Is your last day at work coming up? Whether you’ve been there for months or years, and whether you’re changing careers or you’re retiring, it's important to say goodbye to your colleagues.
Sending a well-crafted farewell email to coworkers lets you say goodbye, shows your appreciation, and will help maintain positive work relationships. It's a chance to show gratitude for your time together, wish your colleagues well, and leave on a positive note.
But not all farewell emails are right for everyone, and to hit the right note, there are a few things to consider. Let's dive in and make your goodbye one for the books!
In this article, we:
- Talk about why writing a farewell email to coworkers matters,
- Share tips on how to write one that hits all the right notes,
- And provide you with 4 handy templates for different colleagues
Leaving a workplace you’ve been at for a while is one of the most emotional parts of anyone’s career. Use our career counselling service to help smooth the way, whether it’s to another job or if you’re exiting your career permanently.
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A copy-paste farewell email that you can use
If you just need something professional and that you can quickly use, copy and edit the below farewell email template:
Subject: Farewell and Best Wishes
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that my time at [Company Name] is coming to an end. My last working day will be [Last Working Day].
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, and it has been a privilege to work with such a talented and dedicated team. I am grateful for the support, collaboration, and friendships I have experienced during my tenure. [Include any specific memories or accomplishments, if desired.]
As I move on to new opportunities, I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities and experiences I have gained at [Company Name]. I am confident that the company will continue to thrive and achieve great success.
Please feel free to keep in touch. You can reach me at [Personal Email] or [Phone Number]. I would love to stay connected and hear about your future endeavors.
Thank you once again for everything. Wishing you all the best for the future.
Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title]
[Your LinkedIn Profile or other contact information]
Why you’d want to write a farewell email to colleagues?
Writing a farewell email to your colleagues before heading out the door is a good idea. Here are a few reasons why you should consider writing one.
Because you’re a professional
A goodbye email is a thoughtful and considerate way to bid farewell to the colleagues you’ve worked and shared time with over the past months or years. Leave a positive and professional impression as you move on to the next chapter in your career by dropping them a line that lets them know about your plans.
To keep your connections strong
Keep your professional network strong by sharing your decision to leave, demonstrating interest in future opportunities, and leaving the door open for future collaborations. A farewell email lets you share important contact information, shows an active interest in staying connected, and sets the stage for future contact, for example, if you need a recommendation letter.
So everyone’s in the loop
Lastly, good communication is a crucial skill, and a farewell email allows you to outline the steps to take during this transition period clearly. Including an explanation letting team members know who’s taking over your work, who to report to, and any other administrative details will make you a workplace superstar!
Express gratitude
Sending a farewell email is a considerate way to express gratitude towards your colleagues and superiors. It's an opportunity to thank them for their support, guidance, and the experiences shared, leaving a lasting positive impression as you move forward.
Maintain professional relationships
By informing your colleagues of your departure in a professional manner, you maintain important connections. This is essential for nurturing your professional network, which could be beneficial in your future career endeavors.
Share your future plans
A goodbye email allows you to share your next career steps with your colleagues, explaining your reasons for leaving and what you hope to achieve next. This keeps everyone informed and can inspire others to consider their own career paths.
Acknowledge contributions
Recognize the significant contributions of your teammates and mentors in your farewell email. This acknowledgment can boost morale and show your appreciation for the collaborative efforts during your time at the company.
Leave on a positive note
By choosing to write a farewell email, you ensure that you leave on a positive note. This gesture enhances your professional image and reinforces your reputation as a considerate and thoughtful individual.
Provide contact information
Include your personal contact information in the email to make it easy for your colleagues to stay in touch. This is especially important for maintaining connections that might prove valuable for both personal growth and professional opportunities.
Clarify handover details
A farewell email is an excellent medium to clarify transition details. Include information about who will be taking over your responsibilities and other administrative details. This helps in making the transition smoother and positions you as a responsible and organized professional.
Reflect on memories
Share memorable moments and achievements in your farewell email. This not only personalizes your message but also helps in reinforcing positive relationships with your colleagues by reminiscing about shared experiences.
