Saying goodbye is always hard, and doing so in a work environment is no different. That’s why knowing how to write a proper goodbye email can be very helpful.
A goodbye email is a great way to show that you appreciate every coworker, superior, and client you’ve worked with. It’s also an excellent opportunity to show your gratitude for every learning experience you’ve had while working with all of them.
To learn how to write a great goodbye email, why you should do it, and how to personalize it, read our detailed guide. We have the answers to all your questions right here!
Key Takeaways
- Sending a goodbye email shows your gratitude and positive attitude toward the working experiences you’ve had in the company and the people you worked with.
- Before clicking that “send” button, make sure the timing is right. It’s best to do it at least two days before you leave.
- Mention when your last day is, and personalize each email for your close coworkers, your manager, and the CEO. This way, you can address each of them differently based on the type of relationship you have with them.
- Don’t forget to list your personal contact information in your goodbye email if you’d like to remain in touch with some of your colleagues.
Should You Send a Goodbye Email? 
Yes, it’s always a good idea to send a goodbye email. Even if everyone in your company is aware that you’re leaving, it’s a common and standard practice, as it can give closure to both you and the company.
A goodbye email also shows your positive attitude towards the experiences you’ve had while working for the company. Moreover, it’s an opportunity to maintain a good relationship with all of the coworkers and the CEO in case you need them as professional references for future job opportunities or career changes.
6 Tips for Writing a Goodbye Email
Here are six tips on how to write a great goodbye email:
#1. Find The Right Time
The goodbye email should be sent after you’ve sent out your two-week (or one-month) notice. It’s common courtesy to send it either one or two days before leaving the company unless you need to discuss some work-related things with coworkers before you leave. In that case, it’s best to do it sooner.
Finally, if you’re using a work email (which will be automatically closed upon your departure), you may want to send the email a few days earlier so you can see your coworkers’ responses.
#2. Don’t Send One Email to Everyone
It’s best to personalize each email you send because you might have different relationships and connections with different coworkers. After all, a goodbye email should include specific experiences you’ve had with each coworker and higher-ups.
A personalized goodbye email also gives you a chance to compliment someone specifically or even mention some inside jokes you have with them. Your work bestie is definitely expecting something better than “Hope you guys can prosper further into your careers!”
#3. Don’t Make it Too Lengthy
Your goodbye message should always be short and concise. Don’t make it longer than two paragraphs, give out too many details, or explain why you’re leaving. Even if you want to discuss these things, do it privately with the coworkers you have close relationships with.
One study has shown that people only focus for around 65 seconds while reading or doing a task. That’s why you should only share your gratitude and briefly mention some positive experiences you’ve had with the team.
#4. Mention Your Last Day
Make sure to clearly emphasize what your last day at work is. You can mention this at the beginning of your email by writing something like this:
“As today marks my last day at IntroInk, I wanted to take some time and write to you to thank you for everything you’ve taught me until this moment.”
#5. Remain Positive & Grateful
Even if you didn’t have a great experience at work, it’s never okay to badmouth your teammates or the company in your goodbye email. Keep the venting for yourself until you get the chance to hang out with your coworkers privately and complain over drinks instead. This way, you’re sure to have some networking options after you leave.
#6. Leave Personal Contact Information
If you want to stay in touch with the coworkers you are close with, list your personal contact information at the end of the email.
This can be anything from your phone number and personal email address to your social media profile. You can also ask them for their details as well so that you can contact them instead.
Goodbye Email Templates
Depending on who you’d like to direct the email to, here are some of the best goodbye email samples that you can follow:
Goodbye Email to Coworkers
A great goodbye email to coworkers can look like this:
Goodbye email subject: Thank you for everything, Janice!
Dear Janice,
My time at Flower Design Inc. is slowly coming to an end, but I want to take this time to reflect properly on all of our experiences together.
You were an absolute blast to work with, and I can’t believe these past six years have gone by so quickly!
I am tremendously grateful that I had the chance to meet you and become so close to you, and I can generally never find the right words to thank you for making me feel so welcome since my very first day here.
Thank you so much for your willingness to guide me from our first meeting to our very last day. I will make sure never to forget our times together.
Naturally, this isn’t the last time you’re going to hear from me. (Let’s keep in touch outside of work as well—I’d love to continue our weekly hangouts together!)
I wish nothing but success and happiness to you, and I know you’re going to ace everything that comes your way!
Best wishes,
Miranda
Goodbye Email to Boss
Here’s an example of a goodbye email you can send to your boss:
Subject: Thank you for everything
Dear Jake,
As you’re aware, today marks my last day with Coaster Collective. I wanted to use this opportunity and let you know how much I’ve enjoyed working for you and the company and how thankful I am for everything I’ve learned through your guidance.
Although this is the last time we’ll get to work together, I hope that we can still remain in touch. You can reach me at either [email protected] or 426-4535-3585.
Once again, thank you for everything you’ve done to help me grow professionally. I wish nothing but the best for you and the company!
Best regards,
Lisa M.
Goodbye Email to Clients
Here’s an example of a goodbye email for clients:
Subject: New contact option
Dear ManualZero,
I am contacting you to notify you that I will be ending my contract with TosZ on March 7th.
I wanted to use this opportunity to tell you that I’ve enjoyed working with you for the past couple of years and that it’s been an honor getting to know you.
I also want to let you know that my work and services will still be available if you’re looking to continue working with me. Please don’t hesitate to reach me by contacting me via email ([email protected]) or phone (378-5685-4595).
Thank you for the lovely experience!
Forever grateful,
Mark Hong
Final Thoughts
And there you have it!
Whether you’re close to your coworkers and boss or not, writing a goodbye email is always recommended. Depending on who you’re sending the email to, you should definitely personalize it and keep a positive tone throughout it! Don’t forget to leave your personal contact information on the email so that your colleagues and team members can easily remain in touch with you.
With all that said and done, you’re ready to send your goodbye email—we wish you good luck on your next career path!
