Leaving your job involves much more than just packing up your desk. It’s a pivotal time, when your words and actions can significantly impact your future career.
A well-crafted goodbye email to coworkers is one way to close that chapter on a good note. It’s your opportunity to express appreciation and strengthen your network.
When writing a thank you and farewell email to a long time business partner or client, it’s important to express gratitude for the relationship and support over the years. This type of email helps you leave a lasting positive impression and strengthens the foundation for future collaborations.
Crafting a thank you and farewell email to a long time business associate provides an opportunity to reflect on the milestones achieved together, while showing appreciation for their trust and partnership.
In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of sending a farewell email to coworkers and important considerations to take before you hit send. We’ll also share some handy goodbye email templates to help you get started.
The benefits of a farewell email
Even if it was your decision to move on and you’re heading for a better opportunity, the end of a job can be a tough time.
According to Vicki Salemi, Career Expert at Monster.com:
No matter how you feel about leaving, taking the time to write and send a goodbye email has some good benefits. It allows you to accomplish the following.
Continue valuable relationships. Your coworkers become an integral part of your life, contributing to your growth and sharing in your challenges and successes. As well as being good etiquette, a farewell work email paves the way for those relationships to continue as you start a new job, enriching your professional network.
Cement your legacy. Your goodbye email will also affect how colleagues remember you. The best farewell emails to colleagues reflect your professionalism and gratitude so people will remember you for the right reasons.
Share important information. Whether it’s a reminder of upcoming events or details on who’ll be taking over your responsibilities, an email can keep the necessary people in the loop and tie up any loose ends.
Move on. On a personal level, writing your best farewell letter to colleagues provides a sense of closure. It’s a reflective moment, allowing you to appreciate the good times and look forward to what lies ahead with a sense of completion and anticipation.
Key points to consider before you write your goodbye email
There’s more to a good farewell email than just the wording. Here are some crucial factors to think about before you start writing your message.
Timing
Generally, you’ll send a goodbye email sometime between handing in your two-weeks’ notice and your final day. Some colleagues may not be aware you’re leaving, but your email certainly shouldn’t come as a surprise to your manager.
It’s tempting to just send a goodbye mail to colleagues on your last working day, but leaving it until the last moment may not give people enough time to respond – especially if you’re sending the message from a company account you won’t be able to access after your departure.
If you’re reaching out to direct reports or clients and customers, email them a little earlier so they can reply with any questions.
Recipients
It’s customary to send a farewell email to your immediate team and close colleagues across other departments. Many people send personalized emails to managers and mentors who’ve had a significant impact on their career path.
Also, consider who you need to inform of your departure. Some people will email direct reports, both to thank them and to confirm any changes. Similarly, reaching out to regular clients or vendors helps keep the transition period stress-free.
Subject line
As with any email, choosing the right subject line is crucial. A good subject line gets your email opened and sets the tone for the message.
For instance, you might use a lighter tone for your closest colleagues, perhaps with an inside joke or other reference. A formal, respectful subject line in a goodbye email to coworkers would be more appropriate in an email to managers or, in some cases, clients.
Here are some examples:
Goodbye and thank you
A fond farewell
Let’s keep in touch
Until we meet again
My last day
It’s been a pleasure
Signing off
What you should (and shouldn’t) include in your farewell email to colleagues
Most good farewell emails share the same key components.
For example, it’s common practice to include your contact details so that you can stay in touch after your last day of work. If you’re trying to build your online network, you might share a link to your LinkedIn profile.
If you feel comfortable doing so, offer to help with any transitional tasks or queries. While you might not technically owe your colleagues any extra support, such an offer can go a long way in maintaining positive relationships.
However, there are some things you should definitely leave out of your farewell message. Refrain from sharing confidential or sensitive information related to the company or individuals.
Avoid any negative remarks about the company, management or colleagues. Even if you didn’t get along with some of your coworkers or you feel you’ve been treated unfairly, your goodbye email isn’t the place to settle old scores.
