ODFLPeople’s Post

As I approach my one-year anniversary at NewGen IT Technologies Pvt Ltd, formerly VCARE InfoTech Solutions and Services Pvt Ltd, I find myself reflecting deeply. It’s disheartening to see some former colleagues, who were once part of our company, now spreading unfounded rumors after leaving a few months ago. They should recognize that our company provided them ample opportunities for growth, both monetarily and in terms of promotion, opportunities they did not receive in their previous workplaces. There's a saying that resonates deeply with this situation: "People often criticize what they once cherished." It’s clear to me now why this occurs, but it prompts me to question: What do they gain by damaging their own integrity? They left the company under the influence of a former employee who was dismissed by management for poor performance, unethical behavior, and causing significant financial losses to the company. So why propagate such false feedback about a company that once belonged to them as well? Their behavior is truly questionable. If there are genuine concerns, why resort to hiding behind fake identities (including the company's name and their own) to voice them? Valid grievances deserve transparent discussion. Instead of diminishing their credibility, they should pinpoint where improvements are needed and seek resolution openly. Leaving a company should signify personal growth and encourage the same for others. Let’s foster constructive dialogue and leave groundless accusations behind.

Happy work anniversary, Jacqui Bonello! Two years of dedication, growth, and contributions. Here's to many more successful and fulfilling years ahead! #WorkAnniversary #MilestoneMoments #YearsOfService #CelebratingSuccess #TeamAppreciation #WorkplaceMilestones #CareerJourney #GratefulHeart #ProfessionalGrowth"

A few days ago, I celebrated my first work anniversary with Toll. Honestly, I never imagined I’d come this far. I still remember my first day at the company—I was instantly filled with regret and plagued by doubt, wondering if I had made the wrong decision. After spending 10 years of my life building what I had—nurturing meaningful relationships and creating a solid foundation—it was natural to feel hesitant when I decided to start over and rebuild my career with people I didn’t know or trust yet. What I feared the most was loneliness. I knew the role I was stepping into came with its own set of sacrifices. I had to navigate being on my own—without the daily conversations, coffee breaks, lunches, and camaraderie I once enjoyed. But I knew I had to do what needed to be done. You can’t have it all. Moving forward often means letting go of something you hold most dear. Over the past year, I’ve realized that many of us aren’t necessarily afraid of change itself; we’re afraid of leaving behind the familiar and stepping away from what we already know. Venturing into the unknown isn’t something that comes naturally to us. As humans, we’re wired with a fight-or-flight instinct designed to protect us, making it even harder to embrace uncertainty. Here’s the thing: if you don’t take chances, you’ll never discover what’s waiting for you out there. Your calling might just be out there, waiting for you to take that leap. Here’s to more adventures and life’s rollercoaster moments! 🩷 Captured in this picture are the people I spent so much of my time with in my previous organization—the familiarity I left behind a year ago.

Today, I am honored to be celebrating my 16-Year Work Anniversary with my company! That is a lifetime to some. It feels amazing. The people who I have met, and the things that I have learned on this journey have shaped my life in so many ways. Here are some of the lessons that I have learned over the years... * Work/life balance is crucial. It is important not to lose sight of what you are working for. Take the vacation.  Go to the little-league game. Live a good life.  It is short and you only get ONE. So, work to live, not the other way around.   * Be kind and respectful and greet everyone. Every person in every position. * Give your respect freely but give your trust wisely.  Guard your heart and your personal life. Be discreet. Know the difference between being friends and being friendly. Check your emotions.  Don’t react quickly. Observe silently. Avoid office politics and gossip. * Show up. Be consistent and take action. * Be sincere, intentional and authentic. This goes for both your business and your personal life. * Don’t be afraid to ask people to share their wisdom and experience with you. Share your knowledge with others. * Know the difference between healthy competition and unhealthy “comparisonitis”. * Use the right tools, organize everything, and keep good notes. * Clear is Kind. Keep your communications clear, concise and easy to understand. * Confidence in your abilities and knowing your value is important to your success. Believe in yourself and in your work.  

