65+ Best Birthday Messages to Give Your Coworkers

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Send well wishes to work colleagues to celebrate their special day
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Connecting with your coworkers on their birthdays is a great way to make them feel appreciated and build your bond with them. No matter if you’re friends with your coworkers or not, the birthday messages you give them in the workplace still have to be appropriate and professional. Whether you’re trying to strike a simple, heartfelt, or funny tone, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for tons of example messages in a variety of tones that are safe to send during work.

Section 1 of 7:

Short and Simple Birthday Messages

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  1. If you don’t know your coworker very well, a simple best wishes message is all you need to write in a card or email. Just be sincere with your message and your coworker will really appreciate it.
    • “Wishing you good luck and best wishes for your birthday, Amy! Have fun celebrating!”
  2. 2
    “Hope you have an amazing day.” If you don’t know your coworker on a real personal level, just wish them a good time celebrating their special day. Even a quick sentence or two adds a nice personal touch to your message.
    • “I really hope you have an incredible day at work and a good time celebrating after. Happy birthday!”
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  3. 3
    “Wishing you a joyful and relaxing birthday.” No matter how well you know your coworker, this universal message works great for a quick and casual birthday greeting in a text, email, or card.
    • “I hope your birthday is stress-free and everything you hoped for.”
  4. 4
    “Happy birthday to my favorite coworker!” If you’ve developed a close bond with your coworker, don’t be afraid to share that in your birthday message to them. Just let them know that you appreciate them to make them feel warm and fuzzy for their birthday.
    • “Happy birthday to the best coworker and friend I could ask for!”
  5. 5
    “Happy birthday, office buddy!” If your coworker has become a casual acquaintance, personalize the message for them a little. Using a short title like “office buddy” or “cubicle mate” adds a bit of fun to your brief message as well. [1]
    • “Happiest of birthdays to my favorite desk mate! Hope you have an amazing day!”
  6. 6
    “You make coming to work so much better.” If your coworker lights up your day when you come in, mentioning it in your birthday message is bound to make them smile.
    • “It makes my day every time I come in and see you. Hope your birthday is fantastic!”
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Section 2 of 7:

Heartfelt Birthday Wishes

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  1. Even if you don’t know your coworker super well, wishing them continued success shows that you care about them on their special day.
    • “Happy birthday, Martha! I hope your next year is filled with success and lasting memories!”
  2. 2
    “I hope you have an unforgettable birthday.” If your coworker is really excited about the celebration and looking forward to their birthday, share how much of a good time you want them to have. Your message will sound really sincere without getting too personal.
    • “Now that you’ve been looking forward to it for so long, it’s time to celebrate! I hope your next year is filled with so many memories.”
  3. 3
    “Wishing you good luck and good health this year.” This classic birthday wish is perfect no matter how well you know your coworker. Maintain a professional tone, but still show that you’re caring and wishing the best for them.
    • “Best wishes for health, happiness, and an incredible year to come. Happy birthday!”
  4. 4
    “Warmest birthday wishes to a great coworker and friend.” When you’re close with a coworker and know them well, then spend a little more time crafting their birthday message. Only include things that you’d be comfortable saying in front of your boss so the message doesn’t cross any work boundaries.
    • “You’ve been an amazing coworker and an even better friend. I hope you have the best birthday today, James!”
  5. 5
    “I’m so lucky to work with you every day.” When you’ve really bonded with your coworker, let them know how much you appreciate their company. They’ll really love hearing that you enjoy spending the workday with them.
    • “I’m so blessed to come in and spend the work day with you each day. Happy birthday to my favorite coworker!”
  6. 6
    “Many blessings to the best coworker I could ask for.” If you’re super close with your coworker, let them know why they’re your favorite to be around. Maintain a professional tone when you’re in the workplace, and be genuine to put a smile on their face.
    • “Only the best birthday wishes for the coworker who makes my day. Your dedication and caring make you special and I hope you’re enjoying your special day.”
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Section 3 of 7:

