Putting many years of work and dedication into a single employer is a big deal. It can be difficult to find the right way to recognize or award an employee such as this. If you are looking for unique corporate milestone gifts or celebration ideas, you are likely to find any of these to be a great choice.
Consider the employee
One anniversary gift or celebration idea may not fit all employees. If you truly want to celebrate in a unique way, you will want to consider the employee. Consider how long they have been with the company, the specific contributions they have made to the company, and their likes and dislikes. For example, an employee who tends to avoid social activities may not enjoy a large celebration party. An outgoing CEO, however, might prefer to spend their celebration with all of the employees they have worked with over the years. Always consider your employee of recognition when planning your work celebration.
Give a personalized gift
Nothing shows appreciation like a personalized gift. Corporate milestone gifts are a great idea, but personalized corporate milestone gifts are even better. They show that you truly took the time and money to create a gift idea that will mean something to the recipient. According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median number of years workers have been with their current employer is 4.6 years, which means many do not reach their fifth anniversary. Celebrating something like 25th business anniversary ideas or even 50th business anniversary ideas deserves personalized recognition.
Fund an experience
Spending 25 or 50 years with the same company shows dedication. A great way to reward this is to gift an experience. Rather than spending money on corporate milestone gifts, consider taking that money and sending your employee and their family on a dream vacation. The experience and its memories will stick with them for many years to come. It will also rejuvenate them and prepare them for more years of dedicated work. This is a great gift idea, especially for the CEO of your company. The average CEO tenure has decreased from about 10 years in the 1990s to about 5.5 years today. Show your CEO how much you appreciate their service to the company.
Let the employees choose the gift
It is usually an employee?s coworkers and direct reports that know them the best. Instead of guessing at company anniversary ideas, leave the task to the employees. They can choose creative retirement gifts that the employee is likely to enjoy. If you intend to plan a celebratory party for the recognized employee, allow the coworkers to choose to location, food, entertainment, and activities. They are likely to plan a party that really showcases the guest of honors preferences.
Consider a financial gift
Nearly half (49%) of baby boomers still working say they do not expect to retire until they are 66 or older, including one in 10 who predict they will never retire. With many baby boomers living through the economic recession, a large percentage is not in the position to retire. Providing these employees with a financial gift can be extremely helpful and valued. They can put this money towards their retirement, or they can pay off previous debt. You can still gift a recognition trophy or purchase a large card, but the financial gift is likely to also be well appreciated.
Employees today tend to jump from one employment position to another. It is a big deal when a single employee remains with a company for many years, especially if they make it to 25 or 50 years. Recognize these employees by throwing them a party, giving them a personalized gift, or helping them out financially. After all, they have provided years of dedication to your business and its success. Make sure you are showing your recognition.
