How to Write Farewell Messages (With 60 Examples)

As you spend a big portion of your time with your co-workers, you build strong relationships over the years. Over time, you or others will leave for new opportunities or retirement. This is a great time to send a farewell message and there are several ways to do so. In this article, we will look at why saying farewell is important and show you different ways to say goodbye gracefully in a variety of situations.

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Why is a farewell message important?

Saying farewell to your co-workers is important as it expresses your gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity to work alongside them. You learn a lot from the people you work with, so it's only right to thank them and say goodbye. Sending a farewell message is also a great way to leave a lasting impression on your colleagues, which is especially helpful if you need a reference in the future.

60 examples of farewell messages to a co-worker

If you're looking to say farewell to a co-worker, take a look at some statements you can use or personalize depending on the reason for their departure or yours. Write them in a card, send them in an email or throw a party and use the messages to give a speech. Here are 60 examples of farewell messages:

Messages to a co-worker that's leaving

Here are some messages you can send to a co-worker that's leaving your company:

1. "Working with you has been great! All the best at your new job."

2. "Congratulations on your new job. We know you'll be amazing!"

3. "You were a great co-worker. Your new job is lucky to have you. Congratulations!"

4. "It was an honour working with you. Your new co-workers are so lucky. Good luck!"

5. "You've left a lasting impact on the company. We'll miss you and wish you nothing but the best!"

6. "Thank you for all your help over the years. I couldn't have gotten that promotion without you. Good luck at your new job!"

7. "I'm so excited about your new career opportunity. You'll be great!"

8. "Congratulations on your new job, I can't think of anyone more deserving. You'll be missed!"

9. "I knew when you started here ten years ago that we would become great friends and I was right. I'll miss seeing you every day, but you deserve that new job!"

10. "We'll miss you here, but we're all excited to see where your future takes you! Congratulations on the new job."

11. "It was a pleasure training you all those years ago. I'm glad to see the lessons went to good use. Good luck at your new job!"

12. "Thank you for being such a great manager. We've all learned so much. Your new team is lucky to have you."

13. "Your strong leadership skills have made a huge difference here, so I know you're going to be great at your new job. All the best!"

14. "We're so sad that you're moving, but our Toronto branch is gaining a great employee. Keep in touch!"

15. "I could always rely on you for anything, you're a great colleague. I'll miss you but know that you'll be great in your new role. Good luck in your next adventure!"

Read more: How To Express Your Career Wishes for a Colleague's New Role

Messages to a co-worker when you're leaving

If you're the one leaving, here are some example messages you can use:

1. "I'm so grateful for the opportunity you gave me straight out of college to work here. Thank you for all your help and for being such a great manager."

2. "Your endless happiness and camaraderie made coming into work so much easier. I'll miss you, but I hope we can keep in touch!"

3. "I've really enjoyed my team with the company and learned so much, but it's time for me to move on to a new opportunity. Please contact me if you need any help in the future!"

4. "Thank you for all your help over the years. I'll never forget the valuable lessons you've taught me."

5. "You've been a great co-worker and I know you're going to help this company continue to succeed. I can't wait to see where your career goes. I'll miss you!"

6. "Keep up all the great work! I'll miss working with you, but hope to hear from you soon."

7. "Thank you for being a great teammate. I've learned so much from you! Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything!"

8. "You made leaving really hard, but I couldn't pass on this opportunity. I hope we continue to be good friends."

9. "I'm really sad to move and leave this company, but excited for the opportunity you've given me at our other branch. I look forward to seeing you at our nationwide meetings!"

10. "Your dedication to your work has inspired me from the beginning. I hope to be as great as your at my next job. All the best!"

11. "Good luck with your future endeavours. I'll miss working with you!"

12. "You've taught me so much over the years. Thank you for all your help!"

13. "Thank you for taking me under your wing and mentoring me when I first arrived. Continue to be amazing. I'll miss you!"

14. "I hope we can stay connected and update each other on our career paths. Wishing you all the success!"

15. "Every shift we worked together brightened my day. All the best in the future! Stay in touch."

Related: How to Write an Effective Letter of Goodbye to Your Employer

Messages to a co-worker that's retiring

When it's time for a co-worker to retire, here are some ways you can say farewell:

1. "You've had a great career here and we'll all miss you. I hope you finally take the vacation you deserve!"

2. "I'll miss all our inside jokes and conversations over lunch. All the best in your retirement!"

3. "You really brought our team together over the years. Your departure will leave a lasting impact on us all. Good luck in your retirement."

4. "If you ever get bored during your retirement, you know where to find us!"

5. "Thank you for all your hard work over the years. You were one of the best employees this company has ever seen."

6. "You deserve a break! I hope you have a happy and healthy retirement."

7. "Working with you has been a major highlight in my professional career. I hope to stay in touch!"

8. "Thank you for all your advice over the years, I wouldn't have made it past my first year without you. Have a great retirement!"

9. "We're going to have a hard time filling your shoes once you're gone. All the best in your retirement!"

10. "Take care of yourself. I can't wait to see all the fun you have in your retirement. Don't be a stranger!"

11. "Thank you for 30 years of dedicated service to our company. You've taught us all so much and brought brightness to the office. We'll all miss you, but hope you take the break you deserve in your retirement!"

12. "You have the strongest work ethic of anyone I've ever met. Take that long-awaited vacation! All the best in your retirement."

13. "I'm so lucky to have had you as a manager before you retired. Thank you for all your help over the last few years."

14. "We all wish you a long, happy and healthy retirement. Don't be a stranger!"

15. "Although you won't physically be here, your presence will linger. You've left a lasting impression on us all. Enjoy your retirement!"

Related: How To Write a Retirement Message for a Coworker (Six Steps)

Messages to a co-worker when you're retiring

If you're the one retiring, here are some departure messages for your co-workers:

1. "This office has practically become my second home. I'm going to miss seeing you all every day!"

2. "You've all become my family over the years. Thank you for all your help and for such a beautiful sendoff. I'll miss you all!"

3. "Leaving this career has been one of the hardest moves I've made, but it was time. Thank you for all the opportunities you've given me over the years."

4. "Having co-workers as great as you made coming into work every day much easier. I'll miss working with you all!"

5. "I'll miss you all dearly, but I'm excited to see where you take the company!"

6. "Although I'm retiring, I hope we can all keep in touch. I'll definitely be back to visit!"

7. "It was great working with all of you over the years. I won't forget all the laughs we've had. Farewell for now!"

8. "Although I was your manager, you have all taught me so much. Thank you for believing in me!"

9. "For the past 15 years, I've barely felt like I was working because I enjoyed this job so much and it's all thanks to you all. Keep in touch!"

10. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to manage this department ten years ago. I've learned so much."

11. "I've worked at a lot of companies over the years, but this one has been my favourite. Thank you all for making this such a warm, welcoming place to work in every day."

12. "I'll miss you all, but I will always hold you in my heart. Don't be strangers!"

13. "I've worked here for over 30 years and don't regret a day of it. Thank you for allowing me to build such a meaningful career."

14. "I've loved every minute of my 10 years here. I can't wait to hear about all of your success!"

15. "Work over the last 20 years hasn't felt like work because I always had so much fun with you all. Thank you for all the lessons and opportunities you've given me over the years!"

Related: How To Write A Retirement Message