88 Ways To Say Goodbye To Coworkers When You Retire

coworkers saying goodbye to a senior retiree

Many people visit my site looking for tips on sending off a retiring colleague. But what if you’re the one hanging up your hat? Then this article is for you!

I’ll provide you with heartfelt messages to express your gratitude and best wishes to your coworkers as you embark on your next chapter. Let’s dive in!

1. Professionally Bid Them Short Farewells

Maintaining a professional yet warm connection with colleagues is key when you retire. Even if you weren’t close friends with everyone, these short farewell messages can help you express gratitude and well wishes in a heartfelt way. A speech is not needed unless they demand it from you.

Choose a message that suits the recipient and personalize it further if you wish. You can deliver them in person or write them on a card or send them via email.

It has been a pleasure working with you all. I had a blast over the last few decades or years here at this company. Farewell!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with such a special group of people. I wish you all the best!
What a ride these past few years. I’m going to miss you all. Goodbye!
Thank you for bringing so much joy and dedication to the office. It was a pleasure being your coworker.
Goodbye and all the best. I wish all of you a bright, sunny, and happy future!
Goodbye to my friends, coworkers, and boss. I wish you all the best in all your future endeavors.
It’s time to go. It was fun, but now the real fun will begin. Goodbye.
Seeing you all here makes me emotional. So I’m going to make it short and sweet. Thank you. It was a joy. Goodbye!
Thank you, everyone, for supporting me during my career. I couldn’t have done it without you. Goodbye!
Working here has been an incredible journey filled with memorable moments and wonderful colleagues. I’m grateful for the support and friendships I’ve gained. Farewell and best wishes for the future!
It’s been a privilege to work alongside such talented individuals. I wish you all continued success in your careers. Goodbye!
Thank you for the shared experiences and the collaboration. I’m confident you will all achieve great things. Farewell!
As I retire, I want to express my gratitude for the professional growth and support I received here. Best wishes to all!
Your dedication and teamwork have made this workplace special. I leave with many fond memories. Goodbye, and good luck!
To my esteemed colleagues, thank you for your partnership and friendship. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.

2. Happily Express Your Deep Gratitude

Some colleagues become close friends and offer invaluable support throughout your career. They deserve a more personal touch than a simple card. Also, consider a small gift, token, or souvenir to express your appreciation alongside one of the following messages.

Remember: Timing is key. You can present these gifts at your retirement party (if you have one), at a special dinner you host for them, or at the end of your retirement speech as a heartfelt thank you to these special people.

I’ve enjoyed working with all of you, and I’m going to miss your energy, positivity, and professionalism.
Cheers to you guys who have been my coworkers since the very beginning. You’ll always have a special place in my heart.
Thank you for all the great memories! Let’s make sure our friendship doesn’t end here!
Each and every one of you has taught me valuable lessons. Thanks and farewell!
I will always be grateful to have worked with each and every one of you. I will miss all of you!
I’m grateful to have worked together with all of you. Thanks for your collegiality and friendship; they’re all appreciated!
You’ve touched my life in so many different ways. Thank you and goodbye!
Thank you, guys—my closest coworkers who have become my closest friends. We will see each other soon somewhere down the road. And thank you to all the people at this company for the past few decades. You’re all so special and talented. I treasure our time together. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thank you for making the workplace a fun place to be. It has been a pleasure to work with you. Farewell, and I wish you all the success in all your future adventures!
Thank you for your guidance. I’ve learned so many valuable lessons and you’ve helped me become better at every part of my job. It has been truly a pleasure working with you these years. I’m going to miss you.
Working with you has been one of the highlights of my career. Thank you for your unwavering support and friendship.
To my work family: Your support and camaraderie have meant the world to me. I will cherish our time together always.
I’ve shared countless laughs and unforgettable moments with you all. Thank you for being such an amazing team.
Your kindness, generosity, and friendship have been a source of strength for me. I am grateful for each one of you.
As I retire, I look back with fondness on the wonderful memories we’ve created together. Thank you for everything.

3. Funnily Say Goodbye

There are many ways to say goodbye with a touch of humor. You could deliver your message during a surprise party, integrate it into a harmless prank, or leave it as a note on a colleague’s desk or phone—channeling your inner secret agent.

Get creative! A funny farewell message paired with a touch of ingenuity will surely leave a lasting impression. Here are some witty farewell messages you can use or be inspired by!

