media directly or curate clips from various teammates and compile them for one awesome group video! A group video is a fun option for teams that don’t mind being on camera. However, note that some teammates may feel uncomfortable, so do what makes the most sense for your group.
  • Group Note: Much like a group video, a group note incorporates messages from your whole team on a single card, poster, or even memory book. It might take a little coordination to get everyone to sign or contribute, but it’s a sweet way to give someone a keepsake, especially if it’s in the form of a memory book that includes photos!

Not sure which method is best? When in doubt, consider how the individual might like to be honored—what’s their personality? Are they sentimental? Enjoy public praise? If you’re still unsure, think about how you would want to be acknowledged. Treating others how you’d want to be treated is rarely a bad plan!

Pro Tip: Improve retention and engagement by taking work anniversaries seriously with annual celebrations as an organization, giving personalized gifts and bonuses, and hosting team outings. Activities like these honor your employees’ unique contributions beyond their paychecks and show people you recognize their important value. 

Notice for leaders: If employees are not paid fairly or treated well 5 https://www.shrm.org/executive/resources/pages/hr-leaders-may-need-to-look-for-new-retention-incentives.aspx on an ongoing basis, employee recognition programs, anniversary messages, and gifts may actually backfire. While these acknowledgments may be appreciated, they can feel like tokens or “bandaids” to compensate for an inadequate salary and unfair working conditions. This is not to say that you shouldn’t honor employees this way but make sure to consider the complete picture of how employees are compensated and valued.

Do’s and Don’ts in Writing Work Anniversary Messages

Celebrating a work anniversary is more than just a formality; it’s an opportunity to express genuine appreciation and strengthen your connection with your colleagues. Let’s delve into the art of crafting the perfect work anniversary message with a touch of personalization and warmth. Here are some key do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

The Do’s:

Do Personalize with Panache : A little personal touch goes a long way. Mention that hilarious team-building day or the big project they aced. Make it unmistakably about them.

Do Celebrate Their Growth : Highlight how they’ve blossomed since day one. “Remember when you first started and were baffled by the coffee machine? Now you’re the team’s go-to Java expert!”

Do Mix in Mirth with Meaning: If humor is part of your repertoire, sprinkle in a light, work-appropriate joke. “Is it just me, or have these years zoomed by faster than deadlines?”

Do Keep It Upbeat : Channel positive vibes. Focus on achievements, growth, and the exciting times ahead. Think of it as a mini pep talk in text form.

The Don’ts:

Don’t Dabble in the Generic: Steer clear of the bland “Happy Work Anniversary!” It’s like gifting a plain, un-iced cake. Where’s the fun in that?

Don’t Drag in the Downsides: This isn’t the time to mention any lows or critique their performance. Keep the spotlight on the positives.

Don’t Make It a Me-Story: Avoid turning the message into a narrative about your experiences. Keep the focus firmly on them.

Don’t Delay the Delivery: Timing is key. A belated message might come off as an afterthought. Mark your calendar or set a reminder if you must!

Key Takeaways On Work Anniversary Messages

In summary, take note of these tips to help you craft and deliver the perfect anniversary message for someone celebrating an important milestone in their career:

  • Use work anniversary messages for key employee milestones to improve retention, motivation, and engagement. 
  • Incorporate five elements to craft a special work anniversary message: personalization, specification, gratitude, humor, and sentiment. 
  • Share your message in a card, email, LinkedIn, speech, video, or group message.
  • If you’re in leadership, ensure your employees are paid and cared for fairly; otherwise, your employee recognition programs may backfire. 

For more ideas on how to make someone feel valued at work, check out our article

100+ Ways to Congratulate Someone Professionally with Scripts .

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50+ Meaningful Work Anniversary Messages

Published: August 9, 2023

Last Updated: October 9, 2024

  16 min read

By: Anouare Abdou

Meaningful Work Anniversary Messages

Work anniversary messages provide a vital opportunity for employee recognition, which fosters a healthy culture and boosts engagement and retention. Here are 50+ meaningful employee anniversary message examples to inspire you.

In this Article

You probably celebrate events such as your wedding anniversary or your best friend's birthday. Professional milestones like work anniversaries matter just as much.

Writing a thoughtful message to acknowledge a team member's job tenure is a small gesture that can have a big impact in terms of employee engagement.

“Celebrating work anniversaries is a simple yet powerful way to let employees know how much we value their hard work and dedication. It's all about making them feel appreciated, and that positivity can do wonders for their motivation and engagement,” says Zianya Escamilla, Senior People and Culture Business Partner at Unito .

“Considering that lack of recognition is a major reason people leave their jobs, why not seize this chance to make our team feel special?”

Enter work anniversary messages. What exactly do they consist of? A work anniversary message can take various forms, from a handwritten card to an acknowledgment on LinkedIn or a speech at a work event. The idea is to share work anniversary wishes in a thoughtful, genuine way.

A good employee anniversary message shouldn't stop at wishing someone a very happy work anniversary. It should also include mentions of their contributions in the workplace, from their positive attitude to their unique skills and strengths. Specific examples of the impact of their contributions on their team and organization are key.

You can also include personal anecdotes or mention the way a person has impacted you as a work friend if your relationship warrants it. Ending with wishes for continued success is a good idea. The core purpose of the message is recognition, so keep that in mind while writing work anniversary wishes.

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The Importance of Work Anniversary Wishes

Employee recognition increases employee engagement, boosts job satisfaction and promotes a healthy work environment.

However, less than a quarter of employees strongly agree that their organization has a system in place to recognize professional milestones such as work anniversaries, according to Gallup research .

This means that there is an opportunity to seize to create a positive company culture and increase engagement through employee recognition.

According to Escamilla, work anniversaries are more than fun celebrations – they can be leveraged as a tool to strengthen the bond between employees and their organization.

Acknowledging the dedication of your employees creates positive feelings and makes them feel valued, which, in turn, boosts loyalty, productivity and employee retention .

“Knowing we appreciate their contributions motivates them to keep giving their best. Plus, work anniversaries bring teams together, fostering a strong sense of belonging and promoting a collaborative, positive culture. It's a win-win for everyone,” she adds.

Karyn Martin, leadership expert and President and CEO of Interprise/Southwest Interior & Space Design, agrees.

She wishes more leaders understood how important work anniversaries are to people, and how easy it is to acknowledge them:

“Recognizing work anniversaries is important because it shows the employee – and the world around them – that their time stands for something. People want to stay in companies where they are ‘seen', especially by senior management, so recognizing work anniversaries is critical to keeping your best talent . It's only human to feel happier and do better work when your contributions are recognized.”

While wishing a team member a happy anniversary can have a long-lasting impact on morale, the opposite is also true: forgetting a milestone can be detrimental to employee engagement.

“Looking at it from the employees' point of view, they know that it's simple to put things in annual calendars, so if their milestone – whether it is a birthday or a work anniversary – slips by unmentioned, they know that leadership just didn't care enough to input the dates and acknowledge the employee's service milestones,” says Martin.

In other words, celebrate work anniversaries and make each person feel like a valuable team member who plays a key role in your team's success.

Happy Work Anniversary Messages to Increase Employee Engagement

Crafting an appropriate and impactful work anniversary message can be tricky. You want it to feel personal yet be workplace-friendly. Maybe you're questioning whether a funny work anniversary message would work well or is best avoided.

To strike the right balance between personal and professional and lighthearted and serious, get inspiration from the examples below.

1-year work anniversary messages

An Entelo study revealed that people are most likely to leave after their first year, making it a critical work anniversary to celebrate.

A one-year work anniversary message should highlight the employee's successful integration into their team and company and recognize any wins from the past year.

