Saying goodbye to relatives, friends or colleagues can often be very difficult but at some point, it just happens for some reason or other. Whether you’re graduating, switching jobs, retiring or moving to another state, it’s always a good idea to write a farewell letter to those you’re leaving behind.
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Farewell Letters
What to include in the letter?
When you’re leaving your job, sending a farewell letter is an appropriate thing to do. This is the perfect way for you to say, “thank you” to your colleagues for having worked with them. This is also the best way for you to share your contact information. Here are the things to include in this letter:
- An expression of gratitude
This letter is your venue to show your appreciation and thanks to all of your co-workers who helped support you. Sending a letter demonstrates to them that the moments you shared together was very meaningful to you. - An expression of wishes and prayers
These are an essential component of a goodbye letter. Usually, you express these at the end of the letter for the ones you will leave behind. You can also add how much you will miss them in the future and how much you value them as a friend. - Your reasons for leaving and where you plan to go
Although it’s not required to expound on details of where and why you’re leaving, a brief explanation will suffice to make your farewell sweeter, especially to those who really care about you. - Your contact details
If you want to continuously get in touch with your friends, include your contact details for them. - Leave a good impression
You may not realize it, but a good letter can leave a lasting impression on the ones you’re saying goodbye to. Make it a good one by not mentioning the moments when you felt depressed, how the management has wronged you or how much better you feel about your new job.
How do you say goodbye?
So, you have accepted a new position elsewhere and have given your required 2-week’s notice to your employer, what then is next? The first and most appropriate thing to do is to inform your boss and the HR department that you’re resigning before you share the news with everyone else.
- Speak to your boss
Before spreading the news to everyone, make sure your acceptance of the new job is both official and final. Then your boss should be the first person you inform. Also, make sure you have signed any required paperwork. - Talk to the other employees
When writing a goodbye letter to employees who are also your co-workers, remind them of the memories you have shared. You might also want to share what will be the next stage in your career. Keep your letter short but meaningful.
Goodbye Letters
To whom do you send the letter?
Although you will personally inform your colleagues that you will depart the company, sending a farewell letter either by traditional snail mail or email ensures that everyone gets the news. It depends on your own discretion when deciding who among your colleagues you will send a letter to.
For a small company, it’s best to notify everyone. For a much larger one, you could consider sending this letter to your team, your department or to particular individuals whom you have worked closely with during your stay with the company.
How to write a farewell letter to co-workers?
You can also write a farewell letter if someone you work with is about to leave the company. When a co-worker announces that they’re quitting, resigning or moving to another company, it is also in the bounds of propriety to write them a goodbye note to express your appreciation of having worked with them and wish them well on their next venture.
Although saying goodbye is a painful thing, your show of encouragement and support over the years is very important. Here are some pointers to consider when writing a farewell letter to colleagues:
- Organize your thoughts when writing the letter
The letter should start by mentioning the person’s departure and acknowledging their reason why – if you know this, and if they’re leaving on a positive note. Let your co-worker know how you feel about their departure. - Wish your co-worker luck
You can mention here the specific benefits of your relationship with the person then wish them the best of luck in their new endeavor. Reiterate the best wishes and encourage continued communication, if appropriate. After this, you can close or end your letter. - Consider sending your co-worker a goodbye email
If you plan to do this, it’s best to send the email before the last day of your colleague’s departure to show your appreciation for them. Additionally, an email is another great way to get their contact details in case you intend to keep in contact with them for the purpose of networking.
Generally, it is an SOP for the HR Department or an employee’s manager to send an email to the company announcing the departure. If one of your subordinates is the person leaving, you can send an email to the rest of the employees to announce this news.
Farewell Letters To Boss
How to write a farewell letter to boss who is leaving?
Supposing this time, it is your boss who will leave. How do you write the letter? This might be a challenge, especially if your boss guided you, inspired you, and supported you. As someone who has worked under their supervision, the best thing to do is write a farewell letter to boss to express your gratitude and to wish them good luck.
The letter is a great way to express your feelings to a boss who plans to leave soon. To write this letter to your beloved boss for the guidance and support they have given you through the years, here is a short guideline:
- If you’re close to your boss, you may start the letter with “Dear.” Follow this with your boss’ first name.
- Include your reason for writing this letter to your boss.
- Share a few good experiences and some things that you have learned for which you feel thankful for.
- Be as honest as possible with whatever you plan to include in your letter.
- Wish your boss good luck for the future.
- Close your letter professionally.
