Saying goodbye to someone who has been in our lives for a while in any capacity is not an easy thing to do—especially in our working lives. We spend so much time with our colleagues. It is natural for some to try and avoid saying goodbye.
It’s commonly said that “avoiding saying goodbye is about trying to avoid the feeling of loss.” We think that if we simply walk away and avoid saying goodbye or writing a proper farewell message, we will spare ourselves the pain of losing that coworker in that capacity. That is not the case.
That colleague is leaving, no matter if we say goodbye properly or not. Whether it is through an email, text, or farewell group card, do yourself and the departing coworker a favor and write a farewell message that properly displays how you feel about them.
Why a Farewell Message Matters
- Closure. A working relationship is exactly what the name implies, a relationship. It would not be appropriate to just send your departing coworker off without a proper goodbye. You would never end any other relationship without some parting words. It is helpful for you and the colleague to mark the end of your time working together properly. They will be able to focus on their new endeavors and you will be able to focus on making new friends at work with a heartfelt farewell message.
- Appreciation. Help the coworker that you have been working with for years feel appreciated for the role they have played in your office. Everyone appreciates that feeling and it is a great way to end a current working relationship and begin another.
- Maintain professional relationships. Just because you wrap up this chapter of working with your colleagues directly in the office every day doesn’t mean you will never work with them again. You are likely to continue to run into each other, especially if you are in the same industry. It is important to establish a professional network of people you know and trust. This will help you in the future as you grow in your career or are looking to make moves.
- Professional Courtesy. Sending a colleague off with a proper farewell message is a tradition in the corporate world. You never want to be seen as unprofessional, as it is not a good look. Make sure you don’t let your departing coworker leave with a bad taste in their mouth about you or the company.
Basic Goodbye Pointers
It may seem overwhelming to write a farewell message, but it really does not have to be. Here are some basic pointers that will help make writing a farewell message easy and heartfelt.
- Provide them with your personal contact information and ask for theirs. There is no reason that the friendship you have established over the years has to end just because your professional working relationship has.
- Be positive! Express your excitement for their new adventure and wish them luck. Let them know what you think they are great at and what they will bring to the table at their new company. Let them know the positive impact they have had on your life.
- Express your gratitude to them. Let your colleague know that you are so grateful for them. Be specific and share stories of times they have helped or taught you.
- Keep it short and sweet. You do not have to write them a novel, keep it short and to the point. A short goodbye message is all you need.
- Be personal. Don’t be “that guy” that has a form email for every occasion. Take a couple extra minutes to personalize your message and speak from the heart.
Methods for a Farewell Message
There is more than one way to send a farewell message to a colleague. You can be as simple or as creative as you want. We like to help you think outside of the box, so we have included a variety of ways to write a farewell message.
Group eCard
A goodbye group ecard to wish your co-worker farewell is a really fun and easy option. Everyone can contribute to the card in their own personal way. Simply create the ecard, invite the team to contribute, and send the card off to the departing colleague. It really is as simple as that and they can keep it for as long as they want.
Email is the standard, go-to way to send a farewell message. This is a great option for if you are in a time crunch, or maybe didn’t even know the person that well. This is the industry standard, so again, there is nothing wrong with this format for sending a farewell message. Make sure your note is personal and expresses gratitude.
Card
As my dad used to say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” I think what he meant was the traditional way of doing something is sometimes your best option. Pick a fun card to give your coworker and write a personalized message inside. If you are short on time, Postable is a fun option to pick the card out online and have a physical copy mailed to the recipient.
Personalized Office Accessory
Everyone loves to get a good gift. Sometimes it is hard to know what to get someone. If your coworker is departing for another job or chapter of their career, why not get them a personalized office accessory to remember you by? You know they will use it, and it is an item that when they see they will look back fondly on their time at the company.
LinkedIn Endorsement
Social media is a huge part of the working world today and LinkedIn has become an integral piece of that world. Lend your endorsement on your departing coworker’s page to show that you really value them and enjoyed your time working with them. Feel free to highlight their strengths and let others know how valuable they are in the workplace. This is a great way to send a farewell message and will really help your departing coworker feel the love.
Farewell Video
A farewell video is a really fun and creative way to craft a farewell message. Have each member of the team share a fun memory or what they loved about working with the departing coworker. A group farewell ecard is one way to that. Simply create and ecard and have each group member add their own video to it. It is then easy to share and send to the coworker as they are leaving.