  • Happy one-year work anniversary! It's only been a year and it's hard to imagine our team without you now. I appreciate your hard work and contributions and can't wait to see what the future holds!
  • Congratulations on your one-year work anniversary! I am thrilled that you have joined our team. Thank you for your hard work and dedication and the positive attitude you bring to the table.
  • Happy work anniversary! Seeing how much you've evolved in the past year has been amazing. It's a pleasure to work with you and I'm excited to get to know you more in the next year. Thank you for all the great work.
  • Congratulations on wrapping up your first year at [name of company] . I love how effortlessly you fit right into our team and brought so much value to [project examples] . I am excited about what else we can do together!
  • Happy one-year work anniversary! Thank you for making a positive impact on our team from the get-go. We are grateful to work with you and can't wait to keep collaborating in the year to come.

5-year work anniversary messages

If someone has been with a company for five years, they're either going to end up staying for much longer or start looking for other challenges.

Make sure they feel special with a five-year work anniversary message, which should be more personalized than one-year work anniversary wishes and include several mentions of the employee's contributions through the years.

  • Wow, five years already! I still remember the time you [example of contribution or anecdote] . You've kept crushing it since then, especially [mention other examples of contributions] . Thank you for being such a rockstar and a valuable member of our team. I hope to share many more wins with you in the future.
  • Congratulations on reaching your five-year work anniversary. Thank you for your [list of strengths and skills] . Our team is lucky to have you as both a coworker and a friend. It's been a pleasure to watch you grow and I can't wait to see what the future holds.
  • Happy five-year work anniversary! Your skills and contributions have been instrumental to our success, from [example of contribution] to [example of contribution] . Thank you for your relentless commitment and positive energy. We are lucky to have you!
  • Congratulations on your five-year work anniversary! It's been a pleasure to share this journey with you as both a coworker and a friend. I am inspired by your [list of strengths and skills] and am looking forward to continuing to work together. Thank you for all your contributions to our team's success!
  • Happy anniversary! Thank you for five years of dedication, hard work and lots of laughter. You make the workplace brighter and have helped us achieve so many goals, from [example of contribution] to [example of contribution] . We are grateful to celebrate this milestone with you.

10-year work anniversary messages

A 10-year anniversary is no small feat. If someone has been with your company for a decade, a significant celebration is in order, complete with meaningful work anniversary wishes and bigger gestures such as organizing a catered lunch for the entire team or giving a unique gift.

  • Congratulations on your 10-year work anniversary. You've helped make this company what it is today through your contributions in the past decade. From taking [department/project] to the next level to always showing up with a smile, you bring so much value to the table. Thank you for your passion and commitment. Celebrate well!
  • Wow, 10 years! Congratulations on reaching this huge milestone. You've experienced so many changes here in the past decade and you've navigated them all with grace and skill. Thank you for your invaluable contributions to our company's success. You are an inspiration!
  • Thank you for an amazing decade of service. It has been such a pleasure to work with you over the last few years and witness your [skills and strengths] in action. I especially admire the way you've [example of contribution or anecdote] . It's an honor to celebrate this milestone with you!
  • Congratulations on your 10-year work anniversary. Time flies by when you're well-surrounded and we are lucky to have you. Thank you for everything you've done and continue to do, from [example of contribution] to [example of contribution] . You've helped make this workplace what it is today. Cheers to your accomplishments!

20-year work anniversary messages

Being with a company for 20 years is huge. 20-year work anniversary messages should focus on the impact that the employee has had on the organization over the years and be accompanied by a gift.

  • Happy 20-year work anniversary! Thank you for your unwavering loyalty to this organization. From [example of contribution] to [example of contribution] , you've made so many impactful contributions over the past two decades that it would be impossible to list them all. You are an inspiration to anyone who has had the pleasure of working with you.
  • Congratulations on your 20-year work anniversary! I feel so lucky to have had the chance to work with you over the years. I've learned so much from you, from [example of contribution] to [example of contribution] . You've helped make this company successful while positively impacting your colleagues. Thank you for everything you've done and continue to do.
  • Congratulations on this impressive career milestone – you make 20 years of tenure look easy but I know you've put in countless hours of effort to become the professional you are today. You inspire our team with your [skills and strengths] and we feel so fortunate to work with you.
  • Thank you for giving your 100% over the past two decades. Your [skills and strengths] have been essential to the growth and success of this organization. We are proud to call you a coworker and honored that you've chosen to work with us!
  • Happy 20-year work anniversary! Thank you for reminding us all that hard work and dedication pay off. From [example of contribution] to [example of contribution] , you have shown time and time again that you are an outstanding team player. You embody the values of this company and lead by example. We are so grateful for all you have done here!

25-year work anniversary messages

Bust out the balloons because 25-year work anniversaries are a rare occurrence these days. This is a time to celebrate an employee's professional journey and their continued success throughout the years.

Dig into their accomplishments and promotions and look for personal anecdotes to make your work anniversary wishes feel extra special.

  • Congratulations on your 25th work anniversary! This is a huge accomplishment and we are lucky that you have chosen to grow with us over the years. From starting as a [role] to successfully evolving into a [role] and a [role] , your career here is truly an inspiration. Your hard work and contributions have been invaluable to our success, from [example of contribution] to [example of contribution] . And you've done it all with a smile on your face. Thank you!
  • Happy 25-year work anniversary! Thank you for your unwavering commitment to greatness – you continue to inspire us with your [skills and strengths] and positively impact everyone around you. There are no words to express the immense impact you've had on this organization, such as the time you [anecdote or example of contribution] . Celebrate well – you deserve it!
  • It's hard to believe it's been 25 years since you joined the company. From [anecdote] to [anecdote] , anyone who has been lucky enough to work with you can speak to your [skills and strengths] . It's a pleasure to work with you and I admire your dedication and loyalty. Thank you for everything you've done and continue to do!
  • Happy 25-year work anniversary and congratulations on reaching such an impressive career milestone! From working as a [role] to [role] , your professional journey is an inspiration and you embody the qualities required to succeed in the workplace and in life. We are so lucky to have you and grateful for your contributions throughout the years – this company wouldn't be what it is today without you!
  • Wow, 25 years! Thank you for being an example of commitment and perseverance and for your invaluable contributions to the success of this company. From [example of contribution] as a [role] to [example of contribution] as a [role] , you show up with [skills and strengths] and keep crushing it regardless of the challenge. Thank you for being you and for inspiring us all in the process. Congratulations!

Work anniversary messages for your boss

Bosses deserve appreciation too. When crafting a work anniversary message for anyone in a leadership position, it's always nice to mention their impact as a leader.

  • Congratulations on reaching another big milestone! Your leadership is a daily source of inspiration and it's truly a pleasure to learn from you. Happy work anniversary!
  • Thank you for leading by example and setting such a high standard for our team. Wishing you a wonderful work anniversary and looking forward to many more years of success together!
  • Celebrating another year of your inspiring leadership! Your vision and support help our team thrive. Here's to another year of crushing goals. Happy work anniversary!
  • On your work anniversary, we want to express our appreciation for your leadership and guidance. Your passion and commitment inspire us to give our best every day. Cheers to another year of working together towards greatness. Happy anniversary!
  • Congratulations on another year of leading with excellence! We are so grateful for your mentorship and support. Here's to another year of achievements and collaboration. Happy work anniversary!

Work anniversary messages for close work friends

Forming close friendships at work is common. When celebrating the work anniversary of your office bestie, it's OK – and encouraged – to get a little more personal. 

