The card goes round the office and everyone stares at that empty bit of card. What do you write in a leaving card for a colleague? Below are 40 example messages: short, personal, funny, and specially for a colleague who is retiring, works in healthcare, is your boss or did an internship. Use them as they are, or as a start for your own words.
How to write a good leaving message
- Mention one specific moment: the Friday drinks, that one project, their usual spot by the window. That's what makes a message personal.
- Don't just look back, look ahead too: wish your colleague well in the new job, on the trip or in retirement.
- Keep it short. Three sentences that ring true beat half a card of clichés.
- End with your name and, if it fits, an invitation: you can still meet for coffee after they've left.
Short messages for a leaving card
- Thanks for all the coffee, help and good company. All the best!
- We're going to miss you so much. Best of luck in your new place.
- The office will be quieter without you. Thank you for everything.
- On to a new adventure. You're going to be brilliant.
- A great colleague isn't easily replaced. All the best!
- Thank you for working with us and for all your good ideas.
- You leave behind an empty chair, and lots of good memories.
- Lots of luck and fun with whatever comes next.
Personal messages
- You were always the first to ask how I was really doing. I won't forget that. Best of luck!
- From my first day to today, you had an answer for everything. Your new colleagues are lucky.
- That project would never have been finished without you. Thanks for your calm, your humour and your coffee.
- We started as colleagues and part as friends. Let's keep up those lunches.
- You made Monday mornings something to look forward to. That's a talent. All the best!
- I've learned so much from you, about the job and about how to treat people. Thank you.
Funny messages
- Who's going to descale the coffee machine now? Good luck in your new job, we'll manage (we think).
- Finally free of our meetings. Enjoy it, you've earned it!
- Your new colleagues don't know how lucky they are yet. We do, and we're jealous.
- We'll keep your chair warm. Your desk plant, sadly, not so much.
- From now on you can go back to ignoring 'reply all'. Good luck!
- Friday drinks will never be the same. You'll still pop in, won't you?
Messages for a colleague who is retiring
- After all these years it's time for you. Enjoy every day without an alarm clock!
- We'll miss your knowledge and experience, and your stories even more. Wishing you a wonderful retirement.
- Forty years of work are done. Now the best part begins: all the time in the world for what you enjoy.
- Thank you for everything you've taught us. Enjoy your retirement, you've more than earned it.
- From Monday you're the boss of your own diary. Make something beautiful of it!
- Retired, but never tired. We can't wait to hear all your plans.
- You were the rock of this department. All the best, and do come and visit.
- Wishing you a lovely retirement, with plenty of time for family, travel and your vegetable garden.
For a colleague in healthcare
- All those night shifts, all that care for others: now it's time to take care of yourself.
- You made a difference for so many people, and for us as a team. Thank you for everything.
- We'll miss your warmth and calm on the ward. Lots of luck.
- Colleagues like you keep healthcare going. Thank you, and enjoy what comes next.
For your boss or manager
- Thank you for the trust and the room you gave us. We'll miss you as a boss and as a person.
- Your door was always open. That says more than any annual report. Good luck!
- Thank you for your leadership, your patience and your humour. You leave behind a strong team.
- You helped build this company. Enjoy your next chapter.
For an intern
- You came to learn, but we learned a lot from you too. Good luck with graduating!
- Thanks for your fresh eyes and your enthusiasm. You're always welcome back.
- Six months flew by. Good luck with the rest of your studies and your career.
- Your internship is over, your future begins. We're proud you were with us.
And the gift?
A leaving card often comes with a gift from the whole team. A personal option is the place of all those years: the office, the factory, the hospital or your colleague's home town as a framed 3D relief map. Split between ten colleagues, it's less than five euros each.
You'll find ideas and tips under leaving gift for a colleague and retirement gift. Or make a 3D map right away of the workplace.
Frequently asked questions
What do you write in a leaving card for a colleague?
A thank-you, one specific moment you shared and a wish for the future. Three short sentences are enough.
How long should a leaving message be?
Short. On a card the whole office signs, one to three sentences each is enough. If you want to say more, write your own card.
What's a good message for a colleague who is retiring?
Thank them for the years and the knowledge, and look ahead to all that free time. For example: "Thank you for everything you've taught us. Enjoy your retirement, you've more than earned it."