We always celebrate our wins with friends, no matter which any part of our lives. Most commonly we share family events like birthdays and baby showers, but recognizing work anniversaries also have immense personal value. When celebrating this milestone, sending thoughtful and meaningful work anniversary wishes to your friend is the perfect way to show you care for them and their experiences.
Whether you’re writing in a work anniversary card, sending a message online, or telling them in person, writing the perfect message is easier said than done. Naturally, we have you covered. Here’s the what, why, and how of writing work anniversary wishes for your friend.
What is a Work Anniversary Wish?
Whether it is short or long, a work anniversary wish is a sentiment written on a work anniversary card or a message congratulating someone for successfully completing another year of employment with the same company. Typically given on the anniversary of their hire date, these well-wishes honor the dedication, hard work, and contributions they’ve brought to their organization.
Why Should I Send a Work Anniversary Wish to a Friend?
When you send a work anniversary wish to a friend, you show them further love and support in an often overlooked area of their life. While they usually get wishes from coworkers and mentors, having their friends recognize their occupational achievements means something special. Instead of receiving work anniversary cards, parties, and gifts from their network, they’ll get well wishes from someone outside of the office.
Just as you might send a happy anniversary wish to them for their wedding anniversary, a work anniversary message can be a great way to celebrate them. Chances are, you are more familiar with their true feelings about work and have more closely watched them overcome frustrations to remain in the same workplace. So, use this time to send a little love and appreciation their way as they continue to dedicate themselves to their employment.
57 Work Anniversary Wishes to a Friend
To give you an understanding of the basics of an anniversary wish, we’ve compiled a list of the best work anniversary messages for your friend that take it beyond ‘congrats’ and instead add humor and meaning to your message. We are sure one of these wishes will inspire you to write the perfect wish for the occasion.
1 Year Work Anniversary Wishes for a Friend
- “Happy work anniversary. I cannot believe you made it through the first year of learning, growth, and overcoming the challenges of making new friends. I am proud of you for sticking with it!”
- “Happy work-iversary! It’s been fun seeing you accomplish so much this year of working, and I’m excited to see all the great things you’ll accomplish in the years to come. Cheers to your first of many anniversaries!”
- “One year down, and you’ve already achieved so much! Your hard work and determination are truly inspiring. Wishing you continued success and fulfillment in your career.”
- “How has it already been a year since you started this job? I still remember helping you prepare for the interview. I’m so glad my terrible questions didn’t cause you to lose the opportunity. I am proud of how much you’ve grown in the last year! Happy 1st work anniversary!”
- “We both know the first year at a new job can be overwhelming. Congratulations on making it through your first year. It’s only up from here!”
- “The past year, I’ve seen you grow into a talented, knowledgeable, and helpful [enter career]. It is a blessing to see you evolve. Great work this year!”
- “I am proud of you for taking on this opportunity one year ago. I know making the career change wasn’t easy for you, but you’ve impressed me the last year with how you overcame a fear to succeed in a new position. Happy one-year work anniversary!”
- “We both know sticking with something new can be difficult. I am proud of you for sticking with this position even when the novelty wore off. You did it. Here is to another easier year ahead!”
5 Year Work Anniversary Wishes for a Friend
- “Congrats on your 5th work anniversary! It’s so incredible to see all that you’ve accomplished. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you.”
- “Your workplace has been blessed the past five years to have someone as talented, positive, and ambitious as you. Here is to another successful year!”
- “Wow! Five years. What a journey of triumphs, trials, and celebration. Thank you for setting an example of going above and beyond. Your skills, ideas, and talents have been instrumental in my personal growth. Happy work anniversary!”
- “Do you know it takes a person with strong character and willpower to stay dedicated and loyal at their job? And you are that person! Best wishes on your 5th work anniversary.”
- “In the last 5 years, I’ve watched as you have overcome challenges with projects, colleagues, and changes in the workplace. You always handled these struggles with grace. Here is to a successful year with little challenges.”
- “Some champions never give up and strive to deliver the best. I am glad you are one of them. You have come a long way. May this year, you achieve new heights and continue to thrive.”
