How to Celebrate Work Anniversaries Remotely


The way we work continues to become more fluid. Hybrid work environments are increasingly common, and more companies are finding that they can be successful with a remote workforce. To maintain that success, leaders will need to be creative in how they approach employee recognition, which includes work anniversaries.

Work anniversaries are the most common form of employee recognition across industries. Let’s take a look at a few ways to maintain the fun and excitement of these celebrations remotely.

‍
Celebrate Work Anniversaries on Social Media

Work with your communications and marketing team to celebrate your employees and make the anniversary feel special. You can share more about them, their work accomplishments, interests, and fun facts. Pick the best platforms to congratulate them on and tag them if appropriate. Many employees – although not all – love to share these kinds of posts when they are proud of where they work. Give them the opportunity and shine the spotlight on them. It’s a great culture and reputation builder for the company, too! 

Roll Out the Virtual Red Carpet for a Work Anniversary Celebration

One of the most significant benefits of working remotely is that families and friends can join in on the grand celebrations. Hire a local musician or band to play as people begin entering the virtual room or have a slideshow of employee photos rolling. A company leader can kick things off with an exciting or funny story about the employee. Looking for a creative twist? Rather than having an executive or manager speak about the employee, find out if they have a best friend at work and ask them to speak. Surprises like this make a huge impact and will make employees feel valued.

Plan an Annual Work Anniversary Celebration Day Using Microsoft Teams or Slack

One of the easiest ways to celebrate work anniversaries is by using Assembly on Microsoft Teams or Slack. Be sure everyone in the department or company is aware of the employee’s work anniversary in advance, so you have more engagement. Encourage colleagues to send congratulations messages, funny memes, and GIFs, favorite memories, or significant employee accomplishments. You can also allow employees with service anniversaries to select from customized rewards you create in Assembly, such as digital gift cards, lunch, or professional development opportunities. Remember, cash isn’t the only way to recognize outstanding work. Meaningful words, attention, and cultural gifts go a long way.

Celebrate Work Anniversaries with Games and Engagement Activities

It’s imperative to find ways to learn about your colleagues and stay connected beyond the surface in a remote environment. It’s always nice to find out you share a hobby or interest with someone at work. Host a quiz or guessing game with fun facts about the employees with work anniversaries. Everyone will learn something new, and it’s a fun, interactive way to celebrate.

Mail a Work Anniversary Celebration in a Box

Have treats and fun decorations mailed to the employee you’re celebrating. Encourage everyone else to get involved by wearing a funny hat or grabbing a noisemaker. It can be extra fun if each employee has their own theme based on what you know about them. Do they have a favorite TV show or hobby? Perhaps everyone can dress up as a character, famous athlete, or whatever is fitting. Share their accomplishments while everyone has a great time celebrating together.

Remember, remote work shouldn’t mean missing out on important milestones. With a little bit of creativity, you can find unique and meaningful ways to celebrate employee work anniversaries.