When a colleague or employee reaches a work anniversary, it is customary to acknowledge their dedication and service. Knowing what to write in a work anniversary card or email can be challenging. The message should be thoughtful, personal, and appropriate for the work relationship. Here are some tips on how to best comment on a work anniversary:
Be Personalized
A generic “Happy Work Anniversary” will not suffice. Take the time to make your message unique to the individual. Mention their name, position, and how many years they have been with the company. If possible, highlight a few of their accomplishments from the past year or note the impact they have made.
Express Appreciation
The focus of an anniversary message should be expressing gratitude for the colleague’s loyalty, hard work, and contributions to the company. Thank them for their commitment and service over the years. If applicable, mention how they have helped you or the team succeed.
Share a Positive Memory
Reminiscing about a positive experience you have shared with the colleague makes the message more meaningful. Recall a time when you collaborated on a successful project, overcame a challenge together, or shared a funny moment at a company event. These personal memories add a nice touch.
Compliment Their Work
Sincerely compliment the quality of the colleague’s work, ethics, or other admirable traits. For example, you could praise their stellar presentation skills, consistent creative thinking, or willingness to go above and beyond. Focus on 1-2 specific strengths or achievements.
Express Well Wishes
Part of the message should look to the future and express hope for continued success and fulfillment. Wish them the best for the upcoming year and say you look forward to achieving more together. It emphasizes your ongoing support.
Keep It Professional
Be careful not to cross professional boundaries or make inappropriate jokes. Anniversary messages to colleagues should remain friendly but professional. Save very casual or humorous comments for close work friends.
Consider Company Service Milestones
Some companies have formal service milestones such as 5, 10, 15 years, etc. If the colleague has reached a significant career milestone, acknowledge the major achievement and how few employees make it that far. It demonstrates deep respect.
Examples
Here are some example messages for various work anniversary scenarios:
Sample Email to Co-Worker
Dear [name],
Congratulations on your 5th work anniversary! I cannot believe it has been five years since you first joined [company]. You have accomplished so much in your time here and have been an invaluable member of the marketing team. I still remember when we first worked together on the fall product launch campaign. We made such a great team!
Thank you for always being willing to share your creative ideas, lend a hand, and collaborate with others. Here is to celebrating many more successful years together. Wishing you continued happiness in your role!
Sincerely,
[your name]
Sample Card Message to Manager
Dear [manager’s name],
Happy 10th work anniversary! Thank you for your strong leadership and guidance over the past decade. I deeply appreciate your commitment to helping me and the team grow professionally. You’ve taught me so much about effective management. Here is to 10 more years of success together!
Congratulations and best wishes,
[your name]
Sample Speech for 25 Year Milestone
“[Name], congratulations on the incredible milestone of being with [company] for 25 years! Your passion, dedication, and creativity over the past two and a half decades has not gone unnoticed. On behalf of the entire company, I want to express our profound thanks for the hard work and loyalty you have shown. You embody the spirit and values that make [company] such a great place to work. Here is to many more years of working together!”
Delivery Method
The message can be handwritten in a card and accompanied by a small gift or gift card. Or it can be sent electronically via email or social media. Publicly recognizing the colleague’s achievement at a company meeting or event is also encouraged for major milestones.
Conclusion
Acknowledging a work anniversary is a thoughtful gesture that boosts morale. With sincerity and personalization, you can craft a memorable message that conveys appreciation. The most meaningful comments focus on the colleague’s specific contributions, achievements, and positive qualities.
Years of Service | Message Themes |
---|---|
1 Year | Welcoming them to the company, getting through first year hurdles |
5 Years | Becoming an established part of the team, reminiscing about key projects |
10 Years | Leadership, wisdom, career growth, milestone achievement |
15+ Years | Company loyalty, impressive dedication, positive influence on colleagues |