Best Goodbye Email to Coworkers & Managers Example (+ How to Write One)

a picture of business person and goodbye email to coworkers

A farewell email or farewell letter is a personalized and heartfelt thank you written on behalf of an employee resigning from their duties. This goodbye email is normally written and sent on the last working day of employment by the employee.

A farewell message and goodbye email is considered a polite and kind act on behalf of the coworker who is leaving the company. It shows that the employee is leaving the company on “good terms” and has a strong respect for their boss, colleagues, and other employees as they move onto a new position and new job.

Guidelines for Writing and Sending a Farewell Email

As an employee who is departing from the company, here are a few guidelines to follow to ensure your farewell email is written and sent with success:

Never send a mass email or group email farewell to the entire company.
Include your personal email address information as part of the email.
Keep the message a personal email. Share a goodbye message that is sincere.
Wish the team members continued success and good luck with their future work.
Send a personalized and heartfelt message to those you cared about at work.
Show your gratitude for the position and the opportunity at all times.
Emphasize the good time had working with them and the positive impression they left on you.
Wish them luck on any future endeavors.
Send the email or letter on the final day of employment.
(Optional) Ask for career advice going into your new role.
(Optional) If retiring, include the retirement letter along with the goodbye email.

When writing a goodbye letter of this kind, it’s okay to keep the message informal rather than writing a formal letter. A formal letter writing style may be better suited for the resignation letter submitted to a supervisor, manager, or boss. This email is heartfelt and personal, meaning it can be written informally. Share sweet memories in this message with the awesome colleagues at work.

Who Should Receive a Goodbye Email

When writing a goodbye email, depending on the type of business the employee is apart of, they should consider sending emails to the following individuals:

The direct report, supervisor, manager, and boss (or CEO).
Each close colleague and person the employee had close work with.
Clients if the role is to manage outside relationships.

If the employee works for a service business, it is customary to inform clients in advance of the impending change in employment. From there, a farewell email can be sent on the final day of employment.

Sample Farewell Letter and Email to Coworkers

Email subject line: I wanted to say thank you for everything!

Dear John —

It’s a sorrowful day today. It is my final day of employment. I wanted to send you an email and thank you for the time that we’ve shared. There are countless scenarios where I was able to see your talent and sincerity. We had to stay late at the office, work on hitting deadlines, and see your tenacity in that scenario. To the daily encouragement that you brought with you into the workplace. You were a wonderful colleague to have, and if it wasn’t for this new opportunity that presented itself, I don’t think I would be leaving this company.

You’ve been a true friend and an incredible colleague. Calling you, my former colleague, will be difficult.

Thank you for everything you’ve done. Please keep in touch with me at [email protected]

Richard

Sample Farewell Letter and Email to Managers

Email subject line: You've been a mentor to me, thank you!

Dear John —

It’s a sorrowful day today. It is my final day of employment. I wanted to send you an email and thank you for the time that we’ve shared. There are countless scenarios where I was able to see your talent and sincerity. I’ve learned so much from you, and I have to say you’ve felt like a mentor for me. I’ve learned more about dealing with clients, how to sell, and how to conduct myself as a professional generally. It has been a true gift.

You’ve been a true friend and an incredible colleague. Calling you, my former colleague, will be difficult.

Thank you for everything you’ve done. Please keep in touch with me at [email protected]

Richard

Resignation Letters

Below are resignation letters and free templates.

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Additional Resources

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About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes, Glassdoor, American Express, Reader's Digest, LiveCareer, Zety, Yahoo, Recruiter.com, SparkHire, SHRM.org, Process.st, FairyGodBoss, HRCI.org, St. Edwards University, NC State University, IBTimes.com, Thrive Global, TMCnet.com, Work It Daily, Workology, Career Guide, MyPerfectResume, College Career Life, The HR Digest, WorkWise, Career Cast, Elite Staffing, Women in HR, All About Careers, Upstart HR, The Street, Monster, The Ladders, Introvert Whisperer, and many more. Find him on LinkedIn.

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