What to Write in a Leaving Card for a Colleague
If you are wondering what to write in a leaving card for colleague, you are certainly not alone. Finding the right mix of gratitude, humour, and best wishes can feel surprisingly tricky, especially when someone has been a big part of your daily work routine. Whether you worked side by side every day or simply shared a quick chat over tea in the staff kitchen, a thoughtful message makes all the difference. We have gathered a collection of ideas to help you craft the perfect farewell note.
Short and sweet
- “Wishing you all the very best in your new role, [Name]. You will be greatly missed!”
- “Thank you for being such a brilliant teammate. Good luck with your next exciting chapter!”
- “So sad to see you go, [Name], but so excited for everything ahead of you.”
- “Working with you has been an absolute pleasure. Best of luck with your new adventure!”
- “Goodbye and good luck! Thank you for all your hard work and support over the years.”
- “It really will not be the same around the office without you. Wishing you every success!”
- “Best wishes for your new job! I hope it brings you everything you are hoping for.”
- “Huge congratulations on the new role, [Name]. Keep in touch and good luck!”
Funny and lighthearted
- “Who gave you permission to leave us? Good luck, though you are dead to us now!”
- “Good luck in your new job! I give it two weeks before you start missing my tea-making skills.”
- “Thanks for always being the person I could complain to about work. Who will I talk to now?”
- “I am genuinely thrilled for you, mostly because it means there is one less talented person competing for promotions.”
- “Leaving us to do actual work elsewhere? Bold move, [Name]. Wishing you the best of luck anyway!”
- “You are going to be so missed around here, mainly by me whenever the printer breaks down.”
- “Good luck finding colleagues as brilliant, funny, and modest as us at your new company!”
- “Best of luck in your new job! Try not to work too hard, it sets a bad precedent.”
Heartfelt and warm
- “Thank you for always being there with a listening ear and wise advice. The team will not be the same without you.”
- “I am so grateful to have worked alongside you, [Name]. Thank you for your guidance, kindness, and relentless optimism every day.”
- “You have been much more than just a brilliant colleague; you have been a true friend. Best of luck in everything you do!”
- “Leaving big shoes to fill is an understatement. Thank you for making our workplace such a wonderful, inspiring place to be.”
- “It has been a true privilege working with you. Your dedication and kindness have made such a positive impact on all of us.”
- “Wishing you every happiness as you take this exciting step forward. Thank you for all the wonderful memories and support over the years.”
- “I will deeply miss our daily catch-ups and team projects, [Name]. I know you will achieve great things in your next role.”
- “Thank you for being such an encouraging presence in the office. I am wishing you all the success you so richly deserve.”
For a boss or manager
- “Thank you for being such a supportive, patient, and inspiring leader. Wishing you all the best in your next challenge, [Name]!”
- “It has been a real pleasure working under your leadership. Thank you for always encouraging us to do our best work.”
- “Your guidance and encouragement have meant so much to me. Wishing you every success as you move on to your next role!”
- “Thank you for always fighting our corner and leading the team with such kindness. You will be very hard to replace!”
- “Wishing you the best of luck in your new position. Thank you for being a fantastic manager and mentor to us all.”
- “We are all going to miss your leadership, good sense, and calm approach. Best of luck with everything coming next!”
- “Thank you for helping me grow in my career and always having your door open. I wish you nothing but success.”
- “Managing this team could not have been easy, but you did it brilliantly. Thank you and good luck in your next role!”
For a photo card
- “Looking at this photo reminds me of all the good times we shared! Best of luck with your new job, [Name].”
- “Proof that we actually did some work occasionally! I will miss having you around the office every day. Good luck!”
- “Captured here in your natural habitat! The office will be far quieter without you around. Wishing you all the very best.”
- “A little photo keepsake to remind you of the best team you will ever work with! Wishing you every success ahead.”
- “We had to put this photo on the front so you never forget our faces! Good luck in your new role, [Name].”
- “Just a snapshot of the good old days! Thank you for all the laughs and great memories we have made together.”
- “Put this photo on your new desk so your new team knows who your real favourite colleagues were. Wishing you the best!”
- “Smiles all round! Thank you for being such an amazing workmate over the years. Good luck on your next grand adventure!”
How to sign off
- • Wishing you all the best,
- • With warmest wishes,
- • Good luck for the future,
- • Best of luck with everything,
- • Keep in touch,
- • Warm regards,
- • Cheers to your next chapter,
- • With endless thanks,
Tips for writing it
- ✔️ Mention a specific memory, joke, or project you shared to make the message feel personal and memorable.
- ✔️ Keep the tone appropriate for your relationship—humorous for close workmates, professional yet warm for senior colleagues.
- ✔️ Include a way to stay in touch, such as offering to connect on LinkedIn or meet for a catch-up coffee.
- ✔️ Focus on their exciting future while acknowledging how much they will be missed by the rest of the team.
- ✔️ When writing in a shared card, keep your note concise so everyone else has plenty of space to sign.
Frequently asked questions
What should I write in a leaving card for a colleague I didn't know well?
Keep your message polite, brief, and warm. You can thank them for their contributions to the company, wish them good luck in their new role, and hope for their continued success in the future. There is no need to pretend you were close friends.
How do you wish a workmate farewell professionally?
Focus on thanking them for their hard work and collaboration. Mention how much you enjoyed working alongside them and offer best wishes for their future career steps. A signoff like 'Best regards' or 'Wishing you every success' works brilliantly.
Is it okay to write a funny message in a leaving card?
Yes, provided you have a friendly relationship with the person leaving. Light ribbing about tea duties or office banter is usually well-received, but keep it lighthearted and avoid anything that might embarrass them in front of management.
How can everyone sign a leaving card if we work remotely?
Using an online group card allows colleagues anywhere to add personal messages, photos, and signatures digitally. Once everyone has signed, you can send the complete e-card directly to their email on their final working day.
Found the words? Now make the card.
Put their photo on the front, paste your message inside, then send it free online or have it printed and posted.