Encourage future collaboration
Express your openness to future collaborations in your farewell email. Mention that you are looking forward to potential opportunities to work together again, keeping the door open for future professional interactions.
Closure
Writing a farewell email provides a sense of closure for both you and your colleagues. It's a professional gesture that demonstrates good communication skills and helps everyone adjust to the change more comfortably.
How to write a goodbye email to your coworkers
Follow these six steps to write a memorable farewell email to your colleagues.
Work the subject line
A strong subject line lets the recipient know at a glance what the email is about. A really effective subject line can even prompt someone to open and read the email right away, ensuring your message gets through.
Try something like:
Moving On to New Adventures - A Farewell Message from [Your Name]
Address it personally
This isn’t the time to open with “To whom it may concern”. Use a professional salutation, like Dear or Hello, and include your colleagues’ names in each email you send.
By this point, there should t be no confusion about who does what, so there’s no need to include their title. A simple message saying goodbye doesn’t have to be overly formal.
Something like this is perfect:
Dear Mrs Rinaldo,
Or,
Hello Mr Jenkins,
Set the date
In the first paragraph, let the reader know you’ve decided to leave the company and your intended departure date. Being clear and concise is a hallmark of professional correspondence.
If you have a close working relationship with the recipient, you could also discuss your reason for leaving but avoid saying anything negative about the company. This is a professional message, not a gossip column.
Shine a light on them
Share some of your fond memories of working there, and if you can, highlight some ways that the recipient helped or a success you shared. This will make your message more personal, engaging, and memorable.
But ensure sure you’re being genuine. Don’t offer empty flattery; people often see through it, and it falls flat when they do.
Map the transition
This is only necessary – and appropriate – if you’re in a senior position; otherwise, your supervisor or manager will take care of it. Just before the last paragraph, take the opportunity to clarify details about the transition process.
Build your network
As part of your final goodbye, let the person you’ve sent the email know that you look forward to interacting with them again. If you’re not already connected on a professional social networking platform like LinkedIn, suggest to them you’d like to so you can keep in touch.
Sign-off
A handful of standbys are always useful to close a professional email, like Sincerely, Regards, or Thank you. Just below that, on separate lines, include your name (in case they don’t know you as well as you think), your email address, telephone number, and a link to your professional networking platform profile.
10 Sample farewell email templates
You wouldn’t send the same farewell email to your boss that you would send your direct report. I’ve put together four examples that you could use depending on who you’re sending the goodbye to.
Professional farewell email
Subject: Farewell and Best Wishes
Dear Team,
I hope this email finds you well. As some of you may know, today marks my last day at [Company Name]. It has been a pleasure working with such a talented and dedicated team over the past [number] years.
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your support, collaboration, and friendship. I have learned so much and grown both professionally and personally during my time here.
I wish you all continued success and look forward to staying in touch. You can reach me at [personal email] or connect with me on LinkedIn.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Funny farewell email
Subject: See Ya Later, Alligator!
Hey Team,
Guess what? I finally found the escape hatch and am making a run for it! Just kidding. Today’s my last day at [Company Name], and while I’ll miss the endless meetings and office coffee, I’ll miss you all even more.
Thanks for the laughs, the memories, and the occasional questionable life advice. Stay awesome, and don't do anything I wouldn’t do (which isn’t much, let’s be honest).
Catch you on the flip side! Feel free to hit me up at [personal email] or find me on social media.
Cheers,
[Your Name]
Heartfelt farewell email
Subject: Goodbye and Thank You
Dear Friends,
As I write this email, my heart is full of gratitude and a tinge of sadness. Today is my last day at [Company Name], and I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for the incredible journey we’ve shared.
Your support, kindness, and camaraderie have meant the world to me. I will cherish the memories we’ve made and the friendships we’ve formed. Thank you for being such an amazing part of my life.
I hope our paths cross again soon. Until then, please stay in touch at [personal email].
With warmest regards,
[Your Name]
Inspirational farewell email
Subject: A New Chapter Begins
Dear Team,
As I prepare to embark on a new journey, I wanted to take a moment to say goodbye and express my gratitude for the incredible experience I’ve had at [Company Name]. Working with such a dedicated and talented group of individuals has been an inspiration.
