Farewell email — 20 examples and a template

Saying farewell just got easier with MailMaestro. We’ve created the internet's most comprehensive guide on how to write magnificent farewell messages.

In this guide, we'll use our combined experience of over 35 years of email writing to unpack the process of writing a farewell email, including the subject line, body copy, and sign-off.

We finish with 20 (yes 20!) farewell email samples covering pretty much any and every situation why you may need to say goodbye.

How to write a farewell email

So, you’ve decided to leave – now it’s time to say goodbye in a farewell email. When deciding how to write a farewell email, you’ve got to find the right balance.

You need to be warm, friendly, and polite while being positive about the future for those that have to stay. Sounds complicated, right? It’s pretty simple to follow our advice, structure, and samples. 

Farewell emails can include expressing emotions, explaining your decision, and establishing connections when you leave.

Let’s start with the obvious question of whether you should send a farewell email or not...

Should I send a farewell email?

Well, our answer is you should!

A farewell email is the last thing your colleagues will receive before you leave. It’s the final chance to send a formal thanks to your manager, colleagues, team, and organization.

Even if things haven’t worked out as you planned, your farewell is a chance to say goodbye and leave on good terms. Remember that your farewell email probably isn’t an appropriate place to raise issues or settle scores. 

Most farewell emails are sent on the last day of work, but they’re not the only thing you should do. If possible, you should always say farewell in person.

You may hate public speaking or lengthy long goodbyes, but a short and simple thank you to the team is probably enough. Of course, if you’re worried about what to say, you can always prepare a few words in advance. 

To sum up, saying goodbye in person and sending a farewell email are standard professional etiquette.

What to say in a farewell email

Farewell emails are both personal and professional. You can express to a person, team, or manager the impact they have had on you and your career. We spend so much time at work we establish strong relationships and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Some (but not all) employers invest in us, promote us, pay for training, and pay us well – so it’s only polite to say thanks! 

A farewell email is also part of professional etiquette. It’s an opportunity to draw a line under one experience and look forward to another. 

So, what to include in your farewell email? Each farewell email is personal, but here are a few tips:

• Say you’re leaving, and (if going to a new job or place) say where
• Thank people for your time 
• Provide specific details of handover (if you’re messaging a client – more on this later!)
• Say farewell and provide contact details
• Wish them good luck
• Sign off and say goodbye

Once you’ve sent your farewell email, it’s time to quit your applications, close your laptop, and move on.

What not to include in a farewell email

OK, so we’ll explain what goes into an excellent farewell email, but what makes a bad one? Here are some things to avoid in your farewell emails:

• Lengthy emails – life is too short for reading rambling emails, so don’t send them
• Quotes – use your own words, don’t use someone else's
• Score-settling – a farewell email isn’t the process to raise grievances or issues, do that in person (or not at all)
• Promote your new business – This is just a bad idea all around!
• Embarrass anyone – You may have remembered some funny stories, but a farewell email is NOT the place to share them!

How to reply to a farewell email

The same principles apply when responding to a farewell email – keep things brief, polite, and professional.

Save personal reminisces and profound goodbyes for the in-person farewell lunch, dinner or party.

Some of the things you might want to say in a farewell email response include:

• Good luck in your new role
• Let’s stay in touch
• Here are my contact details
• Thank you

Farewell email format

The farewell email format can be broken down into three parts: a farewell email subject line, body copy, and an ending. Let’s look at each section of the farewell email format in detail.

1. Farewell email subject line

The farewell email subject line is your opportunity to grab attention and get clicks.

You’re leaving, so you can basically say whatever you want, but we say keep it simple. Here are a few appropriate subject lines for farewell emails:

• Farewell, and thanks for everything!
• Thanks for all the great memories
• Wishing you well in the future
• Good luck!
• I’m sorry to be leaving…

2. Farewell email body

In theory, you could just say I”m leaving, and provide a date, but that’s a little too stripped back! So instead, you will want to start by saying that you’re going and when. 

• I’m messaging you to let you know that today is my last day. I’m leaving to join (company name), and I wanted to bid everyone farewell!

Of course, you could end the email here, but it’s professional etiquette to provide some extra information. 

• I’ve worked at (company name) for 10 years and wanted to say I’ve loved every minute. Some of my best memories include…

People always love to receive a thank you, so give them one.

• Thank you for all your kind words and support. I’ve valued my experiences, and the time we have worked together. 

This structure works well for all types farewell emails, with some adaptation. It enables you to gather your thoughts and work through them logically.

Of course, you can develop your own templates or structures (although let’s hope you don’t need to send too many farewell emails!), but always be sure to say thanks, express positive thoughts about your experiences, and look to the future.