- “I know in the last five years, many successes and accomplishments you’ve had have felt unnoticed. I just want to say I noticed them. I am so proud of you and that you always show up even when no one seems to care.”
- “5 years with the same company is something to celebrate. Congratulations on refusing to give up and finding ways not only to continue but thrive. Happy 5 years!”
- “5 years? Does that mean five weeks of PTO we can use traveling together? Just kidding! Congrats on your huge work milestone.”
10+ Year Work Anniversary Wishes to a Friend
- “Congratulations on achieving another year of excellence! Your hard work and dedication are an inspiration to us all. Wishing you a future filled with even greater accomplishments.”
- “Your unwavering dedication to your company isn’t just because you that is how you get paid; it is the person you are. You are a loyal and dedicated friend, and this is just another representation of how great of a person you are. Happy 10th workiversary!”
- “Hard work and loyalty are gifts not everyone possesses. But you got it both! Your company is lucky to have someone like you with us. Keep up your excellent work, and continue to inspire. Cheers to all your incredible years of work. Happy Work Anniversary!”
- “At this point, you are more a mentor than a friend. You are an excellent friend and professional. Thank you for being dedicated to continual improvement and dedicating yourself to improving where you are. I am truly in awe of who you are.”
- “Happy tenth anniversary! It’s no wonder that you’ve been there for ten years. You are a catch with amazing skills, talent, and wisdom. You’ve made your company what it is today.”
- “Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your career! I admire your strength, commitment, and loyalty to your work here. Thanks for being an inspiration to me and everyone around you!”
- “Happy 20-year work anniversary! If I’m ever unclear about embodying the perfect employee, all I have to do is think of you. You remind me of what a good employee and friend should look like. Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do!”
- “Staying in any relationship for a decade is a major accomplishment, even more so when that is with your workplace. Congratulations on making it through another year of your career. You are a sight to be seen!”
Funny Work Anniversary Messages to a Friend
- “Congratulations on surviving another year of office shenanigans. You deserve a medal or at least a really big cake!”
- “Congratulations on one year of pretending to work hard! Just kidding – you’re a rockstar. Here’s to many more years of productive pretending!”
- “Happy work anniversary! You’ve officially spent 365 days resisting the urge to reply ‘k’ to emails. Impressive!”
- “Thanks for showing up to work this past year so we can still go out together. Happy work anniversary!”
- “Congrats on another year of being a rockstar employee! Let’s raise a glass (or three) to all your hard work! I’m excited to celebrate with you!”
- “Happy anniversary! You’re the Chandler Bing to my Joey Tribbiani. Let’s celebrate with some pizza and beer!”
- “Did you really think I forgot? Well, honestly, actually, I did. Luckily for you or me, my computer reminded me that today’s your work anniversary!”
- “Thank you for remaining dedicated to your workplace so I could have a healthy stream of interesting stories to hear from you.”
- “Remember when we pretended to go to work when we were kids? We should have pretended to travel the world because this work thing is hard. Congrats on another year resisting the urge to quit and go off the grid.”
- “Thankful for all of the many cups of coffee that got you where you are today. Keep sippin’!”
Read More: “50+ Funny Happy Work Anniversary Memes and Messages”
Work Anniversary Quotes for a Friend
- “Grit is about doing the hard work, day in and day out, without immediate reward.” – Angela Duckworth
- “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” -Ayn Rand
- “The greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.” -Walter Bagehot
- “At it’s core, the idea of purpose is the idea that what we do matters to people other than ourselves.” – Angela Duckworth
- “I believe success is achieved by ordinary people with extraordinary determination.” – Zig Zigler
- “If you’re truly determined, every obstacle becomes a stepping stone.” -Maxime Lagace
- “A difficult time can be more readily endured if we retain the conviction that our existence holds a purpose- a cause to pursue, a person to love, a goal to achieve.” -John Maxwell
- “The greatest achievement is to outperform yourself.” -Denis Waitley
- “Any great achievement is preceded by many difficulties and many lessons; great achievements are not possible without them.” -Brian Tracy
- “Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways, it can change someone else’s life forever.” – Margaret Cho
- “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” -Confucius
- “The best way to learn is by doing. The only way to build a strong work ethic is getting your hands dirty.” – Alex Spanos
Heartfelt Work Anniversary Wishes for a Friend
- “Thank you for your example of leadership, inspiration, and hard work. I admire the professional you are. Hope you have an amazing day on your work anniversary.”
