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Have you ever spent time at a company where all you got for a years of service award or work anniversary was a half-hearted message from your boss commenting on how fast the years go by? Or perhaps a trophy that sat on your desk, collecting dust. These empty forms of recognition fail to show true appreciation or motivate continued excellence, and you might have even considered moving on because of it.
Meaningful recognition, however, has the power to change that. To truly engage and retain employees, acknowledge their years of service in a way that reflects their dedication. Effective years of service awards inspire employees to continue giving their best for years to come.
In this blog, we’ll explore what years of service awards are, how to reward employees for their dedication, and celebrate milestones beyond just years worked. We’ll also cover service awards catalogs, share 30 years of service award examples, and discuss how to build a culture of recognition that truly matters. Let’s dive in!
What are years of service awards?
Years of service awards recognize and celebrate an employee’s dedication and commitment to a company. These awards are typically given at key milestones, such as after one, five, 10, or more years of employment. The goal is to show appreciation for the employee’s contributions and loyalty. By celebrating these milestones, organizations reinforce a culture of recognition, helping to increase employee engagement, motivation, and retention.
How do you reward employees for years of service?
Reward employees for years of service with personalized recognition that highlights their contributions. Offer tangible rewards like gift cards, time off, or a trophy, and host celebrations for milestones. Acknowledge their impact and create a catalog for them to choose meaningful rewards. This boosts their sense of value, loyalty, and engagement.
What are long term service awards?
Long term service awards are recognitions given by companies to their long-serving employees. These employees are considered especially valuable based on their loyalty, dedication, and deep understanding of the business. Typically, long term service awards are given to employees who have been with the company for five, 10, 20, even 30 years or more.
How do you celebrate milestones beyond years of service?
Simply coming to work for one, five, or 10 years in a row isn’t what years of service awards should stand for. Being promoted, bringing in a big account, or passing a certification test are all huge achievements. Celebrating these major wins in addition to recognizing employees for small wins establishes a habit of recognition across your organization. To accompany your service awards, publicize employee accomplishments using internal social channels, your company intranet, newsletters, and other avenues.
What is an employee service awards catalog?
An employee service awards catalog is a collection of rewards employees can select from to celebrate their work anniversaries. This approach allows employees to choose the reward that resonates most with them, whether it’s company swag, gift cards, or experiences. Platforms like Achievers Rewards™ offer customizable catalogs, enabling employees to pick personalized rewards. This empowers them to feel valued and enhances engagement by offering rewards that match their preferences.
Why are years of service awards important?
Years of service awards are important because employees spend one-third of their life at work. Rewarding them for their investment of time and effort drives performance and bolsters retention. Years of service awards are especially useful in keeping employees engaged and loyal. Here are just some of the benefits of instituting a years of service awards initiative at your organization — preferably as part of a comprehensive recognition program.
Boost key employee metrics
At a time when one in five employees feel lonely at work, cultivating a sense of belonging among employees is paramount. When executed well, years of service awards foster feelings of appreciation and connection. Showing your employees they are truly valued boosts engagement and encourages employees to stay for the long haul.
Create a culture of longevity and loyalty
Years of service awards are an easy way to reward employees for their contributions. With new employee turnover reaching 20% within the first 45 days, and one-third of employees leaving within the first 90 days, consistent and genuine recognition can help retain talent. Recognizing employees for their dedication makes them feel valued, encouraging them to stay and continue contributing to your organization’s success.
Employees expect it
Ignoring major events disheartens and demotivates employees. Recognizing only the number of years they’ve spent at your company, without acknowledging specific wins, can be just as demoralizing. Employees expect recognition for their accomplishments in personalized ways. In fact, employees who expect to be recognized are 2.7 times more likely to be engaged. Celebrating their dedication alongside milestones like closed sales, new certifications, or outstanding customer service makes the recognition truly meaningful and reinforces their commitment to your organization.
Demonstrates company values
Years of service awards present an opportunity to highlight your company values. Recognizing employees who demonstrate company values year over year urges others to emulate their actions and hit the same milestones. Tying your company values to recognition solidifies their significance in your company. This shapes the culture of your organization, reinforcing the good behavior of all employees.
30 years of service award examples for employees
Years of service awards can take many forms. To make things easier for you, here are five ideas that are relatively simple to implement. Of course, these ideas are not exclusive. Depending on your budget and the occasion, you could do them all!
