30 Best Farewell Messages to Colleagues Leaving the Company

Finding the right words when a colleague leaves can be tricky. Whether you are writing in a shared leaving card, sending a private Slack message, or giving a speech at a farewell lunch, you want your message to strike the perfect balance between warm, professional, and memorable.

To help you say goodbye with confidence, we’ve grouped the best farewell messages by tone, relationship, and occasion.

Need to organise a group leaving gift without the admin stress?

Passing around a physical card and chasing people on Slack for cash transfers takes up valuable time. With Collection Pot, you can create a secure digital leaving card and pot in under 60 seconds. Everyone can chip in, leave a personal message, and let the recipient pick their perfect gift card from over 60 top retailers.

 Create a free workplace leaving Pot today

Short & Simple Farewell Messages

Ideal for digital cards, quick Slack or Teams notes, or when you don't know the colleague super well.

• "Wishing you all the best in your next chapter! It was a pleasure working with you."
• "Good luck with your new adventure! Thank you for all your hard work."
• "So sorry to see you go, but so excited for your next role! Best of luck."
• "Thank you for being such a great teammate. You’ll be missed around here!"
• "Wishing you every success in your new position. Keep in touch!"
• "Work won't be the same without you! Best wishes for the future."
• "Congratulations on the new job! Wishing you all the very best."
• "Thank you for your guidance and support. Best of luck with everything ahead."

Warm & Heartfelt Goodbye Messages

Perfect for close team members, work confidantes, and long-standing colleagues.

• "I’m going to miss our daily catch-ups and coffee runs so much. Thank you for making work feel so much lighter. I know you’re going to crush your new role!"
• "Your dedication, warmth, and problem-solving have left a lasting impact on our team. Thank you for being more than just a colleague; you’ve been a true friend."
• "It’s hard to imagine the office without your positive energy and constant support. Wishing you nothing but happiness and success in your next chapter."
• "Thank you for always lending an ear and sharing your wisdom. Our loss is truly your new company’s gain!"
• "Working with you on [Project Name] was one of the highlights of my time here. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm. Let's stay in touch!"

Funny Farewell Messages for Work Friends

Best for close friends who appreciate lighthearted banter and office humour.

• "Who gave you permission to desert us? Congratulations on escaping!"
• "I’m so happy for your new job, but completely devastated for my daily productivity without you here to gossip."
• "Good luck finding colleagues as brilliant, hilarious, and patient as us in your new office."
• "Thanks for always being the person I could complain to on Slack. I guess I'll have to actually work now."
• "You are dead to us now. (Just kidding, congratulations on the amazing new role!)"
• "I hope your new boss appreciates your talent for turning 5-minute coffee chats into 45-minute strategy sessions as much as we did."

Professional Messages for Managers & Senior Leaders

Thoughtful, respectful wording when saying goodbye to a boss, department head, or mentor.

• "Thank you for your incredible leadership, mentorship, and support over the past [X] years. You’ve helped shape my career in so many ways, and I am deeply grateful."
• "Your vision and guidance have been instrumental to our team's success. Wishing you the absolute best in your executive journey ahead."
• "Thank you for creating an environment where we could grow, learn, and excel. You will be greatly missed as a leader."
• "I’ve learned so much under your guidance. Thank you for always advocating for our team. Best wishes for your next leadership role."
• "Wishing you continued success as you step into your new role. Thank you for setting such an inspiring example for us all."

Farewell Messages for Someone Retiring

Warm, congratulatory messages honouring a long career.

• "Congratulations on a long, distinguished career! Wishing you endless relaxing mornings, memorable travels, and happy times in retirement."
• "Thank you for decades of hard work, guidance, and dedication. May your retirement be filled with joy, family, and time for all your favourite hobbies."
• "You’ve set the standard for hard work and integrity around here. Enjoy your well-earned freedom!"
• "Cheers to the end of early alarms, commute traffic, and back-to-back meetings! Happy retirement!"

Organising a Leaving Card & Gift? Here’s the Modern Way

Collecting money for an office leaving card used to mean finding an envelope, chasing people down hallways, and keeping track of IOUs on a spreadsheet.

With Collection Pot, you can organise everything digitally in three simple steps:

• Set Up in Seconds: Create a custom Pot for your colleague’s farewell.
• Share One Simple Link: Send the link via Slack, Email, or WhatsApp so remote, hybrid, and office-based colleagues can contribute securely.
• Let Them Choose: The recipient receives a digital message wall and can spend 100% of the funds across 60+ retail gift cards (or transfer to a bank account)

Start a Farewell Collection Pot

How to Structure a Farewell Card Message: A Quick Guide

If you're stuck on what to write, follow this simple 3-part formula:

• Step 1: The Opening: Acknowledge their departure and wish them luck (e.g., "Wishing you all the best in your new role!").
• Step 2: The Personal Memory: Mention a project you worked on, a shared joke, or a strength you admired (e.g., "I'll miss your great calm during product launches").
• Step 3: The Call-to-Action: Offer to stay connected (e.g., "Let's connect on LinkedIn / grab a coffee soon").

Frequently Asked Questions About Office Farewell Etiquette

How far in advance should you set up an office leaving card?

It's best to create a digital leaving card 7 to 10 days before your colleague’s final day. This gives hybrid and remote workers enough time to chip in and write a thoughtful message without feeling rushed.

How much should you contribute to a colleague’s leaving gift?

There is no fixed rule, but a typical workplace contribution is between £5 and £20, depending on how closely you worked together. Using a digital platform like Collection

Pot allows team members to contribute anonymously, taking away any pressure or financial awkwardness.

What is the best way to collect money for a leaving gift in a remote or hybrid workplace?

Instead of using personal bank accounts or physical cash envelopes, use a secure group collection platform like Collection Pot. It keeps all funds ring-fenced, safe, and transparent while allowing everyone to sign an online card.