3. How to end a farewell email

Hasta la vista (baby), you’re almost out of there. But there may be reasons why you want to stay in touch – so it’s a good idea to add your contact details.

• It would be great if you wanted to stay in touch! You can contact me on (insert details)

Are you off for a drink, meal, or party? If so, then add in the details. (Be sure to only send this to people you want to come with you!). 

• We’re off for drinks on (insert date). Can you let me know if you want to join us?

We’re at the end now, so add a formal sign-off (Thanks, many thanks, kind regards. etc.) and your name.

Click send, close your computer, and get moving. It’s time for the next stage in your career.

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🪄 MailMaestro tip:

Use MailMaestro's Improve existing email feature. Customize any of the email examples below to suit your needs. Or, enter a quick sentence explaining the message you'd like to convey. After filling in the placeholders, use MailMaestro's Improve existing email option. Then, paste your draft into the text box. Make sure to select your preferred email tone and length. And just like that, you'll have a polished email ready to send!

10 farewell email samples and ready-to-use templates

Crafting a heartfelt farewell thank you message to colleagues can be challenging, especially when emotions are high. These templates are designed to make this process easier, ensuring you leave a lasting positive impression. Best wishes for your colleagues' future endeavors can be seamlessly included in these messages. Each template is tailored to different situations and relationships, whether you’re thanking close colleagues, the entire team, or even expressing gratitude to your boss.

Using a well-structured thank you message on farewell helps in clearly conveying your appreciation. It’s not just about saying goodbye; it’s about acknowledging the support and camaraderie you’ve experienced. These templates ensure that your thank you note on farewell is professional, sincere, and memorable. Leveraging AI tools like Outlook AI can further enhance the personalization and effectiveness of your emails, making sure each message resonates with its recipient.

The right farewell note to colleagues can strengthen your professional network and leave the door open for future opportunities. Whether it’s a resign thank you letter or a thank you resignation letter, these templates provide a foundation for expressing your gratitude and maintaining positive relationships. They are also useful for managers and directors when drafting a farewell letter to colleague or a send off letter to colleague, ensuring that the departing team member feels valued and appreciated.

Incorporating these business email templates into your farewell communication strategy can significantly enhance the impact of your messages. They are crafted to reflect professionalism, gratitude, and a positive outlook, making your departure a memorable and respected one. Utilize these templates to say thank you when leaving a job and ensure your farewell is both heartfelt and professional, wishing your colleagues continued success in their future endeavors.

Trust us, you don't want to be the coworker who sends the terrible farewell email – and if you follow our advice and use our samples, you won’t be. This section provides 10 solid gold farewell email samples that can be adapted, amended (and improved!). Saying goodbye just got easier.

1. Sample farewell email to boss

A farewell email to a boss is one where you can go into details and express gratitude for what they’ve done. In this email sample farewell to a boss, we provide a space for you to provide personal information, so process your thoughts and put them on to (virtual) paper!

2. Sample farewell email to a manager

This sample farewell email to a manager is a more formal approach to saying goodbye to senior management. In this email farewell sample to a manager, we offer to help if there are any questions they may have about customers, clients, or existing connections.

3. Sample farewell to company email

This sample farewell to a company is your classic group message to everyone. If there’s one message to master, it’s this one! In this farewell email sample to a company, we go big on the praise and the positives.

So say farewell in style with this sample!

4. Sample farewell email to an employee

This farewell email to employees is a way to engage with an individual. This isn’t a group message but a personal message to someone who has helped you, done great work, or gone beyond the day-to-day. This sample email farewell to an employee gives you the space to add your special message.

5. Sample farewell email to the team

If you’re leaving your team for new pastures, try to highlight the good times or performance of the team to strike a positive note in your email farewell.

We’re not too emotional in this sample farewell email to your team, but you can chop and change this if you need to!

6. Funny farewell party invitation email sample

We’ve written almost 100 blogs, posts, and in-depth articles telling you not to be funny, so why change now?

Well, in this funny farewell party invitation, you can let yourself be a bit freer – because you aren’t going to be working with these people again!

Just a warning not to attempt to be too funny or to send any messages that may offend or upset anyone.

7. Sample farewell lunch invitation email

Everyone loves a farewell lunch (especially if it’s free!). This email sample inviting colleagues to your farewell lunch provides all the details they’ll need to get them to attend.

Of course, it’s always worth adding elements like the menu to your lunch invitation emails so people know what they’re getting and can check for special dietary requirements.

8. Sample farewell email to business partners

Saying goodbye to business partners is different from colleagues and friends. Given your relationship, you’ll likely stay in touch, so this classy sample farewell email to your business partner (or partners), is about your personal feelings.

