How To Write a Goodbye Email to Leave Colleagues on Good Terms

TL;DR: A goodbye email leaves an employee’s final impression at a job and can influence future opportunities. Keep it simple, professional and timely. Express gratitude, clarify when your last day will be, share contact details and maintain a positive tone. Avoid negativity or unnecessary specifics. Send it only when appropriate and confirm timing with management to ensure the departure is already communicated.

By Brianna Jacobson

A goodbye email is the last chance to make an impression at a job and should be written with care. On LinkedIn, Business Leadership Coach Caterina Kostoula said, “Leaving on great terms is not only about avoiding the psychological burden of lack of closure. It is also a practical consideration in the small world we live in.”

Think about how an employer, colleagues and their network could potentially help in the future. Avoid burning bridges with a professional, gracious and well-timed goodbye. In a LinkedIn Learning course, Leadership Coach Chaz Austin said, “Keep the good. Leave the bad behind. Give thanks. And then start your next adventure.”

1. What To Include in Goodbye Emails for Work

Even if emotions are high, keep goodbye emails simple. On LinkedIn, Career Coach Shelley McIntyre said, “You don't need a big speech. Just, ‘I'm grateful we worked together. Here's what I'll remember and here's how to reach me.’"

When exiting a job, the goodbye email is a chance to control the narrative. Austin said, “For most of your co-workers, this will be the last impression they have of you, make it good.” 

Here’s what Austin recommends including in goodbye emails: 

• Why you’re leaving and where you're going: If it's to a competitor or it would embarrass the company in some way, just be non-committal, use phrases like exploring new opportunities or moving in a new career direction.
• When your last day is and who they can contact after you're gone: The person who'll be taking over your duties in other words.
• How they can reach you in the future: Your personal email address and maybe your cell phone number. 
• Thank everyone for the experience and wish them well: Keep it short, simple and professional.

2. What Not to Do in a Goodbye Email for Work

Regardless of the situation, give the email a positive spin. Austin said, “Don't bad mouth the company or anyone who works there. You're bowing out gracefully, not settling scores.” It can be tempting not to say goodbye at all, but acting out of anger won’t change things. In Fast Company, Executive Coach Nihar Chhaya said, “Even if you’re leaving because you deeply resent your manager or company, remember that there was a time in the past when you felt valued enough to take a job there, which in some way helped you be on the radar for new opportunities today.”

In addition to negative sentiments, try to avoid:

• Specifics about the next job
• Overly emotional, casual or humorous language
• Confidential company information
• Unrealistic promises to keep in touch

3. When To Send a Work Goodbye Email

A proper goodbye can be the first step to a smooth career transition, even under tough circumstances. Kostoula said, “Whether you are the one leaving or the one being left behind, acknowledge what you gained from the relationship, give thanks, say goodbye. You may not like goodbyes. They make you face a loss after all. But attending to them is the best way to move on.” 

That said, it isn’t always appropriate to send a goodbye email. Carefully consider the circumstances when deciding whether to write one. On LinkedIn, Administrative Associate Rimsha Malik said, “When you resign, you send a farewell email to your colleagues. When the company terminates you, it’s usually your reporting manager who communicates it to the team. Both scenarios are part of corporate culture. The key is to leave gracefully, whether by choice or circumstance, because your professionalism will always be remembered beyond the job itself.”

As far as timing goes, always confirm with management and HR to ensure it’s OK to publicize news of the exit. If the departure has been officially announced, send the goodbye email on the last day of work, a few hours before leaving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Goodbye Emails

• What should a farewell email to coworkers include? A strong goodbye note briefly thanks colleagues, shares the final day and provides updated contact details. Keeping it concise helps leave a steady, positive impression.
• How can a farewell message protect professional relationships? A courteous sendoff reinforces reliability, preserves rapport and supports future networking. A respectful tone signals maturity, even in tough circumstances.
• When is the right moment to send a goodbye email? Send it after the departure is officially communicated by leadership. Sharing it on the last day ensures clarity and prevents confusion during the transition.