When you have been at an organization for a considerable number of years, it is natural that you will have formed friendships that could last a lifetime. It is not uncommon to find people who have met at work and have become like family over the years.
Leaving a workplace, especially one that has taught you a lot and given you professional satisfaction, can be tough. But although you can get the same job, with the same or even a higher designation, and with a better pay package, at another organization, you may not come across as good colleagues.
For some, the only reason why they feel motivated to come to work is because of their colleagues. Even if the job is grueling, they get through the day because some amazing team members look after one another.
Hence, telling your coworkers that you are leaving can be challenging. It could be because you want to move to another city. After all, you want to stay closer to your family because you have a better offer from another company. Or, in some cases, you could have been terminated.
However, it is a good idea to say a formal goodbye to your coworkers for their support during your stay in the organization before you leave and thank them. It would be best if you kept a few things in mind.
Should You Tell Your Coworkers You are Leaving?
Yes, telling your coworkers you are leaving would be best, but only after you have informed your manager first.
There is nothing wrong with telling your colleagues that you will be gone after serving your notice period. However, always let your boss know first. You don’t want your employers to see that you are quitting someone else, which can jeopardize your relationship with them.
Hence, always tell your boss first and discuss the matter with them. Once the formalities are taken care of, you can also inform your coworkers.
How to Address Different Coworkers When You Say You are Leaving?
Although you may have been a part of an organization for some time, you might not share the same rapport with everyone. You might be closer to some team members who are your friends and with whom you hang out after work.
For some others, you may have a cordial and professional relationship. Hence, here are some things to remember while addressing different coworkers.
Tell Your Coworker-Turned-Friends in Person
If there are coworkers with whom you are particularly close, let them be the first to know and always tell them in person first.
You can email them or message them later, but try to tell them casually when you spend time together. This is important if your departure is going to have an impact on the entire team.
Increase Your Network
You can always tell your coworkers that you will stay in touch and use professional sites like LinkedIn and other social media platforms to increase your connection.
This would be an excellent opportunity to expand your network, and you may also come across other like-minded people who can help you in some way in your career.
Do Not Share Too Many Details
While it is okay to tell your closest colleagues about your plans for the future, it is, however, essential to keep some crucial details to yourself until you have started your next job. With your other coworkers, it would suffice to say that you are leaving.
Remember the good times and promise to stay in touch. It would be best if you kept in touch with those close to you and had a good working relationship. They can provide you with valuable references in the future.
Reassure Your Colleagues
For some of your team members, your sudden decision to quit might come as a surprise and might even be stressful. This is particularly true if you handle some extra responsibilities.
However, reassure your coworkers that you will take care of all your pending tasks and ensure no trouble in the projects you are working on.
Prepare for Transition
Once you have announced your decision to leave to your boss and your colleagues, the company will start looking for your replacement.
Make sure you have everything ready for a smooth transition and the new employee has no trouble picking up from where you left off.
Keep all the files in order and prepare a detailed list so that your replacement does not have any issues understanding the project details. Get rid of any unnecessary junk in the work computer.
How to Be Professional While Telling Your Coworkers That You are Leaving?
One of the things to keep in mind while telling your colleagues that you are leaving is that you need to keep your emotions in check. There could be two possible scenarios while you are going.
Firstly, you may leave because you have found a better opportunity elsewhere. In such cases, refrain from bragging about the better pay package or perks to your coworkers. Remember, they have been your support since you were a part of the company. Bragging could imply that you are now in a superior position to them, and most of the time sounds insulting.
You must also refrain from commenting on aspects of the workplace that are different from your liking. Do not talk about how you couldn’t wait to get away from the company or the town, implying that your coworkers will still have to work in unfavorable conditions while you get to move out.
On the other hand, if you are leaving because you have been terminated, refrain from commenting on why you have been fired or how you are dissatisfied with the management’s decision. Do not make negative comments about the boss or the workplace, and do not say how they will regret letting you go.
It would be best if you remember that you are still going to serve your notice period, and it would not do well to burn any bridges before you leave.
You must maintain your professional decorum until the last day, even with colleagues you term as friends. There are some lines you do not cross, and this is one of them. One important among them is not to gossip about your time at the company or what you are hoping for in the future.
How Do You Announce to Your Coworkers That You are Leaving?