Stay strong, say what you feel, and follow our structure for the best business partner farewell.

9. Sample farewell email to customers

If you work closely with clients and customers, you can build a great connection that means you’ll want to say goodbye. In this customer farewell email sample, we say goodbye, farewell, and thanks for everything.

The last thing to mention is that you shouldn’t attempt to steal customers or clients away in your farewell messages. Instead, leave it at farewell and let them find you if they want to.

10. Sample farewell email to vendors

Like the message above, the email farewell to vendors includes a personal message and a professional handover. You’ll see how this sample farewell email to vendors covers the basics but provides space for you to add your extras.

Farewell email to colleagues

Are you messaging your colleagues or co-workers? It can be hard to tell the differences, but we consider the Merriam-Webster definition pretty straightforward:

• Colleagues are professionals in the same industry but not necessarily the same business
• Co-workers are the people you work with daily

Hopefully, this makes sense. It should also explain what messages to colleagues can seem more professional and formal than emails to coworkers. You’re writing to people who understand what you do, so you don’t need to dumb down the details. 

In the age of LinkedIn, you may wonder why you bother sending a farewell email to colleagues. Sure, it’s old-school – but it’s also effective at maintaining connections and keeping people up to date. (And, let’s be honest, do you read and remember every Linkedin update? We don’t!)

How to write a farewell email to colleagues: 

The great news is that the structure identified above works for email farewells to colleagues. While you don’t have to change the structure, you’ll want to check the tone of voice and include all new contact details. 

One of the critical elements of a message to a colleague is to connect with you as you move. For example, let’s say you’re a high-profile lawyer, and you move firm. If someone had a prospective client for you, your farewell email would ensure they have all the correct details. Fail to send it, and they get the dreaded out-of-office…

Let’s get into the details of how to write farewell emails to colleagues and show you some samples.

Farewell email to colleagues subject line

The farewell email to colleagues subject line can be as dull and boring as:

• Farewell from me

But that doesn’t tell you much, does it? So instead, you should add some details to your subject lines to bring them to life.

• I’m moving to (new firm) for a new challenge
• Update: I’m leaving (company) today!
• Breaking news: I’m joining (company name)!

It’s your choice to keep it simple or add more details – just make it easy for your colleagues to scan emails for more information. 

4 sample farewell emails to colleagues

Now it’s time to show you how it’s done. Here are 4 sample farewell emails to colleagues. If you’re leaving your company, you’re likely moving somewhere else – so you’ll want to ensure established connections come with you on the journey. Your professional network is the best way of identifying opportunities and pushing on your career.

We’ve provided both formal and informal approaches that you can use depending on your industry and relationships. Then, like every fantastic MailMaestro template, edit, update, and amend these to get them right.

1. Casual farewell email to colleagues sample

We started by telling you that farewell emails to colleagues should be formal, but they don’t always have to be! This informal farewell email to colleagues is a fun and friendly approach to letting people know you’re moving on.

2. Sample farewell email to colleagues leaving the company

If a colleague is leaving the organization, you’ll want to say goodbye and wish them well. This farewell email to a colleague provides some kind sentiments to the person who is leaving and details for how to stay in touch. This sample farewell email to colleagues is flexible enough for you to add more details if you want to.

3. Funny farewell email to colleagues sample

It’s hard to be funny on the page, but sometimes dropping in an anecdote or story can bring a farewell email to colleagues to life. So, don’t be rude or controversial, but injecting a bit of personality into a message will ensure you’re remembered positively. Use this funny farewell email sample to raise a smile. 

4. Sample farewell party invitation email to colleagues

It’s party time, so it’s time to get people together. This farewell email inviting colleagues to a party explains what’s happening, when, and why. It’s a simple invite, but you can always add a bit of personality to spice it up. 

Farewell email to coworkers

We’ve covered emails to colleagues; now it’s time to message your co-workers. Your co-workers are the people you share everything with, the good and bad, the ups and downs. As a result, your messages can (and should) be more personal.

These are people you have built relationships with and who may have supported you, so feel free to go into details and acknowledge that.

On the flip side, if you’ve felt you’ve been poorly treated or have a problem with a colleague, your leaving email isn’t a suitable place to settle scores. We provide samples below to illustrate what we mean, but you need to work on these to add your personality.

Farewell email to coworkers subject line

Let’s start with the farewell email to coworker's subject line. Given this isn’t going to end up outside the organization, you have some freedom. You can be professional, personal, formal, or funny. It’s your choice. Here are a few examples of subject lines for a farewell email to your coworkers.

