35 Years Of Service Recognition Ideas to Make The Celebrations Memorable

35 Years Of Service Recognition Ideas to Make The Celebrations Memorable

Know these years of service recognition ideas that honor dedication and create unforgettable memories for employees.

Tim Kuo

Tim Kuo

Dec 13th 202420 min read

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In today's fast-paced work environment, recognizing employee loyalty is more crucial than ever. Employees are looking for meaningful connections with their workplaces. One powerful way to achieve this is through years of service recognition. Celebrating milestones with thoughtful gestures can make employees feel valued and inspire loyalty. If you're searching for memorable years of service recognition ideas, this article is here to help with practical suggestions to show appreciation.

Consider company branded swag as a meaningful way to celebrate milestones. A personalized touch can show appreciation and strengthen loyalty.

What are Years of Service Recognition Awards

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Employee service award programs are more than just a ceremonial pat on the back. They play a crucial psychological role, reinforcing an employee's sense of belonging and value. When people receive acknowledgment for their commitment, it fosters a positive emotional connection to their workplace. This sense of appreciation is vital in today’s job market, where the cost of employee turnover is high and job-hopping is common.

Employees want to feel that their contributions are noticed and valued for their achievements and their loyalty over time. This sense of belonging transforms a job into a career and a workplace into a community.

The State of Service Award Programs

Despite the best intentions, many years of service recognition programs don’t live up to their potential. According to a joint survey by the Society for Human Resource Management and Globoforce, the main goal of these programs is to appreciate employees, yet many fall short of this mark. Only 22 percent of companies with service award programs rated them as excellent. This highlights a significant gap between these programs' intention and actual impact.

The survey also revealed that while 74 percent of companies have some form of service recognition, only a fraction believe their program is achieving its goals. This disconnect suggests that organizations need to reevaluate and improve their recognition efforts.

Reimagining Service Recognition

How can companies make their service recognition programs more meaningful? It starts with understanding that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. Employees are individuals, and their recognition should reflect that. Instead of generic awards, companies should consider personalized and meaningful tokens of appreciation.

This could range from a heartfelt letter from a CEO to an experience that aligns with the employee’s interests. The key is to make the recognition feel genuine and connected to the employee’s unique journey with the organization. By doing so, companies can create a more engaging and impactful recognition experience that truly resonates with employees.

Making Service Awards Count

Companies must go beyond the basics to make years of service awards count. This means not only recognizing employees at the usual five, ten, or twenty-year milestones but also acknowledging their contributions in between. Smaller, more frequent recognition moments help maintain engagement and show employees that their efforts are appreciated continuously.

Companies should consider involving peers in the recognition process. When employees feel valued by their colleagues, it can have a powerful impact on their sense of belonging and commitment to the organization. By creating a culture of recognition, companies can foster a more positive and productive workplace for everyone.

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Why Are Years Of Service Recognition Important?

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1. Loyalty Recognition: More Than Just a Pat on the Back

Employee service awards are not just formalities; they're strategic tools. They ensure employees feel seen and valued. When you celebrate milestones, you tell your team, “We see you. We appreciate you.” This has a direct impact. Companies with robust recognition programs experience 14% higher employee performance. Employees who feel appreciated are 14% more productive and motivated. This isn't just about the individual, either. It's about creating a culture where everyone knows their contributions matter.

2. Building Team Unity Through Recognition

When people see their peers honored, it resonates. It creates a ripple effect that strengthens team bonds and inspires everyone to feel part of something bigger. Collective celebrations foster unity.

Employees feel connected through shared values and goals, creating a culture that regularly celebrates dedication. This is a place where people want to stay, contribute, and grow. It's about more than just the individual. It's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

3. Reducing Turnover and Retention Costs

Recognized employees are more likely to stay, which is a big win for retention. Service awards send a powerful message that commitment is rewarded, helping reduce turnover and cut costs associated with hiring and training new team members.

Service awards can reduce voluntary turnover by as much as 40%, saving recruitment costs and preserving institutional knowledge. However, this is about more than just reducing turnover. It's about creating an environment where people want to stay and grow, a culture where people are engaged, loyal, and proud to contribute.

4. Creating a Workplace People Want to Be

Employee service awards aren't just about tracking years. They're about celebrating dedication, creating memorable moments, and fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued. When appreciation is woven into the culture, employees feel motivated to stay and give their best, making it a win-win for individuals and the organization.

You're not just recognizing time by making service awards a cornerstone of your culture. You're building a thriving organization where people are engaged, loyal, and proud to contribute.

