Sample Email to Colleague Leaving the Company: A Guide to Writing a Goodbye Message

Are you having a tough time drafting an email to bid farewell to a colleague who has decided to move on to better opportunities? Feeling overwhelmed with the right words to convey your appreciation, good wishes and gratitude towards them? Well, fret not, help is at hand!

We understand how important it is to make a lasting impression when it comes to communicating and that’s why we’ve put together a sample email to colleague leaving the company. This email is a great example that will help you express your sentiments in a professional and heartfelt way.

So, without further ado, here is the sample email to colleague leaving the company that you can use and edit as needed:

Subject: Best Wishes for Your New Journey

Dear [Colleague Name],

As you are all aware, today is [Colleague Name]’s last day in [Company Name]. In light of this, I wanted to take a moment to convey my thoughts on his/her departure.

I would like to express my genuine gratitude for all the support, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during your time here. Your skills and knowledge were invaluable in helping us to reach our goals as a team. We will always appreciate your contributions.

Although we are sad to see you go, we are also excited for you as you embark upon the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident that you will excel in your new role and make a lasting impression in your new organization.

On behalf of the entire team at [Company Name], I would like to extend our best wishes to you. May you find happiness, success, and fulfillment in your new position. And remember, you are always welcome back here with open arms!

Best Regards,

[Your Name]

There you have it, folks! A perfect example of a well-crafted email that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your departing colleague. Feel free to use the above email as a template and edit it as per your personal style and organizational requirements.

So what are you waiting for? Bid adieu to your colleague in style using our sample email to colleague leaving the company!

The Best Structure for an Email to a Colleague Leaving the Company

Saying goodbye to a colleague who is leaving the company can be a bittersweet experience. While you are happy for their new opportunities, you will also miss your colleague’s presence and contributions. Sending an email to say goodbye is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation, express good wishes, and maintain professional relationships. However, writing a goodbye email can be tricky, especially if you want to strike a balance between sincerity, professionalism, and brevity.

The following structure for a goodbye email to a colleague leaving the company has been proven effective, clear, and respectful:

  • Opening: Start with a warm and personal greeting that acknowledges the recipient’s name and departure. You can say something like, “Dear [Colleague’s name], I hope this email finds you well. It’s with mixed emotions that I’m writing to say goodbye to you as you leave [Company name].”
  • Gratitude: Express your gratitude for your colleague’s contributions to the company and your working relationship. Highlight their strengths and accomplishments, and how they positively impacted the team and the organization. For instance, you can write, “I want to express my sincere gratitude for your hard work, dedication, and expertise during your time at [Company name]. Your contributions to [project name] and [achievement name] have been invaluable, and I have learned so much from working with you.”
  • Wishes: Express your well wishes for your colleague’s future endeavors, both professionally and personally. You can congratulate them on their new role or company, or wish them success in their projects, hobbies, or family life. For example, you can write, “I am excited for you as you embark on this new chapter in your career and life. I have no doubt that you will continue to achieve great things and make a positive impact wherever you go.”
  • Contact: Include your contact information and an invitation to stay in touch. Encourage your colleague to keep you updated on their progress, or to reach out if they need any help or support. You can write, “Please stay in touch, and let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you. You can always reach me at [email address] or [phone number].”
  • Closing: End the email with a heartfelt and respectful closing that acknowledges your relationship with your colleague and your sentiments about their departure. You can say, “I will miss you and your positive energy in the office, but I am grateful for the time we spent together and the memories we created. I wish you all the best, and I hope our paths will cross again in the future. Take care, [Colleague’s name].”

Remember to personalize the email to suit your tone, relationship, and context. Avoid clichés, negativity, and oversharing personal details. Keep the email concise, focused, and professional. Writing a thoughtful, well-structured email to a colleague leaving the company not only shows your respect and appreciation, but also helps to maintain your professional network and reputation.

Sample Email to Colleague Resigning for Personal Reasons

Dear [Name],

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I am resigning from my position at [Company Name]. It has been an incredibly difficult decision, but it is a necessary step for me to take right now due to some personal circumstances in my life.

I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed working with you during my time here. You have been an invaluable colleague and friend, and I have learned so much from your expertise and experience. You have always been there to offer guidance and support when I needed it, and I truly appreciate everything you have done for me.

Thank you again for everything, and please keep in touch. I would love to stay connected and hear about all the exciting things happening at [Company Name] going forward.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Email to Colleague Leaving for a New Opportunity

Dear [Name],

I wanted to share some exciting news with you – I have been offered a fantastic new opportunity and have decided to take it. This means that I will be resigning from my position at [Company Name].

I cannot express enough how grateful I am for all that you have done for me during my time here. You have been an incredible colleague and mentor, and I have learned so much from you. I have truly valued our collaboration and your guidance and support throughout my time here.

Please keep in touch, and I hope that we can continue to work together in the future in some capacity. Thank you again for everything, and I wish you all the best.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Email to Colleague Leaving Due to Relocation

Dear [Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know that I will be resigning from my position at [Company Name]. Sadly, I will be relocating to a new city due to some family obligations, which means that it is no longer feasible for me to work at [Company Name].