  • Happy work anniversary to my dear friend! It's been awesome to witness your growth and successes over the years. Here's to many more years of chasing dreams and evolving alongside each other!
  • Celebrating another year of collaborating with you and learning from you, my friend! Your hard work and passion inspire me daily. Here's to another year of shared wins and memorable career highlights. Happy work anniversary!
  • Congratulations on reaching another career milestone! Your friendship and support have enriched my life at work in countless ways. Wishing you continued success and growth in your career. Cheers to many more years of friendship and collaboration!
  • Happy work anniversary, buddy! Time does indeed fly when you're having fun – and it's a blast to work with you. Here's to another year of learning, laughing, and crushing goals together!
  • Cheers to another year of growing and celebrating wins together! I am so grateful for your friendship – it makes every day at work that much more fulfilling. Wishing you a happy work anniversary!

Funny work anniversary messages

When someone is a good friend and also happens to have a great sense of humor, you can keep things light-hearted with a funny work anniversary message. Stay appropriate, of course, but don't be afraid to crack a joke or two. 

  • Happy work anniversary! Can you believe it's been [X] years of pretending to know what we're talking about? Here's to many more years of meme-sharing and goal-crushing!
  • Congratulations on surviving another year of office shenanigans! Your ability to tolerate my barrage of Slack messages deserves a medal. Here's to another year of strategically dodging meetings so we can get actual work done. Cheers!
  • Happy work anniversary! I don't know what I would do without our daily coffee breaks and inside jokes. Thanks for making the mundane moments more enjoyable and the big work milestones easier to achieve!
  • Can you believe it's been [X] years of perfectly balancing procrastination with productivity? So grateful for my work BFF. Happy work anniversary!
  • Can't believe it's already been [X] years of coming up with the best acronyms together! It's always a pleasure to work with you. Keep crushing it, you office rockstar!

Simple work anniversary messages

Sometimes less is more. If you're not sure what to say or how to say it, you can't go wrong with a simple yet thoughtful work anniversary message.

  • Happy work anniversary! Your hard work is truly appreciated.
  • Congratulations on another year with us! Thank you for your ongoing commitment to growth and success.
  • Grateful for your valuable contributions this year and every year. Happy work anniversary!
  • Congratulations on your work anniversary! Wishing you continued joy and success in your career.
  • Congrats on reaching another milestone. Your hard work and positive attitude do not go unnoticed.

Work anniversary messages for remote workers

Remote workers are more at risk of feeling disengaged, so it's crucial to celebrate their work anniversaries with enthusiasm.

When sending a hybrid or remote team member work anniversary wishes, make sure to acknowledge that their contributions are felt from a distance – your words can help make them feel included and valued. 

  • Congratulations on your work anniversary! Even though we're collaborating remotely, your contributions are felt every day in our team. Here's to another year of success!
  • Happy work anniversary! Your dedication to your role, even from miles away, is truly admirable. Here's to many more years of asynchronous teamwork and Slack banter!
  • Celebrating another year of outstanding virtual collaboration! Your commitment to excellence is felt and appreciated, even through a screen. Happy work anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary! Despite the distance, your impact on our team is immeasurable. Here's to another year of teamwork and wins!
  • Wishing you a happy work anniversary! Your ability to excel in your role, even from a distance, is inspiring. Thanks for making remote collaboration such a pleasure!

Celebrate Employee Anniversaries With Meaningful Gifts  Set your company apart with a modern anniversary experience. Learn More

Work anniversary captions for a social media post

Maybe your organization uses LinkedIn to spotlight employee anniversaries while giving the world a glimpse into your culture.

Perhaps you have an internal social media platform – like Applauz ’s news feed feature – that allows you to post employee recognition messages and work anniversary wishes. When crafting the perfect caption for a work anniversary post, be concise and warm.

  • Cheers to [Employee's Name] for [X] amazing years with [Company Name] ! Your dedication and hard work inspire us all to stay on top of our game. Thank you for everything you do. 
  • Happy [X] year work anniversary to [Employee's Name] ! Your journey with us has been filled with so many achievements and wins. Thank you for your commitment to excellence (and for making us laugh with your jokes). 
  • Today marks [Employee's Name] [X] -year work anniversary with us! Your passion and contagious positive energy have left their mark over the years. We are grateful to have you on our team. 
  • We are thrilled to celebrate [Employee's Name] 's [X] years with [Company Name] . Your hard work, stellar communication skills and emotional intelligence have been a driving force in our success. Here’s to celebrating many more milestones together. 
  • Congratulations to [Employee's Name] on [X] years with [Company Name] ! You have certainly left your mark here over the years, from [example of achievement] to [example of achievement] . Can’t wait to see what the future holds. Happy work anniversary!

Short happy work anniversary wishes

Some occasions call for a short-and-sweet work anniversary message, such as sending a DM to a peer or signing a collective card. Keep in mind that short doesn’t have to mean impersonal.

  • Happy work anniversary! Thank you for all your hard work and dedication over the past year. 
  • Congrats on [X] successful and memorable years with us, [Employee's Name] ! Here's to many more!
  • It’s your work anniversary! Your contributions and uplifting attitude mean the world to us.
  • Celebrating the fact that you’ve been with us for [X] years. We’re so grateful to have you on our team. 
  • Happy work anniversary, [Employee's Name] ! Keep crushing it!

Tips for Writing a Thoughtful Work Anniversary Message

Writing a meaningful anniversary message is all about striking the right balance of sincerity, appreciation and professionalism. Here are some tips to help you craft a stellar one.  

Reflect on the recipient's accomplishments

Highlighting specific achievements or anecdotes is one of the best ways to amp up the meaningfulness factor of a work anniversary message.

It shows that you've been paying attention. Before writing a single word, take the time to reflect on the recipient's accomplishments and their contributions to your team's success.

Express gratitude

Remember that the main intent of a work anniversary message is to express gratitude, so make that the core of your message.

Thank the recipient for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to the team. Be clear about the impact of their efforts. 

Keep it positive

A work anniversary message is not the time to give constructive feedback. Always focus on the positive and use the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate what has gone and is going well. 

Be mindful of tone

Consider your relationship with the recipient when choosing the tone of your message. Are you going for friendly and informal, polished and formal, or somewhere in between? What's more appropriate given the context?

Be mindful and always keep things professional and aligned with company culture, even with more casual work anniversary wishes.

Keep it concise 

While it's important to do enough to celebrate work anniversaries, there is such a thing as a work anniversary message that's too long. Rambling or including unnecessary details can dilute the impact of your words. Happy work anniversary wishes can be concise.

Express your excitement for the future 

Not sure how to wrap up? Always end your message with a note about the future and your confidence in the recipient's continued success within the company.  

Proofread carefully 

Finally, read through your message one last time with fresh eyes before sending it. Errors and typos can turn a great attempt at showing appreciation into one that appears half-hearted. 

Tips to Deliver Work Anniversary Wishes

The messages above can be used as a starting point to craft your own personalized note. Don't be afraid to add your individual touch based on your unique relationship with the employee and the context of your team and organization.

As far as delivering your message and wishing an employee a very happy work anniversary, there are many ways to go about it. Let the tips below guide you.

Do it during an all-hands meeting

Do you hold regular all-hands meetings? Use them as an opportunity to recognize work anniversaries and you'll have a simple system to celebrate every milestone.

Have all attendees cheer and celebrate each milestone and watch your team members beam with pride. Public recognition is powerful because it makes people feel valued for their contributions. 

Integrate work anniversaries into your onboarding process

You can also integrate work anniversaries into your onboarding process by asking employees about their preferences.

For instance, when new employees join Escamilla's organization, they are offered a choice between a gift card or company swag for their anniversary.

This step in the process kicks things off on a positive note and lets people choose how they would prefer to be acknowledged. 

PTO and a personal note are always appreciated

If you're looking for universally appreciated gift ideas, PTO is always well-received. First, it sends the message that hard work should be balanced out by a fulfilling personal life. Treating people like human beings with other priorities outside of work is a pillar of a healthy culture.

There's also the fact that it's hard to miss the mark when offering extra time off – almost all workers would be enthusiastic about this perk. Just make sure to accompany the gesture with a thoughtful message. 

