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This article was reviewed by Seth Hall and by wikiHow staff writer, Glenn Carreau. Seth T. Hall (ICF ACC, CLC, and MNLP) is a Certified Life Coach and Founder of Transformational Solutions, a Los Angeles-based life-coaching company that helps people achieve their toughest goals, find their own voice, and think outside the box. He has been a life coach for over 10 years, specializing in personal development, relationships, career and finance, and wellness. He has helped his clients break the negative cycles in their lives and replace them with a positive, proactive mindset. Seth believes that everyone has the potential to live a fulfilling and rewarding life, and works passionately to help them reach their full potential. With a deep understanding of how our minds work and the power of positive thinking, he encourages his clients to find their unique paths in life and find success on their own terms. He is a certified master practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a featured co-author for WikiHow, and co-author of "The Mountain Method”, “The Happy Tiger”, and “The V.I.S.I.O.N.S. Program”.
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If your boss is retiring, you might be wondering how to wish them a happy retirement in just the right way—and we can help! Writing a retirement message for your boss isn’t so hard if you know what you want to say, from wishing them well to expressing gratitude for all their hard work and even cracking a joke (if that’s something your boss would enjoy). Read on for a comprehensive guide to writing a message for a retired boss, complete with an extensive compilation of example messages and more.
Steps
How to Write a Retirement Message for Your Boss
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![Step 1 Reflect on your boss and the type of message they might appreciate.]()
Reflect on your boss and the type of message they might appreciate. Before writing your message, think about your time working with your boss. Did they have any qualities that stood out to you or interactions with you that have always stood out in your mind? Thinking about your boss and what you know about them can help you figure out what kind of message to write.[6]- For example, is your boss the type who might appreciate humor, or do they prefer sincerity? Are they adventurous or more likely to use retirement for relaxation?
- Then, think about what you want to say in your message. Are you grateful for their guidance? Do you want to express your admiration for them? Or do you just want to wish them well?
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![Step 2 Pick a tone and writing style for your message.]()
Pick a tone and writing style for your message. Ensure it’s appropriate based on your relationship with your boss. Is your relationship more formal or casual? Did you joke around together or keep things serious? Choose the tone that feels right based on how you interact with your boss—and when in doubt, aim for a warm yet professional message.[7]- For example, humor can be a great inclusion in your message if your boss was always telling jokes and finding ways to lighten the atmosphere at work.
- Conversely, if your boss always took things seriously and acted with complete professionalism, you might opt for a more formal tone instead.
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![Step 3 Congratulate your boss on reaching this milestone.]()
Congratulate your boss on reaching this milestone. Your boss has had a long, successful career, and now they’re ready to begin a new phase of their life. That’s worth acknowledging! Applaud them for their hard work and a job well done. Express appreciation for their efforts as a boss and anything they’ve done for you personally.[8] -
![Step 4 Share a memory or lesson you’ve learned from them.]()
Share a memory or lesson you’ve learned from them. Personalize your message by dipping into your experiences with your boss. Do you have a memory of them that made a lasting impression on you? Did they teach you any valuable lessons that you’ve used to excel in your career? Show your boss they made a significant difference in your life (and other employees’) throughout their career.[9] -
![Step 5 Wish your boss well in the future.]()
Wish your boss well in the future. Since you won’t see your boss around the workplace anymore, sending them off with your best wishes only makes sense! End your retirement message by telling them how happy you are for them—and wish them luck, too.- If you want to stay in touch, you could also include your contact information (like a phone number or email) at the end of your note.[10]
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![Step 6 Draft your message and proofread your message if necessary.]()
Draft your message and proofread your message if necessary. Drafting a message can help you plan it all out before you write the final version down (in a card, email, or however else you plan to give it to your boss). Use your draft to figure out the structure of your message (starting with a greeting, then congratulations, and anything else you want to include). Write the complete note or letter when you’re satisfied with your draft.- Be sure to proofread your draft (and make any necessary edits) before sending it off to your boss, just to ensure there aren’t any errors or awkward phrases.
Expert Q&A
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.thefutureworldofwork.org/job/retirement-messages-for-coworkers/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/emotional-nourishment/202210/demonstrating-kindness-sincerity-and-appreciation
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
- ↑ 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://www.plainlanguage.gov/resources/content-types/writing-effective-letters/
- ↑ https://www.rd.com/list/retirement-wishes/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-everyday-unconscious/202009/why-nostalgia-the-amazing-power-of-reminiscing
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