Congratulate the Retiree
Take a moment to congratulate the retiree on everything they’ve achieved so far. Let them know you think they’ve had an impressive career, made an amazing contribution to their industry, and really changed their workplace for the better.
You can also use this as an opportunity to compliment them on their achievements, approach, or manner. If a coworker or boss is retiring, you could thank them for the way they’ve helped you with your own career, or note how they’ve been a truly great mentor. If a family member is retiring, compliment them on their long and successful career and how proud you feel.В
Look Back on Fond (or Funny) Memories
Retirement is a time of reflection for many, with the retiree looking back at their career and achievements. Follow suit by using your congratulations message to reflect on fond or funny memories you share with them.В
You could bring up the time when they had a fantastic fundraising idea and raised money for a local cause, or when they supported you through a tough time. If you know their sense of humor, you could look back on a funny memory — like when they spilled coffee on their shirt right before a meeting, or embarrassed themselves in front of a customer.В
Wish Them Well for the Future
Just as one chapter of their life is closing, another is beginning. Your beloved retiree is heading into a different way of life and it’s time to wish them well.
If you know what the retiree is looking forward to or doing next, you can personalize your message. Congratulate them on starting a business and wish them well for the future, or say that you hope they have a wonderful adventure spending more time with their family. If you’re not sure what they have planned, you can keep it simple and wish them all the best.В
How to Say “Congratulations on Your Retirement!”
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Simple Retirement MessagesВ
It’s time to send those well wishes to the happy retiree. To keep things simple, consider these wording ideas:В
• Happy retirement, [Name]! You’ve earned it.
• Congrats on your retirement! Enjoy this new chapter.
• Wishing you good health for the future.
• Sending happy retirement wishes your way, [Name]!
• Have a wonderful retirement, [Name]!
• Wishing you a happy and healthy retirement — have fun!В
Congratulations Messages to Your Boss
If your boss is retiring, you may want to express how they played a special role in your career and how it’ll be tough for someone to fill their shoes. Here are a few simple ways to congratulate a boss and wish them well for the future:
• Best wishes for the future, [Name]. You’ll always be the boss. Thank you for everything!В
• Good luck with the next chapter of your life, [Name]. You’ll be missed by us all.
• Can’t believe you’re leaving to become your own boss! As someone who knows, you’ll be great at it.В
• Best of luck with your new journey, [Name]. It’s been a pleasure having you as my boss.
Retirement Wishes for a Coworker
It’s hard to say goodbye to a coworker you’ve really enjoyed working with. To help ease the pain, here are some lovely words you can share with them in a retirement card:
• Thanks so much for all your hard work at [Company], [Name]! I couldn’t have gotten through it without you.
• Have fun on all your new adventures. We’ll miss you so much!В
• It won’t be the same without you here, [Name]. Best wishes for the new chapter of your life.
• [Name], you’re one of the hardest workers I know. Enjoy your retirement in comfort — you deserve it!В
Retirement Congratulations to a Family Member or Good Friend
You don’t have to work with the retiree to send them a congratulations card. Sometimes you’ll want to send one to a loved one or close friend who’s retiring. Here are some wording ideas to help share the joy:
• Have the best retirement ever, [Name]! We can’t wait to see more of you.В
• Congratulations on your retirement, [relation] — there’s nobody who deserves it more.В
• So glad it’s retirement time, Grandpa/Grandma! All of us grandkids are excited to spend more time with you.В
• Happy retirement, [Name]! Hope you enjoy all the free time — we’ll stop by for afternoon tea soon.В
• Congrats on your retirement, [relation]. Now you have all the time in the world to pursue [hobby].
Funny Retirement Congratulations Messages
If you’re on good terms and know they’ll enjoy it, have a little fun with your “congratulations on your retirement” message. Here are some light, fun wording ideas to sprinkle some laughter into the proceedings:
Retirement Gift Ideas
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Sometimes you’ll want to send a thoughtful gift alongside your well wishes. Perhaps you’ll join forces with others to send a group gift, or send a sweet individual gift to congratulate the retiree on their achievements. Whatever you choose, here are some retirement gift ideas they’re sure to love.В
Thoughtful Personalized GiftsВ
You could get a beautiful watch engraved with their name and a sweet message, or you could give the gift of personalized jewelry, stationery, or housewares instead. Another popular option is to create a gift trophy or medal for the retiree to commemorate their work.В
Hobby Gifts
Often people have more time to enjoy their hobbies once they retire, so this is the perfect opportunity to give them something special that relates to their interests.В
Popular choices here include accessories for sports like golf, walking, or tennis. You could also give craft supplies if the retiree loves to make things, or an e-reader or tablet if they enjoy curling up with a good book.В
Gift Card
If you’re not sure what to give as a gift or you want your friend or coworker to have freedom of choice, a gift card is always a lovely retirement gift option.В
Say “Congratulations on Your Retirement” in Style
Your retiree friend or coworker is about to step into a new phase of their life — one with more freedom and time to pursue the things they love. We hope this guide has helped you put your joy for them into words, so you can congratulate them on a job well done and celebrate all they’ve achieved.
