How to Write a Farewell Email and Goodbye Message to Colleagues (With Samples)

Table of Contents

1. Farewell Email to Colleagues – Best Sample Emails
2. Touching Goodbye Message to Colleagues – Heartfelt Examples
3. How to Write a Farewell Email to Colleagues
4. Farewell Email and Message Templates for Colleagues
5. Tips to Write a Touching Farewell Message to Colleagues

Writing a farewell email is something most people don’t think about until the last day. You sit down to write a memorable goodbye message to colleagues and nothing comes to mind.

Too formal sounds cold. Too personal feels a bit awkward. What you really want is something honest and respectful. A message that thanks your coworkers in a way that will make them remember you.

In this blog, we will show you how to write a farewell email and goodbye message that feels right. You will also find examples and sample templates to make it easier.

Read more: How to Write a Farewell Speech When Leaving the Office (Tips & Examples)

Sample of a short and simple farewell email to colleagues

Farewell Email to Colleagues – Best Sample Emails

Here are three complete farewell email samples for different situations. Use them as they are or edit them to fit your tone and role.

Sample 1 – Formal farewell email to colleagues (for wider teams)

Subject: Farewell and Thank You

Hi Team,

As I finish my journey at Bridgeton Analytics, I want to express my thanks to each of you. These past three years have shaped both my career and mindset, and I am proud to have worked with such committed professionals.

To Aman, Ritika, and Deepak – thank you for pushing me to improve and always challenging the process. To the sales and support teams – your coordination made workdays easier to manage.

I am moving on to a new opportunity in Mumbai but will carry the learning and memories with me. You can reach me at ravi.kapoor@email.com.

Wishing you continued success,

Ravi Kapoor

Read more: How to Write Farewell Message to Manager

Sample 2 – Friendly farewell email (for close team)

Subject: Thank You for Everything

Hey Team,

Can’t believe I am writing this, but today is officially my last day at Craftloop Studios. Feels strange. This place has been a big part of my daily life for the past two years.

Neha, I still owe you for all those playlists that got me through long days. Zaid, I genuinely appreciated how you always handled the pressure and tight deadlines. Isha, not sure who I will complain to during lunch now.

I am moving on to a new role next week, but I will genuinely miss working with all of you. You can always reach me at shreya.kulkarni@gmail.com. Would love to stay in touch.

Thanks again for everything,

Shreya

Touching Goodbye Message to Colleagues – Heartfelt Examples

Sometimes you don’t need a full email to bid farewell. Just a few honest lines can say everything. Here are a few samples of touching farewell message to colleagues. You can share them over chat, in a card, or just quietly in a group thread.

Example 1 – The quiet gratitude message

Dear team, I didn’t speak much, but I always felt supported here. You helped me feel comfortable in a place that was new and big. I will remember the way you all made it feel less scary.

Example 2 – For the team that felt like home

Hi, everyone. There were days I stayed late and days I wanted to leave early, but what kept me going was the people. This place became a kind of rhythm in my life. It won’t be easy to find this kind of team again.

Example 3 – When you are finding it hard to say goodbye

My dear colleagues, I have been thinking about what to say all morning, and I still don’t know how to put it into words. Just… Thank you. For everything. You all have been part of my routine, and I will miss that more than I thought.

Read more: How to Write Goodbye Email and Message

How to Write a Farewell Email to Colleagues

Writing a farewell email becomes easy when you know what to include in it. Here are the steps you can follow to write a good farewell email to colleagues.

1. Start with a clear subject line

Your subject line should tell people exactly what the email is about. Keep it simple and direct.

Examples of good subject lines for farewell emails –

• "My Last Day at [Company Name]"
• "Goodbye and Thank You"
• "Farewell – It’s Time to Say Goodbye"
• "Moving On – A Note of Thanks"

2. Open with a direct line

Don’t beat around the bush. Let people know you are leaving. You can also include your last working day.

Example

"Today is my last day at Clearpath. It is not easy to write this, but it feels right to say goodbye properly."

This sets the tone and lets the reader know what the message is about.

Read more: What to Do After Submitting a Resignation Letter

3. Thank the people

Generic lines like “I am grateful for my journey” don’t mean much unless you add something real. Instead of thanking the company as a whole, talk about the people you worked with – your team, your manager, or even that one colleague who helped you on tough days.

Example

"Thank you to the design team for your patience, and to Ritu for always being the calmest person in every storm."

4. Share a memory or moment you will take with you

People remember stories. You don’t have to get emotional or dramatic, but mentioning a real moment makes your message human. It also shows that your time there meant something.