Every challenge we faced together, every project we completed, has prepared me for this next chapter. I carry with me the lessons learned and the friendships made, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Let’s continue to strive for greatness. You can always reach me at [personal email].
With best wishes,
[Your Name]
Humorous farewell email
Subject: So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish!
Hey Team,
Well, the time has come for me to leave the nest and venture into the wild unknown. Today is my last day at [Company Name], and I must say, it’s been quite the ride. From the endless supply of donuts to the occasional office shenanigans, it’s been a blast.
Thanks for all the laughs, the support, and for putting up with my questionable taste in music. Keep being awesome, and maybe someday our paths will cross again—preferably at a beach bar with a margarita in hand.
Stay cool, and don’t be a stranger. Hit me up at [personal email].
Rock on,
[Your Name]
Nostalgic farewell email
Subject: Until We Meet Again
Dear Colleagues,
As I sit down to write this farewell email, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia. My time at [Company Name] has been filled with countless memories and experiences that I will carry with me forever.
From our first project together to the many milestones we’ve achieved, it has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals. Thank you for the support, the laughter, and the camaraderie.
I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about all the amazing things you’ll continue to accomplish. You can reach me at [personal email].
Fondly,
[Your Name]
Grateful farewell email
Subject: Thank You and Farewell
Dear Team,
As I prepare to leave [Company Name], I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support and friendship. My time here has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am grateful for all that I have learned and the relationships I have built.
I appreciate all the guidance and encouragement you’ve provided, and I look forward to staying connected. Please keep in touch at [personal email].
With gratitude,
[Your Name]
Casual farewell email
Subject: Catch You Later!
Hey Everyone,
Just a quick note to let you all know that today is my last day at [Company Name]. It’s been great working with such a fantastic team, and I’m really going to miss you guys.
Thanks for all the good times and for being such awesome colleagues. Let’s stay in touch—you can reach me at [personal email] or find me on social media.
Take care,
[Your Name]
Reflective farewell email
Subject: Farewell and Reflections
Dear Colleagues,
As I write this farewell email, I find myself reflecting on my time at [Company Name]. It has been a journey filled with learning, growth, and meaningful connections.
Working with each of you has been a privilege, and I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences we’ve shared. Thank you for your support and for making my time here so memorable.
I look forward to the future and hope our paths cross again. Please stay in touch at [personal email].
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Formal farewell email
Subject: Notice of Departure
Dear Team,
I am writing to formally notify you that today is my last day at [Company Name]. It has been an honor to work with such a talented and professional team.
I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunities I have been given during my tenure here. I wish you all continued success and look forward to following the company’s future achievements.
Please feel free to reach out to me at [personal email] should you wish to stay in contact.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Farewell email to your closest colleagues
Dear [Name],
Before my departure on [final work day], I'm writing this email to express my gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside you. Working with someone as talented, hardworking, and dedicated as you has been a pleasure. I have learned so much from you, and your contributions to the team will not be forgotten.
One of my fondest memories of working with you was during the [specific project or task]. Your willingness to collaborate, share ideas, and support each other made the project successful. Your hard work and attention to detail were an inspiration to us all. I appreciate the time we spent working together and will always remember that experience fondly.
As I move on to new challenges, I want to express my sincerest gratitude for your support and friendship. Your mentorship and guidance have been invaluable to me, and I will always remember your positive impact on my career. Please stay in touch, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Regards,
[Your Name] [Your email address] [Your telephone #] [Your LinkedIn profile]
Farewell email to colleagues that you don’t know well
Dear [Name],
As my time at [Company Name] comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to say goodbye and wish you all the best in your future endeavors. You may have heard I will be leaving on [date of departure]. Although we haven't had the opportunity to work together closely, I have always admired your work and professionalism from afar.
Thank you for being a part of my journey at [Company Name]. Your positive attitude and hard work have contributed to all our successes here, and I have learned a lot from watching you. I will miss the camaraderie and sense of community that we have shared, and I am grateful for the memories that we have made.
I hope to stay in touch with you as I move on to new opportunities. I believe that maintaining a professional network is important for career development and growth. With that in mind, I will be sure to connect with you on LinkedIn. It would be great to keep in touch, share insights and industry news, or collaborate on future projects.