1. Reward points
Reward points allow employees to earn recognition through acts of kindness or accomplishments. Employees can redeem points for rewards, making recognition more personalized and engaging. Milestones tied to specific achievements further individualize awards, enhancing their impact and motivating continued success.
2. Experiences
Offering experiences like vacations or concert tickets as service awards creates lasting memories. Experiential rewards tie positive emotions to the company, fostering excitement for future milestones. This approach adds a unique and personal touch, making employees feel truly valued and eager to stay with the company.
3. Ceremonies
Holding a ceremony for service awards showcases employees’ contributions to the whole company. Highlighting specific achievements in front of peers elevates the importance of the award. Leadership involvement and a celebratory atmosphere make the moment memorable and motivate others to reach the same milestone.
4. Handwritten messages of thanks
A personalized, handwritten thank-you note adds a genuine, heartfelt touch to a service award. These messages show appreciation beyond just tenure, emphasizing an employee’s impact. Employees cherish these notes, with many saving them as meaningful reminders of their contribution and value to the company.
5. Donations to favorite charities
A donation to a charity that matters to the employee shows thoughtful recognition of their values. This gesture highlights that the company cares beyond work, making the award more meaningful. It strengthens company culture by aligning recognition with employees’ personal passions and contributing to a greater cause.
6. Monetary rewards
Monetary rewards offer flexibility, allowing employees to choose what best suits their needs. Providing cash or bonuses for years of service ensures employees feel appreciated while enabling them to decide how they want to celebrate their milestone.
7. Plaque
A plaque offers a lasting, tangible reminder of an employee’s contribution. Displayed proudly, it honors their dedication while serving as a visible acknowledgment of their hard work, motivating them to continue performing at a high level.
8. Pins
Service pins are a subtle yet meaningful recognition for years of service. They can be worn with pride, creating a sense of achievement and belonging. Pins are small but symbolic, reinforcing the employee’s connection to the company.
9. Mugs
Custom mugs with the company logo or milestone year are practical yet personal. As a daily reminder of the employee’s service, mugs can evoke feelings of appreciation and pride. They are affordable, easy to distribute, and appreciated by recipients.
10. Certificates
A certificate recognizing years of service provides formal acknowledgment of an employee’s dedication. Framed and displayed, it adds a sense of accomplishment, reinforcing the employee’s value while offering a professional and dignified form of recognition.
11. Trophies
Trophies can be a standout symbol of achievement for years of service. More than just a physical item, they celebrate success and highlight the individual’s contributions to the company, making the award feel prestigious and meaningful.
12. Gift cards
Gift cards offer employees the freedom to select their own reward. They are practical, versatile, and appreciated, making them a great option for years of service awards, ensuring employees receive something that suits their tastes.
13. Electronics
Electronics, like tablets or headphones, serve as high-value rewards that employees can use personally or professionally. These practical gifts have lasting value, making them memorable and a great way to show appreciation for years of service.
14. Trips
Offering trips as a reward for years of service gives employees an unforgettable experience. A getaway or vacation allows employees to recharge and feel appreciated, making the award an incentive for long-term commitment to the company.
15. Time off
Additional paid time off as a reward for service recognizes the importance of work-life balance. Employees can enjoy a break, recharge, and come back refreshed, knowing their contributions are valued beyond just their work output.
16. Paid family vacations
A paid family vacation is a meaningful and generous reward that acknowledges the employee’s hard work while benefiting their loved ones. It’s a unique and memorable way to show appreciation and strengthen employee loyalty.
17. Gift boxes
Curated gift boxes are thoughtful, personalized service awards. Filled with items that align with the employee’s interests or company values, they show appreciation in a tangible, creative way, making the reward feel special and unique.
18. Framed photos
Framing a photo of the employee with a company milestone or during an event creates a lasting, visual reminder of their dedication. This personal touch adds sentimental value to the award, making it feel both meaningful and cherished.
19. Tickets
Tickets to events, concerts, or sports games are a fun, experiential way to reward employees for years of service. These rewards offer employees memorable experiences outside of work, showing appreciation in a personal and exciting way.
20. Paid subscriptions
Subscriptions to services like streaming platforms or professional development tools provide ongoing value to employees. This type of reward supports their personal or professional growth, making it a practical, long-lasting form of recognition.
