How to write a heartfelt retirement message for coworkers
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Not sure how to say farewell to your coworkers? Here are 5 tips to help you write a meaningful retirement message, and the benefits of crafting a proper goodbye.
Retirement is the end of an era. And while it’s thrilling to finally have time to do all the things you’ve been meaning to do, leaving behind your coworkers, especially if you’re close, can feel bittersweet.
To bring a sense of closure, many people like to write a message of gratitude to their colleagues before they sign off for the last time. But what do you say? How can you possibly sum up years of collaboration, chaos, and connection in just a few sentences?
Nobody wants the stress of staring at a blinking cursor, so here are a few tips for writing a thoughtful retirement message to your coworkers. By adapting them to fit your specific role and personality, you can acknowledge the relationships that mattered, offer an authentic goodbye, and leave with intention. Happy retirement!
3 benefits of saying (a proper) goodbye when you retire
It can be tempting to sneak out, but saying farewell to your coworkers is a kind thing to do — and it can help you too. Here’s why:
1. It gives you closure on your terms: Retirement can be a tough transition. One day, you have 50 emails and several meetings, and the next, your inbox is at zero, and you have nothing but time on your hands. Writing a goodbye message can help you mark the transition.
2. It opens the door for real connection: When you write a farewell message, you’re inviting people to respond. What better way to leave than by clearly seeing the impact you had on your coworkers?
3. It lets you shape your own legacy: Your goodbye message can be a tiny chance to shape how people remember you. Go out on a positive note — literally.
What to write in your retirement message: 5 tips for how to say goodbye
You might think that your retirement messages need to be a perfect balance of professional, funny, and sweet, but what’s most important is that you sound like yourself.
To ensure that your note is polished and professional, keep these tips in mind.
1. Make it short, sweet, and genuine
Most people don’t want to read a long email, no matter who it’s from. A few honest lines work perfectly.
Examples:
“The time has come. After 12 years of wearing the same pants four out of five days of the week and drinking lukewarm coffee from the break room, I’m retiring. I’ve truly loved working with you and appreciate every wild and wonderful day we shared.”
“Before I officially retire, I wanted to say thank you for this beautiful ride. You’ve all been unforgettable and lovely to me. You’re the reason this job didn’t feel like work.”
“After 18 years, I’ve officially graduated to more peaceful days filled with puzzles and midday naps. Logging off now, grateful for every moment. I will miss you all!”
💙 As you head into retirement, reflect on all the good times you had at work. Gratitude for the Day with Chibs Okereke can help you tap into those positive feelings.
2. Say thank you
Gratitude makes goodbye messages feel a little warmer. Think about the people or experiences that left a mark, like the coworker who knew your coffee order by heart or the one who always lent you their umbrella when it was raining. (If you need some more guidance, here are eight tips to cultivate an attitude of gratitude.)
Examples:
“I want to thank my chosen family who made this workplace so special. Your support, humor, and occasional emergency snack stashes got me through some tough days and made the good ones even better.”
“Thanks to everyone who made me feel welcome, challenged, and appreciated. You’re the reason I stayed as long as I did. Well, that, and Barbara’s famous cheesecake. I’ll miss you all (almost as much as I’ll miss all the cake).”
“A heartfelt thank you to my team — you made me better every day. I’m so lucky I got to be a player on this incredible squad. Rooting for all of you always. Can’t wait to hear about all that you accomplish.”
3. Share a memory
A little story can go a long way. In addition to reminding people of the good times, it can make your message feel more original. You don’t have to write a novel, and it doesn’t need to be profound — just aim for real.
Examples:
“I’ll never forget the power outage of 2019 when we all played trashcan basketball while waiting for the lights to come back on. We made the best out of a tough situation, and that speaks to the type of amazing people you are. Please stay in touch!”
“I’ll always remember our holiday parties and how intense the cookie competition could get. Now that I’m officially out of contention, please feel free to share your recipes with me. I’ll miss you all—and those sugar cookies—dearly.”
“Monday mornings just won’t be the same without our doughnut runs. Thanks for the memories, team.”
4. Reflect on what you’re taking with you
Let people know all that you’ve learned while working and what you’ll carry forward. Not only will this help fill up your cup, but it can also remind people what they’ve learned while working with you. (Here are 20 questions to help with any potential writer’s block.)
Examples:
“This job taught me a lot about leadership, teamwork, and that I don’t need to talk louder while I’m on zoom. (Still working on that one…) But most of all, it reminded me how amazing it is to work with such loyal, thoughtful people. I’ll never forget it. Thank you.”
“Beyond the spreadsheets and deadlines, I’m leaving with lifelong friendships, a few more well-earned wrinkles, and countless memories.”
“This place taught me how to lead, how to listen, and how to troubleshoot a broken coffee machine under pressure.”
5. End on a hopeful note
Some words of encouragement, a simple goodbye, or even a little glimpse of what’s next for you can be a sweet way to sign off.
Examples:
“I’m off to spend more time traveling, playing with my grandkids, and mastering the art of sourdough once and for all. Wishing you all continued success — and a little less time in meetings.”
“Wishing you all smooth launches, strong coffee, and at least one good laugh a day. Keep crushing it.”
“I’ll be around — probably in sweatpants, gardening gloves, or both. Don’t be a stranger.”
💙 Consider listening to Endings with Tamara Levitt if you’re having a hard time saying goodbye to your work and the people you’ve met there.
Retirement message for coworker FAQs
Do I need to send a retirement message to my coworkers?
You don’t have to send a retirement message, but it can be one of the simplest ways to wrap up this chapter with a bit of closure and grace. After all, you’ve spent a lot of time with these people over the years.
Writing a short, thoughtful message can help you leave on a kind note. You might also be surprised at how meaningful even a few lines can feel, both for you and the people reading them.
What are some examples of retirement messages?
There’s no one right way to send a retirement message. If you want to keep it casual, you could say something like, “After 15 years, I’m off to find out if daytime TV lives up to the hype. Thanks for the talks, laughs, and memories.”
A more heartfelt message you could send is: “It’s been a true honor to work alongside so many talented people. I’m leaving with deep gratitude for my time here — and for all of you.”
If humor’s more your vibe, you could say: “Today’s my last day. Thanks for the memories — and for being so nice about the fact that I was always muted on Zoom. You’d think after a few years, I’d learn my lesson, but I digress. You’re the best, and I’ll miss you.”
Should my retirement message be formal or informal?
Your tone depends on your personality and your workplace culture. If you’re in a very professional environment, a more formal message is the best way to go, but if your usual emails include memes and inside jokes, it’s okay to joke around.
In general, the best retirement messages usually sound like the person writing them, so trust your voice and just be yourself. You’ve earned the right to say goodbye on your terms.
What are some key points I should cover in my retirement message?
There isn’t a standard checklist, but here are a few good touchpoints that can help you find your flow.
Say thank you at some point.
Mention a funny or heartfelt memory.
Share a bit about what you’ve learned on the job.
Consider sprinkling in your future plans.
Close with a simple and warm goodbye.
Can I send my retirement message in an email?
Yes. Email is often preferred in the workplace, as it allows you to reach everyone and provides people with an opportunity to reply.
Whether you send it to your whole team or just a few close coworkers, an email is a low-stress, high-impact way to say farewell. Just remember to hit “send” before IT cuts your access!
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