• I’m leaving today
• Farewell on my last day!
• I'm leaving (but not on a jet plane)
• Some final words before I bid farewell
• Don’t be sad I’m leaving…

4 sample farewell emails to coworkers

Now, we provide 4 sample farewell emails to coworkers to show you how it’s done. These can be used as the basis for your own emails, but be sure to edit, update and personalize them. Fill in the gaps, add your stories, and make your messages memorable!

1. Casual farewell email to coworker sample

You can be a bit more relaxed when writing farewell messages to coworkers. Use this sample as the basis for your own ideas and inspirations. In this casual farewell email, we say thanks for everything and provide a basic structure for you to share your memories, and messages for the future.

2. Farewell email to coworker leaving the company sample

This sample email to a coworker leaving the company covers all the essential elements you need to say. It’s about thanking someone for their service, complimenting them on their company, and wishing them well for the future. 

3. Funny farewell email to coworker sample

It’s hard to be humorous, but we try it in this funny farewell email to a coworker. So it’s not LOL, ROFL, or fall over funny, but it’ll raise a smile – and sometimes that’s enough. Add some extra information and anectotes for the biggest impact.

4. Farewell party invitation email to coworker sample

A farewell party is a chance to say goodbye, and you’ll want your colleagues there, right? If so, this party invitation email to say farewell is for you! Don’t forget to drop in the date, time, and location. 

Farewell email to clients

Emailing your clients when you leave is a little more complicated. You’ll want to say goodbye and tell them you’re leaving, but you must respect their relationship with your previous employer.

Some businesses have rules in place to protect them – including taking legal action if you attempt to steal a client away. We suggest being cautious with your farewells, and keeping them friendly but formal. 

How to write a farewell email to clients

As we’ve explained above, your farewell messages to clients should be simple thank you messages that advise them where you’re going.

You can add a thank you and provide links to your social profiles, but it’s probably inappropriate to link to your new employer's website or provide your new company email address. This is a big professional no-no!

Part of this is about providing a professional handover; the other part is a personal courtesy to the people you’ve worked with. Here is how to write farewell emails to clients.

Farewell email to clients subject line

Now’s not the time to get funny or try to be smart. These subject lines for farewell emails to clients are basic and boring, but they’re 100% suitable for the situation. Again, if you’ve got a personal friendship, break out of the formality, but in all other situations, keep it clear. 

• I’m leaving (company name)
• I’m leaving (company name) on (date)
• Farewell on my last day!
• Your account is being passed to my colleague…

2 sample farewell emails to clients

Because farewell emails to clients follow the same simple formula, we’ve only got two examples. Still, these should provide enough material for you to create your own farewell messages. 

1. Professional farewell email to client sample

This farewell email to a client follows the formal structure, and can be used in all professional situations. It’s simple to read, clear, and provides contact details for the future. This professional farewell email to a client can be used when you leave a business or the account. 

2. Farewell email to a client informing about leaving the company sample

When you’re leaving a business for good, it’s a great idea to reach out to your clients to let them know who they need to speak to. This farewell email to a client also works as a professional handover to a colleague.

Because you're likely to send this to the client and the internal lead, the message isn’t particularly personal. If you want to add this to your messages, you have the space and the freedom to do so within this sample. 

Farewell email template

If you’ve read this far, you’ll know pretty much all there is – but we’ll finish in traditional MailMaestro style with an email template. This email template to say farewell follows the structure set out and can be easily adapted by simply replacing sample text with yours. 

Final words

That was a long post, but writing professional farewell emails and messages is a complex subject that demands care and attention. Sending a heartfelt appreciation farewell email is more than just a courteous gesture. It’s a way to express gratitude for the relationships you’ve built, the support you’ve received, and the collective achievements of your team. For managers and executives, it’s also an opportunity to leave a lasting impression of professionalism and gratitude.

Crafting a sincere farewell message fosters a positive culture and strengthens professional bonds. It ensures that your departure is remembered fondly, which can be beneficial for future career opportunities. A well-thought-out farewell thank you message to colleagues can reflect your professionalism and appreciation, making your exit graceful and memorable.

Sure, you can just dash out a quick note saying thanks and goodbye, but our farewell email structure and samples show you how to do so in style. Great farewell messages will leave your customers, colleagues, clients, and co-workers feeling sad to see you go and keen to stay in touch.

They will strengthen your professional standing and build stronger relationships – and you may also make them smile, too!

If you’re looking to streamline your email writing process, consider using MailMaestro, an AI email assistant that helps create personalized and effective email templates faster. Download MailMaestro for free and leverage AI to enhance your communication today.