Acknowledging and celebrating work anniversaries validates employee commitment, which means they can feel that they are not “taken for granted.” But with so many teams now working remotely, the traditional ways organizations celebrate work anniversaries are no longer viable. Nonetheless, work anniversaries are still an excellent opportunity to celebrate your employees, even if that is done (in most cases) virtually.
If you are looking for ways to celebrate your employees’ anniversaries, read this article and get inspired by our list of creative work anniversary ideas for organizations of all kinds.
Social media shoutout memes
Social media recognition is an impactful option to celebrate your employee’s anniversaries. It is a great way to make employees feel empowered and appreciated and an excellent opportunity for your clients to get involved and share their positive experiences with them.
As anniversaries are all about feel-good vibrations, do not hesitate to add memes to your shoutouts to keep your team in high spirits. For example, the team at SnackNation compiled a great list of work anniversary memes that are HR-approved and phenomenal to mark their coworkers’ job anniversary. Isn’t this a fantastic way to celebrate while working remotely?! Nevertheless, keep in mind that the best memes are a perfect mix of an entertaining original photo and a great caption.
Gifts are still the favorite, even virtual ones
Gifts remain to be favorite tokens among employees when it comes to celebrating anniversaries (or any occasion for that matter). Luckily for bosses, they can be easily shared with employees even when you are all working remotely.
That being said, skip the tired corporate gifts and surprise your team with electronic gift cards, a streaming service or a virtual gym membership, restaurant vouchers, event tickets, travel packages, or even time off! They are all easily given by email and will probably be appreciated more than another cheap coffee mug.
Send a unique care package
As we already pointed out, everyone enjoys getting gifts. Yet, imagine the delight when your employee receives a surprise mail package. Whether it is a gift basket consisting of an assortment of cards and treats or a one-piece gift, keep in mind that it must reflect their interests and personality.
Every employee will genuinely relish a unique gift because it says you have taken the time to get to know them and appreciate them for who they are and the work they do for the company. A gift you know will resonate with them creates a valuable feeling and bond. To make the anniversary even more unique, organize a conference video call with their team members and let them open the gift during it.
A memorable anniversary video or slideshow
Another great idea for a memorable anniversary is making a short video or slideshow. Gather photos and videos from the team members that were made over the years. Select the best and most fun ones and compile them in a video or slideshow.
Most importantly, do not forget to include your employees’ key achievements! Anniversaries are, after all, a time to celebrate precisely that! Share the video during a video conference where the rest of the team is gathered. You can even share the anniversary video on the company’s chat or social media channels. To create an exceptional and fun celebration, consider making a little speech and a small toast.
Throw an online team party
Who does not like an office party?! The most beloved way to celebrate an employee’s anniversary, especially by groups that are already strongly connected, is to organize a team or department’s gathering. Now, you might think that this idea is not feasible when teams are working remotely. Still, we are here to tell you that it is doable!
That said, if you are hosting a virtual anniversary party, send an unexpected, personalized gift package for the employee in question. To set the party’s tone, send every team member a small package consisting of: attractive accessories for a virtual team photo, cookies or chocolate for a cozy treat, cheese selection and bottle of wine, or a party recovery kit for the day after. Importantly, make a toast! Keep it simple and toast to highlight your employee or team’s achievements during this challenging time.
Socially distant work anniversary gathering
Not all teams (and in some cases, not all team members) work remotely. If that is the case, you can follow the safety regulations and plan a socially distant anniversary gathering. Keeping space between yourself and other people would mean avoiding doing the party in closed areas, like the office or a restaurant. Still, you can opt for hosting smaller get-togethers outdoors so that individuals can stay the recommended 6 feet apart.
A good idea can be a picnic in the park or renting a food truck and making a small gathering in the company’s outdoor areas. As long as you stay up to date on the health recommendations and communicate them to your team, everyone will know what to expect and there will be much less stress.
Final thoughts
Anniversaries are unique and essential events in every person’s life, whether personal or professional. And especially now, when most of us work remotely, they hold even greater importance.
By celebrating work anniversaries, managers recognize their teams for their service to the company, boost team morale, increase happiness and retention. A work anniversary is often also an opportunity for employees to evaluate their careers and see whether they are given a chance to grow in their current position. Keep in mind that you do not have to be perfect! As long as you are genuine and inclusive, employees will appreciate any type of work anniversary celebration.