After you have told your boss that you are leaving, you have to face your coworkers and tell them about your decision. Here are some tips to make it easier.
- Wait for the right time to make the announcement. Please do not make the announcement when the team is handling a crucial project, or it is an unnecessarily chaotic work day.
- Express your gratitude to the people who have been your support for so long. Prepare a small speech and choose the right words to express your gratitude.
- Please do not feel guilty about leaving your coworkers or that you are betraying them. Promise to keep in touch and make sure you keep your promise.
- Make sure you return to work as usual and keep all details private if you address your coworkers in a group. Do not make a big deal, and continue with your work.
- Once you have made a verbal announcement, write a formal email to your team members. You can include your contacts and LinkedIn information in the email so they can stay in touch.
How to Write a Good-Bye to Your Coworkers Telling Them You are Leaving?
Writing an email to your coworkers telling them that your leaving might seem easy, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Keep the Subject Short
You don’t want a very long subject for your email. Simply mentioning that you are saying goodbye would be enough.
2. Do Not Add Details
Your email should be short and not contain any details about your plans or any organization you may be joining. Just say that you liked working with them and wish them well.
3. Express Your Gratitude
You must thank all your colleagues for the love and support you received from them, and you must remember to wish them well too.
4. Provide Your Contact Details
If you have been a part of an organization for quite a long, the company may have come to rely on you, and in some cases, they might want some advice even after you have left.
So, leave your contact details and tell them you will be available if they need anything. This is more of a gesture, as very few companies will contact their previous employees for work unless it is urgent.
5. Respond
If you get an answer to any of the emails or you are faced with any questions related to work, make sure you respond to them and leave no room for doubt.
Examples of Emails Telling Your Coworkers You are Leaving
While writing an email to your coworker, you can send a group email to everyone or write different emails for your other type of work relations.
Usually, you could write emails to the coworkers you are close to, your directly reporting senior, any other senior member who might have been your trainer or mentor at some point, and your clients.
Here are some examples of emails you can use. You can personalize them depending on the person you are addressing.
Example 1- To a Coworker You Were Close to
Hi Steve,
I will be with the organization for three more weeks, serving my notice period. I have decided to move to Houston to stay closer to my family.
I am writing to express my gratitude for all the love and support I have received from you and the other teammates during my time here. Whether it has been filling in for me or enjoying a drink after work, I have many fond memories of this place.
I would love to keep in touch with you, so I am providing my contact details. Do keep me posted as well. You were one of my best friends in the organization, and I don’t want our friendship to end.
It has been a great pleasure working with you, and I hope to hear from you.
Thank you for everything.
Regards,
(Your name and contact details)
Example 2- To Your Former Mentor at the Company
Hi Martha,
I hope you are having a wonderful day.
I have handed my resignation to my manager and will not stay long with this company.
However, I wanted to thank you personally for all the help and support you extended me during my initial days at the organization. You are one of the senior-most members of our team, and the way you mentored me will stay with me for the rest of my life.
It has been an honor and privilege to work with you and know you. You have taught me important skills related to working as well as life skills that have helped me endure a competitive workplace.
I would love to stay in touch with you and keep on learning.
Thank you for everything.
Regards,
(Your name and contact details)
Example 3- To One of Your Regular Clients
Hi Joshua,
I am writing to inform you that I will not be with this company much longer. There would be someone replacing me soon, and the person would soon get in touch with you.
However, you were one of my topmost clients, and I wanted to say goodbye in person. It has been a great pleasure working with you, and you have been instrumental in bringing out the best in me. The projects we worked on for you have been some of the best in my career and helped me grow professionally.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any doubts. I am available for your queries, and I will ensure you have no problem with your projects moving forward as I will give detailed instructions to the next person about your account.
Thank you for everything.
Regards,
(Your name and contact details)
Conclusion
When you leave an organization, you pave the way for a new beginning. Wanting to advance in your career is a sign of progress and reaching your potential.
However, it is essential not to forget about the people who helped you get there, and being grateful for them will only improve your future.
Hence, it is important to be professional and cordial to all your colleagues, even if you know you will not work with them for much longer.
Be sincere while expressing your gratitude, and you will surely stay in touch with some of the best people you have met in your life, no matter where you are.
