When it comes time to wish your coworkers a farewell, it can be difficult to put your thoughts down on paper. It’s an amazing show of support when someone receives a goodbye letter from a coworker – most of the people in one’s workplace become like a second family! Taking the time to jot something down, even if simple, will mean more than you know.
Personalize
If you’ll be the only one writing, make sure it’s apparent this letter is coming from you! Reminisce on past jokes and scenarios at work that had you both rolling. This might be a tough time for your coworker, so take the opportunity to lift their spirits and bring a smile to their face.
If you’ll be asking others to sign your letter or card, try to keep the content general. Discuss your coworker’s strengths and talk about how these will help them in their new job. Leave plenty of room for others to write anything they like, but take up enough space to show that you really care.
Suggested Outline
Struggling to find the right flow or structure for your letter? We’ve got some tips and tricks for you.
- Opening
Start with something general and uplifting – something that shows how much you’ve enjoyed working with this person. Elaborate to include anything you like.
Chris,
It’s been a crazy few years here at Business Inc., but you’ve made coming into work every day a little bit easier. I just want to say thank you again for always wearing a smile first thing in the morning – I still have no clue what your secret is!
- Remember
Follow up with a personal or shared moment that your coworker will appreciate you mentioning. The goal is to make their previous time at work feel important and remembered – bring up anything, whether it’s big or small.
Remember the first winter you were here? The week before Christmas we had that huge snowstorm – you and I were some of the only ones that made it in to work that day! What a crazy rush we had that afternoon!
- Speculate
Take some time to address how it will be different in the office without this person. What will you miss most about them when they are gone?
It’ll be a lot different around here without you; you’ll be off doing great things, but we’ll all miss your smiles! To be honest, I’m kind of nervous about getting a new cubicle neighbor!
- Strengths
For the next part of your letter, highlight some of your co-worker’s strengths and how this impacted you and your team.
I know most of us came to you for questions about that product we all despise. You’ve always been super approachable and helpful when we needed some guidance. Everyone knew we could depend on Chris to swoop in and save the day. The new guy has a lot to live up to, that’s for sure!
- Closing
In the final part of your letter, create a reason for your coworker to feel comfortable coming back to visit! Workplaces should be inviting and employees should feel welcome to come back and chat, especially about how their new position is going! Congratulate your coworker on whatever they’re moving on to next, and wish them luck and prosperity.
Good luck with your promotion and transfer, Chris. It was well-deserved – honestly, we couldn’t hide your talents from upper management for much longer anyway. If you have the time, please stop by and check in on all of us! Hopefully, the place doesn’t fall apart without you before then!
Wishing you all the best,
Steve