It can be difficult to find the right words to say goodbye to an employee leaving your company. You want to write something meaningful, but remain composed and professional at the same time. If you're wondering what to write in a card when someone is leaving a job, use this sample text as-is or as a starting point to craft a meaningful, personalized farewell message. Share your thoughts one of these free printable thank you or farewell cards.
Farewell Messages for a Retiring Colleague
Wish your soon-to-be former coworker the best as he or she heads into retirement. These sample retirement letters can help.
Time to Make Dreams Come True
The nice part about retiring from doing what you do so well is there is no more rushing around to meet deadlines and complete tasks. You'll have lots of time to make all your dreams come true. The bad part is how much we will miss the pleasurable experience of working with you. We wish you the all the best and thank you for your years of dedication, enthusiasm and team spirit.
Feelings of Gratitude and Joy
Working with you for the past X years has been a joy! While I'll miss working side-by-side with you, I am so happy for you as you transition from career to retirement. You have always been a hard worker and a terrific team member. No one is more deserving of a long and happy retirement filled with relaxation and enjoyment. I wish you only the best as you retire from XYZ Company!
Well-Wishes for a Promoted Coworker
Need to say farewell to a coworker who is being promoted to a new role within the company? Try these options.
Enjoy Your New Adventure
Congratulations on your recent promotion! We know you will tackle this new venture with the same passion and dedication you've displayed as part of our team and will quickly establish yourself as a valued employee in your new role. Working alongside you has been an honor and privilege, and we know you will continue to succeed in this new phase of your professional career.
You Deserve It
While I will miss working with you each day, I am so happy that you will be staying with XYZ Company while advancing in your career. I am very proud that you have been tapped for a promotion as a result of your hard work and success. No one deserves this promotion more than you, and I am certain that you will do an outstanding job in your new position as ABC Role.
Going Away Message to a Transferring Team Member
Share best wishes for a coworker who is being transferred to a new location or otherwise making a lateral move within the company. Add these messages to your card.
You've Been Indispensable
We wish you the best both professionally and personally as you move into your new position within our company. While we will miss the day-to-day interaction with you - you've been an indispensable part of our team - we know you will continue to do well and achieve major milestones.
Miss Working With You
I have enjoyed getting to know you during your time in the ABC Office and wish you success as you become part of the XYZ team. I'll miss working with you on a daily basis, as you have been a great team member and co-worker. I am sure you will enjoy continued success in your new role with the company.
Farewell to a Coworker Starting a New Job
When coworkers resign to accept begin a new adventure somewhere else, be sure to congratulate them and wish them success. Try these sample goodbye messages for a coworker who is leaving the company to start a new job.
You've Been an Inspiration
Congratulations on your new job - good for you! While we will miss you and have fond memories of working with you, we wish you well and hope you attain all the success you deserve. Your dedication and work ethic have been an inspiration to us all.
Please Keep in Touch
I'll miss seeing you at ABC Company on a daily basis, but I am so happy for your success! You are a great coworker and team member, so I'm not surprised to hear that you have accepted a wonderful new opportunity. Best wishes for continued success! Please keep in touch.
Goodbye and Good Luck for Returning to School
Congratulations and best wishes for success are in order when a coworker leaves to pursue higher education by going back to school. Support your coworker's new adventures with these words.
So Proud of You
While I am sad to see you leave ABC Company, I am so proud of the fact that you have decided to continue your education. I am sure that you will be successful in school, and the skills that you learn will help you become an even bigger asset to the company that is lucky enough to hire you once you have earned your degree. Best wishes for success as you enter this exciting new phase of your life!
Cheering for Your Success
Going back to school is a big decision, and I am so excited for you as you make the transition from working full-time to pursuing higher education. Your dedication to pursuing your studies is admirable, and I wish you great success throughout your academic career and beyond. Your team at ABC Company will be cheering for your success every step of the way!