Likewise, this isn’t the right platform for asking for references, recommendations or any other favors. Handle any such requests separately and personally.
These guidelines ensure your farewell email leaves a positive and lasting impression.
How to write a goodbye email to coworkers
What do you say in a goodbye email to coworkers? As potentially one of the most important professional emails you can send, it’s important to get it right.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a farewell email.
1. Choose the right tone
Start by reflecting on the nature of your relationships and the company culture. Make sure the sentiment and tone of your email match it.
For example, if you’re emailing a coworker you’ve had lunch with every day for 10 years, the tone is likely to be informal and personal. An email to your remote manager at a Fortune 500 company is more likely to be professional and concise.
Whether your goodbye email is formal or casual, heartfelt or factual, it should resonate with your recipients. Reflect this tone all the way through your email, from your choice of subject line to the email signature.
2. Show gratitude
After a friendly greeting, open your farewell email with a statement of appreciation. Convey your gratitude for the experiences shared, the lessons learned and the support received during your tenure.
Briefly mention some key accomplishments or memorable moments that you and your team achieved together.
3. Invite recipients to keep in touch
The friendships and relationships you’ve developed during your work can carry on after you move on, but only if you pave the way. Let the recipient know if you want to stay connected and share your personal contact information.
4. Close with best wishes
Conclude your farewell email by extending best wishes for your colleagues and the organization’s future endeavors.
By finishing your email on a positive note, you foster a sense of goodwill and leave a lasting, favorable impression that underscores your appreciation and respect.
5. Keep it concise
While you might have a lot you want to say, aim to keep your email brief and to the point. A lengthy email dilutes your message and may lose the recipient’s attention.
Focus on expressing your key thoughts as succinctly as possible. A couple of short paragraphs is usually enough for any goodbye message.
6. Proofread
To leave a professional impression, ensure your email is professionally written. Before you hit send, proofread your email for any spelling or grammatical errors. Review the tone and content to ensure they convey your intended message accurately.
7 sample goodbye email templates
Still looking for the right words for your goodbye email? These goodbye email to coworkers samples are designed for you to use in a variety of different situations.
1. Formal goodbye email to colleagues
If you want to say goodbye while keeping things professional, this farewell email format will be ideal for a standard goodbye.
Dear [colleague’s name],
I hope this email finds you well. I will be departing from [company name] as of [last working day]. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside such a talented and friendly group of people.
I will cherish the team spirit and the learning experiences from my time here. If you’d like to stay in touch, feel free to reach me at [personal email address] or connect on LinkedIn.
I wish you all continued success and look forward to crossing paths in the future.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
2. Heartfelt goodbye email to close colleagues
When you spend most of your time in the work environment, it’s likely you’ll have made some close friends. For those colleagues who deserve more than just a stiff goodbye, this email template will help.
Hello [colleague’s name],
As I prepare to leave [company name] on [last working day], I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey and the special bond we shared. Your support, laughter and camaraderie have made every day a joy. I’ll always remember [key achievement].
I’m excited about my next adventure but will greatly miss working with you. I hope to keep our friendship and would love to catch up outside of work. You can always reach me at [personal email address] or [phone number].
Thank you for the memories, and here’s to many more to come!
Warmest wishes,
[Your name]
3. Goodbye email to your team members
If you’ve been part of a specific group or team, use this template to celebrate your shared achievements and everything you accomplished together.
Dear [team name],
As I bid farewell to our esteemed team and [company name] on [last working day], I’m filled with gratitude for the shared experiences, achievements and the remarkable team we built together. I’ll always remember how we came together to make [key project] such a resounding success.
The journey has been rewarding and the memories will hold a special place in my heart. I’m excited about what the future holds for each of us and look forward to celebrating our paths wherever they may lead.
Please feel free to stay in touch via [personal email address] or LinkedIn. Thank you for making my time here truly enriching.
Wishing you all the best,
[Your name]
4. Goodbye email to a manager or C-suite executive
Sending your boss a positive farewell email can pay dividends down the line, especially if they know your future employer.
