Tips for Writing a Sincere Goodbye Email to Coworkers

Saying goodbye is an important part of leaving your old job on a good note. By sending a goodbye email to your coworkers, you are showing that you appreciate your time with them and will miss seeing them every day. This email is your chance to thank everyone for their kindness and support. It also is an opportunity to maintain the professional connections that you might need in the future.

Learn more: Creative Ways To Quit A Job

Include the following parts in your goodbye email to coworkers:

• Personalized details: You only need to send an email to those you worked with, especially if you worked for a large company. In your email, include a few special details about your relationship with your colleagues. By sending individualized emails to each coworker, you are showing how thoughtful you are.
• Gratitude: Thank each coworker for working with you. You can add significant things they did for you that you’ll always remember.
• Your contact information: If you wish to stay in touch with this colleague, add your phone number and personal email address to the bottom of the email. You could also ask that you both connect on LinkedIn.

Learn more: 5 Things To Do After You’ve Given Notice

Don’t include the following things in a goodbye email to coworkers:

• Everyone’s email address: Sending out a company-wide email is less personalized than individual ones. It’s best to write a unique email to each colleague you worked with.
• Too many details: There’s no need to write a goodbye novel. Only include a few paragraphs that cover the general details of your departure.
• Reasons you’re excited to leave: You can keep your email upbeat and positive while still showing you are sad to leave. Avoid adding details about why you’re ready for a new job. No one wants to hear about your increased salary or awesome benefits.

Follow these steps when writing a farewell email to coworkers:

1. Tell your boss first

Before writing a goodbye email to your colleagues, you need to resign first. If you work in person, schedule a meeting with your manager where you can put in your two-week notice. If you work a remote job, then you either need to schedule a time to call your manager on the phone or chat over a video call. Your manager should be the first person who learned about your decision to leave.

2. Choose your recipients

One way to make your close coworkers feel valued is by sending them individualized emails. When choosing who to send an email to, think about who you directly work with. It’s usually appropriate to write an email to everyone in your department or team.

3. Structure it properly

Structure your goodbye email like you would any other email, with a greeting, body paragraphs, and a closing. In the body paragraphs, let your coworkers know when your last day is. Then, show them that you are thankful for your time with them. You can include a few special details, such as a fond memory you have with them or something you admire about them. Close your email with your name and personal contact information so they can stay in touch.

4. Send it before you leave

Rather than pressing send right before you leave, send your goodbye email a day or two before you go. This way, everyone has a chance to reply to the email if they would like. This can give you a better sense of closure and help you leave your job on a good note.

Here is a template you can use when writing a farewell email to your coworkers:

Dear [Your Coworker’s Name],

As you may have heard, my last day at [Company Name] is [Date].

Although I am excited to start the next chapter in my career, I wanted to let you know [Details about how much you appreciate your coworker].

[Details of your time working together. Show that you will always think fondly of them.]

Even though I won’t be in the office anymore, I would love to stay in touch. You can reach me at my personal email [Your Email] or mobile phone [Your Phone Number.]

Thanks again for making this job such a positive experience. I look forward to hearing how our team continues to [Add details about where the company is headed.]

Best,

[Your Name]

Here is an example of how to properly say goodbye to your coworkers:

Dear Michael,

As you may have heard, my last day at Graff & Graff is May 4.

Although I am excited to start the next chapter in my career, I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate our time together. You were the first person I got to know at the company, and I will always remember the fun times we shared.

I’ll never forget the time we went to Salt Lake City for our annual conference. I always admired how well you connected with our clients, and I still use the pointers you taught me.

Even though I won’t be in the office anymore, I would love to stay in touch. You can reach me at my personal email (sara.walz@email.com) or mobile phone (555-222-3333).

Thanks again for making this job such a positive experience. I look forward to hearing how our team continues to grow and meet its objectives.

Best,

Sara Walz