--- title: Are Long Service Gifts Still Relevant in the Modern Workplace? description: Long service recognition and milestone gifts might be traditional, but with reimagination they're a crucial and meaningful part of employee recognition. image: https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hubfs/Certificate%20Receiving%20Image.png --- [Skip to content](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/recognition-hub/are-long-service-gifts-still-relevant-in-the-modern-workplace#main-content) [![HW Holdsworth — Celebrating People](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hubfs/raw_assets/public/hwh-theme/images/hwh-logo.svg)](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/) [Solutions](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/employee-recognition-solutions) - [Long Service Recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) - [Peer to Peer Recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/peer-to-peer-employee-recognition-software) - [Employee Benefits & Discounts](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/employee-benefits) - [The Staff Shop](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/the-staff-shop) - [Chocolate Recognition Packs](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/monthly-employee-recognition-chocolate-gifts) - [Custom Awards](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/unique-employee-awards) - [Branded Merchandise](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/corporate-merchandise) - [Bespoke Recognition Strategy](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/employee-recognition-program-design) [See all solutions →](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/employee-recognition-solutions) [Resources](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/recognition-hub) [About](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/about-hw-holdsworth) - [Purpose & Vision](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/about-hw-holdsworth) - [Sustainability](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/sustainable-employee-recognition) [See all about →](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/about-hw-holdsworth) [Contact](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hwholdsworth-contact) [Find my award site](https://share.hsforms.com/1rC--GMhJSguqGKCFgpaZUg2sv5x) [Talk to us](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hwholdsworth-contact) [Recognition Hub](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/recognition-hub)/[Long Service Recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/recognition-hub/tag/long-service-recognition) # Are Long Service Gifts Still Relevant in the Modern Workplace? ![N Tan](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/NatTan2_400.jpg?width=44&height=44&name=NatTan2_400.jpg) **N Tan** · 2 May 2025 · 4 min read ![Lady receiving her long service award.](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Certificate%20Receiving%20Image.png?width=1600&height=686&name=Certificate%20Receiving%20Image.png) [Long service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) has been a traditional type of employee recognition for decades. Since 1884, HW Holdsworth has worked with companies to recognise employee long service, engraving heritage timepieces and jewellery as part the tradition of long service gifts. Are these traditions out-of-date in our mobile and digital workforce? Read on for the pros and cons of long service recognition, and [4 ways to evolve your long service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hubfs/Evolve%20your%20long%20service%20recognition.webp). ## Is [long service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) out-of-date? ### Long service doesn’t equal impact One could argue that when it comes to employee engagement, tenure or long service doesn’t equal impact. Modern performance culture focuses on contribution, creativity and agility, not just long service. ### The workforce is mobile Millennials and Gen Z change jobs more frequently. According to [Deloitte’s 2024 Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey](https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/content/genz-millennialsurvey.html), 49% of Gen Zs plan to leave their jobs within two years. Long service may not feel relevant to them — they value *development*, *feedback*, and *purpose* more. ### Recognition should be immediate, not delayed Waiting five or ten years to give meaningful recognition is seen as too little, too late. The most effective programs embed **continuous feedback and [peer-to-peer recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/peer-to-peer-employee-recognition-software)** instead of once-in-a-decade moments. ### Done poorly, [long service gifts](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) can feel performative When done poorly, long service gifts can come across as hollow — a way for employers to tick a box without investing in real culture or wellbeing. Employees sense that. ![Lady receiving long service gift 300175](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Lady%20receiving%20long%20service%20gift%20300175.webp?width=968&height=565&name=Lady%20receiving%20long%20service%20gift%20300175.webp) ## Why [long service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) is still relevant ### Loyalty is rare — so celebrate it With job tenure shrinking (the average is now between [1-4 years in Australia according to the ABS](https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/labour/jobs/job-mobility/latest-release#duration-of-employment)),[long service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) is becoming *less* common and *more* meaningful. Recognising it shows your business still values commitment in a fast-moving world. ### They reinforce culture in a transient workplace Amid remote work, global hiring, and increasing contractor roles, [long service gifts](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) anchor a sense of *belonging* and *continuity*. They're an opportunity to reinforce core values and say: “You matter here.” ### Recognition improves retention Studies show that meaningful recognition (including [milestone recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition)) can improve engagement and reduce turnover. A [Gallup poll](https://www.gallup.com/workplace/650174/employee-retention-depends-getting-recognition-right.aspx) found that employees who feel recognised are 55% more likely to still be in their current job at the 2 year mark. ### Employees expect it to evolve — not disappear The trend for [long service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) is towards **personalised**, **experience-based**, and **employee-chosen** rewards. The concept still resonates — it just needs a refresh.   ## [Long Service Gifts](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) in Australian Workplaces A [Forbes survey](https://www.forbes.com/sites/joshbersin/2012/06/13/new-research-unlocks-the-secret-of-employee-recognition) found that long service recognition makes up 87% of companies’ recognition programmes.![Long Service Recognition makes up 87% of companies recognition programs.](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Long%20Service%20Recognition%2087.webp?width=305&height=279&name=Long%20Service%20Recognition%2087.webp) While we don’t have easily available statistics on long service recognition practices in Australia, and some extrapolation could be make from US data, long service recognition is definitely an important part of employee engagement strategies in Australian workplaces. The [Australian Department of Education holds an annual long service recognition ceremony](https://www.vic.gov.au/recognition-service-ceremony) for their long-serving staff from across Victoria. The [National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA](https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/careers-ndia/why-work-ndia/employee-recognition)) practices long service recognition for milestones such as 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, and 50 years, reflecting a commitment to acknowledging long-term dedication. At HW Holdsworth, we partner with over 150 companies from small businesses to multinational corporations to provide [long service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition), supplying well over 12,000 long service gifts a year. We supply everything from 1 year of service awards to 55 years of service awards (our running joke is that you get less service time for murder!)   ## Practical Takeaway: Evolve Your [Long Service Recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) and Gifting ## ![Evolve your long service recognition infographic](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Evolve%20your%20long%20service%20recognition.webp?width=323&height=808&name=Evolve%20your%20long%20service%20recognition.webp) The most future-fit organisations are **redefining** long service gifts rather than abandoning them. They are: ### Pairing [long service gifts](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) with storytelling Sharing highlights of an employee’s journey or personal impact. This can be done through something formal like a speech at a long service recognition award ceremony, or informal like sharing stories at a team-wide morning tea. Integrating digital platforms and [peer-to-peer recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/peer-to-peer-employee-recognition-software) is one way long service recognition can be made relevant, especially in hybrid and remote work environments, allowing remote colleagues to join in the celebration and be part of the recognition process. ### Giving employees choice and personalisation Through curated platforms, for example a [long service gift catalogue](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hubfs/HWH-Recognition-Gift-Catalogue.pdf), or lifestyle experiences like a gift of a[discount for travel or dining](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/employee-benefits). Offering a choice in rewards, for example like [PwC’s “My Milestone Rewards” programme](https://www.pwc.com/us/en/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/my-milestone-rewards-celebrating-pwc-careers.html#:~:text=The%20program%20includes%20options%20for,off%20with%20their%20loved%20ones.), allows for more personalised and meaningful long service gifts. ### Celebrating “mini-milestones” Gift some [corporate merchandise](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/corporate-merchandise) or organise a celebratory event to recognise 1-year, 3-year, or project anniversaries to foster early retention. ### Linking long service with meaning Frame [long service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) around shared success, and consider linking it to [corporate values recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/peer-to-peer-employee-recognition-software).   ## Reimagine [Long Service Recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) with us The real question isn’t “Should we still give [long service gifts](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition)?”, but rather: “How can we make [long service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) meaningful for today’s workforce?” When reimagined with purpose, personalisation, and cultural relevance, [long service gifts](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) can be a powerful symbol — not a dusty tradition. Contact us to find out how you can offer a meaningful and personalised choice of [long service gift](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) to your employees to recognise their long service. Contact Us [Long Service Recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/recognition-hub/tag/long-service-recognition) ![](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/NatTan2_400.jpg?width=64&height=64&name=NatTan2_400.jpg) **N Tan**HW Holdsworth Recognition & Rewards Long service recognition ### Recognition for every milestone, run with you. A gift they choose, an engraved memento and a certificate, trophy or plaque, beautifully presented. [Explore long service](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-milestone-recognition) [Free download**Recognition gift catalogue**Get the PDF →](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/long-service-gifts#catalogue) ## Keep reading ### [![Long service recognition in an Australian workplace.](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Education%20Recognition.webp?width=720&height=450&name=Education%20Recognition.webp) Employee Recognition Budget Employee Recognition Guide for Small and Medium Australian Businesses A practical guide for Australian small and medium businesses: what to recognise, how to budget, FBT basics and a simple plan you can start this month. 19 October 2026](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/recognition-hub/recognizing-employee-contributions-a-guide-for-small-to-medium-businesses) ### [![Long tenure healthcare service recognition](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Healthcare%20Recognition.webp?width=720&height=450&name=Healthcare%20Recognition.webp) Long Service Recognition Why Service Milestone Recognition Improves Retention Employee retention strategies often miss the obvious lever: long service recognition. Here's what actually strengthens staff loyalty. 25 August 2026](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/recognition-hub/why-service-milestone-recognition-improves-retention) ### [![Cost of living issues](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/groceries.png?width=720&height=450&name=groceries.png) Employee Recognition Budget Employee Cost of Living Relief - Now Ease employee cost of living now, and explore how other Australian organisations are offering practical relief to employees facing rising living costs. 4 March 2026](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/recognition-hub/employee-cost-of-living-relief-now) ## Let’s talk about your people. Tell us what recognition looks like in your organisation today, and we’ll show you what it could be. [Get in touch](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hwholdsworth-contact) ![HW Holdsworth — Celebrating People](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hubfs/raw_assets/public/hwh-theme/images/hwh-logo.svg) **HRD** · Human Resources Director - Recognition & Rewards Service Provider Award Winner 2024**JAA** · Jewellers Assocation of Australia 2026 Gold Member Pages[Home](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au)[Solutions](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/employee-recognition-solutions)[About](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/about-hw-holdsworth)[Contact](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/hwholdsworth-contact) Resources[Blog](https://www.recognitionandrewards.com.au/employee-recognition-hub)[Find Your Award Site](https://share.hsforms.com/1rC--GMhJSguqGKCFgpaZUg2sv5x)[Register Your Gift](https://www.hwholdsworth.com.au/register.php) In the spirit of reconciliation, HW Holdsworth Recognition and Rewards acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present and extend our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/hwholdsworth)[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/hwholdsworth) Copyright © 2026, H.W. 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