A short message is perfectly fine — what matters is that it doesn’t feel copied from the line above. Pick one that suits how well you know them, and add their name.
How to write it
- Add their name to make a short message feel personal.
- Choose warm for colleagues you know, professional for those you don’t.
- Short and sincere beats long and generic.
Warm and short
Happy birthday to a wonderful coworker!
Wishing you a day as lovely as you are.
Happy birthday — you make work better.
Hope your day is full of good things.
Have the best birthday!
Cheers to you today!
Happy birthday, friend!
So glad we work together. HBD!
Wishing you a happy, relaxing day.
Enjoy every moment of your birthday!
Funny and short
Cake now, work later!
Another year wiser (allegedly)!
Happy birthday — you’re not old, you’re experienced.
Out of office: celebrating you.
Happy birthday! Free cake is the real hero.
Level up unlocked!
Don’t count the candles, count the cake.
Happy birthday — act surprised when we sing.
Officially older, still not wiser.
Birthday mode: on.
Professional and short
Happy birthday and best wishes.
Wishing you a great year ahead.
All the best on your birthday.
Happy birthday from the team.
Best wishes for a wonderful day.
Many happy returns!
Have a great birthday!
Wishing you a successful year.
Warm wishes on your birthday.
Enjoy your special day.
What to avoid
- Just “HBD” with no name — it can read as an afterthought.
Organising the whole card? Our birthday card guide covers timing and who to invite. For more ideas, read What to Write in a Birthday Card for a Coworker: 35 Ideas.