Farewell to a Coworker Who Will Stay Home With Baby
When a coworker decides to stay at home as a full-time parent, a fond farewell and wishes for success are well warranted. Here's how to word it.
Wishing You Joy and Happiness
Congratulations on the addition to your family! I am so happy for you and wish you much joy and happiness as you focus on parenting full time. Enjoy every second that you have to spend with your little one! Know that your team at ABC Company is on your side. We'll be sending best wishes to you and your family, wishing you only the best.
Enjoy Every Minute
While I will miss seeing you at work, I am so pleased that you have the opportunity to step away and focus on your family at this time. I am sad to see you go, but I am also so very happy for you and your family. I wish you only wonderful things as you transition away from being my coworker to focusing on being a full-time parent. These days with your little one are precious. Enjoy every minute!
General Departure Messages After a Colleague Resigns
You may not always know why a coworker is leaving your company. Even if you aren't sure what they're doing next or why they are going, it is still a good idea to to send them off with best wishes for the future.
Wishing You the Best
Words are inadequate to express our gratefulness and appreciation of the incomparable work performance and attitude you've displayed during your tenure with our company. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially to someone who has been such a valued team member. We wish you all the best now and into the future.
It's Been an Honor
It has been an honor to work with you at XYZ Company over the past few years. I couldn't have asked for a better coworker and really appreciate the fact that you have been such a team-oriented member of the department. Please know that you will be missed. Best wishes for happiness and success. If I can ever be of assistance to you, please let me know.
Tips for Crafting Touching Coworker Farewell Messages
It's important to let your departing colleague know you are sorry he or she is leaving, while also sharing best wishes for success in the future. While these sample messages may work for you the way they are written, you may need to tweak the content to reflect your relationship with the person who is leaving.
Consider a Theme
When you compose a farewell message for an employee leaving, you can turn to movies, television and books for inspiration. If you don't feel comfortable writing your own message, include a famous quote or line from a movie or television show. Several books contain compilations of quotes for any situation, from quotes of encouragement to quotes of sympathy. Once you identify an appropriate quote, include it in your message.
Add a Personal Touch
To remain professional, wish the employee luck and offer to provide assistance in the future, if applicable. You can also write about the employee's on-the-job achievements. Recall a favorite memory about the person and use the anecdote in your message. If the departing employee has a favorite hobby or sport, mention this in the message to personalize it.
Customize the Message
Many times, a customized sentiment means more to a departing employee than a standard greeting card. Embellish your message with photographs that illustrate your time together or use company newsletter clippings that discuss the employee's personal and professional accomplishments.
Stay Away from Off-Limits Topics
Keep in mind that even if you have a personal relationship with an employee, you should avoid writing anything that could be construed as inappropriate or against company policy as it could create compliance concerns. While a funny message may be acceptable if you are on very friendly terms with the individual, it's important to avoid risqué jokes or other messages that could be considered inappropriate.
Gifts for a Departing Co-Worker
It's common to pair some emotional words with a gift when a co-worker leaves. The gift you choose should have some relevance to the employee's interests, work or you and your co-workers' relationship with him or her. Some traditional gifts for departing employees are:
- A special plant such as a bonsai tree or a snake plant for their home or future workplace is an excellent reminder of past colleagues and new "life" in a new position or retirement.
- A high quality messenger bag such as a high end leather bag or one made of sturdy non-leather materials for their laptop and work materials.
- A digital photo frame, loaded with photos of all of your co-workers, is a sentimental gift to a leaving employee.
- A personalized mug is a great place to put your departing words for them to read for years to come.
Saying Goodbye Gracefully
If you craft your message carefully and present it with good thoughts, the employee who is leaving will appreciate your gesture. It can help you preserve your relationship with your former coworker even when you aren't working side-by-side. Additionally, writing such a message may even open up networking opportunities for the future. You never know! The employee who is leaving your team or company today might end up as the manager of a company you would like to work for at some point in the future.
