7 simple steps to kindly tell coworkers you’re leaving

Most people form friendships at work that last a lifetime, and it can be hard to say goodbye when it is time to leave your job.

We all spend more time at work than we wish. But what makes a job more bearable and even pleasant is the people we work with.

Deciding between being loyal to a company with fellow coworkers and taking on a big opportunity can involve a certain amount of guilt that you are not ready for.

Let's try to waive that heavy weight off your shoulders! Here I will tell you all about how to make your departure as smooth and painless as possible for you and your coworkers.

Is it OK to tell coworkers you're leaving?

It's perfectly OK to tell your coworkers you're leaving. However, make sure that your direct manager has given you the green light to do so.

Talk to them first and ask when you can make the announcement.

But how to tell your coworkers you're leaving when it feels like you are betraying them? Well, it may not even come as big news to some of your coworkers – if you are close, they might know how you feel about your current job and that you are checking other opportunities.

Be careful about the details that you are sharing

Workplace friendships can get complicated when an element of competitiveness is introduced.

That's why it would be best to withhold some details about the future of your career such as salary, benefits, and any other perks.

Stay away from potential gossip

Talks about salary and workload complaints are a big no-no. Oversharing could involve you in unpleasant gossip at work.

And this can lead to workplace jealousy and conflicts. Burning bridges is never a good thing. Life can take turns you never expected and you may meet the same people on the way up or down.

How do you announce to the team that you are leaving?

Here’s how to tell your team you are leaving – do it in person when all team members are present. This way you can express your respect and gratitude.

Here are all the steps that you can take to handle your leaving announcement smoothly.

1. Tell your team manager first

It's best to tell your direct manager that you wish to resign before you tell anybody else.

This way they will be able to think about who will take over your duties – another team member or a new recruit.

Arrange a meeting in person, if the circumstances allow it. A call is another option if you are working remotely.

They will be able to tell you when you will be able to announce your decision to the rest of the team.

Now that your boss knows, they could help you with a plan on how to announce it the best way. Don't be shy to ask for their advice or share your intentions.

2. Don't guilt-trip yourself

Even if you have made friends at work, you are not a traitor for leaving your job. And telling your colleagues about your departure in time can make all the difference.

This will only benefit both sides: on their end to plan what to do about the vacancy sooner, on yours – to have a clear conscience.

3. Wait for the right moment

Normally you should tell your colleagues one to two weeks before your last day at work. As per your manager's instructions, wait for the appropriate time.

It would be best to make the announcement when all (or at least most) team members are present. This can be during your weekly team meeting or a conference call.

4. Say the right things

You are still not sure how to do it? Well, it makes a huge difference if you take the time to show gratitude and remind them of the good times you had.

Always part on good terms but be sure to keep it sweet and short.

If it so happens that you were in a leading role in the team – they surely will have millions of questions for you, so take the time to answer them as transparently as possible.

5. Return to “business as usual”

The best way to reassure your colleagues is to remain professional till your last day – keep up with your performance and remain productive.

I understand how tempting it could be to start slacking but do your best for the sake of your coworkers. Nothing becomes evident faster than a lack of motivation. And it spreads way quicker than you think.

6. Send a goodbye email

On your last workday, follow up with a neat goodbye email to your entire department. Again, use this opportunity to thank your coworkers and show gratitude.

Make sure to leave your contact details and reassure them you'll be in touch. Use the chance to exchange your LinkedIn contacts and even ask for recommendation letters, they are always needed!

7. Avoid any bad-mouthing

Maybe you did not have the best coworker relationship with some of the people but this is now all behind you. Don’t be tempted to say the things that are on the back of your mind.

Besides, your coworkers could feel nervous that you are leaving, so any unneeded bad comments might leave them with the feeling there's trouble in the company they don't know about.

How to say goodbye to coworkers when leaving a job

When leaving a job, the best way to say goodbye to your coworkers is in person. During your last workdays, you will have plenty of opportunities to talk to your coworkers.

You can say goodbye to each person that you feel connected to, be it professionally or on a semi-personal level.

Remember to express gratitude

So what do you say to coworkers when you leave? Whenever you talk to somebody, or a group of people, if the conversation shifts towards your departure, you can use the opportunity to thank your coworker(s) for the time you worked together – especially if you learned something from them.

Say you’d love to stay in touch

Nowadays, staying in touch with people is easier than ever. Be it through LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or any other social media, there are all kinds of ways to retain the meaningful relationships that you have formed with previous coworkers.

Consider throwing a small gathering

If you are close with some of your coworkers, then you can arrange a small after-hours gathering. If there is a bar or a restaurant nearby your office, that would be perfect.

It is a great way to lift up the spirits, especially if some colleagues are a bit sad about your departure.

How to write a goodbye email to coworkers

A last-day email to coworkers is a common courtesy. When the time comes to write it, remind yourself why you are doing it – this is good professional etiquette, good for networking, and it can help you to share a transition plan and clear up potential confusion about you leaving. Here's how to do it:

1. Give it a simple subject line

There's no need to explain why that could be the most important feature of an email. Be short and on point – “Farewell message” or “Goodbye letter” are simple and effective options.

2. Add a short intro

Here's your chance to mention that this is your last day in the company and the position you had, it's safe to add the years you spent in that position or in the company as a whole.

You can choose to mention your future plans but be vague.

3. Show appreciation and gratitude

Mention the successes you had as a team, remind them of the good times you`ve had and the challenges you've overcome together.

Now is the time for the special thanks - show gratitude to the people who helped you in a special way, explain why.

4. Include any other important details

If you are aware of who will inherit your responsibilities, and it's not classified, now is the chance to redirect the communication to them. Be brief - no extra details are needed.

5. Share some contact details

You can leave your LinkedIn and/or personal email address, so anyone who wants to stay in touch can reach you. Skip the phone number for security reasons.

6. Wish your coworkers well

Wish everyone success in their endeavors and say goodbye in an honest way. It's time to say farewell. There is a finality in actually typing the words and pressing the send button.

Goodbye message to colleagues on your last working day – example draft

Subject: Goodbye letter

Dear colleagues,

My last day in [Company name] is approaching, I'll be here until [date]. It's been
[a number of years] since I've started working here and it's now time for me to take on the next challenge!

As much as I'm excited for the adventure that awaits me, I have to say I'm sad to say goodbye to you. The best part of my experience in the company is the great colleagues here and the friends I've made!

You have always been there for me when I needed support and no success would have had a meaning if I hadn't shared it with you! Without your friendship, mentoring and collaboration I would not have achieved so much as a professional. [Add any awards, special achievements].

I'm sure I'll see you all at work before I leave, but if I don’t – be sure that I have a lot to take with me and would like to stay in touch. You can reach me at [LinkedIn] and [email address]. [add plans for a farewell party]

Don't be a stranger and do share updates about your work, I'm sure many more successes await you! I will also be happy to help should you need anything or want to catch up.

Goodbye, and thank you for everything!

[Your name]

Of course, if your company has a specific structure requirement for goodbye letters, you should stick to it. It's very important to be able to “read the audience” and decide whether it's appropriate to use inside jokes or humor whatsoever, or you should rather keep it on the formal side.

Key takeaways

• It is perfectly fine to tell your coworkers that you are resigning.
• Make sure to discuss the matter with your direct manager first.
• They will tell you when it would be most appropriate to announce it.
• Don’t share too many details about your future plans with your coworkers.