A colleague is leaving, the card is going round, and you're staring at a blank space wondering what to write. Here are leaving card messages for every kind of working relationship, and a few tips to make yours stand out.
A simple way to write it
- Thank them for something specific.
- Share a memory or a quality you'll miss.
- Wish them well in their next chapter.
Sam, thank you for always having time for my "quick questions" (which were never quick). The Friday quiz won't be the same without you. Good luck in Lisbon! Joana
Short leaving card messages
- Good luck in your new job, you'll be brilliant.
- It won't be the same without you. Keep in touch!
- Thank you for everything. Wishing you every success.
- Your new team is lucky to have you.
- Onwards and upwards! Best of luck.
- Thanks for the laughs, the help and the biscuits.
- We'll miss you. Go and do amazing things.
- Congratulations on your next adventure!
For a colleague you worked closely with
- I've learned so much from you. Thank you for your patience and your humour.
- You made Mondays bearable and Fridays brilliant. I'll miss our coffee breaks.
- From my first week, when you showed me where everything was, to today: thank you for being such a great teammate.
- I'll miss working with you, but I'm so excited for you. Let's not lose touch.
- Every project was better with you on it. Your next team doesn't know how lucky they are.
- Thank you for always having my back.
For a manager or boss
- Thank you for believing in me and giving me room to grow.
- You've been the kind of manager everyone hopes for. Thank you.
- I've learned more from you than from any course. Best of luck in your new role.
- Thank you for your support, your honesty and your trust. You'll be missed.
- Your door was always open, even when you were busy. Thank you.
Funny leaving card messages
- Who's going to fix the printer now?
- Congratulations on escaping!
- You'll be missed. Mostly your snacks drawer, but you too.
- Remember us when you're famous.
- Good luck at your new job. They're going to love you until they find out how you take your coffee.
- Sorry you're leaving. Can I have your chair?
- Please don't make us do the team quiz without you.
Keep it kind: a leaving card is often kept for years.
If you didn't work together much
- Best of luck in your next role. It was nice working with you.
- Wishing you all the best for the future.
- Good luck with everything, and congratulations on the new job!
- Thank you for your hard work here. All the best.
Retirement messages
- Congratulations on your retirement! Enjoy every lie-in.
- Thank you for everything you've given this team over the years. Enjoy the next chapter.
- Your knowledge and kindness will be missed. Happy retirement!
- Now you finally have time for all those hobbies. Enjoy every minute.
- You've earned this. Wishing you a long, happy and healthy retirement.
Leaving for a happy reason
- Maternity or paternity leave: Wishing you the most wonderful time with your new arrival. We'll miss you, and can't wait to meet the baby!
- Moving abroad: Good luck in your new city! Send photos, and save us a sofa.
- Going back to study: Wishing you every success with your studies. You'll smash it.
Tips for the organiser
- Start early and share one link, so remote colleagues and people on leave can sign too. See how to organise a group card.
- Ask for photos from team events: they're often the favourite part.
- Deliver it at the right moment: the afternoon of their last day, or during the leaving drinks. You can schedule it.
- Pair it with a gift: see our group gift ideas for colleagues.
Start a leaving card in a minute; the team can sign from their phones.
Questions and answers
What do you write in a leaving card for a colleague?
Thank them for something specific, mention a memory or a quality you'll miss, and wish them well in their next job. Two or three sentences are plenty.
What do you write in a leaving card if you didn't know them well?
A short, warm message is perfect: "Best of luck in your next role, it was nice working with you."
What's a good funny leaving card message?
Light jokes about the office work best, such as "Who's going to fix the printer now?". Add a sincere line too, and keep it kind.
How can remote colleagues sign a leaving card?
Use a group e-card: share one link and everyone can sign from their phone or computer, wherever they are. It's delivered on the day you choose.