Dear [manager’s name],
As I prepare to say farewell on [last working day], I’m writing to express my heartfelt appreciation. Your guidance has been instrumental in my professional growth and has provided a solid foundation as I step into the next chapter of my career.
I’m looking forward to staying in touch and hope to cross paths in the near future. Please feel free to reach out at [personal email address] or [phone number].
Thank you once again for your support and leadership.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
5. Goodbye email to a direct report
If you were in a senior position and had people reporting to you, your goodbye email can help ease them through the transition.
Dear [direct report’s name],
As my tenure at [company name] comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for your hard work, dedication and the positive spirit you brought to our team.
As of [last working day], [replacement name] will be taking over as [job title] and will be able to help you with any questions you might have. Of course, if there’s anything I can do to help make this transition as smooth as possible, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I’m confident you will continue to excel and contribute to the team’s success. Please feel free to reach out for any guidance or to catch up at [personal email address] or [phone number].
Thank you for making my time here rewarding and enjoyable.
Best regards,
[Your name]
6. Goodbye email to a client
If your job involves working closely with clients, include them in your farewell emails. Reassure them that they’re in good hands and share the contact details for your replacement.
Dear [client’s name],
I’m writing to inform you that as of [last working day], I’ll no longer be your point of contact at [company name] as I’m moving on to new endeavors. Rest assured, my colleague [new point of contact] (copied in) will be taking over and will ensure you continue to receive the very best service.
It’s been a privilege to work with you.
Warm regards,
[Your name]
7. Goodbye email to a mentor
Has there been someone who’s made a big difference in your career? Whether it’s a coworker who helped you through difficult challenges or a manager who helped you learn new skills, reach out and share your gratitude for all they’ve done.
Dear [mentor’s name],
As I prepare to embark on a new phase in my career, I can’t help but express my deepest gratitude for your guidance, support and mentorship during my time at [company name].
Your insights and encouragement have been a cornerstone of my professional development. I look forward to staying in touch and continuing to learn from you in the future.
I’d love to catch up for a coffee before I go. You can get hold of me at [personal email address] or [phone number].
Thank you once again for everything.
Warmest regards,
[Your name]
Additional tips for leaving on good terms
A well-crafted goodbye letter is a step in the right direction, but it’s still just one part of the process. Here are some additional tips to leave on good terms and maintain healthy professional relationships.
Make things easy for your employer
Small steps can make the transition smoother for both you and your boss.
Give your employer sufficient notice that you intend to leave. Check your contract to see how much notice your employer requires and use that as a minimum so they’re not left struggling to find a replacement.
Ensure that you’ve completed all your projects and tasks or handed them over properly before your departure. Where appropriate, offer to help train your successor.
Maintain a positive attitude
Along with your email, keep all of your other interactions positive, too – both inside and outside the company.
Avoid engaging in negative discussions about the company or your colleagues. You never know when your paths might cross in the future.
Express gratitude in person
For some working relationships, a goodbye email by itself just isn’t enough. Take the time to personally thank your colleagues, managers and direct reports for the experiences you’ve shared and the support they’ve provided.
This face-to-face interaction also reinforces the rapport you’ve built. It leaves a memorable impression, paving the way for lasting professional friendships.
Reflect and learn
As you prepare for an exciting new position, take a moment to look back on your time in your current role. This reflection is an opportunity to understand your strengths, as well as areas for improvement.
You’ll lay the foundation for continuous growth and be in a better position to nurture the valuable connections that will continue to enrich your professional path.
Final thoughts
Finishing a job marks the end of a significant phase in your life, but also the beginning of new opportunities and experiences.
Reaching out to your coworkers and colleagues with a thoughtful goodbye email is a key part of making this transition. Just don't say goodbye on your last day at the job! Your farewell email allows you to shape how you’re remembered while fostering connections that can last a lifetime.
Keeping a good attitude and leaving a positive impression helps you make the most of your time in the role and look forward to the exciting prospects that lie ahead with optimism.
