20 Ways to Celebrate Work Anniversaries in 2025

A work anniversary is a key milestone that marks an employee’s dedication, contribution, and growth within a company. Whether they’ve reached one year or a decade, recognizing their tenure in a meaningful way reinforces that their efforts matter. Thoughtful, personalized gestures make employees feel valued, boost motivation, and remind them why they chose (and continue to choose) your company.

Why celebrating work anniversaries is important to employees

An anniversary is a special opportunity to remind an employee that their dedication and hard work continue to be valued and appreciated. These moments of recognition reaffirm that employees are not just workers but integral members of the organization. When companies take the time to acknowledge milestones in a meaningful way, employees are more likely to feel connected, engaged, and motivated to continue growing with the company.

Beyond individual recognition, work anniversaries strengthen team dynamics and workplace culture. Reflecting on past successes and shared experiences fosters camaraderie, highlighting that employees’ achievements are often the result of collaboration and mutual effort. Additionally, when workers witness their peers being recognized for tenure and contributions, it creates a ripple effect and motivates others to strive for long-term success.

A well-executed work anniversary celebration can positively impact retention and long-term commitment. Employees who feel valued are significantly less likely to look elsewhere for a new role, reducing costly turnover and maintaining institutional knowledge. With estimates suggesting turnover costs can reach $15,000 per employee, investing in moments that remind employees why they love working at the company is not just thoughtful—it’s strategic. When done right, work anniversaries inspire loyalty, strengthen morale, and contribute to a workplace where people genuinely want to stay and succeed.

20 ideas to celebrate work anniversaries and service milestones

Oftentimes, work anniversaries are reduced to generic plaques, templated emails, or standard company swag. While these gestures are meant to show appreciation, they often fall flat. Instead, companies that take the time to celebrate milestones in a personal and thoughtful way create a culture where employees feel genuinely appreciated and continue contributing at their best.

1. Double down on digital recognition

Work anniversaries are a perfect opportunity to spotlight employees and recognize their contributions. With employee recognition software, you can seamlessly communicate and celebrate these milestones within your organization. For major anniversaries, consider taking public recognition a step further by featuring employees in a LinkedIn post or a company newsletter. Go beyond stating their years of service—share a fun fact, a quote from their manager, or a throwback photo.

2. Plan a team lunch or happy hour

Organize a lunch outing or post-work happy hour with the employee’s team and closest colleagues. This gives everyone a chance to step away from work, share memories, and celebrate their contributions in a relaxed setting. For remote employees, consider hosting a virtual toast or sending them a meal delivery gift card so they can enjoy lunch while connecting with coworkers over a video call.

3. Organize a party

Sometimes, the best way to celebrate a major milestone is with a lively, well-planned party. Upgrade the office with festive decorations, cater a meal or custom cake, and add interactive elements to make it memorable. Consider a slideshow of fun moments, a trivia game about the honoree’s time at the company, or an open mic where colleagues can share favorite stories and words of appreciation.

4. Offer an experience “menu”

Instead of the standard coffee shop or restaurant gift card, give employees a memorable experience tailored to their interests. Offer a “menu” of experiences they can choose from, such as movie tickets, a local hiking pass, or a rental for outdoor activities (e.g., biking, paddleboarding). For remote employees, consider virtual experiences like a private wine tasting, an online escape room, or a live-streamed workshop on something they love.

5. Gift custom anniversary swag

Make company swag more meaningful by personalizing it to each employee and tying it to milestone achievements. Create an exclusive “Anniversary Club” with special, customized swag only available to those who have reached certain tenure levels. For example, employees celebrating two years might receive a premium leather notebook embossed with their name, while a five-year milestone might come with a personalized jacket or an engraved pen set. Thoughtful, milestone-specific gifts add a sense of prestige and make employees feel truly valued.

6. Offer a travel voucher or staycation package

For major milestone anniversaries, gift employees a travel voucher they can use to visit a destination of their choice. If a big trip isn’t feasible, a staycation package can be just as special—cover a night at a local hotel, offer a fine dining experience, or provide a spa day voucher. Offering experiences outside of work gives the employee something exciting to look forward to.

7. Create personalized video messages

Oftentimes, the most meaningful gift is simply hearing how much you’re appreciated. Compile a video featuring messages from colleagues, managers, and company executives expressing their gratitude for the employee’s contributions. Have team members share memories, inside jokes, or simply say thank you. This type of recognition is heartfelt, personal, and something the employee can keep and revisit for years to come.

