What To Write: Birthday Wishes For Co-workers, Boss & Other Professionals

Happy birthday wishes for a co-worker, boss, colleague, client or subordinate are always appropriate to convey, especially if you're thinking of sending them a card! But that’s not to say that knowing what to write in a birthday message to a co-worker can’t be a little tricky, right? Below, we provided birthday wishes for colleagues or any business relationship you may have.

What to Write in a Boss's Birthday Card

Even if you think the world of your boss, it’s still a professional relationship, so keep that in mind and take these cues as a starting point or approach for what to say in a birthday card for your boss:

You deserve a wonderful birthday. Hope it’s fun!
Just a quick note to say Happy Birthday, and I hope that the year ahead is a healthy and happy one!

What to Write in a Co-worker's Birthday Card

Here, there’s kind of a sliding scale of friendliness when it comes to tone. Try one of these birthday wishes for a colleague:

You deserve a wonderful birthday. Hope it’s fun!
Happy Birthday to one of the reasons it’s great to work here!
You make this place tolerable — and that’s not easy! Happy Birthday! (Let’s grab lunch/drinks soon!)Happy Birthday to the world’s best coworker. Feel free to send a similar message to me on October 11th when it’s my birthday!

What to Write in a Birthday Card For a Client

These messages aren’t super formal, but they tend to have a more business-like tone — kind of like what you might write in a birthday card for your boss.

Just a quick note to wish you a Happy Birthday. Here’s to a healthy and prosperous year ahead!

What to Write in a Birthday Card For Someone Who Works For You

This could include work subordinates or people who provide services in your life. Unlike when we wish our boss a happy birthday without expressing thanks, here we should take the opportunity to show our gratitude:

Happy Birthday and thanks for all you do throughout the year.
Wishing you all the happiness you deserve. Have a wonderful birthday!

In short, you are acknowledging two things: the occasion and the relationship. Both are important. You’ll move that “sliding scale” from familiar to formal based on your history and level of connectedness with the colleague and craft a message that’s appropriate and meaningful. Browse our assortment of birthday ecards for co-workers, and then use one of our ideas above or write your own happy birthday message before sending. Sign in or start a 7-day free trial to get started today.