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Leaving an organisation can be a delicate and complex situation. Navigating this transition requires careful thought and consideration, especially when it comes to maintaining positive relationships and taking the time to express gratitude.
A well-written farewell email to colleagues is an opportunity to part ways with your co-workers respectfully, thank them for their support, and strengthen your professional network. A few kind words can go a long way in showing your appreciation and leaving a positive impression.
Your goodbye message should be well-crafted to make a lasting impression, preserve work relationships and broaden your networking opportunities. You never know when you might need a reference or referral, so it’s important to keep those lines of communication open with a well-written goodbye email.
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The most efficient and professional way to bid the office farewell is an email that mentions your plans, expresses your gratitude, and lets colleagues know how to stay in touch.
When writing to your supervisor or manager, it's a good idea to send a separate farewell email. This helps maintain a professional relationship, which could benefit you for potential future opportunities.
A well-crafted goodbye email to your supervisor allows you to express appreciation, leave on a positive note, and maintain professional relationships that could prove valuable in the future.
While you've already handed in your resignation letter to your manager, a farewell email provides an opportunity to reinforce your gratitude and leave a positive impression. For colleagues, this email is a way to thank them for their support and provide details on how to stay in touch.
To give you an idea of what a farewell email should look like, here are four samples that you can adjust to your circumstances. Think of them as goodbye email templates that you can personalise as you see fit.
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Subject line: Farewell and thank you
Dear [Supervisor's Name],
As my time at [Company Name] as a [job title] comes to an end, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the opportunity to work with you. Your leadership and guidance have been invaluable to me during my time here. I've learned so much and truly appreciate the support and encouragement you've provided.
I'm excited about the new opportunities ahead, but I will always be grateful for the experiences and lessons I've gained under your management. I hope we can stay in touch, and I would welcome the chance to collaborate again in the future.
Thank you once again for everything. I wish you and the team all the best in the future.
Warm regards,
[Your name];
Subject line: Farewell, and thank you for the memories!
Dear team,
It is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to all of you after working together for [insert duration of your tenure] at [insert company name]. As some may already know, I have decided to pursue new opportunities and challenges. ;
I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for making my time at [insert company name] truly memorable. I have learned so much from each of you, and will cherish the memories we have created together. I am leaving with a sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that I have contributed to the success of this organisation.
I wish you all the best for your future endeavours. Please keep in touch, and let's stay connected on [insert social media platform] or [insert personal email address].
Thank you once again for everything. I will miss all of you dearly.
[Your name]
Subject line: Saying goodbye and expressing my appreciation
Dear all,
As some of you may know, I have resigned from my position at [insert company name] to pursue other opportunities. My last day here will be [insert last day].
I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for making my time here a truly rewarding experience. Working alongside such a talented and dedicated team has been an honour and a privilege. I have learned so much from each of you, and I will always be grateful for the support and encouragement you have shown throughout my tenure.
Although I am sad to leave, I am excited about the future. I am confident that I will take the valuable skills and knowledge I have gained here and apply them to my future endeavours.
I wish you continued success and happiness in your careers and personal lives. Please keep in touch on [insert social media platform] or [insert personal email address].
Thank you again for everything.
Best regards,
Subject line: Farewell and a new chapter ahead
Dear colleagues,
I hope this email finds you well. As you may already know, I have resigned from my position at [insert company name]. My last day here will be [insert last day].
I wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude for your support, guidance, and friendship during my time here. I truly enjoyed working with such a talented and dynamic team, and I will always cherish the memories we have created together.
While it is hard to say goodbye, I am excited about the new opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that the skills and experience I have gained here will serve me well in my future endeavours. I am grateful for the lessons I have learned and the relationships I have built, and will always look back on my time at [insert company name] with fondness.
Thank you again for everything. Let's stay connected. Here are my contact details: [insert social media platform] or [insert personal email address].
Best wishes,
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The timing of your farewell email is crucial. Keep these best practices in mind when crafting a professional goodbye message.
Before sending your colleagues a goodbye email, confirm that the boss has already informed everyone about your plans to leave for future endeavours. Once confirmed, you can start crafting a farewell email to your colleagues.
Inform your immediate team once your manager has been notified. Closer team members should be informed earlier to allow time for the handover and to ensure work continuity. Avoid waiting until the final day to notify them, as this can lead to disruptions in the work process. When informing others, consider the timing to leave on a positive note. For acquaintances, an email one to two days before your last day works well.
Writing the perfect farewell email subject line is more challenging than it seems. Include something simple and clearly indicate the contents. Here are some examples:
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Consider a brief note for co-workers you are not close to
Regardless of your reason for leaving, it is essential to say goodbye professionally, ideally writing individually to each person on your team a unique goodbye email to co-workers.
Maintain a friendly and positive tone in your farewell email. For close connections, include a personal anecdote or express appreciation for their support.
Be sure to include your personal contact information such as your email address, mobile number and LinkedIn profile in your farewell email. Keeping in touch with your ex-colleagues can help you get career advice in your career journey. If you are moving into contract work, they could also potentially be your first clients.
Keep your goodbye email short for acquaintances at work. Most colleagues don't require extensive details about your departure. A quick note for everyone and a more personal goodbye for close colleagues strike the right balance.
Write a thoughtful farewell to your manager, depending on your relationship. If your work experience has been positive, convey your appreciation; otherwise, a standard farewell message will do.
Maintain a professional exit with clients by sending a personalised message. Include details about the colleague who will collaborate with them after your departure in your goodbye email and offer contact information if needed for a smooth transition.
Keep your farewell messages thoughtful and diplomatic, even when leaving on less-than-ideal terms. Share constructive feedback with your manager before resigning, if available, and avoid using your farewell to air grievances. Remaining respectful and polite creates a lasting positive impression that can benefit your future career prospects.
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