How To Write A Leaving Card

An avenue of cherry trees in blossom and a person walking along the footpath and moving out of the frame, and text 'Sorry You're Leaving'

Knowing how to write a leaving card can be difficult. After all, saying goodbye to co-workers can be a tough experience. And that is especially true if you’ve grown close to the person or it’s a small office where their absence will be noticed.

But moving on is part of life. So when a colleague announces that it’s time for them to move on, it’s always a nice idea to send or give them a card to wish them well. It shows your appreciation and it tells them you are sorry they are leaving.

So we’ve put together some top tips and examples on how to write a leaving card that will leave a lasting impression. After all, day-to-day you’re probably spending more time with this colleague than you do with your own family.

Tell Them How Important They Have Been

It is of course important to tell your colleague that you’re going to miss them around the office. But that is only half the story. Telling them how important they have been will show them how much they mean to you and your team.

Imagine you’re the one who made the decision to leave a job. Once you get into that mindset you will appreciate how hard it can be to walk out of the door knowing that the reality is that you’ll be replaced.

So when you are telling a colleague how much you will miss them, how you are sorry they are leaving – make it clear that they are a unique part of the team.

Mention How Long They Have Worked There

The person who is leaving will certainly remember how long they have worked there, but colleagues tend to forget how long someone has been employed. Or maybe some of the more recent colleagues simply don’t know. If someone is leaving after years of service, mention how long it has been. That way you’re showing you appreciate the time that they have put in.

Mention Their Next Chapter

Just like you would want to know that someone is interested in your future, show your college how interested you are in their next move. Mention their next position and make sure to let them know that their new team will be lucky to have them.

Leaving card with a zebra grazing with text 'The Best Of Luck In Pastures New'

Don’t Be Afraid To Make It Personal

If you’re close to the co-worker who’s leaving and you’re sending them a card that’s just from you rather than a joint effort from the team, then you may want to share with them how they’ve made a difference to your working life. Whether it’s thanking them for always being there or for the advice and support they’ve given you, adding a personal element can mean so much.

Tell Them That You Hope Your Paths Will Cross Again Some Day

Everyone has the best of intentions when it comes to staying in touch with old colleagues but as the cycle of life continues to go on, it’s easy to lose touch. Remind your colleague that you are only an email or phone call away and that you hope your paths will cross again someday.

That way you’re not putting pressure on either of you to stay in touch but they know they can reach you if they’d like.

Sign Off With Some Advice For The Future

It doesn’t have to be deep and meaningful, but just share a some encouragement and advice that will help them move on to their new position with enthusiasm and support.

Don’t make them feel bad for leaving.

Don’t include any negative tones in your card, even if you’re joking. You may want to tell your colleague that they’re abandoning you and leaving you in the worst workhouse on earth, but why make them feel bad for moving on? Instead, keep it light and breezy.

How To Write A Leaving Card

In a nutshell, the way to write a leaving card is to get personal. Praise, them, say how much you will miss them. Go for it! And now it’s time to pick a card that will match your words. And if you want to read another take on the subject, then here’s a different look at leaving, of leaving home, of leaving a life behind, of spreading his/her wings and flying away.

Need A Leaving Card?

We have a range of leaving cards that you can see by clicking this link. You can also go straight to the cards illustrating this article by simply clicking on those images.

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