40 best examples of farewell messages to colleagues

Did you know that multiple companies approach 74% of Singaporean employees for job offers every year? This finding from JobStreet’s Future of Recruitment report supports a 2022 PWC survey that says one in five Singaporeans will likely switch employers in the next 12 months. Expect some of your coworkers to explore other career options shortly—or just to take a gap period. When this happens, make time to say goodbye and good luck by writing a farewell message to a colleague leaving.

• Why a farewell message is important
• Finding the right words
• Writing the message
• Examples of farewell messages
• Delivery methods
• Timing and etiquette
• Conclusion
• FAQs

Why a farewell message is important

Writing farewell messages for work colleagues shows your respect and appreciation for their contributions to the company. A parting message for a soon-to-be former teammate will establish a healthy connection and even lasting friendships outside the workplace. You could also consider it a way of building a network that can boost your career.

But apart from that, your current coworkers will see how much you value relationships, even with those who leave.

Finding the right words

Like other forms of professional communication, you should customise your farewell message for the person leaving. Your tone doesn’t have to be overly sentimental, but it doesn’t have to be cold and formal. Avoid using cliches and generic phrases when writing farewell card messages or goodbye notes. Remember: The right words will come when you are sincere.

Make your departing colleague feel valued in the organisation with your message. Cite particular instances when you express gratitude and appreciation. Specifics will make your goodbye message more thoughtful and sincere.

Writing the message

Deciding what to write in a farewell message to a colleague leaving can be challenging. They will likely receive several notifications. So, make yours memorable by including personal recollections, like when you two mounted an event in one week or performed at the company's holiday party.

Many of these farewell initiatives are usually done publicly, with someone collecting messages or organising a goodbye get-together. But you can also send a private note if that is more meaningful for you.

Subject line

Grab the attention of your coworker who is leaving by using a catchy subject line. If they are someone you are close to or have worked closely with, you can get creative with this portion. However, you can keep the subject line professional and straightforward if you hardly interact and are sending a message out of courtesy.

You can choose from any of the following subject line examples as you deem appropriate:

• For all the great work and the fun memories, thank you.
• I am sorry that you are leaving.
• All the best for your future.

The body

You're not likely aiming to be the favourite colleague they're leaving behind. Even so, aim to write more than "We will miss you." Your goodbye message to your colleague will be their last memory of you, so put more thought into it.

You could express empathy by citing their reasons for leaving. Specify why they were a terrific teammate by listing their achievements or wins. Again, you can't go wrong with reliving a memorable anecdote the two of you had together.

Wrap up

Be positive when ending your goodbye message for your departing colleague. Wrap up this portion by being optimistic for them on their next steps. You can also use this portion to initiate a social networking link with them to sustain your professional connection.

Examples of farewell messages

Below are examples of what to write in a farewell message for an officemate who is leaving. We’ve listed 10 scenarios, though there are more, and these cover the different reasons people leave their jobs. Use these templates as your guide to writing genuine and heartfelt goodbye wishes for a colleague.

Farewell message examples for a colleague leaving for a new job

Whether you worked together or not, you can't go wrong with writing a farewell message to a colleague leaving for a new job. After all, you should always try to keep the friendship lines open.

Start by congratulating them on their new role. If you're familiar with their work, mention these achievements to come across as sincere in your good wishes. If you have more personal interactions, make sure to include them too. Then, tie up your coworker’s farewell message with good wishes for their future endeavours.

See the examples below:

• Congratulations on your new role! Now, I will have to look for someone else to chat with while waiting for the elevator. Stay in touch, and know that we only wish the best for you!
• You will be such an asset to (name of the new company)! Working with you has been a pleasure, and please continue being awesome. We will miss you!
• When I learned that you were leaving us for (name of company), I was so happy for you, even though I was sad that our team was losing a vital member. You will be great wherever you go, so please stay in touch.

Farewell message examples for a colleague retiring

When a colleague is retiring, start your farewell message by recognising their hard work and dedication to the organisation. If you give specifics of their contribution, this will make the message more personal and more heartwarming. End your letter with an uplifting tone, and wish them a happy retirement.

