How to reply to a coworker's farewell email
Updated November 12, 2026
Reply to the sender only, not the whole company, and do it within a day or two while they are still around. Thank them for something specific, wish them well, and share your personal contact if you want to keep in touch. Keep it warm and short. A real detail matters more than a long message.
- Reply
- Within 1 to 2 days. They are packing up and may be gone soon. A reply before their last day means they can read it, and it may be the one they keep.
What your reply should say
- Thank them for one specific thing they did or taught you.
- Wish them well in the next chapter.
- Share a short personal memory, if you have one.
- Offer to stay in touch and give a contact.
3 replies you can copy
Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].
1Warm goodbye
You worked together and will miss them.
Hi [Name], Congratulations on the next step, though we will miss you. Thank you for [specific thing], which made a real difference to me. I wish you the best at [new place or plan]. Please keep in touch. Please keep my personal email, and let me know when you are next in town. Best, [Your name]
2Share a memory
You have a story that sums them up.
Hi [Name], I will always remember when [short, kind memory]. It showed me what a good colleague looks like. Thank you for that, and for everything else. Good luck with what is next. I would love to hear how it goes. I will tell the team you said goodbye, and I will miss our chats. Best, [Your name]
3Stay in touch
You want to keep the connection.
Hi [Name], Thank you for working with me on [project]. I learned a lot from you. I would like to stay in touch. My personal email is [email], and I am on [LinkedIn or other]. Good luck at [new place]. I hope our paths cross again. It has been a pleasure, and I hope we can have lunch some time soon. Best, [Your name]
Already late? Send this instead
For when you are after they left late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.
Hi [Name], I am sorry I missed your last day. I wanted to say thank you for [specific thing] and wish you the best at [new place]. You were a great person to work with. Please keep in touch. My personal email is [email]. Best, [Your name]
Mistakes to avoid
- Replying all with a long message to the whole company.
- Writing a generic "good luck" with nothing personal in it.
- Sending your reply after their account is closed. Use a personal email as well.
- Saying bad things about the company in a farewell thread.
Questions people ask
Should I reply all to a farewell email?
Only if most people are doing it and you keep it to a line or two. For anything personal, reply to the sender alone. Long public messages can feel awkward for everyone. Ask for their personal contact in your reply if you want to keep in touch after they leave.
What if I did not know them well?
A short, honest note is enough: wish them luck and name something you noticed, like their help in a meeting. You do not need to pretend to be close. If a gift or card is going round, a short note in it is a nice touch.
More reply guides
How this page was made
Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.