Did you ever find yourself having to say goodbye to a co-worker and be stuck there with no words to speak? It’s never easy parting ways with someone you’ve worked with, shared coffee breaks, and thrown ideas around. Regardless of whatever their reason may be forgoing–job switch, retirement, or off doing something entirely new–a nice goodbye card can make the sting a little better.
But how is it done? How do you make it real, personal, and memorable? And why on earth should goodbye cards be in the office to begin with, anyway? Let’s dive into the art of goodbye messages and how you can create the best card that makes them smile goodbye!
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Why Goodbye Cards Matter in the Workplace
Offices are not meetings and deadlines; offices are human beings. Coworkers are not coworkers of the future only—colleagues, lunch buddies, and sometimes friends for life. A goodbye cards is not paper; it’s a thank-you, the chance to recognize human work, and a way to bid farewell to someone who’s off to something else.
Think about it—wouldn’t it be lovely to head home from the office with the feeling that your colleagues cared that you had done something thoughtful for them? That is the power of a simple and genuine goodbye card.
Selecting the Perfect Goodbye Card
Let us discuss how to select the perfect and suitable goodbye card for your colleague before we proceed with what to say.
1. Individual vs. Group Card
If you and your colleague are friends, one card would be more personal and special.
A team eCard, such as SendWishOnline.com, will enable the team to post their messages, and it is more personal.
2. Theme and Design
A plain and simple design suits a professional farewell.
Whimsical or funny themes suit colleagues who have an in-house joke with you.
For retirement farewell, a retro or vintage theme is comforting.
3. E or Printed Version?
An e-farewell card is ideal for work-at-home individuals and effective colleagues’ signatures across the globe.
An analog card is more intimate in case you share the office space.
How to Write a Farewell Card to a Co-Worker
Finally, the hard part—writing the message. It must be genuine, heartfelt, and maybe a little bit funny if the situation allows it. The following are some tips:
1. Short and Sentimental Messages
“Best wishes with your new business endeavor. You were a joy to work with!”
“You will be sincerely missed for your work ethic and attitude. Best of luck in the new role!”
“Thanks for being such a great co-worker. Good luck!”
2. Sarcastic and Humorous Messages
“Off at last! Who am I now going to vent to about coffee?”
“Your new organization has no clue what they’ve gotten themselves into—you’re a rock star! We’re going to miss you!”
“I’m not crying, you are! Okay, we both are. Good luck!”
3. Messages of Inspiration and Motivation
“When you say goodbye, say see you later.'” Keep shining and influencing others.
“New beginnings are made of infinite promise—go out there and conquer the world!”
“Your future is going to be fantastic. Continue pursuing your goals.
4. Retirement Messages
“Your retirement is well overdue, but we’re going to miss you every day. Wishing you happiness in this new chapter!”
“No more Monday morning meetings for you—just wonderful relaxation and bliss. Congratulations on retirement!”
“The office will never be the same without you. Good luck with a happy and rewarding retirement!”
How to Make a Goodbye Card Extra Special?
It’s sweet to leave a good note, but a departing card is a work of personal genius when you add a little extra zing to it. Here’s how:
1. Include a Personal Memory
Recall a humorous, moving, or inspirational experience you’ve had with your coworker. For instance:
“I’ll never forget our team lunch fiascos. Hope your next team has restaurant taste!”
“Always my first turn-to source of inspiration for projects. Enjoy all the knowledge—you’ll be sorely missed!”
2. Include a Quote
A little surprise quote can go a long way to add punch to your note:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” – Henry David Thoreau
“How lucky I am that I have something to make it very hard to say goodbye.” – Winnie the Pooh
3. Add a Signature Flourish
If you’re a team with an eCard, add:
A team photo collage of pictures
A video farewell message
A GIF that will make people smile
Non-Boring Alternatives to a Farewell Card
Have a dull farewell card? Spice up with these new alternatives to bid farewell to your colleague:
1. Farewell Video Messages
Request employees to create short videos and compile a goodbye video.
2. Virtual Farewell Party
Host a Zoom or Teams session where all those present say a few words on behalf of the leaving colleague.
3. Present to Go
Include a gift in your farewell card, such as:
A journal for their new life
A corporate joke that is printed on a cup
A going-away book where people sign and leave a message
4. Virtual Memory Board
Sites such as SendWishOnline.com allow you to build a cyber memory board where every person can leave messages, post photos, and share blessings.
Last-Minute Thoughts: Make Their Farewell Special
A goodbye friend is bitter, but a good-written goodbye card can make it an experience of joy and gratitude. Simple, sincere, funny, or formal are not the issues; what you have to avoid is that your words should be sincere.
So the next time your colleague leaves, don’t bid so long a farewell—bid a heartwarming farewell card and memory of better times you enjoyed. In case you do not have sufficient time to write mass farewell cards, drop in at SendWishOnline.com for emotional and innovative online messages!
To wish your colleague good fortune, success, and a groovy new journey ahead!
