Sample Award Wording for 5, 10 & 15+ Years of Service

Why Years of Service Awards Matter

Using years of service awards to recognize employee milestones isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s a powerful way to reinforce loyalty and boost morale. Acknowledging 5, 10, or 15 years of service shows your team that commitment matters and that long-term contributions don’t go unnoticed.

These awards are more than plaques—they're emotional touchpoints that strengthen company culture. When done well, service recognition can make employees feel valued, seen, and inspired to stay for the long haul.

• The emotional and motivational value: A simple message of appreciation can have a lasting impact on morale, especially when tied to a personal milestone.
• How service milestones impact retention: Publicly honoring tenure boosts employee engagement and encourages others to see a future with your company.

Award Wording Basics – What to Include

Writing a memorable service award message starts with the essentials. Whether it’s for 5 years or 15, each award should be thoughtful, personal, and clear. Here’s what every great recognition message includes:

• Recipient name and milestone: Always include the full name and the exact number of years being honored—it makes the recognition feel official and personal.
• Acknowledgment of contribution: Mention the employee’s impact, such as dedication, leadership, reliability, or innovation.
• Personalized appreciation message: Add a line or two that reflects their unique role or contributions. This turns a generic award into something meaningful.
• Optional: company values/tone match: Align the language with your culture—keep it formal for corporate settings or friendly for casual workplaces.

Sample Wording by Milestone

5 Years of Service Award Wording

The 5-year milestone marks steady contribution and loyalty. It’s often the first major service award employees receive, so it should feel genuine and encouraging. Below are several styles to match different company cultures.

• "Presented to [Employee Name] in recognition of 5 years of outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to excellence. Your contributions have made a lasting impact."
• "Cheers to 5 amazing years, [Employee Name]! Your hard work, team spirit, and positive energy make all the difference. Thanks for growing with us!"
• "In appreciation of [Employee Name] for your 5 years of loyal service and the value you bring to our team. We celebrate your dedication, reliability, and the positive impact you’ve made since [Start Year]."
• "[Employee Name], thank you for 5 years of living our values and driving our mission forward. Your integrity, teamwork, and passion inspire those around you every day."
• "Celebrating [Employee Name] on reaching 5 years of continuous service. Your journey has been marked by consistent effort, a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic. We’re proud to have you with us."
• "It’s been 5 years of collaboration, innovation, and shared success. [Employee Name], your contributions have shaped our team in meaningful ways. Here’s to many more years together."

10 Years of Service Award Wording

A decade of service is a major achievement. At 10 years, employees have often taken on leadership roles, mentored others, and made a lasting imprint on the organization. The wording should reflect that depth of contribution.

• "In recognition of [Employee Name] for 10 years of dedicated service, professional excellence, and commitment to our mission. Your leadership and integrity set the standard for others."
• "Ten years, countless wins. [Employee Name], your loyalty, heart, and hustle have shaped our culture in the best way. Thank you for being a cornerstone of our success."
• "Presented to [Employee Name] in honor of 10 years with [Company Name]. Your contribution in [Department/Role] has made a meaningful difference. We are proud to recognize your continued excellence and dedication."
• "With deep appreciation, we recognize [Employee Name] for 10 years of commitment, passion, and results. Your efforts have helped shape who we are today."
• "[Employee Name], a decade of service is more than a number—it’s a story of trust, perseverance, and impact. Thank you for 10 incredible years."
• Legacy-focused message: "10 years of service. 10 years of making a difference. [Employee Name], your legacy is felt in every project, every person you’ve helped, and every goal you’ve pushed us to reach."

15 Years of Service Award Wording

Fifteen years with a company is a rare and meaningful milestone. At this stage, the employee is often a pillar of the organization—someone who has helped shape its culture, mentored others, and driven long-term success. Recognition wording should match that significance.

• "Honoring [Employee Name] for 15 years of outstanding leadership, vision, and commitment. Your guidance and dedication continue to shape our future in profound ways."
• "Fifteen years ago, [Employee Name] joined our team—and we’ve been better ever since. Your loyalty, excellence, and leadership have elevated everyone around you. Thank you for being a cornerstone of our journey."
• "Presented to [Employee Name]
  In grateful recognition of 15 years of service. Your unwavering dedication, expertise, and heart have left a lasting mark on our organization. With appreciation from all of us at [Company Name]."
• "[Employee Name], your 15-year journey has helped build not just results—but relationships, resilience, and a culture of excellence. We thank you for every year, every project, and every contribution."
• "15 years of showing up, lifting others, and leading by example. [Employee Name], your impact reaches across teams and time. We are proud to recognize your incredible journey."

Tips to Customize Service Award Messages

The most memorable service award messages feel personal and specific. While templates are helpful, customizing the wording adds sincerity and shows you put real thought into the recognition. Here are a few tips to tailor each message.

• Use of company core values: Reference specific values the employee embodies—like integrity, innovation, or teamwork. This reinforces the connection between their work and the company's mission.
• Matching tone to employee’s personality: Some employees appreciate formal recognition, while others respond better to a friendly, conversational tone. Match your message style to what suits them best.
• Adding humor or sentiment: A light, personal touch—such as an inside joke or heartfelt note—can make the award feel even more authentic, especially in casual or creative workplaces.

Make It Special – Beyond the Wording

While great wording matters, how you present a service award can elevate the entire experience. A thoughtful delivery shows the employee—and everyone watching—that their time and commitment truly matter.

• Presentation ideas: Deliver the award during a team meeting, company-wide event, or surprise moment with peers. A few kind words from leadership can amplify the impact.
• Accompanying gifts or experiences: Consider pairing the plaque with a meaningful gift—extra time off, a personalized item, or a small celebration lunch. It doesn’t have to be big to feel valuable.
• How to celebrate in hybrid or remote teams: Use video calls to present the award live, and send a follow-up package with the physical plaque and gift. A recorded message from leadership can add a personal touch, even at a distance.