Here are some examples you can use:

• For the past (number of years), you have modelled for us what excellence at work looks like. The way you (led our company's first CSR effort remains my gold standard for project management). May your plans bring you fulfilment and meaning as you did for us.
• Please accept my heartfelt congratulations for everything you have done for us in the organisation. To name every way you have impacted our lives will take me way more than the years you spent with us—cheers to your upcoming endeavours.
• As you move forward after your dedicated service to our operations, we want you to know that although we are sad that you will be retiring, we are thrilled that you will now make a more significant impact in the lives of more people. Thank you, and best wishes on your new adventure!

Farewell message examples for a colleague moving away

According to an article in Channel News Asia, colleagues leave an emotional voidwhen they resign, which is somethingthe remainingteam must deal with in the coming days.

Even as you tell your departing coworker you are sad about their move, give your message a celebratory tone. Cite your experience of their positive influence at work to encourage them further and make your message more personal. Lastly, remember to wish them well in where they are headed.

Use the following examples as your guide:

• You will be missed when you leave for (location). Working on (identify work) was only successful and fun because you were on the team. Best of luck in (location)!
• It's tough saying goodbye to a colleague like you, but I am happy that you will be an asset to (location). We will always be grateful for the talent and energy you lent to (name the project or work area). Enjoy (place), and don't miss us too much!
• Thank you for being a great colleague and friend to me. Your expertise on (name of workload or project) impacted our team and entire operations, not just our group. (Location) is lucky to have you!

Farewell message examples for a colleague leaving due to health reasons

Whether your colleague is leaving due to burnout or other equally debilitating medical reasons, they will appreciate a farewell message. It might even make them feel better. Start by expressing empathy for their situation and continue by generously praising their contributions at work. Offer to help them in any way that will make them recover well.

Here are some ideas to inspire your farewell message:

• Leaving our team to prioritise your health is a wise and brave decision. We will miss your guidance and presence in the office. Count on our healing thoughts and prayers for your quick recovery.
• Great colleagues like you make a difference in people and not just the company, and this is what makes it hard to say goodbye. I completely support your decision to care for your health and will root for your victory over (name the condition). Here's to speedy healing!
• I will miss your outstanding contributions to our team, but I know your health is far more critical. Please take your time to heal well, and know that we wish you a complete and quick recovery.

Farewell message examples for a colleague leaving due to personal reasons

There are several reasons people leave their jobs. When colleagues say they are going for personal reasons, respect their privacy and resist the temptation to be nosy. Instead, focus on how they improved your team and tell them you will feel their absence. At the end of your farewell message, wish them the best for their upcoming journey.

Here are some ways to write your farewell message:

• It has been such a pleasure working with you these past (number of) years. You were a dependable colleague, and I enjoyed collaborating with you, especially on (name project or work area). Know that everyone on the team will greatly miss you. We wish you the best in your future endeavours.
• Best wishes on your next adventure, wherever it takes you. Our team will be different since we will miss the positive energy and perseverance you showed during (name project or work area). You will be missed!

Farewell message examples for a boss leaving the company

Everyone in the workforce will make at least one career change, including our bosses, who might also leave for other opportunities or personal reasons.

When your superior leaves the company, express gratitude for their leadership and influence in your work life. Before you wish them goodbye and good luck, take the time to tell them how they made an impact on you. Doing this will encourage them and make them feel valued.

Use the following examples to help you craft your farewell message:

• You have been such an outstanding mentor, not just a boss. You have taught me (cite an example), and I am forever grateful. I don't want to say goodbye, so I will say see you around!
• Thank you for the passion you shared with our team and me. Your presence and optimism are just some of the things I will miss when you leave. Please continue being a blessing to many more people.
• Having you as a boss was such a privilege. Your exceptional work ethic will continue to inspire me and help me become a better colleague and person. Godspeed!

Farewell message examples for an employee being laid off

Sending a goodbye message to a colleague leaving is hard, but more so when they are laid off. If possible, approach them and say, "I am sad that you have to go through this." Another option is sending them a short message that shows genuine compassion for their situation.