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Examples Of Years of Service Milestones To Recognize & Celebrate

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Celebrate the First Year: A Foundation for Success

Reaching the one-year milestone is a big deal. It's about appreciating the effort and enthusiasm that new employees bring. Personalized thank-you notes from leadership can make a huge impact.

Add a branded mug, water bottle, or small gift card to a local café. These simple yet thoughtful gestures show that the employee’s contributions are noticed and valued. They're starting strong, and you want to keep that momentum going.

Three Years In: Acknowledging Growth and Aspirations

Employees feel comfortable in their roles by the third anniversary and become essential to their teams. Recognize their professional growth with thoughtful gifts like company-branded goods, gift cards to local restaurants, or even homeware and tech items. A handwritten thank-you note adds a personal touch, letting them know their contributions are appreciated. They're not just surviving; they're thriving.

Five Years and Counting: Celebrating Contributions and Commitment

Employees have solidified their roles and built meaningful relationships at the five-year mark. This is a time for reflection and recognition of significant contributions. Consider tailored gift baskets, a gym membership, or travel essentials.

Offer various options so the employee can choose a reward that resonates personally. This shows you care about their individuality and value their presence in the organization.

Ten Years of Dedication: Recognizing Loyalty and Longevity

A decade of service is a major milestone. By this point, employees often see their co-workers as an extended family.

Celebrate with meaningful gifts like a weekend getaway, a special plaque, or even stock options. This isn’t just about acknowledging time served; it's about recognizing their integral role in the organization’s journey.

Fifteen Years: Honoring Pride and Personal Investment

Reaching fifteen years is about feeling settled and deeply invested in the company. Awards should reflect the employee’s pride in their contributions. Think glass trophies, unique jewelry, or experiences like guided tours or cooking lessons with a private chef. Acknowledge their story and achievements through a company video, reinforcing their importance in the organization's narrative.

Twenty Years: Saluting Veteran Status and Valuable Knowledge

Twenty years symbolize veteran status. Employees at this stage hold a wealth of knowledge, and their loyalty is a treasured asset. Recognize this with personalized watches, paid family trips, or support for their charity of choice.

Technological gifts, executive work bags, or even artwork can convey the significance of this milestone. The options range should mirror employees' diverse contributions over two decades.

Twenty-Five Years: Celebrating Mentorship and Enduring Impact

At the twenty-five-year mark, employees are mentors, sharing their knowledge and experiences. Awards should reflect not just past achievements but also present contributions. Consider gifts like:

  • Expensive alcohol
  • Large home appliances
  • Technology upgrades
  • Even scholarships

Work anniversary parties and personalized trophies amplify the celebration, showcasing the employee’s enduring impact on the organization.

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35 Years of Service Recognition Ideas to Make The Celebrations Memorable

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Here are some engaging and creative ideas for years of service recognition. These suggestions will help make the celebrations memorable and show employees how much you appreciate their dedication to the organization.

1. A Monetary Bonus

To many employees, a monetary bonus is the best kind of reward. A study from the American Economic Review shows that when participants could choose between receiving a cash gift of 7 euros or a bottle of equivalent value for their work, over 80 percent chose the cash gift. They then performed 25 percent better than those who didn't receive any gifts.

2. A Raise

A raise is a fantastic way to reward an employee's dedication to the organization and benefit the company.

A recent study from Harvard University shows that raises can increase productivity. Raising wages by $1 increases productivity by more than $1, incentivizing companies to pay more to their employees.

3. Paid Time Off

A National Library of Medicine study found that vacation improves employees' mood and sleep quality. That's why paid time off could be a wonderful gift for someone's work anniversary. It's an opportunity to get rest and enhance health and well-being.

4. A Half-day Off

According to the American Psychological Association, taking time off helps American employees recuperate from stress and improve their job performance. Consider letting an employee have the morning or afternoon off to show your appreciation for their commitment.

5. Work Anniversary Gifts

Here are some excellent gifts for service anniversaries:

  • A potted plant
  • An art piece
  • Desk decorations
  • Flowers
  • A fruit basket
  • Chocolate or another dessert item
  • Gift card

6. Custom Gifts

Want to give something a little less generic and a little more special? Make a custom T-shirt, mug, water bottle, or another item for the employee. Get it monogrammed or include a funny inside joke on it.

7. Employee Anniversary Recognition

Recognition is crucial in the workplace. Data from the Society for Human Resource Management shows that 79% of employees feel recognition encourages them to work harder. On an employee's work anniversary, offer formal, public recognition. In a thoughtful work anniversary message, detail why you're grateful to have them on the team.

