What to Write in the Goodbye Email to Coworkers?

All your bags are packed and you’re ready to go, but don’t you dare leave your job position without saying goodbye to your colleagues.

Just because your colleagues already know that you’re departing your job doesn’t mean you should up and leave with nary a word said. Even if you hate your work and can’t wait to move on to the next chapter in your life, it’s important to walk out the door on a positive note. If you dread saying goodbye in person, a goodbye email to coworkers is your best way to quit your job with grace and poise. Speaking of quitting, have you had your resume evaluated by our online resume writing service yet?

Your farewell email to coworkers has the power to define your entire employment history, so careful thought must go into its details. Here’s what to include in your letter so you can write the best farewell email.

1. A concise and to-the-point subject line

Your last day at work email’s subject line lets people know what your email is about, so it’s important to get your opening message right. You have many approaches to choose from with your subject line, such as:

Generic

• I’ve learned a lot from the company these past years…

• Moving forward to the next chapter of my career…

This approach can be used when addressing a large audience and when you’re unsure how well your email will be received. Although it may sound a bit impersonal, it’s neutral and professional, and it’s actually suitable for most corporate environments. 

Formal

• Leaving my position at (name of company)...

• About my last day at work…

Opt for a formal subject line if you’re writing to upper management and clients. You can also use it for coworkers you’ve had limited interaction with. A formal approach works because it’s clear to the point. It’s also very professional.

Personal

• Sorry I have to leave…

• Saying goodbye is never easy…

This works for goodbye emails to close coworkers. Are there people you’ve developed a strong bond with? With a personal subject line, you’ll add warmth and sincerity to your goodbye letter. 

Whatever approach you choose, make sure your message is never vague. If your subject line doesn’t directly know what your goodbye email to colleagues is about, there’s a good chance that your recipients will simply ignore it.

2. A heartfelt message

While you have multiple approaches for your subject line, you only have one for the body of your email—it has to be personal. If you desire to keep in touch, state it in your email.

You must also write different emails for your superiors, colleagues, and subordinates. Don’t send out the same letter to everyone because your letter will come off as insincere.

The way you write the message matters because each group of recipients plays a unique role in your professional journey. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. A generic message will only dilute the impression you make. When you address each group individually, you’ll show your sincere appreciation. 

Here’s a sample goodbye email to coworkers who are your peers:

Hello there (name)!

As you may have heard, I’ll be leaving the company soon, and while I’m excited about my new career choice, there’s also a big part of me that will miss my time here working with people like you. You helped make the daily grind easier, and I will certainly cherish the opportunity we’ve had working together.

I will certainly miss your (funny memory or inside joke)!

Though my time with the company is at an end, I hope it doesn’t mean that our friendship is at its end as well. Feel free to get in touch with me anytime at (your personal number or email). Should you need someone to grab a coffee or a bite with, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Yours truly,

(Your name)

Did you notice that the tone was friendly and conversational? It’s important to write as you would talk to your peers. Acknowledge the teamwork and shared achievements that made you enjoy your time in the organization.

Here’s a sample goodbye email to coworkers who are your superiors:

Hi (name of manager/superior),

As I informed you in our last meeting, my last working day at (name of company) is on (date). I want to take a moment to share some of my thoughts on being part of your team for the last (your employment period).

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with (name of company), and working under your guidance has been a huge part of that. I thank you for your steady support and leadership during my time here.

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to learn and develop my skills under your employ, but I now feel ready to move on to new opportunities. This decision took a lot of consideration and was not an easy choice to make, but I think it’s the best path to take toward fulfilling my career goals.

I would like to thank you again, and I would like to let you know that I want to do my best to ensure a smooth transition before I take my leave. My best wishes to you and the entire group.

My contacts are:

(Personal email address)

(Contact phone number)

Please feel free to contact me later on if you need help with the responsibilities I’m leaving behind.

Sincerely,

(Your name)

When writing to your superiors, the tone must be respectful and formal. Write that you appreciate the guidance and support they’ve provided. Show gratitude for the opportunities to learn and grow under their leadership!

Here’s a sample farewell letter to colleagues who are your subordinates:

Dear (name of subordinate),

Through this email, I am letting you know that I have decided to resign from my job as (job position) here at (name of company). My last date of employment will be on (date).