Aside from offering comforting words, ask them if they have referred to their benefits and rights but exercise caution. You want to empower them while they navigate this sensitive career landscape and not provoke them.

In your farewell message, remind them of their contributions to the team. Also, offer assistance and refer to this list of tips on how retrenched people can get back on their feet. Your former colleague can bounce back and prepare for the upcoming challenges with your support and guidance.

Try these examples to bid your colleagues a proper goodbye:

• You are very talented, reliable, and hardworking. This experience will lead you to better opportunities than we can collectively imagine. Take care and please stay in touch.
• I was very saddened by the news, but I know that countless opportunities exist for colleagues like you. It is only a matter of time before you are presented with much greater responsibility. You will continue doing extraordinary things.
• Keep your chin up because you were such a terrific teammate. I know you will be part of an even better organisation soon. Let's stay connected, and please reach out whenever you have time.

Farewell message examples for an intern leaving

Your company may have hired interns, and because of the nature of their assignment, they will leave the company after a few months. Even if they are not regular members of your team, they will appreciate receiving a short goodbye message when they complete their hours.

Keep the farewell message short but sincere. If they didn't have the kind of work contribution as regular employees, focus on their attitude. You can also give them a few tips on how they can choose a job after graduation. To close the message, wish them well in their career or future studies—whichever seems appropriate. If you were satisfied with their work, perhaps you can also offer your recommendation should they start their job search in the future.

Here are some examples of farewell messages you can send them:

• Dear (name), we hope your time with us was a great learning experience for you and an enjoyable work experience. On behalf of everyone on the team, I’d like to say it's been a pleasure working with someone as creative and dependable as you. We wish you the best for your future.
• Dear (name), the time you spent with our team was such a wonderful experience for all of us. We will miss your antics, your sense of humour, and your remarkable dedication to the team. Stay in touch and let us know about the fantastic things you will do in the future.
• Dear (name), your commitment to the team all these months that you interned with us is inspiring. You gave us your all, and we need you to know that you have set a new standard for our future interns! Thank you, and we wish you all the best in life!

Farewell message examples for a team member leaving the company

Writing a farewell message to a colleague leaving the company will be difficult, especially if they have been an integral part of the team. Begin your goodbye message by thanking them for contributing to the team and the company and wishing them well on their next career journey.

If it will help them, share stories of people who succeeded after changing careers to encourage them. End the message by wishing them well or offering your contact details for future reference.

Check out these examples:

• It was such a fantastic experience working with a person who is a caring mentor and an excellent example of what a team player needs to be. The time and knowledge you shared with us will forever stay with us. We hope to have another teammate like you in the future!
• Collaborating and working with you on all those challenging projects was a delight. Thank you for your generous support and guidance all those years. We will cherish the memories of the time we worked together. We wish you only the best in the future.

Farewell message examples for a team member leaving the team

A team member making a lateral move or getting promoted may not sting as much as seeing a colleague leaving the organisation. However, it will still be good to wish them well.

Start the farewell message to a colleague leaving the team by telling them you're sad to see them go. Give them examples of their valuable team contributions, and wish them well in their new role.

Here's how you can write your farewell wishes:

• Thank you for the consistent professionalism, kindness, and diligence you have given to our team. Your work on (name of the project) exemplifies what it's like to go above and beyond one's role, and I am grateful. Best wishes as you move to (name the new team).
• Our team will miss your infectious laughter, insightful comments, and sweet treats you spoiled us with. It is sad to think that we will lose you to (name of new team), but we know you will be a blessing to them. Thank you, and please reach out and tell us how we can make you succeed further in the organisation.
• You have been a true-blue team player, and your dedication and diligence to our team have not gone unnoticed. Our loss is the gain of (name of new team or department), but it is still an all-around win for our company. Thank you, and all the best!

Delivery methods

Depending on your rapport and connection, you can send your farewell wishes to a colleague in different ways.

Emailing them is the most common way since this works regardless of the distance and your level of familiarity. You can turn to social media to say goodbye if you have cultivated a more personal connection. Another way to send them off with your good wishes is to do so in person.

Here are a few tips on how to maximise each farewell method.