Once again, thank you for being a part of my time at this company. I wish you all the best in your career and hope our paths cross again.
Best regards,
[Your Name] [Your email address] [Your telephone #] [Your LinkedIn profile]
Farewell email to upper management
Dear [Name],
As I prepare to depart from [Company Name] on [date of departure], I want to express my gratitude for the opportunities, support, and guidance you have provided me throughout my time here. I have had the privilege of working with some of the industry's most talented and dedicated professionals, and I am proud to have been a part of this team.
During my time here, I have worked on exciting and challenging projects, and I am grateful for the experiences I have gained. I am proud of the contributions that I have made to the team, and I will always look back on my time here with fondness.
Thank you for being an excellent leader and providing me with the tools and resources to succeed. Your vision and guidance have inspired me, and I have learned so much from your leadership. I will always remember the lessons I have learned here and will carry them throughout my career.
Thank you once again for everything that you have done for me. I wish you and the team continued success and prosperity.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your email address] [Your telephone #] [Your LinkedIn profile]
Farewell email if you’re a C-level executive
Dear [Name],
As you know, I will be leaving [Company Name] on [date of departure]. Before I go, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for your hard work and dedication during our time working together. It has been a pleasure to work with you, and I am proud of the progress that we have made together.
I want to ensure a smooth transition for you and the team as I depart. Therefore, I have arranged for [Name of Colleague] to take over my responsibilities as [Your Position]. [Name of Colleague] is an experienced professional who has worked with the team for several years and will provide the leadership and guidance needed during this transition period.
I encourage you to support [Name of Colleague] during this transition period and offer any assistance you can. I am confident that the team will continue to thrive and succeed under [Name of Colleague]'s leadership.
Thank you for being a valued member of my team. I wish you and the team continued success in all of your endeavors. Please feel free to reach out to me in the future if I can help or you need advice.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your email address] [Your telephone #] [Your LinkedIn profile]
Farewell email subject lines to use
A good subject line informs the recipient of what the email is about. Less is more in this case; include only a few well-chosen words.
- Saying Farewell and Best Wishes, [Your Name]
- Moving On to New Adventures - A Farewell Message from [Your Name]
- Goodbye and Thank You - [Your Name]'s Farewell Email
- Time to Say Goodbye - [Your Name]'s Departure Message
- Farewell to My Amazing Colleagues - [Your Name]'s Farewell Email
- Leaving with Gratitude - A Farewell Message from [Your Name]
7 Tips to write a great farewell email
Writing a farewell email to your colleagues can feel tough, but it's important. It's your chance to say goodbye and leave on a good note. Here are some tips to help you write a great farewell email:
Tip 1: Keep it simple
Your email doesn't need to be long or fancy. A few kind words will do. Just let your colleagues know that you are leaving and that you enjoyed working with them.
Tip 2: Be positive
Focus on the good times and positive experiences you had at work. Thank your colleagues for their support and friendship. Avoid mentioning any negative experiences.
Tip 3: Be personal
Try to mention a few specific people or memories that stood out to you. This makes your email feel more personal and heartfelt.
Tip 4: Share your contact information
Let your colleagues know how they can stay in touch with you. Share your personal email or LinkedIn profile so you can keep in touch.
Tip 5: Offer help
If you can, offer to help with the transition. Let them know you are available to answer questions or provide support during your last days at work.
Tip 6: Keep it professional
Even though you're saying goodbye, it's important to stay professional. Avoid using slang or casual language. Keep your email respectful and courteous.
Tip 7: Send it at the right time
Send your farewell email a few days before your last day. This gives your colleagues enough time to say their goodbyes and make any necessary arrangements.
By following these tips, you can write a thoughtful and meaningful farewell email that leaves a positive impression on your colleagues.
Takeaways
- A well-crafted farewell email is a good way to leave a positive, professional impression.
- Personalize the email with positive feedback and good memories.
- Different emails are appropriate for different colleagues.
- You can also use it as a platform to smooth the transition.
- Farewell emails are a great place to grow your network as well.
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