• Tailor your best wishes to the retiree as well as your level of relationship or appropriateness given your employment positions. If in doubt, traditional is always tasteful.
• If you know the person well enough, a nod to a favorite color or pet or hobby bumps up the personal vibe of your greeting.
• A line of congratulations from you takes only a minute to add and makes your message memorable.
Before this retiree gets busy with golf or gardening or grandchildren, celebrate their life accomplishments and the rewards that follow. One more voice does more than raise the volume. It warms the heart. Add yours.
RETIREMENT WISHES
RETIREMENT QUOTES
Retirement Wishes
• Enjoy your retirement! Now the fun begins! All the best to you, Ed!
• Retirement congratulations! It’s time to follow dreams long set aside and enjoy the rewards of work done well. Wishing you the best, Martin!
• Woo hoo! Kick up your heels and enjoy your retirement, Alex!
• Happy Retirement Day! Happy every day of your Retirement, Carol!
• Happy Retirement! Enough with your daily job. Now it's time for your life's work! Congratulations, Tom!
• Happy Retirement, Terry! Who knows what new adventures lie ahead? Here’s to happy endings for them all!
• Congratulations! Enjoy your retirement, Bob! All the best to you always.
• Best wishes as you retire, Susan. You’re such a gifted, creative person, your retirement won’t be dull for a minute! Congratulations!
• Happy Retirement! Congratulations on this new phase of your life, Steve. May all your hopes and plans come true!
• Congratulations! You got your life back! Enjoy every minute, Jim!
• Congratulations! It’s a very good year to retire, Pat!
• You’re free as a bird! You've earned your wings! Enjoy your retirement, Mary!
• Finish Line! Here’s to your success and new adventures! Congratulations on your retirement, Sharon!
• Congratulations, Mary, on your well-deserved retirement!
• CONGRATULATIONS! Happy Retirement, Carey!
• Happy Retirement! It’s time to kick back and enjoy. You’ve earned it! Wishing you luck in all that you do, Sam.
• Retirement ahead! Looks like friendly seas from here on out, Charles! Enjoy the adventure!
• Well Done. How satisfying to retire with so many successes to remember! Congratulations, Barb!
• Congrats! Enjoy your retirement, Joy! You’ve made a difference here.
• Sincere Congratulations! Your success has been fueled by your intelligence and energy, and you’ve earned our greatest respect. Best wishes in your retirement, Robin!
Retirement Quotes
Age is only a number, a cipher for the records. A man can't retire his experience. He must use it. Experience achieves more with less energy and time.
We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things.
Retirement is a blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different.
Don't simply retire from something; have something to retire to.
If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
Retirement's the most wonderful thing. I get to enjoy all the things I never stopped to notice on the way up…
The key to retirement is to find joy in the little things.
How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.
To some of us, retirement gives us time to follow our dreams.
I see retirement as just another of these reinventions, another chance to do new things and be a new version of myself.
The fruit of your own hard work is the sweetest.
The joy of retirement comes in those everyday pursuits that embrace the joy of life…
Retirement may be an ending, a closing, but it is also a new beginning.
Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else.
It’s time to celebrate all the hard work that led to this joyful occasion.
You might be on the back nine of life, but it’s good to finish strong.
You might retire from a job, but never retire from making contributions. Indeed, life is about contribution, not accumulation.
Retire from work, but not from life.
Congratulations! Today is your day. You're off to great places. You're off and away!
Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials – much to live on and much to live for.
…to me, retirement means doing what you have fun doing.
The biggest reward for a thing well done is to have done it.
There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want.
No matter the size of the accomplishment, reaching a goal you set out to do is considered a success. The below listing of congratulations on your accomplishment quotes serve as a perfect variety of celebratory messages you can share with your friends and family.
Some of the largest accomplishments a person may reach during their lifetime is graduating from school, getting married, having a child, landing their dream job, or reaching a career milestone. These quotes are intended to help inspire your own unique and personal message.Congrats on your fabulous victory. I always knew you are different from others. Your achievement is truly commendable so keep up the good work.
Congrats again.If Oscars were given for a job well done, I'd nominate you. Congratulations for your fantastic achievement.
It is a success, you truly deserved. It is an achievement you have truly earned. I congratulate you on your success and wish you all the best for your future.
