Frequently asked questions
What is a long service award?
A long service award is a formal way of recognising an employee for a significant milestone with an organisation — typically 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25+ years. It usually includes a choice of gift, a certificate, and some form of public acknowledgement.
How do long service recognition programs work?
Most programs are built around service milestones set by the employer. When an employee reaches one, they're notified and given a curated range of gifts to choose from, along with a certificate and, often, a small ceremony or presentation. HW Holdsworth manages this end-to-end, including the notifications, gift fulfilment and paperwork.
What's the difference between a long service gift and a gift card?
A gift card is convenient but can feel impersonal for a milestone this significant. A chosen physical gift — a watch, jewellery, or something practical for the home — tends to be remembered and displayed, which is why most of our clients choose curated gift ranges over gift cards for long service specifically. Read our full comparison here.
Are long service gifts still relevant in a modern workplace?
Yes — tenure and loyalty are still highly valued in sectors like government, healthcare, utilities, manufacturing and education, and a well-run recognition program remains one of the more effective retention tools available. We go into more depth on this here.
Do you handle retirement gifts too?
Yes. Retirement is often the most significant milestone of all, and we help organisations mark it with a personalised gift and recognition that properly reflects the career behind it.
What does a long service recognition program cost?
It depends on your organisation's size, milestone structure and the gift range you choose. We build every program around your budget rather than a fixed package — get in touch and we'll put together options.