Yes, I’m free! I’ll think of you next Monday when I’m enjoying my gourmet coffee, beer, wine, or cocktail in the sun.
If you need me, I’ll be at the golf course or beach or lake house or on the roadside or whatever property my pension can afford!
Cheers to never-ending weekends! Good luck on Monday, guys—you’re all on your own!
I’m very much looking forward to picking up my new favorite hobby: Seeing you all suffer at work! So next week, when you’re all in a meeting, remember me! My happiness depends on you!
Cheers to not having to work tomorrow. Oops, wrong crowd!
My retirement announcement was the best news some of you had in years. Congrats. You’re finally rid of me. To my wife, good luck!
A lot of people asked me what I was going to do in retirement. Well, here it is: Rest, relax, and repeat. Goodbye RND and welcome RNR!
Goodbye, coworkers. I’m now officially retired. The next time you want to talk, you better pay up some hefty consultant fee!
I’ve been waiting decades for the surprise retirement party. Let’s make it a good one! Please tell me you had planned one.
I thought I retired, but now I have to work for my wife. Perhaps I’m going to regret this decision… So this is not a goodbye. This is a maybe see you later.
My inbox just spontaneously combusted! Guess it couldn’t handle the news of my retirement. See you all… never! Just kidding; message me if you want to meet up.
Who wants to have my parking spot?
For the person who kept having their lunch disappear: It wasn’t me! The mystery will be solved once I’m retired.
From now on, my only job will be to avoid any job.
Think of my retirement as the company’s new strategy to boost productivity. You’re welcome!

4. Courageously Break The Ice And News

Most people aren’t the center of everyone’s world. Even if you’re friends with your coworkers, they might not realize you’re planning to retire. The news might surprise them!

Here are some lighthearted messages to break the ice and announce your retirement during a meeting, water cooler chat, or lunch break. Use them as a topic starter for your retirement.

Well, this might come as a shock, but… I’m retiring!
Just a heads up, I’ll be on a long vacation soon—like tomorrow or something! Catch you later!
After years of not doing anything here, I’ll be promoted to a position where I won’t really do anything anymore! Don’t worry, the company will survive!
This is just a friendly reminder that perfection is fleeting. Mine ends in a few days from now. See you around!
Remember that time we did some fun stuff? Those were the days! Time to make some new ones… in retirement!
My out-of-office reply is about to get a whole lot more permanent! Wish me luck on my escape from the daily grind!
Looks like someone finally figured out the secret to eternal happiness—retirement! Don’t worry, I’ll leave my forwarding address for all those urgent emails.
Big announcement! I’m officially graduating from the school of hard knocks. Time to pursue a degree in relaxation!
Just a heads up, you might see me around the office a lot less… but with a much tanner complexion! Ciao, work world!
My to-do list finally shrank to one item: Retire! Wish me luck in conquering that ever-elusive goal.
Finally, all of you will now have an easier time, thanks to me leaving the company!
I’m going on a long vacation. What souvenirs would you like?
Can you verify all your contact details on my phone? Just in case I need to contact you to tell you I’m enjoying my life as a retiree.
When are you guys retiring? Because I’m definitely near my due date.
When was the last time you attended a party? I have one coming up. A retirement party.

5. Genuinely Speak Your Farewells

There might be one or two close friends or colleagues in the office who will make saying goodbye difficult. With them, sincerity is key. Take them to a special place—it might be where you formed your friendship, the first place you met, or a place with a lot of your key moments—and have a heartfelt conversation about your departure.

Get started with the conversation using these farewell messages.

I have found both a friend and a leader in you, and I’m immensely grateful for it. However, it’s time for me to transition myself into retirement.
My goodbye does not mean it is the end; it simply means I will miss you till we meet again.
It’s not the goodbye that hurts; it’s the flashbacks that follow. Be sure to miss them as well when I’m gone.
I am so thankful to have had the chance to work alongside you. Your enthusiasm, motivation, passion, and support are so inspirational to me. You make me laugh a little louder, smile a little brighter, and live a little better. Fate made us coworkers, but time made us friends.
I cannot say goodbye to those whom I’ve grown to love, for the memories we have made will last a lifetime, and will never know a goodbye.
You’ve made my work easier, even on the most dreaded days. We are not just coworkers but good friends as well. Many thanks for sticking with me all these years. I can’t thank you enough!
I like the feeling of finding it difficult to say goodbye because it only means that I have found a true friend.
I’m proud of the work I have done, the person I am, and the difference I have made, and that is because of you and the other guys. You’re special, and I will always be grateful to have worked with you.
I have learned a lot from you during my time here. I wish you all the success for the future, and I know you will rock it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
I am extremely fortunate to be someone who finds it so tough to bid goodbye.
Though it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, the memories we’ve shared will always hold a special place in my heart. Thank you for being a wonderful colleague and friend.
This isn’t just a goodbye; we’ll keep in touch. Be sure to don’t forget to ask for help or message me for anything.
It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by. Thank you for making the journey so enjoyable.
While I’m excited about this new chapter, I’ll truly miss working alongside all of you. You’ve made coming to work a pleasure.
The friendships forged here are more valuable than any achievement. Thank you for making this such a special place to work.