- “Who would have thought you’d be the one everyone would look up to? After all these years at work, I can say you have achieved this feat. Thank you for displaying your utmost discipline at work. Wishing you all the best, as it’s your work anniversary today.”
- “Congratulations on reaching this milestone in your career! Your dedication to your craft and commitment to excellence have truly made a difference in the lives of those around you, including mine. Keep up the good work, and let’s celebrate!”
- “Wow, five years already! I still remember the time you [example of contribution or anecdote]. You’ve kept crushing it since then, especially [mention other examples of contributions]. You are a rockstar and an invaluable team player. I hope to share many more wins with you in the future.”
- “The way you show commitment to your work is so inspiring. Happy work anniversary, my friend!”
- “I know you put in so much hard work each day, and it pays off. I’m so proud of you. Happy work anniversary!”
- “Your company is so lucky to have you! Your hard work and determination have got them to where they are today. Happy work anniversary!”
- “I am grateful for how you treat everyone with love and kindness. No matter what personality clashes you might have with your colleagues, you always seek ways to be the bigger person. You are awesome!”
- “I’ve watched you reach for this career throughout college, and now you live that dream. I am proud of you for putting in the work to come this far. You are a force to be reckoned with, and I am happy to sit by and watch you take over the world.”
- “Every time I meet someone from your work, they only have good things to say. What they don’t know is I already know that. You are kind, empathetic, and loyal, which makes you the perfect employee, coworker, and friend. Happy Workiversary.”
What to Say to a Friend Who is Celebrating a Work Anniversary
If you’d like to write your own wishes to a friend celebrating a work anniversary (or workiversary, if you will), carefully consider what style of message you would like to give. For example, are you proud of your friend for their grit in working past the challenges presented to them the last year? Or are you hoping to bring some humor to their celebration of this employee milestone?
When you identify your intent, the message comes naturally. As long as your anniversary wish is sincere and true to their experience, it will be the perfect message. So don’t worry, and write what you feel is best.
If you are still struggling to know what to say, here are some basic guidelines for what to say to make their day memorable:
What to Say: Express Gratitude
Begin by expressing gratitude for their example of hard work and dedication. Let them know you are proud of them and grateful for what they bring to your life.
What to Say: Highlight Achievements
Because you are their friend, you get the opportunity to recognize them for things they accomplished that maybe weren’t acknowledged at work. So, use your message to recognize specific achievements or milestones your friend has reached during their time at the company.
What to Say: Personal Touch
You are not part of their workplace so you can be more personal in your message. Add a personal touch to your message by referencing shared experiences or inside jokes. Don’t be afraid to have some fun with your well wishes.
What to Say: Look to the Future
Express excitement about the future and the continued journey together. This encourages a positive outlook and motivates your friend to keep excelling in their role.
What to Say: Use Positive Language
While throwing in a joke into your message is fun, be sure that the central part of your message is positive, emphasizing the joy and pride associated with the work anniversary.
Celebrate Your Friend’s Work Anniversary in Style
Celebrating a friend’s work anniversary is more than acknowledging the time spent in the professional sphere; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate that their experiences matter and are important to you, even if they don’t directly affect you. While it may seem like something that should be left to their company to do, it can be a tool to strengthen your relationship.
So don’t leave the recognition they deserve in the hands of people who may not see the same successes as you do, and show them their dedication matters both professionally and personally. Now that you have 57 ideas of potential wishes for your friend, go out and celebrate them well. You know they deserve it.
Create a custom eCard for your work anniversary wishes to friends
Create a work anniversary eCard, invite coworkers and family to sign, and make their workiversary one to remember.
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