21. Commemorative video
A commemorative video highlighting an employee’s achievements is a unique and personal way to celebrate their service. This digital keepsake can be shared with the team, creating a special moment of recognition that employees will remember.
22. Stock options
Stock options are a valuable and long-term reward for years of service. They offer employees a stake in the company’s success, making them feel directly connected to the organization’s future and incentivizing continued dedication.
23. Promotion
A promotion as part of a years of service reward shows recognition of an employee’s growth within the company. It’s an investment in their future and encourages further development, strengthening their commitment to the organization.
24. Professional development opportunities
Offering professional development as a reward for years of service demonstrates a company’s commitment to an employee’s growth. This investment in their future helps foster loyalty, making them feel valued while encouraging long-term career development.
25. Scholarships
Scholarships for employees or their families as part of a service award show deep commitment to their future. This meaningful gesture strengthens the employee’s connection to the company, demonstrating that the organization values both personal and professional growth.
26. Sabbatical leave
Offering sabbatical leave for long-term employees shows respect for their hard work. This extended time off enables employees to recharge, pursue personal interests, or travel, fostering long-term loyalty and promoting work-life balance.
27. Access to mentorship programs
Providing access to mentorship programs as a service award supports employees’ professional development. It encourages growth, strengthens connections within the company, and shows that the company is invested in their long-term success.
28. Office upgrade
Upgrading an employee’s office or workspace as part of their service award shows appreciation for their hard work. A personalized workspace boosts morale, increases productivity, and reinforces the company’s commitment to their well-being.
29. VIP office parking
VIP office parking as a service reward shows that you value an employee’s time and contributions. Reserved parking offers convenience, making employees feel special and appreciated, while also reinforcing their connection to the company.
30. Work anniversary party
A work anniversary party celebrates employees’ milestones in a fun and inclusive way. Whether in-person or virtual, this gathering fosters camaraderie and reinforces the sense of belonging, showing employees they are valued and appreciated for their dedication.
How to make years of service awards matter
It’s not enough to choose a few ideas to implement and never revisit your years of service awards. Employee needs and expectations are always changing. Let these best practices guide you when evaluating and iterating on your awards process:
Get everyone involved with a reward and recognition platform
Rather than solely relying on HR to provide shoutouts to employees at various stages of their career, R&R platforms allow all team members to get in on the recognition action. Coworkers, managers, and executives can show their appreciation for others directly — at any point in time. This leads to a self-sustaining cycle of recognition, spreading its benefits throughout your company.
Leaders need to show they care
Your leaders need to be the biggest advocates for a culture of recognition. Be sure to have managers and executives present at ceremonies, sign letters, and mention the achievements of others at all-hands meetings. Train your leaders and equip them with the resources to provide a great recognition experience. You should also look for tools that automatically remind managers when a direct report’s anniversary is approaching and make it easy for them to show recognition for a team member’s successes at any time.
Tailor the award to the person — and the occasion
Personalization is key when designing service awards. Tailor the award to the recipient by considering their tenure, role, and achievements. For an extra touch, involve colleagues, past bosses, clients, or vendors by asking them to submit notes or photos. Compile these into a video or email to make the celebration more meaningful, highlighting the employee’s influence on the company.
Include incentives as part of your years of service awards
When creating or revamping your years of service program, think about incorporating incentives besides physical or monetary awards. Additional retirement benefits matching or sabbaticals after a certain number of years are standard at many enterprises. Brainstorm other ways to incentivize employees to stay. Some examples are profit sharing, sponsored education, and additional time off. Even having the freedom to pick projects can qualify as an extra incentive.
Go beyond years of service awards with a culture of recognition
Years of service awards are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to recognizing employee contributions. To truly foster loyalty, engagement, and performance, recognition must go beyond occasional awards.
Achievers Recognize™ offers a comprehensive solution for ongoing, personalized recognition. With a user-friendly interface, Achievers Recognize™ enables employees to give social and points-based recognition anytime, anywhere. Seamlessly integrated with tools like Achievers Listen™, Gmail, Outlook, Slack, and Microsoft Teams, it creates a continuous culture of recognition, ensuring employees feel appreciated year-round, not just on milestone anniversaries.
