[av_hr class='invisible' height='10' shadow='no-shadow' position='center' av_uid='av-3k5m5']
Originally published on 10.02.2014
[av_two_third first av_uid='av-7s17st']
We need to say goodbye a lot. It sounds like a really easy thing to do, doesn’t it? But there are different situations in which we need to write emails for saying goodbye. Do you say the same thing to the colleague who is going on maternity leave as you do to the colleague who has just been made redundant? What about someone who is moving on to another department, or someone who has been promoted? Does how you say goodbye change according to how much you like the person? Each situation needs to be handled slightly differently and with an appropriate tone.
[/av_two_third]
[av_one_third av_uid='av-6c9kr1']
1. Congratulate them (when appropriate)
2. Tell them you’ve enjoyed working with them / that you’re going to miss them
3. Say you hope it goes well for them
4. Ask them to remain in contact
[av_promobox button='no' label='Click me' link='manually,http://' link_target='' color='theme-color' custom_bg='#444444' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='xingicon' av_uid='av-3iyvvx']
Promotion
Hi John,
I just heard you got the Senior Analyst job in France. Congratulations on the new position. We’re going to miss you around here. I’ve really enjoyed working with you and wish you all the best for this new challenge. Keep in touch.
Kate
Moving to another department
Hi Luis,
I just heard you’re moving over to marketing. Well done. That sounds like an interesting move. Good luck and don’t be a stranger.
Kate
Leaving the company (not by their own choice)
Hi Rob,
I was really sorry to hear that you’ll be leaving us. It’s been great working with you and I’m certainly going to miss having you around. All the best for the future.
Take care,
Kate
Going on parental leave
Hi Lena,
It can’t be long now! I hope everything goes well for you. Send us a photo and see you when you’re back. We’re going to miss you. Enjoy your last few nights of quiet!
Lots of luck,
Kate
[/av_promobox]
[av_hr class='invisible' height='5' shadow='no-shadow' position='center' av_uid='av-30hl9p']
You can change your level of warmth by adding more information, adding words of emphasis (really, very), and by taking out some steps. By using the structure and phrases above, you can make saying goodbye less awkward. Want more help with emails or to improve your writing overall at work? Download our latest Ebook "Writing emails that people read."