Allocate a budget for personalized surprises

Personalized work anniversary gifts are always better than generic corporate ones. Allocate a budget for work anniversary celebrations so you can come up with interesting ideas year-round as milestones come up.

Get to know each team member and their interests so that you can pick something that genuinely fits their taste and personality – they'll be touched and truly feel that they are part of a caring team.

An Employee recognition platform like Applauz has an integrated service awards management program that simplifies the process of recognizing milestones and ensures that employees get meaningful gifts and the recognition they deserve.

Gifts aren't the only option. Depending on your budget, a lunch outing can be a nice way to celebrate too. If you're on a tight budget, you can still do something small yet impactful, like leaving their favorite Starbucks drink with a note on their desk. 

Go the extra mile for the big milestones

That said, if someone has been with the company for a decade or more, it's important to allocate resources to mark the occasion in a significant way.

Getting upper management involved is a nice touch. For example, a senior leader can present the guests of honor with a gift and thank them for their contributions over the years.

Make it fun

Don't forget to have fun. It's a key piece of the puzzle when delivering a work anniversary message, after all.

This is a happy occasion, especially in a time when employee retention is harder to achieve. Now that you have a wealth of insights to help craft the perfect note, it's time to celebrate. 

Celebration Ideas to Complement Work Anniversary Messages

In some teams, it makes sense to throw a little celebration to go with work anniversary wishes. You have to have the budget for it, and it also has to make sense in terms of the size of your team. It has to be sustainable to do it for every single employee in order to keep things fair.

If it sounds like something that would make sense for you, consider the following work anniversary celebration ideas.

Offer a custom plaque 

Offer a custom-designed plaque with your team member’s name and years of service on it. This highlights the occasion in a more formal way – and it’s a memorable keepsake for the recipient.

Surprise them with a personalized video 

Want to be extra thoughtful and maybe make your team member shed a tear or two? Ask coworkers to share what they appreciate the most about them on camera. Create a video montage of everyone’s answers (and don’t forget to include cheesy music).

Decorate their workspace 

If you have an in-office team, come in early to decorate your team member’s workspace with balloons and a banner. It will start the day on the right foot.

Order a cake 

Cakes aren’t just for birthdays – and who doesn’t love cake at the office? Order a custom cake with Happy Work Anniversary written on it. Include remote employees by calling them in virtually and sending them a cupcake.

Book a unique team outing 

While you can bring your team to lunch to celebrate a work anniversary, you can also get creative and book an activity like ax throwing to sneak in extra team-building time.

There are plenty of ways to make work anniversary celebrations feel special while adapting them to the unique needs of your team. For more resources and tools that will help you celebrate anniversaries and appreciate employees, dive into the Applauz blog .

Guide: Service Awards  Everything you need to know about creating a modern and effective Service  Awards Program View Guide

Work Anniversary Messages-FAQ

How do you say happy work anniversary to a colleague.

Leaders and managers should always be acknowledging the work anniversaries of their reports. But peers can – and should – say happy work anniversary to each other too. When wishing a teammate a happy work anniversary, keep your message warm and show them that you appreciate working with them.

What is the best message for a work anniversary?

The best message for a work anniversary depends on the context. It has to be adapted to your company culture and fit the occasion – a 25-year work anniversary is a much bigger deal than a 10-year one, for example. However, there are universal principles for writing a work anniversary message. Keep things personalized and sincere. Highlight specific achievements and contributions and always express appreciation and gratitude.

Is a work anniversary an accomplishment?

Yes, a work anniversary is an important accomplishment. Even though it can seem like you’re just highlighting the time passed, it’s about much more than that. It marks the dedication and loyalty of an employee over a sustained period of time. Celebrating work anniversaries recognizes their contributions and hard work and acknowledges their role in the company’s success. This is crucial to increase employee engagement and foster a healthy, people-centric culture.

When should I send a work anniversary message?

Sending a work anniversary message on the day of the anniversary or right around then is your best bet. This shows that you remembered the occasion and took the time to highlight it. If you're unsure of the exact date, check with HR or other coworkers – and build a calendar of work anniversaries so you can easily keep future ones on your radar.

Should I include a gift with a work anniversary message?

It depends on the context. You don’t need to include a gift with a work anniversary message. Ultimately, the most important thing is to convey your genuine appreciation for the recipient’s contributions. That said, a little something can be thoughtful if you have the budget for it. And a bigger gift is definitely called for when it comes to celebrating longer tenures. Common gift ideas for coworkers include gift cards, rewards, and personalized items based on the recipient’s personality and preferences.

Is it OK to send a work anniversary message virtually?

Yes, you can absolutely send a work anniversary message virtually, through company communication channels or a video call. Nowadays, virtual communication is often widely accepted and preferred, especially for hybrid and remote teams.

How do you caption a work anniversary post?

When captioning a work anniversary post on social media, be extra mindful of voice and tone. The message might be seen by both internal and external stakeholders and needs to be appropriate – it’s not necessarily the time for inside jokes. Keep things concise and positive. Highlight the employee’s contributions, express your appreciation and end with wishes for continued success in the future.

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speech on my work anniversary

Status.net

85 Heartfelt Examples: Work Anniversary Wishes

By Status.net Editorial Team on October 28, 2023 — 15 minutes to read

  • Best Work Anniversary Wishes Part 1
  • Examples of Formal Work Anniversary Messages Part 2
  • Examples of Casual Work Anniversary Messages Part 3
  • How to Craft a Perfect Work Anniversary Message Part 4
  • Common Mistakes to Avoid Part 5

Part 1 Best Work Anniversary Wishes

When composing work anniversary messages, your focus should be on making them heartfelt and personal. This will show your colleagues how much you appreciate and respect them. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Keep it simple and genuine: A heartfelt message can mean a lot more than an elaborate one. Start by congratulating your coworker on their milestone and express gratitude for their efforts and contributions to the team. For instance, “Happy anniversary, John! Your dedication and hard work have truly made a difference in our team.”
  • Highlight specific achievements: Acknowledge the achievements of your colleague over the years. By mentioning specific accomplishments, you can make your message special and personalized. Example: “Congratulations on your five-year anniversary, Jane! Your innovative ideas and leadership in the X project have left a significant impact on our company.”
  • Offer words of encouragement: Offer support and motivation for the coming years. A bit of encouragement can go a long way. Example: “Happy work anniversary, Michael! As you enter your second year with the company, I’m confident that your efforts will lead to even greater accomplishments. Looking forward to seeing you thrive!”
  • Show appreciation to long-time employees: For colleagues who have been with the company for many years, acknowledgment of their loyalty and dedication is essential. Example: “Karen, your 10-year work anniversary is an amazing milestone that deserves recognition. Your expertise and dedication have made you an invaluable member of our team. Thank you for your service!”

Personalized and thoughtful messages make your colleagues feel appreciated and honored for their commitment to their work and the company.

