How to Write Clear and Concise Goodbye Letters to Co Workers

Writing goodbye letters to co workers when you are leaving a company is a respectful way to depart.

Sometimes there are feelings of guilt, doubt or regret when leaving a company. A clear and concise goodbye letter can support you to keep connections with your co workers and to leave in a way you feel pride about.

Writing goodbye letters to co workers can appear to be a daunting task. However, there are simple steps you can take to insure that the letter is well written and effective to your purposes.

This article will attempt to guide you in your attempts to write a clear and persuasive goodbye letter that will have you leaving your company in a positive light.

Instructions

1. 

   CHOOSE THE RECIPIENTS - The first step in writing goodbye letters to co workers is determining exactly who the recipients will be. You can send your goodbye letter to a) all co workers in your branch or specific department b) only those you have created a relationship with.

   **If you do not decide to write a goodbye letter to all the co workers in your department, I highly recommend that you send an announcement or a shorter version of the goodbye letter. This should include the reason why you are leaving, your appreciation for knowing them and a way they can contact you in the future.

2. 

   CHOOSE THE FORMALITY - Once you know who you will be sending it to, choose a formality level. There is no need for goodbye letters to co workers to be formal. It is most important that they are clear and concise. Let them reflect your relationship with the co worker. If you are sending a letter to the entire office, keep it more formal. If you are best friends with the person, consider being casual.

   **Goodbye letters can be sent via email. While written letters are more formal, it will be easier for your co workers to save your contact information via email.

3. FOLLOW A SIMPLE STRUCTURE - Keep your goodbye letters to co workers clear and concise. Regardless of the formality of the letter or who the recipient is, it should include these points:

   Greeting: If to a specific co worker, start it as any other letter. If it is to the entire office use a generic term such as "Friends" or "To the employees at ______"

   Announcement: Announce that you are leaving the company and state your official last day on the job. If you feel necessary, talk about reasons for departure, or conflicting feelings over leaving. (Keep these brief and generic).

   Appreciation: Make a statement or two about how you have appreciated the opportunity to get to work with your co workers. Thank them for whatever they have done to make your life better or your work more bearable. If a personal letter, share memories you will not forget with that individual.

   Contact Information: End the letter with a hope that you will be able to keep in touch. Leave your personal email or contact information. **This will allow your co workers to not only remain friends with you, but contact you regarding business opportunities in the future.

   Farewell: End with "Sincerely," "Yours Truly" or simply your name.

   **See resource section below for links to sample goodbye letters.

4. 

   SEND THE LETTER - Make sure to wait until after you have notified your superiors to send out the goodbye letters to co workers. Do not wait to long to notify your co workers though. It will be best to hear about your departure from you and they will appreciate having the time to wish you well in your new business ventures.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are leaving for a new job, avoid mentioning the reasons why you are leaving and any perks the new job has offer. If asked, be generic, saying that you feel it is a good move for this time of your life or that you feel it suits your needs better.

Resources

• Sample Goodbye Letter 1
• Several Sample Goodbye Letters to Co workers