8. Write a letter or card

In the digital age, a handwritten letter can be a powerful way to show appreciation. Have a senior leader or the CEO write a thoughtful note detailing the employee’s impact, specific achievements, and contributions over the years. A well-crafted, sincere message can leave a lasting impression and reinforce their importance to the company.

9. Gift a personalized subscription box

Surprise employees with a curated subscription box that aligns with their interests. Options could include gourmet snacks, self-care products, coffee or tea selections, or a book-of-the-month club. To make it personal, let them fill out a short questionnaire in advance to ensure the box fits their preferences. This gesture keeps the celebration going beyond just one day.

10. Create a photo collage

A photo collage is a simple yet meaningful way to celebrate an employee’s work anniversary by capturing their journey with the company. Gather photos from key moments (e.g., team events, project milestones, company retreats) and arrange them into a framed collage. For a personal touch, have team members sign the back of the piece with thoughtful messages.

11. Name a company tradition or item after them

For employees who have made a lasting impact, celebrate them by naming something in their honor. This could be a meeting room, an internal award, or a signature office snack inspired by them. If an employee is known for always bringing donuts to team meetings, consider making “Sarah’s Friday Donut Run” an official company tradition. Small touches like these reinforce a sense of belonging and legacy.

12. Give an anniversary-themed office makeover

Give the employee’s workspace a temporary makeover to mark the occasion. Decorate their desk with balloons, banners, and a handwritten appreciation note. For remote employees, send a small “work anniversary kit” with a desk plant and customized nameplate. This is a fun way to refresh their workspace while celebrating their contributions.

13. Provide extra paid time off

There’s nothing like the gift of time—offer employees an extra day off so they can relax, recharge, or do something they enjoy. Some companies offer milestone-based paid time off, such as an extra week of vacation at five or ten years. If full days off aren’t feasible, consider giving them a “free pass” to leave early on their anniversary or enjoy a flexible workday with no meetings. It’s a small but highly valued gesture that acknowledges their dedication.

14. Donate to a charitable cause in their name

For employees who are passionate about giving back, a charitable donation in their name can be a deeply meaningful way to celebrate their work anniversary. Allow them to choose a nonprofit organization they care about and make a donation on their behalf. Some companies take this a step further by organizing a team volunteer day in honor of the employee, letting them lead a community service initiative they’re passionate about. This kind of recognition aligns with their values and reinforces a culture of corporate social responsibility.

15. Increase salary

One of the most appreciated ways to recognize an employee’s tenure is with a well-earned raise. A salary increase tied to their work anniversary rewards their contributions and reinforces that their long-term commitment is valued. This is especially impactful for employees who have consistently performed well and taken on greater responsibilities. A raise shows that their loyalty is reciprocated with tangible career and financial growth.

16. Provide an anniversary bonus

If a salary increase isn’t feasible, an anniversary bonus can be a great alternative. Whether it’s a set amount for every milestone year or a percentage of their salary, this financial reward provides immediate recognition of their dedication. Employees will appreciate a gesture that supports their financial well-being, especially when it’s framed as a direct thank-you for their hard work.

17. Offer stock options

Offer stock options to employees hitting major milestones to reward their loyalty and contributions. This provides a tangible financial benefit and reinforces their role as a valued stakeholder in the company’s future. Even smaller equity grants show employees that their work directly contributes to the organization’s success and that you want them to share in that growth.

18. Post a LinkedIn recommendation from leadership

Have the employee’s manager or a company leader write a thoughtful LinkedIn recommendation highlighting their skills, contributions, and impact on the team. This serves as a meaningful recognition of their hard work and enhances their professional brand and future career opportunities. Employees will appreciate that their efforts are acknowledged in a way that extends beyond the company.

19. Upgrade technology

Show appreciation by giving employees a tech upgrade that enhances their work experience. This could be a new laptop, a high-quality monitor, noise-canceling headphones, or even a premium office chair. For remote workers, consider covering the cost of a faster internet plan or ergonomic home office accessories. An investment in their tools is an investment in their productivity and well-being.

20. Provide a professional development stipend

Give employees the gift of growth by offering a professional development stipend they can use for courses, certifications, or industry conferences. Whether they want to sharpen existing skills, explore a new area of expertise, or attend a networking event, this investment shows that the company values their long-term career development.

Conclusion

Celebrating work anniversaries boosts employee morale, strengthens organizational culture, and reinforces long-term commitment. A meaningful celebration—whether it’s a personalized experience, a financial reward, a professional development opportunity, or a heartfelt message—goes beyond routine acknowledgment. It shows employees that their contributions matter and that their time with the company is valued. When done right, it fosters a workplace where employees feel connected, motivated, and inspired to grow within the organization for many more years to come.