  • Happy work anniversary! Thanks for your hard work, reliability and for always being such a joy and pleasure to work with.
  • Congratulations on reaching another milestone in your career! Happy work anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary! It’s been a pleasure working with you and we look forward to many more years together.
  • Congratulations on your work anniversary! Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated.
  • It’s a pleasure to work with someone as dedicated and passionate as you. Happy work anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary! Your contributions to our team have been invaluable and we’re lucky to have you.
  • Thank you for your commitment to our company. Happy work anniversary and here’s to many more!
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! I appreciate all that you bring to the team. Thanks for your continued dedication and effort.
  • Can’t believe it’s been [number] years already! Thanks for all you do and for being such a great coworker. Hope we have many more work anniversaries to come.
  • Happy workiversary! It’s been a pleasure working with you. Thanks for everything you do to help make our department/company a success.
  • Wishing you a very happy work anniversary! Your positive attitude and dedication don’t go unnoticed. Thanks for all that you do.
  • Time sure flies when you’re having fun (and working hard)! Hope your work anniversary is an enjoyable one. Thanks for all your efforts this past [number] years.
  • Congratulations on another year of growth and success. Happy work anniversary!
  • Your hard work and dedication have been an inspiration to us all. Happy work anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary! Your contributions have helped shape our company into what it is today.
  • Congratulations on another year of outstanding work. Happy work anniversary!
  • It’s been a pleasure working with you and we’re excited to see what the future holds. Happy work anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary to you! It’s been great getting to know you better over the past [number] years. Thanks for your hard work and contributions.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Can’t believe it’s already been [number] years. Thanks for always being so reliable and bringing your best self to work every day.
  • Hope your work anniversary is a great one! Thanks for your commitment to excellence and for helping to make our team so successful this past [number] years.
  • Wishing you a very happy work anniversary! We appreciate you and all that you do. Thanks for your continued dedication and effort.
  • Happy work anniversary! Time sure flies when you’re having fun. Thanks for your positive attitude and team spirit over the past [number] years.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! You’ve been a joy to work with. Thanks for your hard work, enthusiasm and great ideas. Here’s to another awesome [number] years ahead!
  • Your hard work and dedication have been instrumental in our success. Happy work anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary! Your hard work and dedication have been an inspiration to us all.
  • Hope your work anniversary is filled with fun! Thanks for your contributions to our department’s success this past [number] years. You rock!
  • Happy work anniversary! It’s been great getting to know you better over the past [number] years. Thanks for all that you bring to the team.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Your commitment to excellence is admirable. Thanks for all that you do to help make our company a success.
  • Wishing you a very happy work anniversary! Thanks for your dedication, positivity and sense of humor – it makes the job more enjoyable.
  • Hope your work anniversary is an awesome one! Appreciate your enthusiasm, team spirit and hard work over the past [number] years.
  • Happy work anniversary! It’s been great working alongside you. Thanks for your contributions to our team’s success.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! You’re a valued member of our team. Thanks for your consistent efforts and support.
  • Wishing you a fantastic work anniversary! We’re lucky to have you on our team. Thanks for all that you do.
  • Happy work anniversary! Your dedication and commitment to excellence are admirable. Thanks for all your hard work.
  • Your contributions have helped make our company what it is today. Happy work anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary! Your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed.
  • Congratulations on another year of making a difference. Happy work anniversary!
  • Your hard work and dedication have been a driving force behind our success. Happy work anniversary!
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Time sure flies when you’re having fun at work. Thanks for your positive attitude and contributions.
  • Hope your work anniversary is a blast! Appreciate your efforts, dedication and sense of humor over the past [number] years.
  • Happy work anniversary! Thanks for your hard work, support and for always being so reliable and fun to work with.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! You bring so much value and enthusiasm to our team. Thanks for all that you do.
  • Wishing you a very happy work anniversary! Your positive energy and dedication are greatly appreciated. Thanks for everything.
  • Happy work anniversary! It’s been great getting to know you better this past [number] years. Thanks for your contributions to our success.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Your commitment to excellence sets a great example. Thanks for all your efforts and support.
  • Hope your work anniversary rocks! Appreciate your enthusiasm, team spirit and dedication over the past [number] years.
  • Happy work anniversary! Thanks for your hard work, reliability and for always being so fun to work with. We’re lucky to have you.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Your positive attitude and dedication are admirable. Thanks for all that you bring to our team.
  • Wishing you a fantastic work anniversary! Your enthusiasm and contributions are greatly appreciated. Thanks for all you do.
  • Happy work anniversary! It’s been awesome working with you. Thanks for your efforts, support and for helping to make our team so successful.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Your commitment to excellence and team spirit are remarkable. Thanks for everything.
  • Hope your work anniversary rocks! Appreciate your hard work, positive energy and humor over the past [number] years.
  • Happy work anniversary! Thanks for your dedication, reliability and for always being such a joy to work with.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Your enthusiasm and dedication are admirable. Thanks for all that you bring to our department.
  • Wishing you a very happy work anniversary! Your positive attitude and efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks for all you do.
  • Happy work anniversary! It’s been great getting to know you. Thanks for your contributions to our team’s success this past [number] years.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Your commitment to excellence is remarkable. Thanks for your support and hard work.
  • Hope your work anniversary is awesome! Appreciate your team spirit, dedication and humor over the past [number] years.
  • Happy work anniversary! Thanks for your hard work, reliability and for always being so fun and supportive to work with.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Your positive energy and dedication are admirable. Thanks for all that you bring to our team.
  • Wishing you a fantastic work anniversary! Your enthusiasm and efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks for everything you do.
  • Happy work anniversary! It’s been great working with you. Thanks for your support, hard work and for helping to make our team so successful.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Your commitment to excellence and team spirit are remarkable. Thanks for all your contributions.
  • Hope your work anniversary rocks! Appreciate your dedication, positive attitude and humor over this past [number] years.
  • Congrats on your work anniversary! Your enthusiasm and dedication are admirable. Thanks for all that you bring to our department and company.
  • Wishing you a very happy work anniversary! Your positive energy and efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks for everything you do.

Part 2 Examples of Formal Work Anniversary Messages

When you want to congratulate your colleagues on their work anniversary, choosing the right words can make a lasting impression. Here are some examples of formal work anniversary messages that you can use to express your admiration and appreciation:

  • Heartfelt Congratulations : “Your hard work and dedication have brought remarkable success to our company. Wishing you a happy work anniversary, and we look forward to many more fruitful years.”
  • Acknowledging Achievement : “Today marks a significant milestone in your career. You’ve been an inspiration to us all, and we are grateful for the wisdom and commitment you bring. Happy work anniversary!”
  • Showing Gratitude : “We appreciate the loyalty and devotion you’ve shown throughout your time with our organization. Thank you for everything you do!”
  • Celebrating Teamwork : “You are an indispensable member of our team, and your contributions have played a significant role in our success. We’re so grateful to have you—happy work anniversary!”
  • Emphasizing Growth : “Happy work anniversary! It’s been remarkable to see your growth and achievements over the years. Your dedication has set an example for all of us, and we couldn’t be prouder to call you our colleague.”
  • Mark of Resilience : “Congratulations on reaching this work anniversary milestone! Your resilience and adaptability have been key factors in the success of our team. We wish you continued success in the years to come.”

Part 3 Examples of Casual Work Anniversary Messages

Here are some friendly and casual work anniversary messages that you can use or get inspiration from when congratulating your colleagues or employees on their milestone:

  • Hey [Name], happy work anniversary! Time flies, right? Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated. Keep up the great job!
  • Can you believe it’s been a whole year, [Name]? Your positive energy and can-do attitude make you a joy to work with. Cheers to another awesome year!
  • It’s been a pleasure working with you for the past [number] years, [Name]. Your creativity and problem-solving skills have really made a difference. Let’s celebrate your work anniversary together!
  • Congrats on [number] years at the company, [Name]! Your commitment and passion for the job inspire us all. Wishing you more growth and success in the years ahead.
  • Your work anniversary is here, [Name]! What an amazing journey it has been. Always remember that your hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed. Let’s keep up the momentum!
  • Happy [number] years, [Name]! It’s not every day we get to celebrate a work anniversary like yours. Your continued excellence and enthusiasm for the job are truly inspiring.

Feel free to mix, match and tweak these messages to fit the personality of the recipient and your relationship with them. A simple, genuine, and friendly message can go a long way in making someone’s work anniversary memorable.

