Farewell Letter to Colleagues - Sample

For many, the most difficult aspect of leaving a job, is leaving behind colleagues who have offered support and encouragement to you, during your tenure. If you are serving your two weeks notice period, it is a good time to say farewell to co-workers and to inform them that you are moving on, to a new city, position, retiring or whatever else you may be planning to do. The best way to do this is by sending out a farewell letter to coworkers in the form of an email, but only to people you are close to and not the entire company. Keep the letter brief and precise, avoid any form of criticism, include your contact information, and you may mention high points (projects or otherwise) of your tenure. Ideally, the letter should maintain a formal tone, but if it is being sent out to only a few selected colleagues, it could be more personal. However, if you were a part of the company for several years, you may feel the need to chronicle some milestone achievements you had a hand in, resulting in a longer letter. In this situation, you could explain your departure by saying that though you've grown personally and professionally, it is time for a new challenge and experience.

Letter writing is not easy and if you are struggling to write a letter, you can always refer to 'farewell letter to colleagues' sample, some of which are given below. To give you an idea of how it is framed, we'll start with a general farewell letter format.

Farewell Letter Template

Dear (addressee), Open the farewell letter by informing your co-workers that you are leaving the company. If you have already found a position elsewhere, you can tell them which firm you are joining, in what capacity and what you will be doing. Don't provide reasons for why you are leaving your present job, or criticize the employer. Utilize the second paragraph to thank your colleagues for all the ways in which they have assisted and supported you. Let them know that it was a pleasure working with them, and that the hardest part of moving on will be leaving them behind. Close the letter with your personal email address and phone number, which they can use to contact you. Let them know that they can get in touch with you any time they need your assistance. Yours truly, (Your Name)

Farewell Letter to Colleagues Sample

Dear All, As most of you are aware, I am moving to (Florida) due to (you can mention a reason or say 'personal reasons'). Tomorrow will be my last day at work, and so I take this opportunity to bid you all farewell. During the (four) years that I have worked here, I have learnt a lot. It was because of your constant support and encouragement that I was able to perform my duties so well. In my position as an (Ops Deputy Manager), I have gained considerable knowledge and thus I shall always cherish this, as one of the most satisfying phases in my career. On a personal level, I have shared a special bond with all of you and I shall take away with me, special memories of our time together. I would be delighted if any of you choose to visit me in (Florida), and if there is anything I can do for you, please do let me know. I will inform you of my new address and telephone numbers as soon as I get settled in the new place. I wish each one of you, the very best in all your future endeavors, both professional and personal. Sincerely, Signature (David Cook)

Short Farewell Letter to Colleagues Sample

Hi All, As many of you know, today is my last day at (ABC Company). I will be starting work at my new position at (XYZ Company) next month. Before leaving, I just wanted to say that I have enjoyed my time here and will miss the team. I appreciate all the support, insights, and help you have provided me with, over the past 2 years, and want to thank you for it. If you need to get in touch with me, I can be reached at my personal email address (gerrymaguire@email.com), or at home, 555-767-1234. Do keep in touch! Thanks for everything. Sincerely, Gerry

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Each of the above 'farewell letter to colleagues' sample follows a different pattern, the first being slightly long-winded and detailed, the second being casual and short. The amount of time you have spent at the job is likely to be among the governing factors that will help you decide which format would suit your situation better. This farewell letter provides you with the opportunity to thank those who were gracious to you, so make good use of it.