Well Done.It's a pleasure to work with someone who knows how to make a friendly and inspiring work environment. I'm glad that a position opened up for you that is a great next step in your career.
Well done. You are destined to make it big, you just didn't know it. This recognition is surely deserved and will give you an opportunity to spread your wings.
With knowledge in your hands and an open heart, you were sure to find success in your efforts. Congratulations.
You worked hard, you deserve it, you have got it. Please accept my congratulations on this wonderful recognition of your merits.
Your dedication, enthusiasm and insight are really inspiring. I wish you many years of great achievements.
You've worked hard to achieve this promotion, but your efforts were completely worth it. Now one of your great desires became real.
Wishing you best of luck in your new capacity.The following infographic provides the key tools needed for leaders in the workforce that want to obtain success.
Some of the most important characteristics needed are leadership, adaptability, and collaboration. Having the ability to critically think and communicate clearly are vitally important to your career success and functioning in the workplace everyday.
Employee Appreciation and Anniversary Messages for Years of Service Awards
Sep
Your employees want to feel the appreciation and recognition for their efforts and loyalty towards the organization. Just as it's essential to recognize the people we care about on their birthday, it's also crucial to recognize your employees or co-workers on their corporate anniversary, as well as other significant and personal company milestones. But unlike a family member's birthday, the words and messaging to convey how you feel about them may not flow as naturally for you.
Sometimes finding the right words can be a difficult task. You likely know how you feel about a person, but it not at all uncommon to struggle to find the right thing to say to your employee or co-worker. The last thing you want to do is freeze up during an employee recognition event and not say anything at all, or worse, say something completely inappropriate, which embarrasses you and the employee being recognized.
The following is a comprehensive list of employee appreciation messages and work anniversary best wishes that are sure to inspire you and get you started.
A Comprehensive List of Employee Appreciation and Anniversary Messages
“You bring high energy and a commitment to everything that you do. We are happy to call you a valued teammate.”
“We are all so proud to have you as part of our corporate family. We hope that you keep up your good work for many years to come!”
“Hard work, Loyalty, and Diligence are the cornerstones of great employees. And I'm glad that you have all of these qualities. Today is your work anniversary, and there isn't any better moment than today to appreciate you and wish you good luck for many years to come.”
“Congratulations on your work anniversary with us! Your hard work is on display every day, and we truly appreciate your dedication.”
“Your many years of service are a true testimony of your dedication to the organization, and you are truly valued for your contributions.”
“You are a valuable member of our diverse and successful team. Wishing you the best for continued success!”
“Congratulations on your work anniversary! You are a significant part of our team, and we couldn't imagine our workplace without you.”
“Congratulations on achieving one year of service with the company. Your steadfast faith and dedication to this organization are much appreciated.”
“Your determination and effort that you have demonstrated during your time with us is surely just the beginning of what you will accomplish in the upcoming years!”
“Happy anniversary! Thank you for all of the contributions that you have made over the years in making our company successful.”
“We are so happy and proud of all you've accomplished. Thank you for staying with us over the years. Happy anniversary!”
“Through the years, your abilities and efforts have helped the success of this organization. Together, we celebrate and take pride in your accomplishment and your commitment to excellence. Congratulations on your anniversary!”
“We are delighted and proud to have you as part of our team and congratulate you on this anniversary milestone. All the best to you and the contributions that we know you will make for these many years to come.”
“I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for your efforts over the years as you realize this milestone. Dedicated employees like you are the foundation of any successful company. Thank you for your contribution to the success of this company!”
“Thank you for the inspiration, motivation, and encouragement you've given throughout the years to your peers. We know you will continue to inspire us for many years to come!”
“Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your career! It is a testament to your loyalty and dedication to the company. You have always lead by example with true collegial spirit.”
“I would like to extend my heartiest wishes on your work anniversary. I want to thank you for everything you've done for the team and the organization as a whole throughout the years.”
“It's amazing how fast five years have gone by, but it has been that long since you joined us. Your expertise is brilliant, and you have helped us achieve what some thought was impossible. I want to extend my heartiest work anniversary wishes to you.”
“Your positive attitude towards work is contagious and inspires everyone here to give their best. Today is your work anniversary, and we are thankful for having you as part of the team. Happy Anniversary!
“It takes a great team member to make a difference, and you display that with your actions. You achieved another milestone in your professional career. Happy Work Anniversary.”
“Congratulations on achieving ten years of service. The organization depends on your dedication to your job and the quality work that you do. We couldn't do it without you!”
“Congratulations on your work anniversary. You continue to be a key player on this team, and your efforts help make it a success. Thanks again, and congratulations!”
“Your commitment to being the best employee and human being is second to none. That sums up who you are, and we are so glad to have someone like you on our team. Wishing you a happy work anniversary and the best of luck for all the upcoming years of work.”