Part 4 How to Craft a Perfect Work Anniversary Message

When writing work anniversary wishes or messages, you want to strike a balance between professionalism and warmth. Keep these fundamentals in mind as you craft your message:

  • Acknowledge the years of service : Mention the exact number of years the person is celebrating. This detail acknowledges the time and effort they’ve invested in their role.

Example: “Congratulations on your 5-year work anniversary, Mike! It’s been a pleasure working with you all these years.”

  • Express your gratitude : Show that you are grateful for the person’s hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Highlight why their contributions to the team matter.

Example: “Thank you for all the great ideas and initiatives you’ve brought to our team over the past 3 years, Lisa! Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”

  • Reinforce a positive relationship : Your message should reflect the friendly relationship you have with the individual. This can foster a more positive work environment.

Example: “David, it’s been a fantastic 10 years working together, and I’m looking forward to many more. Happy work anniversary!”

  • Inspire them for future success : Your message can provide encouragement by offering your support and belief in the person’s continued success in the company.

Example: “In your 2 years with us, you’ve already achieved so much, Emily. We’re excited to see what you’ll accomplish in the years to come!”

  • Personalize your message : Include the person’s name, and mention specific qualities or accomplishments you appreciate in them. It shows that you took the time to think about your message, and it can provide a more significant impact.

Example: “Happy work anniversary, Sarah! Your dedication to meeting deadlines and your willingness to help others on the team are truly appreciated.”

Part 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Crafting Work Anniversary Messages

While crafting thoughtful work anniversary wishes and messages, it’s important to keep a few key points in mind. Avoiding these common mistakes will help ensure your messages convey the genuine appreciation and warmth they’re intended to express.

  • Make sure to avoid any negative or insensitive remarks. Keep in mind that this is a time for celebrating and appreciating the employee’s contributions, not for bringing up past mistakes or shortcomings. Always be mindful of the positive impact you want your message to have and avoid any comments that could tarnish that.
  • Another common mistake is forgetting the date. While it might seem trivial, remembering to send your wishes on the actual work anniversary can make a significant difference. It communicates that you truly care about the milestone and that it’s important to you. Set a reminder or mark it on your calendar to ensure you don’t miss the date.
  • When writing your message, be sure to proofread and check for any spelling or grammatical errors. Mistakes like these can make your message appear less thoughtful and professional. Take a few moments to review your text to ensure it’s well-written and reflects the quality you wish to convey.
  • Maintain a balance between being concise and providing enough substance to show genuine appreciation. Overly long messages can be difficult to read, while too-short messages may lack warmth. Finding the right balance will ensure your message is appreciated and well-received.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i share my work anniversary with colleagues.

Celebrate your work anniversary by sending an email or a group message to your colleagues. Share a fun memory from your time at the company, express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences, and highlight any milestones you’ve achieved. You may also include a photo from when you first started or a more recent team event.

Example message:

“Subject: Celebrating 5 years at (…) Company!

Hey everyone,

I can’t believe it’s been 5 years since I started here at ACME. What an amazing journey it’s been so far! I still remember my first day like it was yesterday – I was so nervous but everyone made me feel so welcome.

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work on so many exciting projects and learn from some truly talented people. I’m especially proud of the role I played in launching our new product line last year. It feels great to be part of the continued growth and success of this company.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank each of you for your friendship, guidance and support over the years. It has made this one of the most rewarding work experiences of my life. I’m looking forward to creating many more great memories in the years to come.

Thanks again and cheers to 5 more!

[Your Name]”

What are some heartfelt messages for a 10-year service celebration?

  • “Congratulations on a decade of outstanding achievements! Your hard work and dedication have left indelible marks on our company’s success. Here’s to many more years!”
  • “Happy 10-year work anniversary! Your passion and commitment have been an inspiration to us all. Cheers to a future filled with even greater accomplishments!”
  • “A decade of excellence! Your unwavering dedication has positively impacted our team and the company. Wishing you continued success and a fantastic 10-year anniversary!”

How do I wish my mentor a happy work anniversary?

Send your mentor a thoughtful message expressing your appreciation for their guidance, support, and the impact they’ve had on your career growth.

“Happy work anniversary! I feel incredibly fortunate to have a mentor like you and I’m grateful for your guidance and direction. Your wisdom and encouragement have played a key role in my development. Cheers to your accomplishments and to many more years of success!”

What are some inspiring one-year work anniversary quotes?

  • “Congratulations on completing your first year! You’ve made an impressive start, and you’re destined for greatness in the years to come.”
  • “Time flies when you’re making an impact! Your dedication and effort have not gone unnoticed. Happy first work anniversary, and here’s to many more!”
  • “One year down, many more to go! A year of hard work, growth, and accomplishments. May your future years be just as rewarding.”

How can I congratulate someone on their years of service?

Acknowledge their dedication, express your appreciation for their contributions, and wish them continued success.

“Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone! Your hard work, loyalty, and expertise have played a crucial role in our team’s success. Thank you for your invaluable contributions, and here’s to many more years of achievements!”

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Use thoughtful work anniversary messages to wish your coworkers well

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The importance of recognizing work anniversaries

Work anniversary message examples to thank employees

Tips for creating a thoughtful work anniversary message

The true value of valuing your employees

While increasing compensation, bonuses, and benefits are great ways to reward top talent, showing appreciation through words hits different. And what better time to do so than when they achieve a work anniversary? 

Be it one year or 10, work anniversaries mark the value and dedication employees bring to their team — and that’s worth appreciating. 

Whether you’re a coworker, manager, or team lead, sending thoughtful work anniversary messages celebrates these special days and fosters a positive work environment that encourages loyalty and engagement.

The importance of recognizing work anniversaries 

Besides making employees feel good, congratulating them for their hard work directly impacts their behavior and the company’s bottom line. Here are four ways celebrating work anniversaries benefits your team and boosts employee performance.

1. Improving employee retention

Employees need to feel valued to stay satisfied. And satisfied employees are more likely to remain in their position for longer .

With job hopping on the rise , it’s increasingly challenging for employers to retain top talent. But a whopping 82% of workers consider recognition central to job satisfaction , so sending simple work anniversary wishes is an excellent way to keep great workers.

colleagues-giving-high-five-to-each-other-at-office-work-anniversary-messages

2. Increasing employee engagement and company revenue

According to Deloitte, recognition improves employee engagement , and a 15% increase in engagement can lead to a 2% increase in revenue. So teammates who appreciate the hard work their coworkers provide might just help their employer achieve further success. 

3. Boosting employee morale

One of the reasons sending happy work anniversary wishes improves employee engagement is because it enhances everyone’s mood .

Perhaps surprisingly, 36% of people would give up $5000 of their yearly salary to be happier at work . If you’re the manager of a small business, this is excellent news, as you may not be able to offer your employees their ideal salary, but you can offer their ideal work environment.

4. Creating a positive company culture

How your employees interact with each other and think about you and your organization shapes the company’s culture .

When employees feel acknowledged for their strong work ethic and dedication, they’re more likely to respect and speak positively about their workplace. And this impacts how current employees and individuals outside the organization perceive the company, helping you retain and attract top performers .

Work anniversary message examples to thank employees 

No matter how long you’ve known the employee, it’s easy to overthink what you say in your anniversary card. You want it to be professional yet personalized, concise yet expressive. And, most importantly, you hope it makes them feel valued and appreciated. 

Use these examples for inspiration when creating a thoughtful work anniversary message.

Simple work anniversary quotes

  • “Time flies when you’re doing a fantastic job! Today marks your first anniversary as part of our team. Thank you for the positive attitude you bring to work each day. You make our office a better place.”
  • “Wishing you the happiest work anniversary from our team at [company name]. We knew you’d be an asset since your first day . Keep up the great work!”
  • “Happy workiversary! We’re so glad to have you on our team and wish you another year of success.”
  • “Happy [X] year work anniversary from the [department’s name]. We’re so impressed with everything you’ve accomplished in the past year.”

