Workiversaries are a great opportunity to celebrate your employees’ commitment to the company and their contributions to its success. The concept of tenure anniversaries has evolved in the new post-pandemic era, as the work landscape is increasingly changing.
In this article, we’ll explore how companies are adapting to new job market dynamics. We’ll also discover how the concept of service awards for employees has had to change into a 2.0 approach.
Let’s get started!
What is a Workiversary?
Simply put, a workiversary is the anniversary of an employee’s first day at work. It’s meant to mark a celebratory milestone, just like a birthday or a wedding day – only in this case, it’s all about recognizing the length of tenure.
Apart from being an opportunity to thank employees for their loyalty, commemorating work anniversaries can be a valuable tool for promoting a positive work culture – one where talent can thrive
Workiversary or Workaversary?
You’ve probably heard the term “workaversary” and wondered, is this the same thing? The answer is yes!
The only difference is the part where the second half of “anniversary” is spelled with an A instead of an I.
These two sound quite different though, don’t they? Well, that’s because for Workaversary, the portmanteau (mash-up of words) has somewhat of a negative ring to it, hinting at the words averse and adversary, as if the celebration were somehow work-averse.
For this very reason, workiversary has become more popular than workaversary. It just sounds better!
Employee Anniversary Gift Ideas
Finding the right gifts for employee anniversary can be a tricky endeavor.
According to Gallup, employee engagement is a manager’s chief responsibility, and, as manager, you are in charge of making sure that your employees know what is expected of them. At the same time, it is your responsibility to advocate for them and coach them so they can reach their maximum potential.
A sense of connection and purpose is what fuels engagement in the workplace. People want to know their work matters, that it drives change, and contributes to success.
By recognizing their efforts through continuous recognition, you are actively fostering a positive work culture.
1. Move the Celebration Away from the Office
One of the most popular employee work anniversary gifts for 5+ years of service is treating the team to dinner. This is an excellent way of creating a space outside the office where employees can connect in a relaxed atmosphere without the ghost of work looming over their heads.
If you have hybrid workers on staff, or even a few remote workers, a nice lunch at an accessible spot in the city can be a brilliant idea that will make everyone feel included.
Studies show that companies that have turned increasingly hybrid or remote are struggling with an eroded sense of community. New spaces for connection can help the team recharge batteries, and also prevent hybrid teams from drifting apart.
2. Keep the Celebration In-House
Of course, you can also go the other way, that is, right back into the office. Treat your team to a catered brunch or lunch in honor of the celebrated team member’s workiversary.
One fun twist on this idea is for everyone to bring their own culinary specialties and share a delicious buffet in the conference room.
3. A Personalized Gift
A twist on the old fruit basket is the modern gift card. With a gift card, you’re giving your employees the opportunity to choose their own reward, be it through a new electronic appliance, a memorable experience, or an enriching masterclass – an opportunity to grow!
There are two types of gift cards: open-loop and closed-loop.
Open loop gift cards can be redeemed almost anywhere. Closed-loop gift cards can only be used at the store where the card was issued. If you want to offer a broader spectrum of possibilities, open loop is the way to go!
Much More than A Milestone
Workiversaries are golden opportunities to take your workplace culture to the next level. It’s a way to show that dedication matters – that your team members aren’t just cogs in a corporate wheel but valuable resources that deserve recognition.
Celebrating hard work through special employee anniversary recognition gifts can motivate the team to aim even higher, and be more creative and productive. It shouldn’t be a chore, a box to tick off, but a true and authentic show of appreciation.
About GoGift
GoGift, a leading global provider of gift card solutions, specializes in offering innovative and versatile gift card services to over 15.000 corporate clients worldwide. With a commitment to simplifying the gift-giving process, GoGift provides a broad range of gift card options from numerous popular brands, catering to a diverse array of tastes and preferences. Their services are designed to enhance the gifting experience, making it more convenient, personal, and enjoyable for both the giver and the recipient.
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