85+ Work Anniversary Wishes And Messages They’ll Love

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^{1https://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.

1. Happy work anniversary! It’s been a pleasure working under your leadership for the past year. Thank you for your guidance and support.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Your commitment to excellence is truly inspiring. I’m grateful to work for and learn from you. 
5. Congratulations on reaching another milestone with the company! Your contributions have not gone unnoticed. We are lucky to have you as our boss!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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!
9. 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. 
10. 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!

11. Happy work anniversary! I admire your dedication to our success as a team. Thank you for all that you do!
12. Congratulations on another year with us! Your hard work and commitment to excellence are much appreciated.
13. We are lucky to have you on our team! Your contributions have not gone unnoticed and made our lives better!
14. Happy anniversary! You make our workplace a better place with your positive attitude and hard work.
15. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our company. We are better because you’re here! Congratulations on another year!
16. Your work ethic and positive attitude inspire us all. Happy work anniversary!
17. Congratulations on another year of making a difference at our company. Your contributions are invaluable.
18. Thank you for the time and incredible talent you’ve dedicated to our company. Happy anniversary!
19. 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!
20. We appreciate you and how you make this a great place to work. Congratulations!
21. 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!
22. 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!

23. 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!
24. You make coming to work every day a little brighter. Happy anniversary, and thanks for all you do!
25. Happy anniversary to one of the kindest and most hardworking people I know. Thanks for all you do!
26. 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.
27. 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!
28. 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!
29. 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.
30. 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!
31. 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.
32. 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!
33. 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.

34. I looked up “best coworker ever” in the dictionary, and your picture was there! Happy anniversary!
35. You’ve been with us so long you practically run the place. Thanks for all your hard work, and happy anniversary!
36. You’re like the Swiss Army knife of our team—you can do anything! Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. Happy anniversary!
37. You’re the reason we all keep coming back every day. Thanks for being an amazing colleague and friend. Happy anniversary!
38. Happy work anniversary! “Do or do not. There is no try.” – Yoda (and you definitely did!)
39. 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!
40. Happy work anniversary! May your coffee be strong and your Mondays be short.
41. You’re a wizard at your job! Keep up the great work, and let’s celebrate like the Hogwarts crew after a Quidditch win!
42. 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).
43. Happy anniversary! You’re the Chandler Bing to my Joey Tribbiani. Let’s celebrate with some pizza and beer!
44. 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!
45. 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.

46. 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.
47. 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!
48. 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.
49. 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!
50. 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!
51. 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!
52. Happy one-year work anniversary! It’s been an amazing year working with you. Our future is very bright because you’re here!
53. 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!
54. 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.
55. 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.
56. 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^{2https://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).

57. 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.
58. 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!
59. 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!
60. 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!
61. 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!
62. 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!
63. 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.
64. 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!
65. 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.
66. 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!
67. 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.

68. 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!
69. 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!
70. 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!
71. 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!
72. 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!
73. 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!
74. 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!
75. 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!
76. 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.
77. 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!
78. 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.

79. 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.
80. 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.
81. 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.
82. 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!
83. 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!
84. 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!
85. 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!
86. 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!
87. 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. 
88. 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. 
89. 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^{3https://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^{4https://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^{1https://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.

Want to improve your performance at work? Check out this helpful resource!

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^{5https://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.