Sending a farewell email

• Make the email simple, direct to the point, and warm.
• Keep them motivated and tell them how their hard work made a difference.
• Be upbeat throughout the email.

You can also check out these farewell email templates for inspiration.

Sending a farewell card

• If it’s an individual card, share a personal anecdote that both of you will cherish forever. It’s the most personal method you can use so you can really celebrate your relationship.
• If it’s a group card, stick with information that you can reveal in public. Keep it short and be conscious of the space. Make sure all their work friends take time to write on the card.

Posting on social media

• Before doing so, ask your departing colleague if it's okay to post your goodbye message on social media.
• Since this is a public space that their social network will see, post something positive and uplifting about their move.
• Remember that your social media post is a reflection of you as a person as much as it is of your colleague, so make it cheerful and reassuring.

Saying goodbye in person

• There is something special about giving your goodbye message to your colleague in person, but keep it light and happy.
• A firm handshake and a few words of appreciation will go a long way.
• Consider bringing a simple farewell gift that's related to their interests, hobbies, or even the new job they are moving to.

Timing and etiquette

The timing of your message for a colleague leaving should consider the timing of their notice period. Find out when their last day is (by asking them or colleagues who work directly with them). Sending your goodbye message a few days before their last day will be ideal.

Mailing your goodbye message via company email is a convenient and fast option.  But it comes with a risk. They might be unable to read it if they lose access to their account after they leave.

If you're sending via email, you can tag their immediate superior and team if you want. Make sureif you're not saying anything confidential. Put your emotional intelligence to work by showing as much appreciation for your colleague as possible. Cap it off by including your contact information to show that you want to build on your professional relationship.

Conclusion

Sending a farewell message to a colleague may be challenging, but its impact on the departing coworker is valuable. Though it involves writing only a few words, a good farewell message requires thought, sincerity, and effort.

When wishing a colleague farewell, here are three things to keep in mind:

• Make the farewell message short and encouraging.
• Include contact information to continue the professional relationship.
• The more personal details you can include, the better.

Farewell messages come across as more sincere when more personal examples are incorporated. Though these templates make it easy to fill it in with details, there are still no substitutes for writing from your heart.

Goodbyes are hard, and so are many other aspects of work life. JobStreet makes it easier with tips from perfecting your resume to dealing with office politics on our Career Advice page. Also, download the JobStreet app on Google Play and the App Store to get quick updates to potential career developments.

FAQs

1. What is the ideal length for a farewell message?
   ⁠Keep the farewell message to your colleague short enough for a quick read. However, don't sacrifice brevity at the cost of making it too businesslike and cold. Include a few details that will make it more warm and personal.
2. What if I don't know what to say in my farewell message
   ⁠Writing a farewell message can be daunting, so practise and jog your memory using the examples above. Customise the templates by filling them in with specifics that your departing colleague can relate to.
3. Can I use humour in my farewell message?
   ⁠The use of humour will depend on how familiar you and the departing coworker are with each other. If you are sure there will be no room for misunderstanding when you use humour in your farewell message, go right ahead.
4. Should I include contact information?
   ⁠One of the upsides of colleagues leaving your workplace is that it extends your professional connections. When deciding whether to include your contact information in your goodbye message to your colleague, ask yourself if doing so will benefit your personal and professional network. It is best to be honest with yourself when answering this question because your decision will affect your relationship with your departing colleague now and in the future.
5. Is it necessary to send individual messages to each colleague?
   ⁠Yes, if you have several colleagues leaving. Farewell messages are much better if sent individually. Doing so is another way of personalising your communications with them.
6. How can I make my farewell message sound genuine and sincere?
   ⁠Incorporate personal stories that you and the departing colleague know about. When you do this, your farewell message will be more sincere. It will also encourage the colleague who is leaving since it shows that you keep good memories of them in your mind. When they see that you have taken great care in nurturing your shared memories and took the time to share them, your message will come across as genuine and heartfelt.
7. Should a farewell message be written by an individual or by a team?
   ⁠You can do both options since your departing colleague will appreciate receiving more farewell messages. You or someone else can start a message drive, and you can course a card (digital or otherwise) through the people they’ve worked with.