Before I take my leave, I am taking this opportunity to tell you that my time working as your supervisor has been a positive experience for me. I have always provided my guidance and support to you, thinking of you not just as my employee but also as my friend. Our time spent working, training, completing reports, and even taking breaks will be cherished.

The best part about the job was the hard work and dedication that I received from you. Working with respectful and honorable employees like you is a source of great pride for me. I share whatever achievements I have had with the company with you.

Despite my departure, I wish you all the very best in terms of your career prospects. I would like to extend any kind of help that you may need in the future, inside and outside of work. I hope my farewell doesn’t mean the end of our friendship!

I look forward to staying in touch with you. You may reach me through (personal email) or (contact number.) All the best for your future. Farewell!

Sincerely,

(Your name)

When writing to your subordinates, you should be encouraged. Express your appreciation for their hard work. Mention the contributions they made, and inspire them to continue doing a great job. 

3. What not to include in a farewell email

Now that you know what to include, it’s equally important to consider what to leave out. Avoid these common mistakes so you’ll make sure the message remains professional:

• Complaints about the company, coworkers, and job

Your farewell email is no place for frustration. Your negative remarks certainly feel justified for you. But if you write them in this email, you risk damaging your professional reputation. Your departure can have positive aspects, no matter how nervous it makes you feel at the moment. Keep the tone respectful, and focus on the relationships you valued during your time there. 

• Too many personal details

It’s OK to share your plans and next steps. But use broad terms and avoid getting into personal details. Sharing too much will make your email feel uncomfortable for the readers. Focus on information that’s relevant to your professional relationships.

• Too much humor and informalities

Humor is nice for adding a personal touch, but going overboard will seem inappropriate. It won’t land well with everyone. In addition, language that’s too casual will seem unprofessional. Your voice should be suitable for the company’s culture. 

• Sensitive company information

This cannot be stressed enough: avoid mentioning any confidential or proprietary details about the company. It’s unprofessional but also dangerous. If you breach company policies or legal agreements, you’ll have to face some consequences. 

• Unrealistic promises

Be careful about making commitments you don’t plan to honor. Writing “I’ll stay in touch with everyone” or “I’ll visit often” may seem nice, but do you intend to follow through? It’s best to express a general intention to keep in touch. You can share your social media profile so your coworkers can connect if they want to. 

4. Practical tips for a more effective farewell email

Even when you’ve decided to leave the company, it’s best to stay professional and not burn any bridges. You never know when your connections will prove useful down the line. Writing a goodbye email to coworkers is a convenient and polite way to say your farewell and stay connected even after you leave your job. With that in mind, here are eight tips for a more effective farewell email.

• Confirm your status with your manager

Before forwarding your goodbye email to coworkers and the rest of the company, be sure to check with your manager and higher-ups that they know that you are leaving and have announced your departure. This will give everyone ample time to complete any leftover tasks they have with you. Avoid unnecessary delays in your resignation by making sure everyone is aware of your departure. 

You should also confirm with your manager that you’re aligned with the company’s protocols for departure. Some organizations prefer to make an official announcement before you send out personal emails. Clarify this ahead of time so you’ll avoid confusion. Talk to your manager about completing all tasks, delegating responsibilities, and providing necessary handovers. That will help you leave in an organized manner, which is important for your reputation of professionalism.

• Let coworkers know when your last day will be

Simply announcing that you are leaving is not enough. More than a simple heads up, coworkers deserve to know when your last day will be in case they need something completed before the date. So make sure your goodbye email to colleagues includes the last day you will be working. This detail also gives your coworkers an opportunity to plan for final meetings. Your transparent timeline shows respect for their schedule, too.

• Be thankful

Keep your goodbye email to coworkers upbeat and show gratitude for the opportunity to work with the company and its people. If you want, you can make your letter friendlier by including certain accomplishments that you managed to achieve with the team, skills that managed to help you grow while you were employed there, and fond memories. It’s fine to inject your letter with some humor— by nature, goodbye emails to coworkers tend to be less formal than traditional correspondence. Just make sure to keep the jokes classy and inoffensive. 

If appropriate, you can mention individuals or teams who played a significant role in your career. This personal touch will make your connections stronger. A few lighthearted anecdotes about your time at the company will make the message memorable. But the humor has to be respectful all the time. 