Celebratory work anniversary messages

  • “Here’s to another year of working together! Sending our best wishes as you continue to achieve great success and career growth .”
  • “Wishing you a wonderful work anniversary! During lunch, join us in the boardroom to celebrate your success with snacks and drinks.”
  • “Today we’re celebrating [employee name]’s work anniversary. We’re so grateful for their contribution to our team and know we wouldn’t have achieved what we have without them.”

woman-with-coworker-looking-at-files-and-laptop-smiling-work-anniversary-messages

Formal/professional work anniversary messages

  • “Congratulations [employee’s name] on your [X] year at [company’s name]. We’re so pleased to have you on our growing team. Here’s to another year of success and growth.”
  • “Wishing you another successful year as we celebrate your [X] work anniversary. You’re a valuable team member. Keep up the good work!”
  • “Wishing you a very happy work anniversary as you celebrate your [X] year at [company name]. You’re irreplaceable, and we’re so grateful for how you’ve shaped this work environment through your dedication and perseverance.”
  • “It’s been an honor to be a part of your professional development . And we’re thrilled to wish you a [X] year work anniversary. Cheers to your continued success.”

Happy and funny work anniversary messages

  • “Congratulations on your work anniversary at [company’s name]. Here’s to another year of you sending the best memes and GIFs in our Slack channels.”
  • “Happy [X] work anniversary! This year you impressed us with your hard work, determination, and consistency when sending pet updates.”
  • “Thank you for being a terrific employee! You make coming to work fun for the whole team. Happy [X] work anniversary.”

Great work anniversary wishes for a long-term employee

“Happy [X] year work anniversary to one of our best employees! You inspire us each day with your enthusiasm and dedication to your work. When you started at the company, you were part of a 10-person team and took on additional responsibilities to ensure our success.

We couldn’t have made it to where we have without your hard work and determination. Thank you for being part of our team. We’re wishing you another year of success and happiness.”

“[X] years ago, we came across an incredibly impressive application. And today, we’re celebrating that very employee for being a valuable part of our team. Congratulations, [employee’s name], for another year at [company’s name].

You’ve accomplished so much in your time with us, and we wouldn’t have reached today’s success without your help. Thank you for being part of our company and bringing your A-game daily.”

  • “Happy work anniversary, [employee’s name]. You’ve been essential to our company’s success for [X] years, and we’re so pleased to have you on our team. You’ve set a high standard for the rest of us with your fierce work ethic and grit . Having an employee like you fills us with gratitude .”

man-looking-at-coworker-smiling-work-anniversary-messages

Detailed work anniversary message

“Happy work anniversary, [employee’s name]! We wanted to take this moment to thank you for your dedication to [company’s name] over the last [X] years. It’s been a pleasure for me and the rest of the team to work alongside a hard-working employee such as yourself.

You bring enthusiasm and creativity to each of your projects and never accept anything less than exceptional. We wanted to share these moments to celebrate your contribution to our team:

- You developed the [system’s name], making your coworkers feel valued for their input and improving the team’s collaboration skills .

- You led the [project’s name] and guided your teammates to success.

- You exceeded your [quota/success metric] for this year, proving your determination and passion for your role.”

Work anniversary wishes for a boss

  • “Happy work anniversary to a fantastic manager! The way you lead our team inspires each of us every day. Thank you for your continued dedication to our growth and success.”
  • “Congratulations on another year at [company’s name]. I greatly appreciate your support in my professional development and feel honored to be working under your guidance.”

Tips for creating a thoughtful work anniversary message 

Finding the right balance between professionalism and warmth is tricky, but following these tips will help: 

  • Keep it positive: Your message should be uplifting and make your employee feel proud of their years of hard work. Avoid joking about the length of time they’ve been there or whether you’ll lose them soon, as these comments might distract from your positive and appreciative message. 

Personalize it: Ready-made greeting cards can feel a bit impersonal. The best cards and appreciation messages include a tidbit of humor or a good memory you shared with the sender.

Adding this personalization makes the reader feel cared for and seen, so try to include details showing your recipient you were thoughtful when writing their message. You might mention a positive attribute they bring to the team or an accomplishment they’ve made.

  • Choose the right tone: The message’s tone may change depending on your workplace and the recipient’s personality. If you’re a manager, you’ll want to strike a friendly yet professional tone , and coworker-to-coworker messages can be slightly less formal. 
  • Involve the whole team: According to Bon usly, 65% of employees are willing to stay in jobs where coworkers recognize them for their work , even if they have an unappreciative manager. Be inclusive with your message, expressing that the entire team appreciates this person’s work. And if possible, encourage other teammates to send messages as well.

Employees spend about a third of their time at work. And an easy way to appreciate the hard work and dedication they provide during this time is by sending work anniversary messages. Now that you have several examples, this task is even easier — and just like that, your team feels valued and recognized for their great work .

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Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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Happy Work Anniversary Wishes, Messages & Quotes

By: Angela Robinson | Updated: November 23, 2022

You found our list of the best work anniversary wishes .

Work anniversary wishes are messages and quotes for coworkers’ workiversaries. These phrases celebrate an employee’s dedication to the company and the team and acknowledge hard work and commitment. You can use these sayings in work anniversary cards, emails, and speeches. These wishes are also known as “work anniversary messages” and “work anniversary quotes.”

These messages work well for virtual work anniversary parties and work anniversary gifts , and are similar to employee appreciation quotes .

This list includes:

  • happy work anniversary wishes

1 year work anniversary quotes

10 year work anniversary quotes.

  • 30 year work anniversary messages
  • funny work anniversary quotes
  • work anniversary wishes to managers
  • congratulations on work anniversary messages
  • job anniversary wishes
  • work anniversary memes

Here is the list!

Happy work anniversary wishes

  • Today marks the day you joined the company– and that is worth celebrating!
  • Happy work anniversary. We are so glad you chose to join us and that you choose to stay with us.
  • We would miss you if you were to leave. However, you are still here, so instead, we will say– happy work anniversary!
  • Here’s to another year of having you here!
  • Once upon a time, a new employee started working here, and the company was never the same. Happy work anniversary!
  • Happy workiversary to the hardest working person I know!
  • We are so happy every year you are here! Happy work anniversary!
  • You may know more than you did when you started working here, but you are just as curious as you were on day one. Thankful to have an employee who is excited to always be learning. Happy work anniversary!
  • You could go anywhere, yet choose to stay here– a fact we are grateful for every day! Happy work anniversary.
  • Wishing the best work anniversary to the best coworker around!
  • The future has big things in store for you, but we are so glad you are here with us in the present. Happy work anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary to a colleague who makes work fun!
  • If every colleague were as wonderful as you, then the work world would be a much better place. Happy work anniversary!
  • You make a difference every day, and we are grateful for every day you spend with us. Happy workiversary!
  • From the bottom of my heart, I hope you have an amazing day. Happy workiversary.
  • Today is a day to reflect on all you have achieved so far, and all you hope to accomplish in the time to come. Happy work anniversary.
  • Happy work anniversary! It has been one heck of a journey so far, and I cannot wait to see where the work world takes you next!
  • Happy workiversary to the most gracious team player I know!
  • We were so happy to welcome you to the team this year, and are so excited to see what you will do in the years to come!
  • Has it been a year already? Time flies when you are having fun with teammates!
  • Today marks your one year work anniversary, but it feels like you have been here forever. We are so happy to have you as part of our team!
  • You should be proud of what you have accomplished this past year– we sure are!
  • One year down, countless more to go.
  • Thanks for giving us these past twelve months, and giving your all during that time!
  • One year ago today was your first day. The moment you sat down at your desk, everything changed! So grateful to have you as part of the team.
  • Consider this your one-year-cheer. Woo-hoo!
  • Thank you for the hard work you have put into this past year.
  • You can do a lot in one year– you are living proof of that fact! Happy work anniversary, and thank you for all of your hard work!
  • This is the first of many happy milestones. Congratulations on reaching one year!
  • Happy first anniversary! Looking forward to a 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and more!
  • Thank you for the time and commitment you have shown the company. We are so grateful to have loyal employees like you.
  • Ten years down, now let’s go for twenty!
  • Happy work anniversary! With you onboard, it has been an amazing decade!
  • Ten years, and each has been better than the last. Cannot wait to see what you achieve in the next ten!
  • Ten years have passed since you were hired, and I have not regretted a single day since.
  • Thanks for sticking it out with us over this past crazy decade! So happy to have had you along for the roller coaster ride!
  • The last ten years have had ups and downs, and you have stuck by the company and the team through good times and bad. Thank you for being here and being reliable.
  • Think of all you have accomplished in the past ten years, and how much you will accomplish in the next ten.
  • Entering double digits is no small deal. Happy workiversary!
  • Sending you the warmest wishes for your tenth work anniversary.
  • Happy year ten to a perfect ten!
  • Here’s to ten years, and ten thousand reasons we are happy to have you on the team!

