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Work Anniversary Award Ideas: Suggestions for Different Milestones

Work anniversaries are a fantastic opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication of your employees. In today’s workplace, where the average tenure is just 3.9 years, it’s more important than ever to show appreciation for your team’s loyalty and hard work. Your work anniversary award program may need a refresh to reflect how times are changing. A well-thought-out award can boost morale, increase retention, and reinforce a positive company culture which is why we are here to help you with fresh and exciting work anniversary award ideas.

Whether your budget is big or small, there are plenty of ways to show your employees they are valued. Here are our top suggestions for work anniversary awards based on different milestones.

1-Year Anniversary: A Small But Meaningful Gesture

Reaching the one-year mark is an exciting achievement for employees as they become more integrated into the company. While employees are still early in their journey with your company, recognizing their contributions early on helps build engagement and a sense of belonging. A small yet thoughtful gesture can make employees feel appreciated and motivated for the future.

Suggested budget: $25 – $75

Employees at this stage often appreciate rewards that allow them to relax, enjoy a treat, or indulge in a small luxury. Consider these options:

  • A Leisure Choice Gift Card – This flexible reward allows employees to choose from over 160 top brands, including Macy’s, Adidas, Hulu, and more. It’s perfect for dining out, shopping, or enjoying a night at the movies.
  • A handwritten thank-you note with a small treat like a coffee or a snack box.
  • A half-day off or extended lunch break as a simple but thoughtful reward.

3-Year Anniversary: Give the Gift of Experience

By the three-year mark, employees have demonstrated their commitment and contributed meaningfully to the company. At this stage, recognition should go beyond a simple thank-you and instead focus on creating memorable experiences.

Suggested budget: $50 – $100

Offering an experience-based reward can make employees feel valued and provide them with an exciting opportunity to try something new. Check out these work anniversary award ideas:

  • A Multi-Choice Collection Voucher, such as Fun & Games ($75) or Afternoon Explorer ($50), which lets employees pick from a variety of exciting experiences like escape rooms, axe throwing, or cooking classes.
  • A team lunch or celebratory happy hour to honor their contributions.
  • A personalized gift, such as a bespoke item of clothing with their favorite quote or a framed photo from a memorable work event.

5-Year Anniversary: A Big Milestone Deserves a Bigger Reward

Five years with a company is a major achievement in the modern workplace, and it’s important to acknowledge this milestone with a meaningful gift. Employees at this stage are likely key contributors to your company’s success, so this is an opportunity to provide a more substantial reward that reflects their continued contributions.

Suggested budget: $200 – $300

To make this milestone feel special, offer a reward that provides a lasting impression, such as:

  • A Red Collection Voucher or Taste of Collection Voucher, giving employees access to incredible food & drink experiences across the big US cities like wine tastings, secret food tours and cookery classes.
  • A wellness-focused reward, such as a spa day or fitness subscription.
  • An extra day off to relax and recharge.

7-Year Anniversary: Get Creative with Lucky Number 7

While not all companies celebrate a seven-year anniversary, it’s a fun milestone to acknowledge. Since seven is often considered a lucky number, some companies incorporate this theme into their rewards, making the experience even more memorable.

Suggested budget: $250 – $700

This milestone is an opportunity to get creative and surprise employees with a unique gift. Some ideas include:

  • A curated experience like a hot air balloon ride, stadium tour, or Broadway theater tickets.
  • A subscription service tailored to their interests, such as a gourmet food box, streaming service, or book club membership.
  • A charitable donation in their name to a cause they care about.

10-Year Anniversary: A Decade of Dedication Deserves Something Special

This is a big one, a 10-year work anniversary is a rare and impressive milestone. Employees who have dedicated a decade to your company deserve a significant and meaningful reward that acknowledges their loyalty and impact.

Suggested budget: Around $500

At this stage, offering a premium reward is key. Consider options such as:

  • A weekend getaway or luxury hotel stay.
  • A Virgin Experience Gifts eGift Card, giving employees the choice of adventure activities, scenic getaways, or premium dining experiences.
  • A unique personalized gift, such as a custom piece of artwork or engraved keepsake.

15+ Years: Rewarding a Lifetime of Loyalty

For employees who have been with your company for 15+ years, their dedication is invaluable. These long-term employees deserve a grand gesture that truly shows your appreciation.

Suggested budget: $500 – $5,000 depending on your company

To mark this incredible milestone, consider giving employees the opportunity to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some popular options include:

  • An all-expenses-paid vacation or a luxury travel experience.
  • A major bucket-list experience like a formula car driving experience, sunrise hot air balloon flight, a private yacht cruise or a family visit to Disneyland® Resort
  • A custom career recognition award, such as a video montage featuring messages from colleagues and leadership.

Why Work Anniversary Awards Matter

Recognizing work anniversaries isn’t just about the gift – it’s about showing appreciation and making employees feel valued. A strong work anniversary program can improve retention, strengthen employee engagement, and contribute to a positive workplace culture. By tailoring your awards to different milestones and offering memorable experiences, you’ll create lasting moments that employees will cherish.

Whether you opt for a Leisure Choice Gift Card, an adventure experience, or a personalized reward, the key is to make it thoughtful and meaningful. We hope these work anniversary award ideas inspire you to refresh your employee recognition program in 2025. Get in touch with our team below to find out how our products can contribute to some amazing work anniversary awards:

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