Whatever the reason, leaving work because of a better opportunity or quitting out of frustration, your last day at work can be emotional. Try to make your goodbye message sincere and inclusive. Since you may need to reconnect professionally with your current co-workers in the future, it is important to do so tactfully and politely. Whether you're doing it yourself or by email, saying goodbye doesn't have to be stressful.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Saying Goodbye Directly
Step 1. Tell everyone that you will be out before the last day
The last day is usually not the best time to tell everyone you won't be working there again. It would be rude or impolite to just walk out and shout "bye" before the door closes. Take the time to let everyone know your plans and schedules out, so everyone understands each other.
- The general rule is that management requires at least two weeks' notice, although a more specific time to apply for a job termination may be written in your employment contact. Make sure your bosses know first.
- After telling management, you can tell your co-workers. Do it when you feel comfortable, or when the time is right, but do it before the last day.
Step 2. Say goodbye at the start
Consider saying goodbye the day before your last day so that your last day is less stressful and hectic, especially if you still have work to do. Waiting until the day before the last one also gives you the opportunity to complete all your projects without being overrun by coworkers saying goodbye.
Once you announce that you're leaving, chances are your coworkers will come over to say goodbye. Because of this, saying goodbye can become easier when you've completed all your tasks
Step 3. Meet with each person one by one
Organize your things in advance so you can say goodbye to your co-workers one by one. Doing this gives you a sense of getting things done because this might be the last time you see each other as coworkers.
- However, remember, if you are not moving out of town, you will be able to meet your coworkers outside the office if you wish. Consider hosting a small event for your closest co-workers outside the office.
- If it's your coworker who quits and you're the one left behind, it might be a good idea to get a group of coworkers to come together and say goodbye at once. This will make it easier for your co-workers, with you doing it first.
Step 4. Network with people before you leave
Try to get in touch with as many coworkers as you can before leaving the office, either via social media or email. Connect with people you really want to keep in touch with, but don't feel like you have to be friends on Facebook to make it easier.
In the few weeks before your departure, consider connecting with coworkers on platforms like LinkedIn, if you haven't previously. This can be a very good way as you still have professional contacts and references ready to be contacted should you need them in the future
Step 5. Keep it short
If you are in a professional environment, handle it professionally. No big shows or procedures needed. tell your co-workers that you enjoyed working with them, and wish them luck, and tell them to meet again another time. It shouldn't be any longer than that.
- If your coworkers leave and you stay, try and remember that they need to talk to a lot of people, and may not have 45 minutes for each person. Even if you're sad to see him leave, don't make a fuss, just make plans to meet later if needed.
- It would be nice to put it something like, "Mark! We've been working well together. Keeping things in order here. You're a nice person. Let me know how you're doing!"
Step 6. Maintain a positive attitude
If you've been laid off or left out of frustration, it can be difficult to keep your emotions in check when saying goodbye to coworkers. However, you should try to remain calm to present yourself in a professional manner. Stay positive and brief, even if you feel frustrated. You'll be glad later that you've calmed down.
Step 7. For close colleagues for a more intimate after-work event
The workplace can be a place that has a wide variety of people: you may have true friends you hope will continue to be friends, there are enemies you hate, and lots of people in between. There's no need to have a big party with everyone if the situation doesn't allow it.
Just invite a few close friends over for a drink or an after-hours meal to relieve the stress of the last day at work and talk more openly. This can be a great way to spend time with people you want to be friends with outside of work
Method 2 of 3: Sending a Goodbye Email
Step 1. Create an email that can be addressed to everyone in the company
If you're saying goodbye in general to a department or an entire company, and it would be too difficult to do one at a time, thank everyone in the organization politely. You can include people you don't know very well to convey a sense of pride in one company. You can say something like this in an email:
Colleagues and colleagues: As you know, I will be leaving my position as (your position) tomorrow. I just wanted to say that it was a pleasure to work with all of you. I would love to keep in touch and I can be reached at (your email) or on my LinkedIn account. Thank you for the times we had together. Sincerely, (Your Name)
Step 2. Maintain a positive attitude
You may be tempted to write about your bitter experience openly, especially if you were fired. However, it's a good idea to maintain a positive attitude to show yourself at your best. Being positive will also allow you to be able to network with your colleagues in the future.
