It acknowledges the employee
When someone has worked with you for a year or longer, they have often contributed a lot to the business. Recognizing an employee and their unique contributions to the team can give them the recognition they deserve. If you decide to include your team in the employee acknowledgment, it might also provide the opportunity for other employees to recognize and understand the efforts and accomplishments of the employee.
It is proper etiquette
An employee may see a work anniversary as an important milestone. Sending congratulations displays gratitude and professionalism that could be appreciated by the employee.
It shows sincere appreciation
When you mention specific examples of tasks and projects that the employee completed successfully, it demonstrates a sincerity that goes further than a nondescript message. Letting an employee know what you appreciate about their time at the company shows that you recognize and care about their long-term efforts.
It inspires other employees
If you plan to send your congratulations publicly, other employees may feel inspired to put more effort into their work. Appreciating the work of an employee can motivate others to work harder to develop their career further.
Ways to say congratulations on a work anniversary
There are many methods of saying congratulations on an employee anniversary. Here are a few examples of how to say happy work anniversary:
Leave a card or note on their desk
Deciding to print or write a personal anniversary note or card can show an employee a great deal of sincerity. A handwritten message indicates that you spent time and effort in displaying your gratitude, which can help promote positive thinking at work.
Give them a gift
Even a small contribution can feel rewarding to an employee on their work anniversary. Giving a token of your appreciation might provide an unexpected feeling of gratitude that makes the employee happy to be there and continue their employment. A gift card is a good option for an anniversary gift.
How to write a congratulations message
There are many ways to write a congratulations message that can acknowledge an employee's anniversary professionally and sincerely. Follow these steps to help deliver a work anniversary message that best shows your employee that you appreciate them:
Choose your method of contact.
Choose your recipient.
Address the recipient appropriately.
Start with congratulations.
Use a positive tone and kind words.
Mention specific acknowledgments.
Conclude the message.
Send the message.
Choose your recipient.
Sending a private message to the employee allows you to speak candidly about their achievements. You might also consider adding the rest of the team into the memo, which can publicly celebrate the employee and allow for further appreciation and acknowledgment from other employees.
Address the recipient appropriately.
Depending on the size, formality and culture of the work environment of the company, you could choose to use their first name to make the note more personal. Otherwise, use "Dear Mr." or "Ms." followed by the employee’s last name to show professionalism and respect.
Start with congratulations.
After you address the recipient, begin your message with congratulations on their work anniversary. This introduction states the purpose of your writing from the beginning.
Example: "Dear Ms. Arnold, Congratulations on your 1st work anniversary!" or "Dear Mr. Green, Happy 10th work anniversary!"
Use a positive tone and kind words.
A work anniversary is commonly a happy time for an employee. Using a positive tone and kind words establishes a sense of joy in the employee. You may use a professional tone, but keeping your message upbeat can make the employee feel rewarded while they read the remainder of the letter.
Example: "I want to personally thank you for everything you’ve done for this company over the last year." Or,"I want to convey my gratitude for the efforts and progress you’ve made over the past five years."*
Mention specific acknowledgments.
Being acknowledged for your efforts can be a rewarding feeling. When sending congratulations on a work anniversary message, mentioning specific acknowledgments can lead to an employee feeling that you sincerely appreciate the work that they do. Think about the particular achievements and progress that the employee has made over the past year or longer. Tell them how much you appreciate and recognize their hard work.
Example: "The progress you’ve made with customer acquisition over the past year has been outstanding, and everyone at the company recognizes the consistent effort you put into your work." Or, "From where you started, you have developed into one of our top salespeople. I still remember the first day of training when you said how hard you would work to understand our process. Today you are managing the process from top to bottom."
Conclude the message.
After you have acknowledged the employee, congratulate them one more time on their anniversary before concluding the letter. Consider thanking them for being a part of your company and follow this last item with a proper closing. Type or sign your name where appropriate.
Example: "Again, congratulations on your work anniversary. I am so happy to have you on the team. Sincerely, Joseph Brenton." Or, "Congratulations on five years. I think I can speak for everyone when I say that we are glad you are with us. Gratefully, Joseph Brenton."
Send the message.
Sample congratulations messages
Use the following examples to help guide you when writing a work anniversary message.
Example 1: 1st work anniversary
Dear Ms. Arnold,
Congratulations on your 1st work anniversary!
I feel like it was just yesterday when you were making your first introductions to the team. How far you have come since then is inspiring to me and undoubtedly the entire company.
*I’ve noticed every achievement that you have made thus far and appreciate all of the hard work you have accomplished with Hortman’s Company. Not only have your sales increased steadily throughout the year, but you have also been a large part of the development of our sales process.
Our clients have only great things to say about you, and we are very happy to have you at our company.*
Keep up the great work, and have a happy work anniversary!
Sincerely,
Joseph Brenton
Example 2: 5th work anniversary
Dear Mr. Johnson,
Congratulations on your 5th work anniversary!
You have done so much for our company over the years. I think I can speak for the whole team when I say that we are incredibly grateful that you are here.
The way you have progressed from an associate to the team leader to the training manager is inspiring. It goes to show what can happen when you dedicate yourself to continuous learning and achievement. You have made so many improvements over the years, and it truly has made the company better as a whole. We are glad you are here, Mr. Johnson.
From everyone at Hortman’s Company, have a happy work anniversary.
Gratefully,
Joseph Brenton
Example 3: 10th work anniversary
Dear Ava,
It’s your 10th work anniversary! Congratulations!
I feel so grateful to be able to call you a fellow employee of Hortman’s Company, but even more so a friend. How much you have accomplished over the years is truly inspiring, and I am delighted that you are a part of our team.
Remember when you were so adamant about changing our workflow processes? I believe you called me stubborn, and looking back, I am glad you did. I cannot imagine where our company would be without you and your logical persuasion skills. What some might call headstrong is your version of complete sincerity, and I am glad I recognized it. You expanded my way of thinking, and it has brought our company to where it is today. I hope you know how grateful we are to have you with us.
Enjoy your anniversary!
Best wishes,
Joseph Brenton
P.S. – There is a cake in the break room with your name on it.
"We are so proud to have you as part of our work family. We hope that you keep up the good work for many years to come!"
"Congratulations on achieving this anniversary with us! We know you have worked hard for this accomplishment and we truly appreciate your dedication."
"Thank you for being such a valuable member of our team. Wishing you the best for continued success!"
"Congratulations on your service anniversary today! You have been such significant part of our team and we couldn't imagine our workplace without you."
"We applaud the determination and effort you have demonstrated during your time with us. We look forward to seeing all of the great things we know you will accomplish in the upcoming years!"
"Happy anniversary! Thank you for the all of the contributions you have made in making our company successful. "
"We are so happy and proud of you for all you've accomplished. Thank you for staying with us through the years. Happy anniversary!"
"Through the years, your talents and efforts have helped our success. Together, we take pride in your accomplishment and your commitment to excellence. Congratulations on your anniversary!"
"We are proud to have you on our team and offer our congratulations on this service milestone. Best wishes to you for these many years to come."
"I want to express my personal appreciation for your achievement of this milestone. Loyal and dedicated employees like you are the foundation to any successful company. Thank you for your contribution to our success!"
"We sincerely appreciate your hard work and efforts year over year. Thank you for your many wonderful years of service!"
"Thank you for all of the motivation and encouragement you've given throughout the years. May you continue to inspire us for many years to come!"
If you're struggling to find the right words to say, just remember that even a few short sentences can make a world of difference. For additional inspiration and ideas, try further personalizing your messages or boosting employee morale by including some motivational quotes and sayings.