When you have decided to leave a company or you have lost your job, it is a good idea to say goodbye to your co-workers and colleagues. Writing an email to each co-worker is a convenient and polite way to send your farewell. It is also an effective means to stay connected; you want to keep your colleagues in your professional network, even after you switch jobs.
Read below for tips on how to say goodbye to your colleagues. You can also use the sample goodbye emails below as templates from which to develop your own email to co-workers.
How to Say Goodbye at Work
You have found a new job, and you’re ready to give two weeks’ notice to your current employer. What’s the best way to say goodbye?
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The first step is to let your boss and your Human Resources Department know that you’re resigning before sharing the news with your co-workers.
Here is more information about how to say goodbye with tact and professionalism.
Tips for Sending a Goodbye Letter
Tell Your Boss First
If you have decided to leave your job, make sure it is official before you start saying goodbye to co-workers. Tell your boss, making sure any necessary paperwork is signed, and then say your goodbyes.
Use Email
Saying goodbye to co-workers via email is typically best. You do not need to send official business letters. Email allows you to say goodbye as soon as possible, eliminating days spent responding to individual “rumor mill” queries about whether and when you are leaving.
Send Individual Emails
Send individual emails, rather than group messages, so that your goodbye message to each colleague is personal and gracious.
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For each email, add something personal, such as a memory of a positive experience you shared, or a project you partnered together on successfully.
Only send goodbyes to people you worked with—there is no need to say goodbye to everyone in the company, especially if it is a large business.
Keep It Brief
You might want to share what you will be doing next in your career, in addition to mentioning some memories you share with that particular co-worker. However, keep the message brief.
Don’t go into details about why you are leaving the job; Depending upon their personalities, different people might interpret your reasons as a slur upon the company or those you have worked with.
Include Your Contact Information
Include any personal contact information, such as your new email address or phone number so that people can keep in touch. You might also consider connecting with your co-workers on LinkedIn as a way of remaining connected if you haven’t already.
Look at Samples
Review sample letters and templates for examples of how to say goodbye. These can help you format your own letter. However, remember to personalize any sample letters to fit your own circumstances.
Carefully Proofread
Be sure to edit each email thoroughly, looking for any types. Each letter is personal, but it is also a professional business letter.
Goodbye Email to Co-Workers Examples
Sample Goodbye Email Message #1
Subject: Sandra Jones Update
Dear Mike,
You may already have heard the news, but I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I am leaving my position here at ABC Company.
I have enjoyed my tenure here, and I appreciate having had the opportunity to work with you. I have loved working on group projects with you and thoroughly enjoyed having lunch with you in the break room. Thank you for the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during my time at ABC.
I would appreciate any continued advice you could provide as I start the next phase of my career.
Please keep in touch. I can be reached at my personal email address ([email protected]) or via my cell phone – 555-121-2222.
Thanks again for your friendship and support.
Best regards,
Sandra
Email: [email protected]
Cell: 555-121-2222
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sandradjones
Sample Goodbye Email Message #2
Subject: News From Jason
Dear Anthony,
I’m writing to let you know that I’ll no longer be working for United Terrace after next week. I’ve been offered a position at another company that gives me the opportunity to advance my career.
I’ve enjoyed working with you during these past five years. We did some great work and had some terrific outcomes. You’ve been both a wonderful friend and colleague.
Please keep in touch. My email is [email protected] and my cell number is 555-555-5555. I’ll be sure to drop by your office before my last day to say goodbye.
Best,
Jason
More Goodbye Letter Samples
Check out more samples of goodbye letter examples that illustrate how to say farewell to co-workers, clients, and business contacts and let them know that you have accepted a new job, are retiring, or are resigning.
There are also letter examples you can send to colleagues, clients, and customers to congratulate them and wish them well as they move on to a new opportunity.