It's a wise way to end things on a good note, so try to be as positive as possible about your experience with the company. Especially if you send this email to your boss
Step 3. Make the email short and direct
It should not be a long essay, but a few sentences. There is no need to reveal the real reason for your departure at length. If someone asks, you can encourage them to contact you directly or face to face. Let's just say you are about to step forward and have decided to try a career elsewhere.
Step 4. List the contact details, if you wish
Your goodbye email can end with your contact details. Write clearly your mobile number, email address and Linkedin ID that can be used to contact each other with your co-workers. However, do not disclose personal information if you are not comfortable doing so.
You can also select only a few colleagues to share information with. An email can be an easy way to keep people in the same thread and share information, to ensure you can meet them in the future
Step 5. Read your message again before sending
Once you've finished drafting the email, read it again to make sure there are no mistakes and that it's grammatically correct. You also have to make sure your speech is friendly and positive, and at the same time professional.
- Make sure you have included everyone in your email.
- Consider reading your email aloud to see if any part sounds strange.
Step 6. Talk directly to close friends
It's usually too cold to email your closest colleagues about your departure. Unless that's not possible, try saying goodbye to them straight away. You need to let your boss know in person, or at least over the phone, in most cases that's best.
- If you can't meet your closest co-workers for some reason, you should send them a personal email telling them you're thrilled to have worked with them. Make sure you provide them with personal contact information so you can still meet them outside the office.
- Examples of personal emails could include things like: (name of coworker) dearest: As you may have heard, I will be leaving this company shortly. I am very happy to work with you and will miss your positive energy. I would love it if we could get in touch with each other and meet outside the office. You can contact me on mobile (number) or email (your email address). Thank you for the time we took to work together! Sincerely, (Your Name).
Method 3 of 3: Avoid Common Mistakes
Step 1. Don't make false promises
If you don't want to get in touch with Dennis in accounting, don't make false promises like "Get together for a drink sometime." Besides you end up having to follow up for something you really don't want to do, this sounds insincere and fake. So be sincere and honest, and don't feel like you have to make plans with people you don't want to meet.
If you find it rude to make appointments with some people and not make appointments with others, keep quiet. There's no need to tell everyone that you'll be meeting up with someone regularly to watch football together if that would offend other coworkers
Step 2. Don't use the last day to get mad at your boss
It's not good to yell and get angry. Your last day should be calm, dignified, and fast. Even if you feel wronged, it's a bad idea to get into a fight with your boss and, who may have the power to get you a new job. Be professional, even if you don't really want to be.
- If you have an anger that you need to address with words, do it face-to-face, one-on-one, and keep it as professional as possible. Tell your boss (and anyone you're having trouble with) that you'd like to talk in a more private place to talk about something.
- In some workplaces, there is an exit interview, which you can use to voice your anger freely without affecting your work. You're already out, so there's no reason to speak slowly now.
Step 3. Don't bring gifts
It's not important to overwhelm your coworkers with gifts, and it can make some of your coworkers feel uncomfortable. Not important and looks pretentious. Again, this is a professional environment, so act professional.
- If you feel the need to bring something along, a box of bread or donuts for all would be a perfect way to give something, but don't feel like you have to hand out an iPod to say goodbye. It doesn't need to be done.
- If your coworker is away, and you want to wish him/her good luck, a greeting card is a great way to do it. Again, no need to buy a gold watch.
Step 4. Don't badmouth the company in front of your coworkers
When you're leaving, don't take the opportunity to vent all your frustrations and frustrations in front of employees who have to 'clean up all the trash you throw away' while you're away. Try to leave the office in good condition and do not make those still working in the office feel uncomfortable.
It's also a bad idea to show off how much better your new job will be. Remember that your coworkers will still return to the same place Mondays, and you don't want to leave an unhealthy work environment behind you
Step 5. Don't leave without saying anything
The mystery may produce a bad impression and leave a lot of suspicion for co-workers, which is good for everyone. If you feel uncomfortable leaving the office, but this is something that should be done. Don't make it a big deal: keep it concise and out. You'll be done in a moment.
Tips
- If you are laid off or fired, and can just email the people who work closely with you and know the situation that happened to you.
- You may be able to complete information about who will take over for you, so that your co-workers know who to contact.