8. A handwritten card

A study from Deloitte reveals that 85% of professionals want to hear "Thank you" in daily interactions. Sometimes, a simple "Thank you" goes a long way. A handwritten card could prove you took the time and attention to celebrate the moment. This could make the employee feel valued at the company.

9. Recognition From The Top Level

Every one of us feels good when our work and efforts are recognized by top management. Recognizing employees' work anniversaries will raise their morale.

This helps to improve their professional relations and get them attuned to management’s expectations. Recognition from top-level management shouldn’t be limited to year-old anniversaries. Employee recognition for good work done should occur frequently for an efficient workforce.

10. Give Them The Spotlight

Nothing could get better than recognition for years of service in front of their peers. Let everyone know that today is one of their colleagues' work anniversary. Put some of their most exciting pictures on the company's bulletin board and pin up their long list of achievements. Encourage their team members to put up their renditions of their fond memories about him/her. You can also feature and share their triumph over the company’s social media pages.

Make it a celebration worthy of an age-old comrade who helped you achieve your company's objectives. This will benefit employers in two ways: first, it will help in employee recognition, and second, it will motivate the rest of the workforce.

11. Promotional Opportunities

Not all employees work hard for money; sometimes, it’s more about earning the top spot. Employee work anniversaries provide an excellent opportunity for employers to upscale the roles of deserving workers.

Announcing promotions based on the employees’ performance or years of experience is one of the best ways to make work anniversaries memorable. This motivates and gives every employee an equal chance to prove his/her mettle at work and earn the top spot.

12. Appreciation From The Peer

Everyone is so busy with work nowadays that they hardly remember their co-workers’ work anniversaries. Work anniversaries hold equal importance to birthdays for professionals. You can make the moment they look down on their years of service exceptional through peer appreciation. For one day, fill the employees' mail with messages of appreciation from the co-workers.

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13. Upgrading Their Work Desk

Amongst all the things at a workplace, an employee's work desk holds special significance for him/her. Here, ideas take birth, and the company's growth is also determined on certain levels as the employees spend most of their day at their work desks. Giving them an upgraded work desk with new equipment and amenities will surely make them smile on their work anniversary.

14. Master of The Day

This idea is especially for employees over 5 or 6 years in the organization. They are highly experienced and are very familiar with the company culture. As an honor for their services, you can make these employees feel like bosses and run the show around the workplace for a day. On their day of work anniversary, you can introduce your employees to the recruits. Make the employees take up the orientation sessions and inspire them.

15. Primo Parking

Does your company reserve premium parking spaces for the top executives?

Another great idea is to make your employees feel privileged and important on their anniversary. Allowing employees access to the prime parking spot for their vehicles for a week beginning on the day of their work varsity is an effective way to show their importance. Such acts would motivate the employees to work hard and achieve the same spot permanently.

16. Give Them “The Space”

Most employees prefer having their desired space in the workplace. However, this may only be the case for some employees. An employee who performs the best in a quiet and crowd-free environment may get his/her work desk among the others. And it’s not always possible to allow them to shift as they like.

However, this can be made one of their work anniversary gifts. Giving the employees the liberty to choose their desired space on their varsity is a very subtle way to motivate and boost their productivity.

17. Depicting Their Journey

Remembering an organization's long journey can be fun and emotional for an employee. On the day of an employee’s work anniversary, you can play a video or series of photographs. Doing this on the sidelines while appreciating the employees will make the event even more special for them.

You can plan this by getting the videos and photos from the employees’ co-workers and then compiling and playing them during the appreciation event. Especially for long-term employees, depicting their journey as a timeline of their professional lives will make it inspiring and memorable for everyone.

18. One on One With A Pro

Everyone has an individual interest, and your employees are no different. Their interests can be about:

  • Painting
  • Singing
  • Dancing
  • Football
  • Tennis
  • Carpentry
  • And more

To make employee work anniversaries more interesting and memorable, you can give them an hour or even a day with an expert from their area of interest. This shows how much the employer cares for employee satisfaction and instills a positive emotion in the hearts and minds of the employees for their respective employers.

19. Get Them A Hot Wheel

We all dream of owning or riding a posh car at least once, and your employees are no different. Making this dream come true for a day is worth the effort they put in at work daily.

As an employer, you do this by hiring a luxury car service to celebrate their work anniversary. The joy an employee will have on receiving a wow ride will be immense, and they will remember it for years.

20. Open Up Stock Options

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) allow workers to invest in the company where they work. Such programs let employees buy company stock at a lower price than offered. ESOPs can be opened for employees who have served the company for five or more years on their work anniversary. This also acts as a very effective employee retention strategy, which an employer can implement.