6. Sincerely Wish Them Well

Once you retire, you’ve already said your goodbyes. However, you can end everything on a sweet note by sincerely wishing all the coworkers you’ll leave behind well.

Here are some starters you can use, along with a mix of general well-wishes and more specific messages:

To y’all: You’ve been a fantastic team. Thanks for always having my back. Keep up the amazing work!
I’ve learned so much from your expertise over the years. Wishing you continued professional growth.
Our coffee breaks and chats were always a highlight. Here’s to many more in the future, even if they’re not at the office! Good luck with your retirement as well!
This company is lucky to have such a talented group of people like you. I have no doubt you’ll continue to excel.
Retirement may take me away from the office, but the memories and friendships made here will last a lifetime. Thank you for everything.
Good luck with all future projects. I know they will be a huge success!
I can leave this company with the confidence that you will take it to the next level.
Wishing you the best in your career. Best of luck and goodbye.
Here is a shout-out to my team. You’re such a dream team that our clients won’t even realize that I’m retired.
May this goodbye be only momentary. And may the coming days bring you all the success both personally and professionally. Hope to meet you soon!
Your dedication and hard work have always been inspiring. I know you’ll continue to achieve great things.
I’ll miss our brainstorming sessions and your innovative ideas. Keep pushing the boundaries!
It’s been an honor to work alongside such a driven and talented group. I wish you all the best.
Thank you for the camaraderie and support. It’s been a wonderful journey together.
As I move on to the next chapter, I carry with me the lessons and friendships I’ve gained here. Best of luck to everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have some unanswered questions on how you can say goodbye to your coworkers, hopefully, this section can help you out!

How do I announce my retirement to my coworkers?

Announce your retirement in a positive and grateful tone, preferably in a group setting such as a meeting or via a company-wide email. Highlight the enjoyable experiences and express your gratitude for the support and friendship. End with a warm farewell and well wishes for their future.

When is the best time to tell my coworkers I’m retiring?

Inform your coworkers about your retirement at least a few weeks before your departure. This gives everyone ample time to process the news and say their goodbyes. It also allows for any necessary transitions or handovers.

Should I give a speech at my retirement party?

Yes, giving a speech at your retirement party is a great way to formally say goodbye and express your gratitude. Keep it heartfelt and concise, sharing memorable moments and thanking your colleagues. End on a positive note, expressing optimism for the future.

What should I include in a farewell email to my colleagues?

In your farewell email, thank your colleagues for their support and friendship over the years. Share a few memorable experiences and express your best wishes for their future. Provide your contact information if you’d like to stay in touch.

Is it appropriate to give gifts when I retire?

Yes, it is appropriate to give small, thoughtful gifts or tokens of appreciation to colleagues who have been especially supportive. Personalized items, handwritten notes, or a shared memento can be meaningful. This gesture shows your gratitude and leaves a lasting impression.

How can I make my goodbye memorable?

To make your goodbye memorable, share personal stories and highlights from your time at the company. Organize a small gathering or lunch to personally say farewell to your closest colleagues. Consider giving a small token of appreciation or a handwritten note to those who made a significant impact on your career.

What if I get emotional during my farewell?

It’s perfectly normal to feel emotional when saying goodbye. Acknowledge your emotions, take a deep breath, and try to focus on the positive aspects of your retirement. Remember that your colleagues will understand and appreciate your genuine sentiments.

How do I maintain professional relationships after retirement?

Stay connected by sharing your personal contact information and expressing a desire to keep in touch. Attend company events or reunions when possible and reach out occasionally to check-in. Professional social networks like LinkedIn can also help maintain connections.

What if some colleagues react negatively to my retirement?

Understand that everyone processes change differently, and some may initially react negatively. Stay positive and empathetic, reinforcing your appreciation for their support and friendship. Over time, most colleagues will come to accept and support your decision.

How do I express gratitude to my boss when retiring?

Express your gratitude to your boss with a sincere message, either in person or in writing. Highlight specific instances where their support and guidance positively impacted your career. Thank them for the opportunities and experiences you’ve had under their leadership.

Conclusion

As you transition to this exciting next chapter in your life, I hope these messages help you express your gratitude and well wishes to your colleagues. They’ll surely miss you, but these heartfelt words will send you off on a positive note.

Meanwhile, since you’re already here, why not check out my other posts? Here are a few of the ones I recently published:

Happy reading!