I wanted to take a moment to express my appreciation for your support and guidance during my time here. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you, and I am grateful for all the knowledge and experience I have gained as a result of our collaboration. I hope that we can stay in touch, and I would love to hear about all the exciting things happening at [Company Name] going forward.

Thank you again for everything, and I wish you all the best.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Email to Colleague Leaving for Retirement

Dear [Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I will be retiring from my position at [Company Name]. After many years of dedicated service, it is time for me to move on to the next stage of my life and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation!

I cannot express how much I have valued our collaboration throughout the years. You have been an invaluable colleague and friend, and I have learned so much from you. I will always cherish the memories of our time working together and the many accomplishments we achieved as a team.

Please stay in touch, and let me know how things are going at [Company Name]. I am confident that you and the rest of the team will continue to achieve great things going forward. Thank you again for everything, and I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Email to Colleague Leaving Due to Health Reasons

Dear [Name],

I wanted to take a moment to let you know that I will be resigning from my position at [Company Name]. Sadly, I have recently been diagnosed with a health condition that requires me to step away from my work for the time being. It is a difficult decision, but my health must come first at this time.

I cannot express enough my deep appreciation for your support and encouragement during my time here. You have been an outstanding colleague and friend, and I have learned so much from you. I will always remember fondly our collaboration and the many great accomplishments we achieved together.

Thank you again for everything, and please stay in touch. I would love to hear about all the exciting things happening at [Company Name] going forward.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Sample Email to Colleague Leaving to Pursue Further Education

Dear [Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know that I will be resigning from my position at [Company Name]. After much consideration and planning, I have decided to pursue further education in a field that I am passionate about. Unfortunately, this means that I will need to step away from my work at [Company Name] to focus on my studies.

I cannot express enough how grateful I am for all that you have done for me during my time here. You have been an outstanding colleague and mentor, and I have learned so much from you. I value our collaboration and the many great accomplishments we have achieved together.

Please stay in touch, and let me know how things are going at [Company Name]. Thank you again for everything, and I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample Email to Colleague Leaving Due to Company Restructuring

Dear [Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know that I will be resigning from my position at [Company Name]. Unfortunately, due to recent changes in the company’s organizational structure, my role is no longer necessary, and it is no longer feasible for me to continue working here.

I wanted to express my deep appreciation for your support and encouragement during my time here. You have been an outstanding colleague and friend, and I have learned so much from you. I value our collaboration and the many great accomplishments we have achieved together.

Please stay in touch, and let me know how things are going at [Company Name]. I am confident that you and the rest of the team will continue to do great things going forward. Thank you again for everything, and I wish you all the best.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Sample Email to a Colleague Leaving the Company

When a colleague is leaving the company, it’s important to send them a farewell email to show your appreciation for their contributions to the team. However, crafting the perfect email can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to help you write a memorable goodbye message:

  • Start with a personal greeting: Address your colleague by name, and start your email with a warm greeting to show that you care about them as a person, not just a coworker.
  • Express your gratitude: Take the time to thank your colleague for the work they’ve done during their time with the company. Acknowledge their accomplishments and share specific examples of how their contributions have benefited the team.
  • Offer well wishes: Wish your colleague success and happiness in their future endeavors. If you know what they’ll be doing next, mention it in your message and offer your support.
  • Include contact information: Make sure to include your contact information so your colleague can stay in touch.
  • Keep it professional: While it’s important to show your colleague that you care about them, keep your email professional and avoid getting too sentimental or emotional.

Here’s an example of what your farewell message could look like:

Dear [Colleague],

I was saddened to hear that you’ll be leaving the company, but I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your contributions to the team. Your hard work on [project name] was instrumental in its success, and I’ve always admired your ability to [specific skill or trait].

I know that you’ll do great things in your next venture, and I wish you all the best. Please keep in touch – my email address is [your email address], and you can also find me on LinkedIn.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Frequently Asked Questions about Sample Email to Colleague Leaving the Company


What should I include in the email?

The email should express your appreciation for your colleague’s contributions, wish them well, and provide your contact information for keeping in touch.

Can I personalize the email?

Yes, you can personalize the email by mentioning specific memories or projects you worked on together, or any other personal message you may want to include.

Is it necessary to send the email?

No, it’s not necessary, but it’s a nice gesture to send an email to show your colleague that you value and acknowledge their work.

What should I do if I don’t have the colleague’s personal email address?

You can ask your HR department or a mutual colleague for the email address.

Should I cc the boss on the email?

It’s not necessary to cc the boss, but it may be appropriate depending on the culture of your workplace.

Is it appropriate to ask the colleague for a reference?

Yes, it is appropriate to ask for a reference if you have worked closely with the colleague and value their opinion.

How can I make sure the email is professional?

You can use a professional tone and carefully proofread the email for any errors before sending it.

See you later, alligator

I hope this sample email to a colleague who’s leaving the company helped you out. Always remember that a heartfelt message can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated and loved. Thank you for reading, and I hope you come back soon for more articles that will help make your work life easier and more enjoyable. Until next time, take care, and see you later, alligator!