How to Write a Letter to Announce Retirement of Your Boss

Retirement day

Retirement is both dusk and dawn. It is the end of a long career and the beginning of a new one. Employees who have come to understand the rules and rhythms of one boss have to start all over. It is a difficult day for the boss and the employees. Therefore, the letter will be as much for your coworkers as it will be for your boss.

Instructions

1. Write the introduction. Announce the retirement, briefly mentioning the circumstances. Add humor, but sparingly. For example: "Dear colleagues: Today, our boss, Joe, has announced his retirement effective year-end. He wants to spend time with his adorable grandchildren and improve his golf game. After all these years of putting up with us, frankly, he has earned some time off!"

2. Outline the business accomplishments. There is no need for a detailed rehash of the biography. Outline one or two key accomplishments, highlighting how your boss made a difference in each case. For example: "Mary joined the company straight out of college. After several years in manufacturing and finance, she joined our department as our boss more than ten years ago. Mary led us through the tough times of early 2001, always encouraging us to remain optimistic and pay attention to our customers. She was instrumental in helping us secure the major parts order in 2007, which helped stabilize our division for many years to come."

3. Add personal touches. Mention one or two simple examples to show the human side of your boss. For example: "No matter how busy he was, Joe always had time to inquire about our families."

4. Introduce the new boss. Outline some of her key accomplishments. There may be a transition period where the retiring and incoming bosses actually work together for a few weeks. This letter could help facilitate that transition.

5. Write the closing comments. Express gratitude and appreciation to your boss on behalf of your colleagues. Wish him well in his retirement. Do not announce the details of any farewell parties in this letter. Do that separately. For example: "In closing, I think that we would all want to thank Joe for being a part of our lives for all these years. We have learned from you, Joe. We wish you the best in your retirement. You have earned it. You deserve it."

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use overly sentimental or flowery language because it may sound insincere.

• Some bosses are missed, others are not. If you're asked to write such a letter to announce the retirement of your boss, the chances are that she was generally well regarded.

References

• The Retirement Letters Café