How to Send a Goodbye Email to Your Coworkers

After sending your job acceptance letter to your new employer, start thinking about how to say goodbye to your coworkers.

The simplest way to bid the office farewell is to write a goodbye email that mentions your plans, expresses your gratitude, and lets colleagues know how to stay in touch.

Why write a goodbye email to your coworkers?

A well-written goodbye email is an opportunity to part ways with your coworkers respectfully, thank them for the support they’ve given you, and strengthen your professional network.

Goodbye emails let colleagues know you’d like to stay in touch. You never know when you will need a reference or referral.

Farewell email to colleagues example

Here’s an example of a professional farewell message to colleagues:

When to send a farewell email to colleagues

Send internal farewell emails a week before your last day at work. This gives coworkers time to come say goodbye to you in person.

If you need to reach out to clients or vendors, it’s best to inform them shortly after giving your two weeks’ notice. This provides ample time for them to ask questions, prepare for your departure, and discuss transition plans.

How to write your farewell email

When writing your goodbye email to your coworkers, you can use the following structure:

1. Mention that you’re leaving and when your last day will be

If you’re part of a team and other employees rely on you, let them know when you’re leaving. This gives them time to prepare for your departure and resolve any final work-related matters.

They’ll probably also want to know when your last day is so that they have a chance to reach out and say goodbye before you go.

2. Briefly go over your plans for the future

If you’d like to share your plans for the future with your coworkers, remember to keep it brief. Simply provide a short explanation of what your next steps will be, especially if you’re sending your goodbye email to everyone at the company.

3. Thank your colleagues

Give a shout-out to coworkers who have been especially helpful throughout your time at the company. They’re sure to appreciate it, and if you’re sending a copy to your boss, you ensure that your colleagues’ hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Additionally, by acknowledging your coworkers’ efforts, they’re more likely to be willing to help you out if you need a professional favor in the future.

4. Include your contact information

Even if you’re not close with your colleagues and don’t plan on staying in touch outside of work, you should still include your contact information.

Writing down your personal email address, phone number, or a link to your LinkedIn profile in your goodbye email lets coworkers know where to find you and creates networking opportunities in the future.

5. Maintain a positive tone

The goal is to be gracious and professional, regardless of the situation.

If you’re leaving on bad terms, a concise and neutral email is often the best course of action.

Use a simple subject line like “Moving On.” and a brief email body that just conveys the important information:

Dear Team,

I wanted to let you know that my last day at [Company Name] will be [Date].

Best regards,

[Your Name].

This approach acknowledges your departure without delving into negativity or forcing a false sense of camaraderie.

Goodbye email templates: general & role-based

Here are five email templates that you can use to say your goodbyes. Use them as starting points and remember to personalize your message before sending it. You want to show genuine appreciation and leave the role on good terms.

Frequently asked questions about goodbye emails

Here are answers to common questions about goodbye emails.

How do you say goodbye in an email professionally?

Here’s how to say goodbye in an email professionally:

• Strike a balance between formality and warmth
• Start by informing colleagues of your departure and specifying your last day
• Keep the message concise while expressing gratitude for the experiences and relationships you formed
• Share brief insights about your future plans
• Conclude by providing your contact details

Here are a few things to avoid to keep your email professional:

• Any negative comments about the company (or coworkers) you’re leaving
• Oversharing about why you’re leaving or the perks at your awesome new job

What is a good subject for a goodbye email?

Here are some good subject lines for your goodbye email:

• Farewell and thank you
• Goodbye with gratitude
• Saying thanks and goodbye
• Onward with appreciation
• Best wishes and goodbye
• Cheers to new adventures
• Endings and beginnings
• Heartfelt farewell
• Wishing you a fond farewell
• Saying goodbye, staying connected

How do you say goodbye on the last day of work?

On your last day of work, take the opportunity for face-to-face interactions.

Now’s your chance to express gratitude to colleagues and supervisors for their support and guidance and exchange contact information with those you want to stay connected with.

If you want to send a last day of work message, here’s an excellent example you can send to your colleagues:

Hello Everyone,

Today marks the end of an incredible journey here at [Company]. As I move on, I wanted to take a moment to express my deep gratitude for the amazing experiences and friendships I’ve gained during my time here.

I feel fortunate to have been a part of such a talented and supportive team. The memories we’ve created and the challenges we’ve overcome together will stay with me as I step into this new chapter. While I’ll miss our day-to-day interactions, I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

Please stay in touch! You can reach me at [email address] or connect with me on LinkedIn ([LinkedIn Profile URL]). Let’s keep the lines of communication open and continue to support each other in our respective journeys.

Thank you again for everything, and I wish each and every one of you nothing but success, growth, and happiness in the future.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]