• No need to go into particulars of your leaving

The goal of your farewell email is to let coworkers know that you are leaving and nothing more. There’s no need to provide the reason for your leaving, which company you’ll be moving to, and so on. Keep your farewell email short, and don’t go overboard. 

If you’re leaving out of frustration, you’ll be tempted to explain your reasons. You want everyone to know your side so they won’t believe any misinformation once you’re gone. But doing so will detract from the goal of this email: saying goodbye and expressing gratitude. Keep things light and positive, and resist the urge to share the dirty details. 

• Include your contact information

Encouraging people to keep in touch without providing your new email or phone number would leave anyone reading your goodbye email to coworkers scratching their heads. Don’t forget to include personal contact information, even if it’s old and you have shared it with them before. You might also want to connect with coworkers on social media to show them that you’re serious when you say you want to keep up a correspondence with them in your farewell email to coworkers.

You should also mention that you’ll be happy to keep communicating with them and that you’re open to maintaining connections.

• Look at samples

There are samples of farewell emails to coworkers here, but if you’re still having trouble crafting your letter, don’t hesitate to look for other sources of inspiration. A simple Google search of farewell emails to colleagues will yield plenty of outstanding results. You can also search for examples on LinkedIn. If you need help with the way you structure your message, you can ask friends and colleagues for feedback. Many decide to get professional help with executive resume writing, since their passionate attitude towards the departure doesn’t let them write a calm email.  

Use the samples to help you craft a positive and friendly message that conveys your value to the organization. Aim for a tone that makes a positive impression. Your farewell email should reflect your time at the company, and many of your coworkers will remember it after you leave.

• Review and proofread your farewell email

Read and reread your email thoroughly until you are sure it is free of any errors or typos. Although you are not required to be overly formal with your farewell email, remember that you’re still sending out a professional business letter, and thus, the document still merits your careful attention.

When proofreading, focus on improving the letter’s clarity. Get rid of any awkward phrasing and make sure there are no misspelled names, incorrect titles, or grammar errors. It’s a good idea to step away from the letter for half an hour and come back to it. With fresh eyes, you’ll be better at spotting the issues you may have missed. If you’re unsure about the grammar, you can ask a friend or colleague for feedback. 

• When you have been laid off

Even when you have been laid off, you should still extend the courtesy of letting your colleagues know that your time with the company is at an end. Again, it’s all about keeping things professional and not severing any relationship that you could potentially benefit from down the line. But more than that, it’s about using your farewell email to exhibit utmost professionalism even in the face of unwanted circumstances.

Keep the tone composed and gracious. No matter how tempting it is to make negative remarks about your layoff situation, avoid them! Instead, focus on positive experiences, collaborations, and friendships. Show gratitude for that part and remind your coworkers of the value you brought to the team. With this approach, you’ll leave the door open for potential recommendations. 

You can also share your next steps if you feel comfortable with that. Maybe you’ll take time to regroup, or you’ll actively seek new opportunities. Include that information so your colleagues will understand your circumstances. Some of them may assist in the job search. 

5. FAQs about goodbye emails:

- How long should your farewell letter to colleagues be?

Keep your letter at least two to three paragraphs short—don’t write a single-paragraph farewell email to coworkers. This tells your readers that you’ve given your message some thought.

- When should you send out your goodbye email to coworkers?

You can send your farewell email to colleagues any time after you’ve given your two weeks’ notice. You can even send it out on your last day at work. But if you want to give your colleagues time to respond, instead of a last-day email, you can send out your letter at least a couple of days earlier.

- To whom else should you send a farewell email?

If you're in a client-facing role or working with people outside your company, aside from a farewell email to coworkers, you should also write a goodbye email to those people. This should be done to inform the people that you are no longer associated with the company and that they should be contacting someone else. Don’t forget to include the contact information of your replacement for this type of goodbye email.

- How should you address the farewell email?

This will set the tone for the entire email. You can use “Dear (team, colleagues, specific names) for a formal tone. You can also write a simple “Hi, everyone” for a casual intro. If you’re addressing specific groups, such as your close collaborators, the salutation should reflect the relationship you had with them. 

- Should you include your future plans in a farewell email?

It’s all up to you. Mentioning your future plans is a nice way to give the message a personal touch. If you’re comfortable, you can mention your next career move. Or you can give a general idea of what you’ll be doing. With this, it will be easier to keep connections and maybe open doors for networking opportunities.