Farewell Office Lunch
On their last day, order the departing coworker’s favorite lunch for the whole office. Of course, this is always better when the company is paying, so try to find it within the budget. This is a fun way to gather the group together over a meal to present the colleague with their cards and gifts, or just take turns telling stories about what everyone loves about that coworker.
Farewell Party
A farewell party is a great way to get the office together and celebrate the departing coworker on their last day. It can be an end-of-day happy hour, a surprise party, or there could be a fun activity in which everyone participates together. Make sure there are treats thought, everyone loves treats and it’s certainly not a party without them!
20 Heartfelt Farewell Message Ideas
We have a larger post on farewell messages to say goodbye, but check out these examples to get started:
10 Messages to send a coworker who is leaving
- You have been such an inspirational mentor to me throughout the years. Thank you for teaching me and never being impatient! Best wishes on your future endeavors!
- Congratulations on the next step in your career. I know that the future holds success for you. Good luck!
- You are leaving some big shoes to fill! You are going to be such a great addition to your new team and we will miss having you here! Good luck with your future endeavors!
- You are a bright light and bring such positivity to our workplace. We will certainly notice the void you leave behind. We are excited for your new coworkers, as they are getting a great team member! Good luck in your new role!
- When I first started here, I felt so alone. You were the first person to reach out to me and help me feel welcome and I will never forget that. Thank you for being an amazing coworker.
- Wow! What am I going to do without your constant support and encouragement? You are the one who has inspired me to seek learning and to never stand still at work. Thank you for that and good luck on your new opportunity.
- I’m so happy for you to begin the next phase of your career. You are one of the future’s great leaders. All the best.
- We are so sad to lose you here, you are such a dear colleague, but we are so excited for you as you take on your next challenge. Keep being yourself and you will go far in your new role!
- When I think through the years of my professional career, working with you has been a major highlight of that time. You are an amazing coworker and I am so happy for you on your next step. All the best. Keep in touch!
- Thank you for challenging me and forcing me outside of my comfort zone in order to grow. I may not have always shown my appreciation, but I am so appreciative of the growth you have inspired in me and you have made a lasting impression.
10 Messages to send coworkers on your way out
- Every minute spent here at this company has been a true joy. I have loved my time here and appreciate each and every one of you. Thank you for setting the bar high for professional relationships.
- I cannot believe it is time to close this chapter of my life. I have had an incredible time working with each and every one of you. I will bring what I have learned from you into my next chapter. Good luck and keep being the rock stars that you are.
- I have had the honor of getting to know this team for the last 10 years. I would never have achieved any success without each and every one of you. Thank you for being the best team out there. I hope I find a team half as wonderful as you moving forward. Best wishes.
- I cannot believe I am writing a farewell message right now. I have loved this job and I hope you all know how much I have enjoyed working with you all. If I did not know in my heart that this next adventure is where I need to be, I would never be leaving. You are all wonderful and I wish you all the best.
- This is the place where I began my career and I will always hold the years here, and the lessons learned, close to my heart. Thank you for all being part of my first career chapter. Please stay in touch and good luck.
- I do not take for granted that I have always felt included here at this company. I have enjoyed working on several teams and the camaraderie that has come with it. This is a special place filled with some of the best.
- Thank you for creating a safe space where everyone feels that they can contribute and be respected. I am proud to have worked here and plan to always take this value with me wherever I go.
- This has been the most fun team and company to work for. The parties and lunches will all be missed so much. I love how we have grown as a team by working hard and having a lot of fun. I wish you all the best and will miss this place so much!
- As I take the next step in my career, it is not lost on me that I would not be great if it weren’t for the lessons I have learned here. You have all played a role in educating and helping me grow. Thank you.
- What a team, what an experience. Thank you to each and every one of you for the knowledge, support, and professionalism you have extended to me throughout my tenure here. I will carry these memories with me forever. Best wishes to you all.
End On a Good Note
There are so many ways to write a farewell message. The most important part, though, is to keep it personalized. If you speak from the heart, you can’t go wrong.
There are also so many ways to wish your coworker farewell. You can throw them a party, a lunch, send an ecard, or just send an email. Just make sure you send a farewell message in order to maintain a professional relationship and show your coworker that you care.
In the end, just say something.
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