Be generous and specific. Name their contribution, the growth you saw, and what you’ll miss. If you can, offer a reference. Leave any feelings about the timing or the backfill out of it.
How to write it
- Mention their biggest contribution by name.
- Describe how they grew, not just what they did.
- Offer to be a reference if you’d genuinely recommend them.
Appreciative farewells from a manager
Your work on the migration saved us months. Thank you for the care you put into everything you did here.
Watching you grow from new starter to the person everyone goes to has been a highlight of my time managing this team.
You raised the standard for all of us. I’m sad to lose you and proud of what you’re going on to do.
Thank you for your honesty, your curiosity, and your calm. Any team would be lucky to have you.
I’d hire you again tomorrow. Please use me as a reference anytime.
Professional and concise
Thank you for your hard work and dedication. Best wishes in your new role.
It’s been a pleasure managing you. Wishing you every success.
Your contribution here won’t be forgotten. All the best.
Thank you for everything you’ve brought to the team.
Good luck — I look forward to hearing about your achievements.
For a long-tenured employee
You’ve been part of this team longer than I have, and you made it what it is. Thank you.
Eight years of steady, brilliant work. We won’t replace you — we’ll just have to manage differently.
Thank you for the knowledge you shared so generously. It will outlast your time here.
Your institutional memory is legendary. Thank you for leaving it all so well documented.
Warm and personal
You made my job as a manager easy and enjoyable. I’ll miss our weekly catch-ups.
I’ve learned a lot from you, too. Thank you for teaching me how to be a better manager.
Go and be brilliant somewhere new. Please stay in touch.
Thank you for trusting me with your career for the last few years.
What to avoid
- Mentioning how hard they’ll be to replace in a way that sounds like a guilt trip.
- Discussing counter-offers or resignation details.
Organising the whole card? Our farewell card guide covers timing and who to invite.