How to write a goodbye email to colleagues on last working day + last working day email samples
In recent years, the job-hopper economy has been the talk of the town. You’ve no doubt heard of buzzwords like the Great Resignation. More people are leaving their jobs as they wrestle with the idea of finding purpose in their work. Gartner estimates that total annual employee turnover in the United States will jump from 20 percent in 2020 to 24 percent in 2022.
In other words, more of us now have a reason to write farewell letters to our colleagues—whether we’re off to new pastures or simply taking some time off. It can be a tricky task. You want to be professional, of course, but also sincere—and you don’t want to come across as boastful about your next move.
Writing the email can be a bittersweet moment, and it can also leave a lasting impression of your time at the company. So it’s important to get it right and use a professional email address in that. Now you can create a business email without domain name.
Here are some templates to help you write the perfect goodbye email to your coworkers, whether you’re leaving on good terms or not.
When you’re writing a goodbye email to your colleagues, it’s more of a sentimental move than anything else. You’re not trying to weasel a character reference out of anyone or score some points with the boss with your excellent email marketing. You’re just trying to say a proper farewell. With that in mind, here are some key elements you might want to include:
It’s also a good idea to put your contact details at the bottom of your email. You never know when you might need to reach out to a former colleague for advice or when someone might want to get in touch with you about a job opportunity.
When bidding farewell to colleagues on your last working day, writing services such as write papers can provide valuable guidance and sample templates, helping you craft a heartfelt and professional goodbye email that leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re leaving in a huff or there’s been some altercation with a colleague, it’s best to keep the email short, sweet, and free of negativity. There’s no need to air your dirty laundry in public or leave your coworkers with a sour taste in their mouths as you head for the door.
It’s also best not to make any promises you can’t keep. If you say you’ll stay in touch but never follow through, it will damage your relationship farther down the road. The same goes for offering to help with the transition to a new hire. Only commit to it if you’re sure you can see it through.
Before we dig into some email templates, here are a few general tips to help you get started:
Ready to say goodbye? Here are four email templates to help you get started.
Do you have a group of close coworkers you want to say goodbye to in a more emotional way? This email template is for you:
Hey [team],
I want to let you all know that tomorrow is my last day at [company]. It’s been an amazing few years, and I’m really going to miss working with all of you. I’ve learned so much from each and every one of you, and I’m truly grateful for the support and friendship you’ve shown me over the years.
As of [new job commencement date], I’ll be working at [new company] as [new role]. It’s a bittersweet move for me, but I’m excited to take on this new challenge. If you ever want to catch up, my new email address is [address], and you can find me on LinkedIn at [name].
I hope we can keep in touch!
All the best,
[Your name]
Not everyone at your workplace is your best friend, and that’s okay. If you want to keep things strictly professional with your goodbye email, here’s a template for you:
Hi [team],
I want to let you all know that my last day at [company] will be [date]. It’s been a pleasure working with all of you, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of [company] for the past few years.
As of [new job commencement date], I’ll be working at [new company] as [new role]. If you need to get in touch with me, my new email address will be [address].
I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
If you’re close with your boss or have a good working relationship, this goodbye email template is for you:
Hi [supervisor],
As you know, my last day at [company] is coming up on [date]. I want to take a moment to thank you for all the opportunities you’ve given me over the past few years. I’ve really enjoyed working with you and have learned a lot from you along the way.
I’m excited to start my new role at [new company] as [new position], but I’m going to miss your diligent leadership and sage advice. If you ever need to get in touch with me, my new email address will be [address].
I hope we can keep in touch!
Sincerely,
[Your name]
If you don’t know your coworkers that well or only see them around the office occasionally, this goodbye email template is for you.
Hi [team],
I want to let you all know that my last day at [company] will be [date]. It’s been a pleasure working with you, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of [company] for the past few years. If you need to get in touch with me, my new email address will be [address].
I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
So there you have it! Four different email templates to help you say goodbye to your coworkers—whether you’re close with them or not. Just remember to add a personal touch and keep it positive.
Are you worried that not everyone will open your email in time? Check out our article on Read Receipts; it’s the perfect way to see when someone’s engaged with your email. If anyone misses out, you’ll know to speak with them face-to-face or send them a text message instead.
Pro Tip: While saying goodbye can be hard, a well-crafted email can make the transition smoother. Remember, when you pen your farewell to your co-workers, keep it heartfelt, positive, and professional. And if you’re moving on to a new job, don’t forget to check out our guide on writing killer job application emails to help you make a great first impression at your new workplace. Goodbyes are never easy. You can generate and embed a QR code in your email that redirects your colleagues to your LinkedIn page, WhatsApp chat, or Facebook page to stay connected beyond emails!
If you want to get your email written now but don’t want people to receive it right away, we have this helpful guide to setting up Schedule Send with Titan Email. Set it and forget it!