Example

"I still remember my first week when I had no idea what I was doing, and someone patiently walked me through every tool we used."

5. Mention what’s next (only if you want to)

You don’t have to share where you are going. But if you are comfortable, one or two lines are enough. It gives closure and it can also be a way for people to stay connected with you professionally.

Example

"I’ll be joining a small tech startup next week – something new and exciting."

"I am taking a short break to reset before deciding what comes next."

6. Add contact details if you want to stay in touch

Not everyone does this, and that’s okay. But if you have had good relationships, people might want to reach out in the future. You can drop your personal email or LinkedIn profile.

Example

"You can always reach me at megha.r.email@gmail.com or connect on LinkedIn.

7. End with a warm sign-off

The closing is your final note. Keep it light and positive. Avoid quotes or overused farewell lines. Speak like yourself.

Examples of good ending lines for farewell emails

• "Thanks again for everything. I will miss this place."
• "Wishing you all the best – at work and beyond."
• "Take care and keep in touch."

Then sign off with just your name.

Read more: Resignation Letter Samples

Farewell Email and Message Templates for Colleagues

If you are short on time or words, these templates will help you say goodbye in a way that feels thoughtful and clear.

Template of farewell email to colleagues

Subject: Thank You and Goodbye – My Last Day at [Company Name]

Dear [Team/Colleagues/Department Name],

As many of you know, [date] will be my last working day at [Company Name]. After [X years/months] here, it’s time for me to take the next step in my journey.

I want to thank each one of you for the support and shared memories along the way. Working with [mention team name or specific people] has made me a better person, both personally and professionally.

I have learned a lot and will carry these experiences forward with me.

If you would like to stay in touch, you can reach me at [personal email] or connect with me on LinkedIn: [LinkedIn URL].

Wishing you success and many great milestones ahead.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]

Template of goodbye message to colleagues

Hi [Name/Team],

Just a quick note to say goodbye, and thank you for everything. It has been great working with you at [Company]. I will miss each and everyone one of you.

Feel free to stay in touch at [your email].

Take care,

[Your Name]

Read more: What To Write On A Retirement Card?

Tips to Write a Touching Farewell Message to Colleagues

If you want to write a touching farewell message to your colleagues, follow these tips –

• Start with how you are feeling and not just a formal goodbye
• Use their names if it is a group you know well
• Refer to one real moment that meant something to you
• Mention something small you will actually miss
• Speak like you are talking in person
• Use pauses and line breaks intentionally
• You don’t need to explain everything
• Leave space for silence
• A little awkwardness is fine; that’s what makes it feel real
• Humor works if it is your style

Wrapping Up

And that’s how you write a farewell email or goodbye message to colleagues and coworkers. Say what you really feel, not what sounds good. One honest line will always mean more than a long paragraph. If you need help, use the sample templates and examples for inspiration. All the best for whatever comes next.

Read more: How to Prepare for a Resignation Meeting?

FAQs

Q. Farewell notice vs. farewell email – What’s the difference?

A farewell notice is usually formal and sent by HR or management, while a farewell email is personal and written by you.

Q. What to include in your farewell email?

Your farewell email should be clear and include all the right elements. Here are the key parts of a farewell email –

• Your last working day
• A short thank-you to the team or specific people
• One genuine memory or takeaway
• Optional next step (new role or break)
• Contact details (if you want to stay in touch)
• A warm closing line and your name

Q. What not to include in your farewell email or message?

Keep your message respectful and clean by avoiding things that could make others uncomfortable or awkward.

• Complaints about the company or coworkers
• Long explanations for why you are leaving
• Salary, benefits, or internal issues
• Personal grievances or past conflicts
• Overly emotional rants or dramatic language
• Criticism masked as “feedback”
• Private jokes that others may not understand
• Anything negative about future plans or roles

Q. Should I send separate farewell messages to different teams?

Yes, if you've worked with multiple teams, it’s thoughtful to write separate messages. Keep the core message similar but tailor a line or two to reflect your experience with each team. It makes your goodbye feel more personal and genuine.

Q. Is it okay to skip writing a farewell message?

It’s not mandatory, but a short farewell message is always appreciated. Even a simple note shows respect for your time at the company and leaves a positive impression. It also gives people a chance to say goodbye and stay connected.

Q. When to send a farewell email or a goodbye message to colleagues?

The best time is on your last working day, a few hours before logging off. If you’re close to some people, you can message them earlier. Just make sure it’s not too early – wait until your departure is officially communicated.