Work anniversaries are like mini work birthdays—just without the cake (unless you’re lucky!). Whether someone’s been with the company for one year or ten, it’s the perfect time to celebrate their journey, their impact, and how much they mean to the team. And what better way to do that than with a happy work anniversary card?
A simple, thoughtful card is an inexpensive way to celebrate a work anniversary that can go a long way in making your colleague feel appreciated while also improving employee engagement. And, even better news, creating a card is easy.
Whether this is your first work anniversary card or you are just looking for a refresher, we’ve created a guide on how to create a work anniversary card that will have your coworker feeling valued in no time.
Let’s get started!
How to Create a Work Anniversary Card
Creating a work anniversary card doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some thoughtfulness. Whether making it from scratch or using online software, the key is ensuring the card feels genuine and personal. Here are a few steps to guide you:
1. Choose the Tone
Before you can make any other decision, you must decide on the overall tone of your card. Understanding the tone will help you decide on the card type and work anniversary message to write.
When deciding on the tone of the card, it should reflect both your relationship with the recipient and the culture of your workplace. For example, a light, humorous tone might be appropriate if the employee is someone you work closely with. Whereas, a professional message would likely be better received if you’re writing to someone you have a more formal relationship with.
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2. Choose Your Card Format and Platform
Next, you must decide on the format for your card–whether to use a traditional paper card or a digital one. Both options have their benefits, and the right choice depends on your team’s dynamics, work environment, and the recipient’s preferences.
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
When to Choose a Paper Card:
- Small Office or In-Person Team: If your team works in the same location, a physical card that can be passed around for signatures is a nice, tangible gesture.
- Sentimental Value: A paper card can be a keepsake that employees may treasure for years, especially if it includes meaningful handwritten messages. If your colleague is the type to hang onto personal mementos, they might appreciate the tactile experience of a paper card.
- Handwritten Personal Touch: There’s something undeniably special about a handwritten note. The effort that goes into physically writing something adds a level of personal connection that can’t always be achieved with digital alternatives.
When to Choose a Digital Card:
- Remote or Hybrid Teams: A digital card is often the most practical option if your team works remotely or in a hybrid environment. It’s easy for everyone to participate, no matter where they’re located, and it ensures that no one is left out of the celebration.
- Timeliness and Convenience: With digital cards, there’s no need to chase down coworkers to add their signatures. Everyone can log in and write their message at their convenience, which makes the process much faster and smoother—especially for last-minute celebrations.
- Eco-Friendly Choice: If your company is conscious of sustainability, digital cards are an eco-friendly alternative to paper cards. They reduce waste and contribute to a greener workplace.
If you decide that an online work anniversary card is the best option, many platforms offer this service, one of the best being Kudoboard. With Kudoboard, your team can collaborate to create a personalized, engaging, and memorable digital card.
Unlike paper cards, Kudoboard makes it simple for everyone to contribute their photos, GIFs, videos, and messages, no matter where they are. Once the card is complete, the board can be shared digitally or printed as a physical version to combine the best of both worlds.
Once you’ve decided on the format, it is time to collect your card. This means heading to the store and finding the perfect paper card. If you are creating a digital work anniversary card, it is time to find the right software and follow its instructions.
To create a work anniversary card with Kudoboard, select “Create Kudoboard,” fill out the template, pick a background, and adjust the settings, including the delivery date. To make the card even more special, add a crowd-funded gift card.
3. Craft a Thoughtful Message
After the card is created, it’s time to write a message. The heart of the card lies in the work anniversary wish itself. Don’t just rely on generic phrases like “Congrats on your work anniversary!” or “Happy workiversary!” Instead, take the opportunity to be specific about what the employee has brought to the team over the years. Mention any standout achievements, personal qualities that make them a joy to work with, major milestones, or even specific memories you have from working together.
Looking for some example work anniversary messages? Check out “105 Work Anniversary Quotes for Any Coworker.”
4. Involve Others
Once you’ve written the perfect work anniversary message, it is time to invite others to contribute. To add contributors to your Kudoboard, select “Invite Contributors” and import or manually input participant emails.
Consider including a gift card as another way of expressing genuine appreciation in celebration of great work and continued success.
5. Deliver the Card
Finally, it is time to deliver the card. Decide whether you want to add it to a gift, present it during a team meeting or work anniversary party, display it as a slideshow on a company video board, or deliver via email.
What is a Happy Work Anniversary Card?
A work anniversary card is a greeting card used to celebrate the anniversary of an employee’s hire date or work anniversary. No matter how long their tenure with the company might be, the goal of a work anniversary card is to acknowledge their contributions and dedication to the organization. It’s a token of employee appreciation that lets the recipient know their efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.
Types of Work Anniversary Cards
Work anniversary cards can be as diverse as the teams they’re meant to celebrate. Depending on the tone of your company culture, your relationship with the recipient, or the formality of the occasion, you can choose different styles of cards to mark the special day.
Here are a few types:
- Traditional Paper Card: These are the classic paper cards found in a grocery or office supply store. They are easily found and pre-made, ready for writing personal messages from an individual or multiple people.
- Digital Work Anniversary Cards: With remote work becoming more common, digital cards are now a go-to for many companies. Instead of receiving a physical card, the recipient will receive a digital card straight to their email. A happy work anniversary eCard allows colleagues to contribute their messages, photos, and even videos on their own time, regardless of location.
- Group Work Anniversary Cards: Group cards are a great way to include the entire team or department in celebrating someone’s work anniversary. Whether a physical card is passed around the office or a digital version where everyone can add their happy anniversary message, group cards showcase a collective appreciation.
The Perfect Happy Work Anniversary Card
Whether you use a paper card or create a digital card with Kudoboard, an employee anniversary card is a simple yet powerful gratitude gesture that can make an employee feel appreciated and valued. Whether they’re celebrating one year or ten, the effort you put into the card will help foster a positive workplace culture where employees know they are valued for their contributions.
