Why farewell messages are essential (with 45 examples)

Wishing farewell to colleagues leaving a company can be challenging, as we often get attached to those we work with daily. Regardless, sending farewell messages is essential because it shows that we value them and their contributions to the company. It's helpful to know how to construct interesting messages to make your ex-colleagues feel valued and appreciated when exiting a company. In this article, we consider the importance of farewell messages, review 45 samples for inspiration and provide steps on how to deliver those messages.

Why farewell messages are important

Sending farewell messages to departing colleagues is essential because it shows that you appreciate and value them. It also helps to strengthen your relationship with them and potentially reunite with them in the future. Additionally, it might settle any misunderstandings between you and your colleagues before they depart.

Related: Tips for writing a thank you message for colleagues (with examples)

Example messages to say farewell

If you're finding it challenging to come up with a goodbye message, here are some examples to consider:

When a colleague is departing

If a colleague is leaving the company, you can write a farewell message such as:

1. I wish you the best in your new job. Congratulations!

2. The effort you put into this job is highly commendable. I trust you shall thrive in your newfound role, wishing you the best of luck!

3. You've been a source of inspiration to me over the years. Congratulations on finding a new job. I wish you the best for the future.

4. Working with you has been an honour. You're committed not only to your success but to that of your colleagues. Congratulations to you!

5. I shall always remember fondly. We wish you the best.

6. I wish you the best in your new career.

7. I hope your new position brings you fulfilment and happiness as you did to us.

8. Your new team is lucky to have you. I wish you the best.

9. I'm grateful for your support over the years. I shall remember it forever. Farewell and good luck.

10. I'm glad about your new job. It's amazing how time flies. Please keep me updated on how you're doing.

11. I'm grateful for you training me to be a better employee. I shall remember what you taught me. Thank you for being a source of motivation.

12. I trust you shall do great in your new role. You've been a good friend. Good luck with your new job.

13. It's been wonderful working with you. You've helped me become who I am today. I wish you success in your future endeavours.

14. We shall miss your contributions to this team. Please keep in touch with us.

15. It's been great having you as a colleague. I think your new colleagues shall love working with you too.

16. Thank you for the support and encouragement. I shall remember it forever. Good luck!

17. It's been fun having you around here. Hopefully, your new organisation shall be even more fun. I wish you the best.

18. You've had a positive effect on me with your ability to make decisions. Moving on, I hope to take on a leadership role as well. Thanks for being a good leader. I shall miss your guidance.

19. That smile of yours is contagious. The joy you bring to work every day always cheers me up and I shall miss them all.

20. Thank you for being someone I can rely on. You've been my best friend as a colleague. I look forward to keeping in touch with you.

21. Although we aren't very close, you've been an inspiration to me. Please keep in touch. Farewell.

22. The difference you made here shows how great a leader you are, good luck in your next endeavour.

23. I find it difficult to say goodbye. Nevertheless, I hope to see you again. I've attached my contact information in the hope of hearing from you again.

24. Good luck with your newfound role and take care of yourself. Let me know how you're doing. See my contact details below.

25. It's exciting that you're finally moving up in your career. I still find it difficult to believe you're leaving, but there you are. I wish you the best.

Related: Resignation email: tips, templates and examples

When you're departing

If you're the one leaving the organisation, you can send your managers and colleagues a goodbye message like:

1. Thank you for being a strong influence on my professional career. I shall always remember you. Let's keep in touch.

2. I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had working with the best team in this company. The experiences shall forever remain in my memory.

3. I am sure to miss the incredible support I had from this team. I shall miss you all.

4. Although I enjoyed my stay in this organisation, I'm moving on in my career. If you need any advice or references, you can see my contact info below.

5. Thank you all for helping me develop the right skills to help me move on to the next stage of my career.

6. I'm grateful for the training you gave me. It's helped me to obtain a fantastic new job. I shall keep you updated about my new role.

7. Thank you for being an inspiration to the team. Hopefully, you can continue being the best you are.

8. You taught me a lot as your employee. I hope you continue to mentor others as you mentored me. Thank you for being my anchor.

9. Your commitment to this organisation's growth is commendable. I hope you rise to the peak of your success. I wish you the best of luck.

10. Continue being your extraordinary self. I shall miss that, but please stay in touch.

11. Thank you for being such an outstanding teammate, don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything.

12. I cherish the friendship between us, even as colleagues. I hope to keep in touch with you and don't hesitate to get in touch if you need me.

13. I'm moving on to better things, but I believe that you're bound for greatness, too. Hopefully, we shall meet again.

14. Please keep me updated on how you're doing. I look forward to keeping in touch with you.

15. Thanks for your diligence. I look forward to seeing you in my new office sometime.

16. Thank you for everything you taught me. You've been a great mentor to me and I shall get in touch if I need your vast expertise.

17. You're part of why I'm successful as an employee of this company. Thanks for your collaboration and don't stop being yourself.

18. I shall miss how we always managed to get things done. You taught me a lot. I shall stay in touch with you.

19. Your sense of humour makes it fun to work with you. Thank you for always making my day. I shall miss those fun times.

20. Your strength is your integrity. It influenced other colleagues and me. I look forward to staying in touch with you.

Related: How to write a thank you message for your boss (with examples)

How to deliver a farewell message

Having written or got an idea for composing your goodbye message, you may want to know how to deliver it to the intended recipient. Here are some suggestions:

Deliver it by using a card

Consider using a goodbye card to deliver your farewell message. In a team setting, everyone contributes to purchasing a single card, then every team member writes a farewell message on it. A goodbye card gives the recipient something physical to hold on to as the goodwill from their colleagues, which can go a long way in helping them feel special.

Related: Nonverbal communication skills: definition and examples

Delivery by email

Delivering your farewell message by email is a convenient method. This could be before the departure date. If you don't have your colleague's e-mail address, you may consider utilising the mass e-mail usually sent by HR to announce a departure. You might see their e-mail in there and be able to send a message.

Related: When to use 'best regards' in an email (with examples and alternatives)

Send it with a gift

You can show your appreciation for a departing colleague by sending them a gift. You can then include your farewell message in the gift. Sometimes, sending a gift might be a manager's idea. For example, they might request a contribution from the employees towards purchasing a gift for the departing colleague. In this case, you have the chance to include your goodbye message in the gift.

Disclaimer: The model shown is for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

Related:

• 25 welcome aboard messages to welcome new staff (plus tips)

• How to create a professional holiday out of office message

• How To Welcome New Employees (With Steps and Examples)