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This article was co-authored by Tami Claytor and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Tami Claytor is an Etiquette Coach, Image Consultant, and the Owner of Always Appropriate Image and Etiquette Consulting in New York, New York. With over 20 years of experience, Tami specializes in teaching etiquette classes to individuals, students, companies, and community organizations. Tami has spent decades studying cultures through her extensive travels across five continents and has created cultural diversity workshops to promote social justice and cross-cultural awareness. She holds a BA in Economics with a concentration in International Relations from Clark University. Tami studied at the Ophelia DeVore School of Charm and the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she earned her Image Consultant Certification.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
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Are you trying to write your boss a thoughtful farewell message but can’t figure out what to say? We’ve got you covered. Whether your boss is retiring or moving on to a new job (or you’re leaving the company instead), a farewell message is a polite, respectful way to end your working relationship on a good note. In this article, we’ll show you how to write a strong farewell message for your boss—and offer up a wide range of example messages, from professional to personal, funny, and encouraging!
Steps
What to Include in a Farewell Message for a Boss
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![Step 1 Choose an appropriate tone for the message.]()
Choose an appropriate tone for the message. Before you start putting your farewell message together, figure out what sort of tone to aim for (professional, casual, or funny, for example). Consider your relationship with your boss and the tone that best fits your dynamic, then write your message with that tone in mind.[4]- For example, if you mainly had a cordial, professional relationship with your boss, use a formal, professional tone.
- If you had a more casual, friendly relationship with your boss, you might opt for a heartfelt, personal, or funny tone instead.
- Even if you have a friendly relationship with your boss, remember to choose a message that isn’t overly personal and would still be appropriate to read at work.
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![Step 2 Express gratitude for your boss.]()
Express gratitude for your boss. Thank them for any positive effects they’ve had on your career or lessons you’ve learned from them. Gratitude is a powerful tool, and your appreciation may lift your boss’s spirits. So, if this may be one of your last chances to acknowledge the good things your boss has done, make sure they know you’re thankful for them.[5] -
![Step 3 Include specific details about your boss’s impact at work.]()
Include specific details about your boss’s impact at work. Etiquette coach Tami Claytor emphasizes the importance of being specific when expressing appreciation for someone. Don’t just tell your boss you appreciate them; explain why they’ve made such a difference in your professional life with examples and memories of them.- For example, maybe your boss set aside one-on-one time to coach you or put a lot of effort into a particularly successful project.
- Highlight events like that to show your boss their actions and efforts truly mattered to you while working together.
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![Step 4 Use concise and straightforward language.]()
Use concise and straightforward language. You don’t need to write an entire overcomplicated letter; a brief, thoughtful note is all that's necessary. Get right to the point, thank your boss for everything, add a few personal touches, and wrap the message up. The longer your message is, the less effective it may become.[6]- Whether you write this message on a card, paper, or email is totally up to you.
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![Step 5 Keep the message lighthearted and upbeat.]()
Keep the message lighthearted and upbeat. For a goodbye message, avoid talking about disagreements or rough patches in the past. Stick to positive words, happy memories, and enthusiastic well-wishes! Toward the end of your message, wish your boss a fulfilling, happy future—whether they’re leaving, changing jobs, or retiring.[7]
Expert Q&A
Tips
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Ideally, try to give your boss the farewell message a couple of days before their last day. That way, you’re not reaching out too late, and they’ll have time to get back to you.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-nourishment/202210/demonstrating-kindness-sincerity-and-appreciation
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_can_transform_your_workplace
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-everyday-unconscious/202009/why-nostalgia-the-amazing-power-of-reminiscing
- ↑ https://www.plainlanguage.gov/resources/content-types/writing-effective-letters/
- ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_gratitude_can_transform_your_workplace
- ↑ https://www.plainlanguage.gov/resources/content-types/writing-effective-letters/
- ↑ https://www.plainlanguage.gov/resources/content-types/writing-effective-letters/
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