In reading my many work anniversary congratulations after 13 years here at Penna 3 things came to mind: 1. Where do the years go? Whilst we've packed a lot into the last 13 years, it has flown by, so I must be having fun! 2. We should celebrate years of service more fully. Without LinkedIn reminding me, the date would have just passed by. 3. Anniversaries make you think. Do I still love what I do, what have I achieved? Luckily on both I was able to reflect positively. Perhaps worth employers considering how they celebrate service for employees as a key retention tool, as negative answers to my Q2 could lead to employees making a call to a recruiter, like me! Thanks everyone for your good wishes, here's to Year 14 Penna our 50th year.

Taking care of your employees and customers is what makes a company great.

🎉Happy 1st Work Anniversary to Brittnie Gerard! 🎉 Brittnie is our Office Clerk, who joined us in August of 2023. Here’s what she had to say about her big day: 1- Why did you want to work for/be a part of the Economic Alliance? At first, I did not realize I wanted to, as I started as a temporary employee. However, as I got to know the team and how hard we work to grow a stronger business community, I knew I wanted to stay. 2- What has been the most rewarding part of being on this team? The most rewarding part about being on this team is knowing that what I do every day does matter and is part of the bigger picture. 3- How are you planning on celebrating your anniversary? What excites you about the upcoming year? Hmm… I don’t know how I will celebrate; I haven’t really thought about it until now. Market After Dark is this weekend, and this will be my first time participating in it. I am thrilled to be involved with that! My goal for next year is to grow even more professionally by trying new opportunities and meeting new people. 4- What is your favorite Economic Alliance brand color and why? My favorite EA brand color is teal because it is a great accent color- I even have it in my kitchen.

Today is my 13 year anniversary at my company. It’s a bit of a tradition for people in my org to get an email of congrats for them sent out to everyone for the team to say “Hey great job”. I haven’t gotten one of these in 5 years. I casually mentioned this to my leadership a few years back and was told “Well we always thought you were above idle praise. “, and don’t get me wrong there’s a bit of a truth to that. However, as someone who has worked on both sides of the coin as a leader and as a direct report, my advice is to let that person decide that. Give them the praise and then let them tell you “Hey you don’t have to do that. “ The reason is because so many times our direct reports can feel unseen, or under appreciated. There’s a ton of times where there’s maybe something personal going on and they as people feel unseen or under appreciated. It’s not up to us as leaders to decide that for them, it’s up to us to let them make that choice and it’s up to us to understand that sometimes situations change. Praise your people when you can and where you can and let them know they’re valued for the investment they put into YOU and your company. They’re the lifeblood of what makes you look good, so if a 3 minute email is what you can do to make them feel valued, that’s a 3 minute investment worth it every single time and anything beyond that time is just better and better. That said, my favorite part of being here for 13 years has been the chance and opportunities to meet incredible people and in my learning and development role show my appreciation for the dedication and talent everyone I meet brings to the table every single day. It pushes me as an employee, a leader, a person to be my best self every single day. If I’ve interacted with you at my company, THANK YOU. Even for the smallest of time, because it reminds me of why I’m here and the fantastic company I keep. I can’t wait to do more and see where this ride takes me. Skal.

"🎉 Congratulations on your 1st Work Anniversary! 🎉 Your dedication, passion, and efforts as a Business Development Executive have been invaluable to the team. Here's to celebrating your achievements and many more successful years ahead! 🚀👏 #WorkAnniversary #TeamGrowth #SuccessJourney #BusinessDevelopment #MilestoneAchieved #TeamSpirit #CelebratingSuccess"

There has been a significant shift in recent years to more personalized and impactful recognition for employees who are celebrating milestone work anniversaries. Here are three service award trends to consider when evaluating your program. https://bit.ly/3IIvnLt