21. Educational Sabbaticals

It’s your employees who make you win at every step. Their development and career advancements directly positively impact the organization's productivity. And it’s never too late to learn something new. Having said so, what could be better than supporting an employee’s quest for knowledge? Particularly for employees who have spent more than 7 years or equal in the organization, this could be a very awesome gift to mark their work anniversary.

You can support your employees with educational sabbaticals as a token of appreciation for their years of service. This will let them explore new avenues, bring out the best in them, and achieve their dreams.

22. Company Sponsored Trip

Traveling is therapeutic. Employees who have completed ten or more years of service deserve more than just appreciation or rewards on their work anniversary.

They might have taken several trips at their own expense, so sponsoring a trip can be both a memorable and meaningful token of appreciation. Employees who stay loyal to the organization for the long term always deserve the best, and nothing could get better than a company-sponsored trip for this purpose.

23. Take Up Their Cause

Your employees may work 8 to 10 hours a day for you, but at the end of the day, they are humans, too. They may also support a charitable cause and actively participate in improving society. Sponsoring or taking up a social cause in which they are engaged is a subtle gift an employer can vest upon them.

This is especially true for any employee who has spent most years serving the institution, like 10, 15, 20 years, or more. Lending a hand to their philanthropic efforts not only makes for a nice anniversary gift but also a strong CSR initiative.

24. Host Creative Workshops

Commemorate an employee's years-long success by helping them learn new skills and reignite their creative spark. You can also host a lunch-and-learn session where your employees can share their work experiences. Such activities strengthen both the sense of camaraderie and the level of collaboration between teams.

Not all workshops need to be work-related; it's preferable if they are. You can arrange workshops on self-development or mindfulness at work that demonstrate to employees that you care about their well-being on a personal level.

25. Roll Out The Virtual Red Carpet

Celebrating work anniversaries has a unique advantage in remote working. You can welcome family and friends to join in the celebrations. You can start by creating a presentation of their important milestones with congratulatory notes. You can host a virtual party where every team member joins.

You might tell some intriguing or hilarious stories about the employee, or you can ask if their closest coworker has anything to say about the special event. Sending employee care packages is also a terrific way to show your employees how much they mean to your company. Such surprises have a big impact and make employees feel valued.

26. Order Them A Cake

For those with a sweet tooth, sending a sweet treat is a fantastic virtual work anniversary idea! You can order a cake, and the whole team can join the cake-cutting through a conference call. Make the event even more special by sending a batch of customized cupcakes from the bakery to the staff.

27. Upgrade The Tech

Technology is the key to establishing an effective and productive workforce. After years of service, your employee probably needs new tools and technology.

To express gratitude and dedication, commemorate the anniversary by updating the staff member's technology. It’s best to start the process by inquiring about your employee's technological preferences. The idea is to gift the technology that the employee wants.

28. Write A Great Linkedin Recommendation

Your employees contribute so much to the company. They, in turn, deserve your support! Make a fantastic LinkedIn recommendation for your employees celebrating their work anniversary. Describe every incredible skill your employee possesses, but make it brief and sweet.

29. Arrange A Session On Career Planning

Celebrate an anniversary by organizing a career planning session tailored to the employee's needs.

During this session, invite employees to an open-ended conversation about anything and everything they want to do in the company. Make it obvious to employees that they are free to discuss any part of the business, even if they lack knowledge or experience in that area.

This discussion will help them determine what they truly want to do and where they are going.

30. Boss For The Day

Allow employees to be “the boss” on their work anniversary. They can't make major policy changes, but they receive some nice advantages, like having the best parking spot in the lot or selecting their own seating arrangement for the next year. Not only that, but they also get to propose a new business idea to work on.

Many of these new thoughts contribute significantly to the growth of businesses.

31. Getting Them a Gym Membership

Healthy employees are like the jewels in every organization's crown. But sometimes, amidst the hectic schedules at work, employees put aside everything, including their health.

As an employer, you can change this by encouraging the employees to embrace a healthier lifestyle. On employees' work anniversary, you can gift them the chance to achieve the greatest wealth, i.e., “HEALTH”! Giving your employees company-sponsored gym memberships on their work anniversary will help kickstart their health journey.

32. Executive Dining

Good Food Is a Good Mood. Who doesn’t like to enjoy a nice meal amidst a rich ambiance? Executive dining is one of the best privileges you can get your employees on their work anniversary.