Funny work anniversary quotes

  • Another year! …You still here?
  • Happy work anniversary! Maybe next year you will finally win the lottery.
  • I would’ve gotten you a work anniversary card, but I’m trying to save the environment. So please, accept these heartfelt sentiments instead.
  • Happy work anniversary. I’ve lost count of the years you have been with us, so I will just say it has been a looooooong time.
  • Happy work anniversary, if you want to call sending memes to your coworkers all day work.
  • Another work anniversary? You just had one last year!
  • Happy work anniversary. What are you waiting for? A gift? Is my endless gratitude not enough for you?
  • Happy work anniversary! I would shout it from the rooftops, but, safety issues, so I’ll just say it to your face instead.
  • Happy workiversary! We were going to hire a plane to write it in the sky, but, budget cuts, so just enjoy some cake instead.
  • Happy work anniversary. Yippee! An excuse to eat cake!
  • I heard you started so long ago, that instead of filling out paperwork your first day, you chilseled your W-2 in stone. Anyway, happy work anniversary.
  • Happy work anniversary, to someone who has worked here so long, their employee ID is “1.”
  • Happy work anniversary to my favorite coworker to get into mischief with.
  • Congrats for making it through another year at work, with only a few mental meltdowns.
  • I will never know how you stay here so long and still stay sane. Thanks for sticking it out in the madhouse with us!
  • Huh? Haven’t you retired yet? Well, happy work anniversary I guess!
  • Happy work anniversary to someone whose tenure with the company has outlasted the average length of most celebrity marriages!
  • We do not need a reason to party, but today we have one– it is your work anniversary! Woo!

Work anniversary wishes to managers

  • Of all the managers in the world, we are grateful that you are ours! Happy anniversary!
  • Happy work anniversary to someone who has been indispensable to our team.
  • Thank you for everything you have taught me in the years so far, and everything you will teach me in the years to come.
  • Happy workiversary to the nicest boss around!
  • I am so lucky to have worked under you for so long, and hope to be on your team for a long time to come!
  • Happy work anniversary to a manager who is more like a teammate, in all the best ways.
  • Happy workiversary! We hope your bosses appreciate you as much as this team appreciates having you as a manager!
  • You are more than a manager, you are a leader. We are so glad to have you with us for another year.
  • I hope that when I work here as many years as you have, I am just as excellent of a leader as you are.
  • If I accomplish half of what you have in your time here so far, I will consider it a success.
  • Happy work anniversary to the boss who never forgets our workiversaries!
  • Happy work anniversary to the boss who made all of our work anniversaries possible!
  • I cannot imagine working here without a boss as great as you. Happy work anniversary!

For more messages for managers, check out this list of Boss Day quotes .

Final Thoughts

Acknowledging work anniversaries is a relatively new practice, and some bosses or coworkers may struggle to find the right words to honor the occasion. The work anniversary wishes on this list aim to make employees feel valued and appreciated. However, heartfelt and personalized messages are often the most meaningful, so feel free to tweak the wording or expand upon these sayings to find the perfect sentiment for your treasured teammate on their special day.

Next, check out these fun work anniversary memes , our list of positive quotes for work , these years of service award ideas and these ideas for celebrating work anniversaries .

We also have a list of important work milestones for employees .

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FAQ: Work anniversary wishes

Here are answers to common questions about work anniversary wishes, messages and quotes.

What are some good ways to say happy work anniversary?

Some good ways to say happy work anniversary include:

There are many other ways to acknowledge the accomplishment of completing another year with the company and making teammates feel special.

Why is wishing coworkers a happy work anniversary important?

Recognition is an important component of employee satisfaction, and wishing coworkers a happy work anniversary recognizes the time and hard work colleagues have put into the company. Acknowledging the occasion can make the milestone feel more momentous, and can also incentivize teammates to remain with the company longer term.

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Author: Angela Robinson

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com. Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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speech on my work anniversary

Marketing Coordinator at teambuilding.com.

Angela has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing and worked as a community manager with Yelp to plan events for businesses.

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COMMENTS

  1. How to write a great work anniversary speech - workiversary.com

    Have you been chosen to give a speech celebrating a colleague’s work anniversary? This blog post will help!

  2. 85+ Work Anniversary Wishes And Messages They’ll Love

    Speech: Giving a speech for a work anniversary is best used in the context of a work event or group meeting, celebration, or function (like a dinner or outing). A carefully crafted message that publicly honors someone’s contribution may be a great way to celebrate.

  3. 50+ Meaningful Work Anniversary Messages - applauz.me

    Work anniversary messages provide a vital opportunity for employee recognition, which fosters a healthy culture and boosts engagement and retention. Here are 50+ meaningful employee anniversary message examples to inspire you.

  4. Work Anniversary Message: 15 Examples - Grammarly

    A work anniversary message is a short communication congratulating a coworker on the anniversary of their hire date. These simple well-wishes celebrate an employee for their dedication, hard work, or loyalty to the company.

  5. 43 Happy Work Anniversary Messages, Wishes, and Quotes

    The ideal length for a short work anniversary speech should be five minutes. It should highlight what you appreciate the most about the people you work with and your experience on the job. Your speech should also acknowledge the honoree’s achievements during your time with the company.

  6. 85 Heartfelt Examples: Work Anniversary Wishes - Status.net

    Thank you for your service!” Personalized and thoughtful messages make your colleagues feel appreciated and honored for their commitment to their work and the company. Examples: Happy work anniversary! Thanks for your hard work, reliability and for always being such a joy and pleasure to work with.

  7. 65 Happy Work Anniversary Wishes, Messages and Quotes - Parade

    From one-year to 10th anniversary milestones, your work bestie or your manager, this list has a message for everyone (and every occasion). So let's retire the classic "congrats!"

  8. Work Anniversary Messages to Thank Coworkers for Their ...

    Whether you’re a coworker, manager, or team lead, sending thoughtful work anniversary messages celebrates these special days and fosters a positive work environment that encourages loyalty and engagement.

  9. Happy Work Anniversary Wishes, Messages & Quotes

    Work anniversary wishes are messages and quotes for coworkers’ workiversaries. These phrases celebrate an employee’s dedication to the company and the team and acknowledge hard work and commitment. You can use these sayings in work anniversary cards, emails, and speeches.

  10. What to Say in a Company Anniversary Speech: Ideas and Tips

    A company anniversary speech should be concise and engaging to hold the audience’s attention. Keep your speech within a reasonable time limit and avoid unnecessary jargon or technical details. You should aim to deliver a speech that is both informative and enjoyable for the audience.