When a colleague announces their departure, the goal is to convey genuine well wishes and respect for their contributions. Offering a thoughtful farewell is a way to maintain a positive professional relationship and acknowledge the time you’ve spent working together. This gesture also reinforces your professional network.
General Best Practices for Farewell Messages
When communicating a farewell, the tone should be positive and forward-looking. Center your message on the colleague’s future successes and opportunities, not on any sense of loss for the team. This approach shows support for their career growth. The most effective messages are sincere, focusing on the departing individual. Highlighting their positive attributes or specific contributions you admired will be more meaningful than a generic statement and helps end the professional relationship on a high note.
What to Say in Person
Face-to-face goodbyes are often brief, so it is helpful to have a few simple phrases ready. The nature of your relationship will guide your choice of words. A casual acquaintance might receive a warm but more formal send-off, while a close work friend warrants a more personal touch. These conversations can be spontaneous, so being prepared prevents awkwardness.
For a colleague you knew casually, a simple and sincere statement is effective. You might say, “It was great working with you. I wish you all the best in your new role.” Another option is, “Congratulations on the new position. I hope everything goes smoothly for you.” These phrases are professional and suitable for a brief interaction.
If you have a closer relationship, you can be more specific and personal. Consider saying something like, “I’m really going to miss our chats by the coffee machine! Best of luck with everything, and let’s keep in touch.” This acknowledges your daily interactions and expresses a genuine sense of loss while remaining encouraging. Your words should reflect the friendship you shared.
What to Write in a Farewell Message
A written message in a card, email, or team chat allows for a more detailed farewell. The content should be tailored to your relationship with the colleague. Different levels of familiarity call for different approaches, from personal notes to more general well-wishes.
For a Colleague You Worked With Closely
When saying goodbye to a close colleague, personalization is important. Mention a specific positive memory or a project you enjoyed working on together. For instance, “I’ll always remember how we navigated that challenging project last year. I learned so much from your approach.” This makes the message unique and heartfelt.
You can also mention a skill or quality you admire. A message like, “Your dedication and passion have been inspiring,” or “Thank you for all your support and friendship. I’ve learned so much from you,” shows respect for their professional abilities and personal character. This specific praise makes the farewell more memorable.
For a Colleague You Didn’t Know Well
For a coworker you didn’t know on a personal level, keep the message simple, professional, and warm. The goal is to be inclusive and positive without feigning a deeper connection than existed. These messages are often for a group card or a public chat channel where brevity is appreciated.
A phrase like, “Wishing you all the best in your new role. It was a pleasure working with you,” is a reliable option. Another suitable choice is, “Congratulations on your new opportunity. Our team was lucky to have you, and I know your new company will feel the same.” These statements convey respect and support.
For a Departing Manager or Boss
When your manager is leaving, the message should focus on appreciation for their guidance and leadership. Thank them for the opportunities they provided for your growth and development. This acknowledges their role in your career and expresses gratitude for their mentorship.
A good example would be, “Thank you for your mentorship and guidance. Your leadership has been a significant part of my growth here.” Another option is, “Your positive attitude and commitment to excellence created an environment where we could all thrive. Thank you for being a great leader.” These messages show respect and appreciation for their impact.
What to Avoid Saying
To maintain professionalism, certain topics and tones should be avoided. Refrain from making negative comments about the company, the departing colleague’s new job, or other coworkers. This negativity is unprofessional and can damage your own reputation.
Do not ask intrusive questions about their new salary or reasons for leaving. Avoid making the departure about yourself with comments like, “What will I do without you?” as this can sound guilt-inducing. Also, steer clear of office gossip or speculation about who will fill their role. The primary purpose is to wish someone well, ensuring you part on good terms.
Keeping in Touch
To keep the professional connection alive, it is appropriate to suggest staying in touch. A simple and direct approach is best, especially through professional networking platforms. This provides a clear way to maintain the relationship beyond your current workplace.
A straightforward line such as, “I’d love to connect on LinkedIn to stay in touch,” is a professional and low-pressure way to extend the invitation. This allows you to follow their career progress and potentially collaborate in the future.