As the saying goes, “Food is the way to everyone’s heart.” You can book a table for your employee celebrating a work anniversary in an up-class restaurant. Employees feel appreciated when they know they are treated for the good things in life. This is very helpful in fostering positive feelings towards their work and superiors.

33. Retirement bonus contribution

Employees celebrating 30+ years of service may be actively planning for retirement. Contributing a retirement bonus will boost financial well-being and reduce workers' pressure regarding retirement funds. Once employees retire, the gesture will remain significant even in their senior years.

34. Create a commemorative video of the workers

Videos are simple yet remarkable ways to commemorate workers for their 30+ years of service. You can also use work scrapbooks from when the worker joined the company to recent times.

Simply create a video that highlights employees' achievements and shows how far they have come since joining the organization. You can play this video at their retirement or anniversary party or post it on social platforms. Be sure to include thoughtful messages from other colleagues for the employees.

35. Milestone scrapbook

A milestone scrapbook is a great way to take your workers back in time. If you have fun memories of workers from when they joined the company to recent times, then make a scrapbook and gift it to them with other events.

A milestone scrapbook is an excellent idea for more prominent anniversaries and retirements. You can have new workers sign the scrapbook and write thoughtful memories.

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How to Build a Successful Years of Service Recognition Program

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Define the Program’s Objectives: Start with Intent

Outline what you want the service awards program to achieve. Is it about cutting turnover, boosting job satisfaction, or simply appreciating long-term dedication? Clear objectives guide the program’s creation and execution.

Determine Your Awards Budget: Be Smart with Spending

Set a budget. Determine the highest amount your company can allocate, and make it count. Recognition programs should be a key part of your budget since they directly impact productivity and happiness. The SHRM/Globoforce survey shows that the best programs use over 1 percent of the payroll.

Which Anniversaries to Recognize: Celebrate the Milestones

Traditionally, companies focus on the big anniversaries. But in today’s job market, celebrating smaller milestones is vital. Consider recognizing “mini-milestones” every 90 days, especially in workplaces with high turnover.

According to the SHRM/Globoforce survey, here’s what most companies do:

  • 90 percent celebrate five-year anniversaries.
  • 92 percent celebrate 10 years.
  • 89 percent celebrate 20 years.
  • 28 percent celebrate first-year anniversaries.

Executing Your Employee Service Award Program: Timing is Everything

Poorly executed programs can lower morale. Timing is crucial. Missing an employee's work anniversary can make them feel undervalued and foster negativity. Stay organized and aware of upcoming milestones. Set alerts in your HR system to manage these dates effectively.

Connect to Company Values: Make It Meaningful

Link recognition to company values to make it “inspiring” and impactful. When celebrating an anniversary, highlight how the employee excels in these values and acknowledge their progress since the last celebration. The SHRM/Globoforce survey emphasizes that recognition tied to organizational values can be more powerful and meaningful.

Multi-Tiered Approach: More Than Just a Gift

To create a memorable experience, take a multi-tiered approach: give a meaningful gift, hold an awards ceremony, and offer social recognition.

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Elevating Motivation: The Power of Thoughtful Gifting

Employee motivation isn't just about hitting targets. It's about feeling valued, seen, and appreciated. That's where Giftpack shines. By considering:

  • An individual's digital footprint
  • Social media activity
  • Personal preferences

We tailor gifts that speak directly to them. It's more than a gift; it's a statement that says, “We know you, we appreciate you, and we want you to thrive.”

Strengthening Connection: Personalized Gifting at Scale

It needs to be more than just recognizing a few key players. Every employee deserves to feel connected to the company. Giftpack makes this possible by curating the most fitting gifts from a vast catalog of over 3.5 million products worldwide.

We ensure that personalized gifting is accessible and achievable on a large scale, delivering meaningful connections worldwide. Let's discuss how we can help you strengthen your employee connections.

• Gift for Employee Leaving • Gifts for Someone Starting a New Job • Work Anniversary Gifts • 10 Year Work Anniversary Gift Ideas • 20 Year Work Anniversary Gifts • 25th Work Anniversary Gifts


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Tim Kuo

Tim Kuo

Dec 13th 202420 min read

About Giftpack

Giftpack's AI-powered solution simplifies the corporate gifting process and amplifies the impact of personalized gifts. We're crafting memorable touchpoints by sending personalized gifts selected out of a curated pool of 3 million options with just one click. Our AI technology efficiently analyzes each recipient's social media, cultural background, and digital footprint to customize gift options at scale. We take care of generating, ordering, and shipping gifts worldwide. We're transforming the way people build authentic business relationships by sending smarter gifts faster with gifting CRM.

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