Career-Oriented Birthday Wishes

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  1. If you really appreciate everything your coworker has done to help out with job duties, don’t let it go unnoticed. Give them a quick compliment about their work ethic along with their birthday wish.
    • “Wishing you the happiest birthday today! You do such an amazing job and I appreciate every minute of it!”
  2. 2
    “Your presence makes work a better place.” If your coworker always puts a smile on your face and has a notable presence in your workplace, tell them how much you like spending your days with them.
    • “Happy birthday! When you step through the door each morning, I know I can count on it being an incredible day.”
  3. 3
    “Wishing you another year of accomplishing your goals!” Show your support for what your coworker is working towards and trying to achieve. Letting them know how much you’re invested in their future shows that you really care about them.
    • “Here’s to another year of you going out and crushing the work you do. I can’t wait to see what you’re able to achieve. Happy birthday!”
  4. 4
    “No one does a better job than you.” If you’re always impressed by the work your colleague is doing, then be sure to let them know. Even a quick compliment about their drive and quality of work will brighten their day.
    • “You never fail to put the best work forward, and it inspires me every day to do better. I hope your birthday is filled with wonderful memories.”
  5. 5
    “Happy birthday to the most valuable member of our team!” If you want to make your coworker feel really special and like they’re doing hard work, point out an achievement that they’ve accomplished. Let them know how much you value them so they can continue celebrating their special day.
    • “Happy birthday, and thanks for being such a team player in the company. We couldn’t have finished our project without your insightful input.”
  6. 6
    “To the most hardworking person I know, time to celebrate!” If your coworker has a work ethic that you strive for, then let them know how much you’ve noticed. Just a quick few words about the work they do is enough to make them feel appreciated. [2]
    • “Happy birthday to one of the most dedicated employees that we’ve had. I can’t wait to see the work that you continue to do.”
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Section 4 of 7:

Funny Birthday Wishes

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  1. If you’re close with your coworker but aren’t good friends, a small joke in your birthday greeting is perfect. Just keep the tone light and fun, and avoid making any jokes at someone’s expense.
    • “Happy birthday, Jack! I hope your day is filled with fun and that the snack machine has your favorite candy restocked!”
  2. 2
    “Cheers to another year of surviving the office!” Stick to making jokes like this if you’re close with your coworker so your tone doesn’t get misread. Even if work isn’t that difficult, making light of the situation is bound to get a chuckle from your coworker.
    • “Happy birthday and congrats on making it another year! Here’s to another year surviving with you!”
  3. 3
    “Hope your birthday is as good as 5 PM on a Friday.” Nothing beats the feeling of the weekend, so wish that same feeling to your coworker. Even if it’s not a Friday, your coworker will make it a point to celebrate their birthday with a T.G.I.F.- mindset.
    • “Wishing your birthday gives you the same feeling as the start of a long weekend!”
  4. 4
    “Sorry you don’t have the day off, but thanks for celebrating with us!” If your coworker is in the workplace on their birthday, make light of the situation. Just be sure to be light and playful with your tone so it doesn’t seem like you’re rubbing in that they weren’t able to ask off for the day. [3]
    • “I know it’s not where you really want to celebrate, but I hope you have a great birthday regardless.”
  5. 5
    “Let’s celebrate one year closer to retirement.” Stick to jokey birthday wishes like this if you’re good friends with your coworker because it may seem a little disrespectful to older colleagues you’re not as close with.
    • “Happy birthday! Time to start counting down the days until you’re able to retire!”
  6. 6
    “Time to celebrate the only one who keeps me sane at work!” If you feel like your coworker is the one who keeps you grounded while you’re working, let them know that they’re the calm in the storm. You’ll get a smile out of them knowing how much you appreciate having them there every day. [4]
    • “I truly don’t know if I’d make it through the day without you. Happy birthday, and here’s to many more!”
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Section 5 of 7:

Birthday Wishes for Your Boss

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  1. No matter what your relationship is with your boss, let them know that you enjoy working for them and hope they have a good time during their birthday. Stay more professional in your tone to show that you respect and care about your boss as well.
    • “I hope you have a great birthday, Ms. Washington. You deserve the best celebration for running such an amazing team!”
  2. 2
    “Looking forward to another year of your leadership.” If your boss really inspires you and you look up to them, let them know the qualities that you appreciate. Your boss will feel extra special hearing your kind words and make you look like a caring employee.
    • “Happy Birthday, Mr. Brown! You’ve been a fantastic role model and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings for you!”
  3. 3
    “Relax on your birthday, we’ve got it under control.” If your boss is always hard at work and you want them to take a break on their special day, then let them know you have the work covered. They may take it seriously and take some time off, but they’ll for sure smile knowing how dedicated you are to the work. [5]
    • “You deserve a birthday filled with rest and relaxation. We’ve got it covered here, so have fun celebrating!”
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Section 6 of 7:

Birthday Wishes for Remote Coworkers

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  1. Don’t let distance separate you from celebrating a remote colleague. Let them know that you’re ready to make their day special even if you’re not working from the same place.
    • “Even if I can’t pop over to your desk and say it in person, I hope you’re having an incredible birthday today!”
  2. 2
    “Time to celebrate my favorite Slack buddy!” If you mostly chat with your coworkers via Slack, Teams, or another messaging app, then don’t be afraid to send them a short birthday message directly. Just remember that your employer can usually see what you’re talking about through Slack, so don’t say anything you wouldn’t say in front of your boss.
    • “Every time I see a Slack message come in from you, it makes my day. I hope these birthday wishes make your day too!”
  3. 3
    “Sending virtual cake your way!” Even if you can’t go to a break room together and share a treat, share some cake emojis to celebrate. Your coworker will love that you’re still trying your best to celebrate them even if they’re not there.
    • “Happy birthday! 🥳🎂time to blow out your candles and make a wish!”
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Section 7 of 7:

Belated Birthday Wishes

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  1. If it was your coworker's birthday over the weekend or you just haven’t seen them in awhile, send a message to tell them you hoped they had a good time. They’ll appreciate that you didn’t forget and still want them to feel special.
    • “Hope your birthday weekend was everything you hoped it would be! Happy belated!”
  2. 2
    “I’m late to the party, but happy birthday!” If you’re friends with your coworker and missed their birthday, play it off a little more casually than you would with other acquaintances. Make a small joke before wishing them the best birthday wishes to make your message a little more playful and less serious.
    • “Wow, this year working with you was so fast, I missed your birthday! I hope it was an incredibly fun day of celebrating!”
  3. If you were out on your coworker’s birthday, let them know that you wished you could be a part of the celebration.
    • “Hate to have missed your birthday! Wish I could have been there to tell you in person, but I hope your special day was everything you hoped it would be.”
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      Tips

      • Don’t feel pressured into getting gifts for your coworkers if you’re not close with them. [6]
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
      • Always ask your coworker if they’re comfortable with a birthday celebration or card before arranging for a cake or party. [7]
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        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 8

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Try to find out your coworker's hobbies through casual conversation, and get them a gift that relates to it. That way, you can guarantee that they'll use your gift.
      • Chat with your other coworkers to see if they want to pool money together for a joint gift.
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      Warnings

      • Make sure any messages you share in the workplace are appropriate to your company’s culture. If you think someone would feel unsafe or disrespected by your message, avoid saying it. [8]
        Thanks
        Helpful 7 Not Helpful 5
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      References

      1. ↑ https://partiesmadepersonal.com/birthday-wishes-for-coworker/
      2. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/a42355207/what-to-write-birthday-card/
      3. ↑ https://partiesmadepersonal.com/birthday-wishes-for-coworker/
      4. ↑ https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/home-lifestyle/a42355207/what-to-write-birthday-card/
      5. ↑ https://partiesmadepersonal.com/birthday-wishes-for-coworker/
      6. ↑ https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/employee-relations/pages/workplace-birthdays.aspx
      7. ↑ https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/employee-relations/pages/workplace-birthdays.aspx
      8. ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/setting-boundaries-at-work/

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