“We all can take inspiration from your hard work, dedication, passion, and loyalty that you have displayed throughout these ten years of service. Congratulations on your Work Anniversary!”
“Your contributions to the organization are greatly valued and well respected. You have never failed to put the organization first with your hard work and loyalty. Congratulations on your 25 years of service to this company.”
“Let me congratulate you on your 20th anniversary. Your leadership in the recreation department is worthy of all the praise you will hear today. Thank you for the high level of service that you provide. Wishing you more successes and best wishes always!”
“Congratulations on 25 years of service! We are so fortunate to have you on our team. Your humility, generosity, and kindness is a constant source of motivation and inspiration, and your dedication and work ethics are exemplary. I wish you many more years of success. Happy work anniversary!”
“Having a co-worker like you is a matter of absolute pride. You continue to inspire me even after so many years of working together. Happy Work Anniversary.”
“For the past 20 years, you have been a great member of this organization, serving in various roles. Your time and dedication to the company and the mission are much appreciated. You are always willing to help where it is needed in addition to doing your job. Thanks again, and congratulations!”
“Congratulations on achieving five years of exemplary service. Blessings to you for continued success in all your endeavors.”
“I have watched learn and grow over these past five years. We are lucky to have you as a member of our team. Your contribution means a lot to us. Wishing you all the best and a happy work anniversary.”
“Congratulations on 25 Years of service! Your enthusiasm and dedication are what make you stand out. I wish you the very best today and always. Here is to many more years of success.”
“There are a few people like you who can show the utmost dedication to their jobs; you have been showing that dedication for the past ten years. We congratulate you on reaching this milestone with our organization and wish you a very happy work anniversary.”
“Congratulations on reaching a milestone of serving the company for five years! See, I told you it would fly! I wish you continued success as you undoubtedly will continue to provide the first-class service to all of our customers.”
“You have and continue to be an essential part of our company's journey and success since you joined our family ten years ago. We are eternally grateful for the loyalty and passion you have shown. Thank you for being a part of us. Happy Work Anniversary!”
“You have set very high standards for all of us to emulate with your work ethics and your dedication. Thank you for the things you have done over these past five years. Happy Work Anniversary!”
“I am very privileged to have you as an employee on my team. Over the years, you have done an admirable job, and I value everything you have done to contribute to our growth. My best wishes on your work anniversary. Keep up the great work!”
“Your loyalty and hard work set an example for everyone in our organization. Thank you for being a part of our team. Happy Work Anniversary!”
“Congratulations on your 10th work anniversary! With your expertise and willingness to lead by example, you deserve this recognition. Congratulations on your accomplishment.”
“Congratulations on your years of service to this organization. Your hard work and dedication have contributed to the success of this organization over the years! Great Job!”
“You have completed three decades of service as one of our esteemed employees, and we are gratified and privileged to have you as part of this organization. Thank you for staying with us all these years, and once again, happy work anniversary.”
“Congratulations on your 35th anniversary with us. I have always enjoyed working with you as your friendly demeanor and professionalism made any interaction with you very pleasant. You are very valuable and much appreciated by all of us.”
“Congratulations on your 25th Service Award! It has certainly been a pleasure working with you in this department for the past ten years. I wish you continued success in all you do.”
“Words are not enough to thank you for everything that you contributed to this organization. I want to extend my deepest gratitude on the occasion of your Work Anniversary. Great job!”
“Congratulations on your 15th anniversary! You've come a long way since you started as a Research Clerk. When handed that first program, maybe before you were ready, you stepped up and made it work. Congratulations again, and keep up the exceptional work!”
“Wow, forty years! What an amazing accomplishment! Throughout your years, you have shown true grit, determination, resolve, and dependence. These character traits have made you the tremendous character you are. It has been a tremendous honor working with you, and I appreciate the friendship we have developed over the years. Congrats!”
“Every organization needs someone who stands out from the rest to be an inspiration for others to emulate. You are that person, and I am proud of you and everything you do daily. Happy work anniversary!”
“Congratulations on achieving 20 years of exemplary work service. We truly appreciate your dedicated service to the organization, and I am personally thankful for your example as a role model in your local community. Happy Anniversary!”
Whatever your message is to a valued employee or co-worker, remember that just a few short sentences of sincerity for the efforts and contributions that they have made will do wonders to reinforce the value that this employee plays in the organization.
Sincere messages of thanks and gratitude, coupled with receiving a years of service award gift is meaningful and powerful. Convey your feelings in person, on a card, or through the social recognition functionality of your employee recognition system. Whichever route you choose, be sincere.
Kevin Hunter
Content Marketing Consultant
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