Saying goodbye via email
Originally published on 10.02.2014
We need to say goodbye a lot. It sounds like a really easy thing to do, doesn’t it? But there are different situations in which we need to write emails for saying goodbye. Do you say the same thing to the colleague who is going on maternity leave as you do to the colleague who has just been made redundant? What about someone who is moving on to another department, or someone who has been promoted? Does how you say goodbye change according to how much you like the person? Each situation needs to be handled slightly differently and with an appropriate tone.
Email structure and phrases for saying goodbye
1. Congratulate them (when appropriate)
- Congratulations on…
- Well done….
- I hear congratulations are in order.
2. Tell them you’ve enjoyed working with them / that you’re going to miss them
- It’s been great / nice / a pleasure working with you.
- We’re going to miss you around here.
- The place won’t be the same without you.
3. Say you hope it goes well for them
- I’d like to wish you all the best for…
- Good luck with…
- I hope everything goes well with…
4. Ask them to remain in contact
- Keep /stay in touch.
- You know where I am if you need anything.
- Don’t be a stranger.
You can change your level of warmth by adding more information, adding words of emphasis (really, very), and by taking out some steps. By using the structure and phrases above, you can make saying goodbye less awkward. Want more help with emails or to improve your writing overall at work? Download our latest Ebook “Writing emails that people read.”
