What to write in a leaving card: goodbye messages for colleagues
In a leaving card, thank the person for something they did, say you’ll miss them, and wish them luck in what comes next. “Thanks for everything – it won’t be the same without you. Good luck in the new job!” works for almost any colleague. Below are messages for every kind of work relationship.
How to write a leaving card message
A leaving card is usually signed by a whole team, so most messages are one to three lines. The formula:
- Thanks – for help, for laughs, for a specific project.
- Missing you – one line on what you’ll miss.
- Good luck – for the new job, move, course or adventure.
If you barely know the person, “Good luck in your new role!” and your name is perfectly polite.
Leaving messages for a colleague you know well
- I can’t believe you’re leaving me alone with this lot. Thanks for everything – I’ll miss you loads.
- You’ve made the hard days easier and the good days better. Good luck, and stay in touch!
- Thanks for the coffee runs, the honest advice and the laughs. Your new team is very lucky.
- Work friends are rare; you’re a real one. Let’s not let this be goodbye.
- Who’s going to understand my spreadsheets now? Good luck – you’ll smash it.
- So proud of you for taking the leap. Go and show them what you can do.
Leaving messages for a colleague you don’t know well
- Good luck in your new role!
- Best wishes for the future.
- Thanks for your help – all the best in the next step.
- It was great working with you. Good luck!
- Wishing you every success in your new job.
Leaving messages for a boss or manager
- Thank you for being such a supportive manager. I’ve learned so much from you.
- You’ve made this a great place to work. Your new team doesn’t know how lucky they are.
- Thanks for believing in me and pushing me to grow. Wishing you every success.
- It’s been a pleasure working for you. Good luck with your next challenge.
Leaving messages for someone in your team (from a manager)
- Thank you for all your hard work and good humour. You’ve been a real asset to the team.
- It’s been brilliant watching you grow here. Your next employer is getting a star.
- We’ll miss your ideas, energy and calm under pressure. Please keep in touch.
Funny leaving card messages
- Traitor. (Good luck, we’ll miss you.)
- Congratulations on escaping! Please send help.
- Sorry to see you go – mainly because now we have to do your work.
- You’re leaving? Who’s going to eat all the cake now?
- We’ll try to cope without you. Spoiler: we won’t.
- Good luck in your new job. Remember, you’ll never find colleagues as good-looking as us.
- Please return all stolen pens before you go.
Leaving messages for different reasons
| Reason | Message idea |
|---|---|
| New job | Congratulations on the new role – they’ve made a great choice. |
| Moving away | Good luck with the move! Wishing you a happy new home and a fresh start. |
| Moving abroad | What an adventure! Send photos, and don’t forget us when you’re somewhere sunny. |
| Maternity or paternity leave | Wishing you all the best with your new arrival. Enjoy every moment – we’ll see you when you’re back. |
| Going back to study | Good luck with your course – you’ll be brilliant. |
| Redundancy | You’ve been a brilliant colleague and that won’t change. Wishing you every success in what’s next – please stay in touch. |
| Career break or travelling | Enjoy every minute of your adventure. You’ve earned it. |
| Retirement | See our retirement card messages. |
Heartfelt leaving messages
- Some people make a workplace feel like a community. You’re one of them. Thank you.
- I’m going to miss our chats more than I can say. Thank you for being such a good friend.
- You made me feel welcome from my very first day. I’ll never forget that.
- The office will be quieter, but not in a good way. Wishing you every happiness.
Short leaving messages
- Good luck and stay in touch!
- You’ll be missed.
- Onwards and upwards!
- All the best for the future.
- Go get ’em!
- Thanks for everything.
Leaving card etiquette
- Be discreet. Pass the card around quietly – it’s usually a surprise.
- Don’t badmouth the company, the boss or the reason for leaving; the card may be read by others.
- Add contact details if you’d like to stay in touch, or connect on a professional network instead.
- Collection gift? Our gift tag messages have short wording for the label.
- Leaving at Christmas? Pair it with ideas from what to write in a Christmas card.
Questions people ask
What do you write in a leaving card for someone you barely know?
“Good luck in your new role – best wishes for the future” is polite and sufficient. Add your name so they know who signed.
How long should a leaving card message be?
One to three lines if many people are signing. If you’re the person’s closest colleague, you might write more, or add a separate personal note.
Is it OK to write something funny in a leaving card?
Yes, if you know the person enjoys humour and they’re leaving on good terms. Keep it kind and avoid anything about the company that could cause offence.
What do you write to a colleague who is being made redundant?
Be warm and sincere rather than funny: thank them for their work, mention their strengths and wish them success in what comes next. Offering to be a referee or to stay in touch is often appreciated.
Gift ideas to go with the card
If they’re retiring rather than moving on, our retirement gifts guide has team-gift ideas; if the leaving do is tomorrow, try last-minute gifts.
More card messages: Retirement card messages · Gift tag messages · Christmas card messages