Anniversaries are a cause for celebration, a moment to both honor the longevity of a relationship and reflect on what the event means. And work anniversaries are no different: They are an opportunity to recognize someone’s achievements and congratulate a co-worker for another year of a job well done.
But how do you commemorate a work anniversary properly? Why is it important to acknowledge someone’s work anniversary? And finally, what should the celebration look like?
What is a work anniversary?
A work anniversary is just what it sounds like: an annual celebration that marks an employee or co-worker’s first day on the job. Just like you’d celebrate a wedding anniversary each year on the day someone got married, you celebrate a work anniversary each year on the day someone began a job and started their journey at their company.
Best practices for celebrating work anniversaries
The way you choose to recognize a work anniversary largely depends on the magnitude of the occasion as well as your relationship to the honoree, says Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and owner of The Protocol School of Texas.
This can range from a company-wide email, for people who have been with the company for only a few years, to a big party, for someone who’s been there for several decades.
With regard to the latter, the employer should be responsible for hosting that celebration, whatever it might look like.
“It’s important not to put financial pressure on co-workers or friends,” Gottsman says. “If there’s a big event or celebration, it should come from management and be paid for by the office.”
That said, celebrating work anniversaries in groups is also a way to acknowledge these achievements without focusing the spotlight on one person and possibly making them feel uncomfortable.
It’s also great for morale.
“Work anniversaries can be a great way to get together once a month to celebrate all those who have them within the month,” Gottsman says. “You can get together, discuss how many years they’ve been with the company, and maybe even have a potluck lunch or treat during the workday.”
Coworkers or friends can acknowledge the achievement with a small gift or pat on the back.
Another, more private way to acknowledge a specific person’s work anniversary is with a well-intentioned and polite card or well wishes.
What to write in a work anniversary card
Gottsman says there’s no wrong way to write a work anniversary card — just as long as you remember to be courteous and positive, and express pride in their achievements.
The ultimate key to writing a work anniversary card that gets a smile is sharing an authentic sentiment with your coworker, friend, or loved one that makes sense within the context of your relationship.
Below are 60 examples of work anniversary wishes to express all types of sentiments and for various kinds of relationships.
Short & sweet work anniversary wishes
Another year down, many more to go!
Congrats on the work anniversary!
You did it — you made it another year.
So proud of all you’ve accomplished.
Happy work anniversary!
Celebrate today…you deserve it!
Funny work anniversary wishes
You didn’t think we forgot, did you? (Only for a minute…happy work-a-versary!)
Another year, and we’re still not tired of seeing your face — now that’s worth celebrating!
It feels like yesterday you started working here. To you, though, it probably feels like a lifetime.
Another year full of outward smiles and inward smirks. So glad you’re on our team!
Happy anniversary! Now get back to work.
Another year zips by while you hope someone will recognize your hard work. (Just kidding, we recognize and appreciate it. Congrats!)
First-year work anniversary wishes
Year 1 down, so many more to go! Glad to have you on the team.
Congrats on all the success you’ve achieved in Year 1!
Well done on your first year with our team.
Glad to have you aboard. Thanks for all your hard work in Year 1.
What a year! Here’s to many more exciting hours at the office.
Our team wouldn’t be the same without you. Congrats on your first year.
Inspirational work anniversary wishes
You’ve tackled challenges and solved problems — there’s nothing you can’t do. Happy work anniversary!
Your talent knows no bounds! So glad to have you on our team.
Congratulations on another year of hard work. You inspire us every day!
Thank you for being a constant inspiration; we’re better because we have you.
Congrats on another great year! You set the standard every day you’re here.
We’re looking toward a bright future with you. Thanks for another great year.
Casual work anniversary wishes
You’re a rare breed, [name]. We’re glad you’re on our side for another year!
Another year down! We’re so lucky we get to work alongside you.
Happy work anniversary! Save me some cake, please.
Lunch on me? Happy work anniversary.
Don’t think we don’t know how lucky we are that you’re here!
Congrats to the best employee we have on another year.
Professional work anniversary wishes
We appreciate your hard work and dedication this year.
Thank you for another great year!
Happy work anniversary. We’re so glad to have you here.
We celebrate you and your relentless dedication, today and every day.
Our team is better because you’re on it. Happy work anniversary!
We’re grateful for your talent. Congratulations on another great year.
Reflective work anniversary wishes
Think of where you started and where you are now. We’re incredibly proud of your accomplishments!
It seems like you started with us just yesterday. Can’t wait to see how far you go.
Another year of excellence! When we think back on everything you’ve accomplished, we are blown away.
Your hard work and dedication have been so evident this year. Congrats on a job well done!
Our team couldn’t have made it through this year without you!
We’re so proud of your progress and accomplishments this year. Thanks for being you!
Anniversary wishes from an employer
We are so fortunate to get to work with a talent like you!
We appreciate all your hard work this year!
Another year down. We’re so proud to celebrate your accomplishments.
Happy work anniversary to an employee we’re proud to have on our team.
Congratulations on yet another year of determination, hard work, and success.
We’re so grateful you’re on our team. Happy work anniversary!
Anniversary wishes from a colleague
I can’t imagine working here without you. Thanks for another year of fun!
You make coming to work a blast. Congrats on another year.
Where would we be without you? Another year under your belt!
Happy work-a-versary to my favorite member of the team.
Another year down, many more to go. We couldn’t do this without you!
Congrats on your work anniversary from your favorite co-worker.
Anniversary wishes from a close friend
Your company got another year out of you? Well, aren’t they lucky?!
Congrats on another great year. I’m so proud of you!
Another whole year passed? Way to go, champ!
Happy work anniversary to a well-deserving and talented employee.
Your company couldn’t do it without you. Congrats on another year.
Can you believe you’re still at that company? I can…they’re lucky to have you. Happy work-a-versary!
AUTHOR
Beginning her writing career as a print journalist, Hanna Marcus worked as a beat reporter and general assignment reporter in newsrooms throughout Florida including The Tampa Bay Times, The Orlando Sentinel, The Naples Daily News, and The Gainesville Sun. Now a full-time freelance writer, she writes for clients such as Hot Topic, New Balance, BoxLunch, and others.