History shows that most people retire at the age of 65, unless circumstances require them to stay at work, and there is no urgency to formally announce retirement. Currently, some people have retired in their 50s, while others are still working until they are 80 – making the process of announcing retirement unclear. Knowing when and how you announced your decision to retire can make this process less tiring so you can close your career on a positive note.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Telling Your Boss
Step 1. Start planning ahead of time
The decision to retire is a big one, and you should start planning for it at least six months in advance.
- This method gives you enough time to think about the decision carefully before making it formal, finalizing pending matters, and using the remaining time off that you have.
- Be sure to look up your company's policy year for retirement, as well as download information about the compensation entitlements you'll get through the company's website while you still have access.
- These policies will also let you know if there are rules for making retirement announcements to other workers/human resources departments before taking the next step.
Step 2. Decide when it's a good time to tell your boss
It's important to follow company protocol, but often you can decide for yourself when it's time to tell your boss that you're retiring.
- Be careful not to make retirement announcements too soon. Doing this can give your boss the impression that you're not in the mood to move on to another project or be asked to leave sooner so the company can find a replacement. Similarly, if you are in a supervisory position, your subordinates may no longer want to be ordered around or respect your authority as their boss.
- If you're concerned about the negative effects of the announcement, it's best to postpone it until the last second, in accordance with company rules. As with any other position in the company, regardless of your company's rules, it's a good idea to share your plans with your boss at least three weeks before retiring. This three-week period is the minimum time that can be used to find, recruit, and train a replacement.
- If you have a senior position or a position that is difficult to replace, it's a good idea to let your boss know three to six months before leaving, so the company can find and train a replacement for your position.
- Think about the relationship between you and your boss and the company, and whether that relationship should be maintained after retirement. Thinking about regenerating your position in the company can help maintain good relations between you and the company.
Step 3. Schedule a private meeting at the end of work
This will ensure that you have sufficient time to discuss plans without interrupting your boss's work.
- The level of formality of this meeting depends on the relationship you have with your boss or supervisor. If your relationship is only professional, this announcement will certainly feel formal. However, if you and the other person are friends, this announcement can be something more casual than normal conversation.
- If you haven't made a final decision yet, but just want to share your thoughts with your boss, be sure to say so. Just say, “I'm really thinking about retiring in June – but haven't made a final decision yet. When was the last time I had to say this?”
- When the plan is final, say, “I've been considering it long ago, and I think it's time to retire. I will retire at the end of June.”
- Whatever the decision, let your boss know that you want the transition at the company to be as smooth as possible.
Step 4. Ask your boss how to share your decision with other employees
Some employers have a policy of making this announcement formally to other employees, but some will allow you to make this announcement yourself. If you have your own way, be sure to tell your boss about it.
- If the employer wants to send a memo, post a newsletter, or make an announcement, you don't need to formally announce your own retirement decision to other employees.
- If you want to share this decision yourself with all (or some) of your co-workers, ask your boss not to make it public until you have had a chance to make it known yourself.
- Even if you don't plan on looking for another job or returning to work after retirement, current economic conditions are so unpredictable that it's a good idea to ask your boss to write you three letters of recommendation just in case. Do this while your work ethic is still at its peak rather than waiting until you really need it. If your boss moves to another company, it can be very difficult to find him.
Step 5. Write a letter to your boss formally announcing that you want to retire
This letter is a formality and can be written briefly, but must contain a statement that you are retiring.
- Give this letter to your boss after you have verbally informed him or her about your retirement plans.
- Even if you have expressed your intention verbally, human resources staff will need a formal file to file. Payrollers also need to be informed to ensure that you have all your leave or other compensation.
- Be sure to report this as soon as possible to human resources to find out what paperwork needs to be processed and when the deadline is.
Method 2 of 3: Making Announcements for Coworkers
Step 1. Tell people personally
It's more polite to share your retirement decision with coworkers and staff in person, or by phone or email, rather than using a memo distributed around the office. Adding a personal touch to your message will make your co-workers feel valued so that your relationship will remain good when you retire.
- Tell your close friends and co-workers after you tell your boss. Word can spread quickly, even if you've asked not to share the information, and your boss should be the first to know about this.
- If your boss is holding a meeting to share your decision with the co-workers concerned, try writing an e-mail to all other co-workers and office staff, and sending this e-mail after the meeting is over. That way, people will know this at the same time and no one will feel neglected.
Step 2. Enter important information in all sent messages
Some information should be included in the letter sent, whether to human resources, to your boss, or to your secretary, to avoid misunderstandings and simplify the process.
- Also include your retirement date in all letters. Doing this will help you avoid speculation and make it easier for the work of others who depend on you, especially if you already know exactly when you will stop working.
- Add an additional address if your address is different from the existing data in the company. If you do not take your last salary, the company can send it along with various other data to the address you provide.
- Include any other contact information (phone number, email address, or home address) if you want to keep in touch with people at work after retirement.
Step 3. Show appreciation and kindness
Instead of making the announcement publicly, write a personal farewell letter to each of your co-workers and successors, if they have been appointed as employees. This will make you remembered as a good co-worker.
- Retirement letter is a medium to say goodbye to the company. You have to make it as sincere and pure as possible while wishing the best for the company.
- If you intend to maintain a relationship with coworkers after retirement, this is a great time to personally invite them to a barbecue or dinner with your family after retirement. That way, you can maintain your relationship and not be forgotten.
Method 3 of 3: Announcing Retirement Decisions to Friends and Family
Step 1. Pay attention to the time
Regardless of when you decide to tell your boss and coworkers, you should always tell your friends and family after you tell your coworkers.
- News can spread quickly. Don't let your boss hear your retirement decisions from other people.
- Exceptions can be made for your spouse, close family member, trusted friend, or mentor. You need someone to talk to about this decision before making a final decision. So, don't hesitate to talk about this in secret with those closest to you. Just make sure that you ask them to keep this a secret.
Step 2. Take it easy
While retirement announcements to bosses and coworkers need to be formal, announcements you make to friends and family can be casual.
- Facebook or other social media channels can make the announcement process easier because you can tell multiple people at once. If you use Linkedin or another career networking site, you can also share your notes there.
- It's a good idea to arrange so that your retirement announcement still leaves room for future opportunities, especially if you retire early. Say something like “I will be stepping down from my post in June to spend more time with my family. I'm really looking forward to the next journey of my life."
- Try to make funny retirement videos. Visit Youtube for ideas.
Step 3. Try to throw a party as a sign of farewell
Invite all your close family and friends. That way, you can indirectly say that they are valuable people to you.
- You can choose to tell the purpose of the party in advance, or you can make the party an impromptu retirement announcement.
- While throwing a party for yourself may sound strange, the societal rules about it have changed and most people can understand why you're throwing a retirement party, especially if you make your retirement announcement a surprise party (that way, no one will bother buying it). present).
