Leaving your job can be bittersweet; you may be excited to start your next adventure but also sad to say goodbye to your current colleagues. Whether you’re ending your job on a high note or on less desirable terms, sending an email to your coworkers to let them know about your departure is recommended.
Why Send a Goodbye Email?
You may be wondering why you should send an email if you’ve already told those you’re close to that you’re moving on. There are several reasons why:
- It’s good form. It is polite to formally announce your departure and let people know when your last day is. It puts an end to potential hearsay about whether you’re leaving and when.
- It’s an opportunity to wrap up loose ends. Your coworkers know that if they have questions or any last-minute tasks, you will only be available until a specific date. You can let them know who to contact in your absence or who will be taking over your responsibilities.
- It helps build your network. Your colleagues can be valuable references as you move forward in your career, and keeping in touch can be beneficial for professional networking.
What Should You Say in Your Email?
Once you’ve decided to write a goodbye email, you have to figure out what to say. First and foremost, keep it brief and keep it positive. Even if you weren’t on the best of terms with everyone or did not have a great experience, focus on the things that did go well and be genuine.
Thank others. Show your appreciation for the people who supported you during your time there and helped you to learn and grow. Give a shout-out to those you worked closely with on projects or accounts. It makes them feel good, it lets their boss know they’re doing a good job, and it shows that you didn’t overlook their contributions.
Provide your contact information. Let others know how to get in touch with you after your last day. You may want to provide a personal email address or phone number or invite them to connect with you on LinkedIn. You never know whose life you impacted and who may want to keep in touch with you, connect you with a job opportunity, or ask you to be a reference for them.
Keep it simple. You don’t need to provide long drawn-out explanations or goodbyes. Let your coworkers know when your last day will be and that it was a pleasure working with them. Mention something you are proud of that your team accomplished and briefly thank people for their support. You don’t owe a reason for your departure or an explanation of what you’re doing next. One or two paragraphs is usually sufficient.
A few other things to keep in mind:
- Send your email one or two days before your last day to give others a chance to say goodbye and to help with any transitions.
- Make sure you have given appropriate notice to your employer and your boss before sending out a goodbye email.
- Decide who should receive your email. Focus on those you worked with most and those who will be impacted by your departure. If you work for a small company, it may be appropriate to send a message to everyone, but if you work for a large organization, this may not be necessary.
Now that you’ve accepted a new position with a new company, it’s time to tell your coworkers and team. Reach out to Grammar Chic today for help with drafting a goodbye message to send to your colleagues.
