Celebrating Work Anniversaries: How Does Your Company Recognize Milestones?

I wanted to start a trend in my company to recognize employees who have completed 3 years and 5 years with the company.  Give them some sort of gift or something. I just wanted to know what companies do for such events.

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Mona

Hi Mona, it is generally very difficult to celebrate the day when any employee completes his/her 3 or 5 years in the company. I would suggest recognizing them at your annual function every year. Give them some gifts in front of the entire staff; the newcomers feel very motivated with such gestures, and obviously, the one who is receiving the gift will also be happy to be recognized in front of everyone.

Gift Ideas

Gift ideas could include silver coins embossed with 3 years or 5 years, whichever is applicable. Cash or cheque: Rs. 5000 for 3 years, Rs. 7500 for 5 years. Mementos embossed with 3, 5, 7, or 10 years of completion. Holiday packages for the entire family for 3 days or 5 days, depending on your budget, and many more.

I hope this suggestion will be helpful.

Regards, Archna

TVS Group recognizes 10 years of service. L&T recognizes 20, 25, and 30 years of service. Defence Forces and Police recognize 9 years, 20 years, and 30 years of service. You can also plan and implement with the concurrence of your management.

Very good suggestions were given by Archna and Bhaskar. I fully agree to recognize their long association of services on the Annual Day as suggested by Archna.

One more thing I want to add - apart from gift vouchers, holiday packages, mementos, medals, etc., you can also give them certificates signed by your Managing Director or maybe some higher authority in HR.

Regards,
Shreyas Dave
Muscat

Your plans are very noble, and they will go a long way in employee motivation. In our company, we print certificates mentioning the number of years they have completed, which is endorsed by the senior management team.

Regards,
Nisar.

Long Service Award at SAIL

In my company, SAIL, we recognize 25 years of service with a function known as the 'Long Service Award' on SAIL Day, which is the 24th of January every year. On that day, we give the employees a Salem Steel stainless steel dinner set, a certificate, high tea, and a group photograph with the senior officers of the company.

Regards,
Amit

In our company, we give gifts for completion of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years! Earlier, there were some gifts from which they could choose. Finally, we found it is better to offer a chance for them to buy (equivalent to a fixed amount) including tax in the company's name, so that billing is easy! Staff liked this idea and are still continuing it. We issue a letter in which we specify the number of years completed, the amount offered, and the billing pattern.

Thanks & Regards,
Divan

Hi friend, that's really a great thought of recognizing employees for their long-term service to the organization. Upon completion of 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, and so on, first, send an email to that employee, cc'ing all the employees, congratulating him/her on that day in the following manner:

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Dear XYZ (Employee Name),

"21st February" marks your 5th anniversary as a member of ABC Technologies. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for these past FIVE years of fine workmanship and company loyalty.

We know that the growth and success of our company are largely dependent on having strong and capable staff members, such as you. We recognize the contribution you make in helping us maintain the position we enjoy in the industry.

We are hoping that you will remain with us for many years to come and would like to offer our congratulations on this anniversary.

Regards,
HR TEAM

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Then get a Service Anniversary Wishes letter drafted on the company letterhead, get it signed, and hand it over to the employee with a gift, which may be either one of the following:

- Branded Wrist Watch
- Gold Coin
- Silver Coin
- Memento
- Cash Reward
- Holiday Package - 1 week
- One Month bonus
- Salary Hike
- Club Membership
- Candlelight dinner for their family

Don't forget to display a copy of the letter with the employee's photo affixed to it on the notice board.

Hope it is of some use to you.

Regards,
Babu

I agree with the suggestions offered. In our institution, we started the practice last year. Various awards were given: Employee of the Year Award, Long Service Awards – i.e., 5 years received Ksh. 5,000 and 10 years received Ksh. 10,000 (the institution has been in existence for 13 years). We also gave them a Long Service Certificate signed by the CEO and Board Chairman with the institution's seal, a letter congratulating and appreciating their service, and a photo with the senior executives.

I also agree that for better results, the awards should be annual and in the presence of other employees. It is such a great motivator. Most employees are motivated by appreciation and recognition more than their package.

All the best,
Ann Kamau

Very good suggestion given by Ms. Archana. It actually feels great to receive appreciation from the company where one works. It increases one's dedication, responsibility, and loyalty towards the company at the same time.

Regards,
Seema

I appreciate you for considering a new motivation strategy for employees who have been working long-term. I am new to HR work, so it would be great to learn from all of you about the amazing points.

Thank you.

Regards,
Nimisha Davey

In my company, we celebrate 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service by giving employees a certificate signed by the CEO, a gold pin (the value depends on the length of service), cash, and also a celebration by the department involved (such as a dinner or lunch out with the entire department). The announcement is made during the town hall where the certificates and gifts are presented. Hope this helps.