What to write in an office farewell card

Warm, usable lines for quits, retirements, and awkward goodbyes—without forced pep or a chip-in calculator.

Why farewell cards stall

You want to sound glad for them without rewriting their career, roasting the company, or promising to “stay in touch” if you will not. Keep it short. Name one real thing if you can. Skip drama about why they are leaving.

This page is wording only. No group-gift math, no chip-in tool—just what to write.

What not to say

Skip these—even when they feel funny in the moment.

Roasts about the boss, HR, or “escape” Can follow them (and you) in screenshots. Keep it kind and portable.
“Sorry you’re leaving us in a bind” Makes their exit about your inconvenience.
Empty “stay in touch!” with no intent Fine if true; otherwise a warm goodbye is enough.
Pressure to disclose why they’re leaving Not your card’s job. Respect privacy on layoffs or conflict.
Overlong life advice or “you’ll regret this” They already decided. Celebrate the next step, lightly.

Templates by situation

One or two sentences. Sign your name.

Colleague you worked with closely

Example I’ll miss working with you. Thanks for making hard days lighter—wishing you a great next chapter.

Manager to departing teammate

Example Thank you for everything you brought to the team. We’re better for your time here—wishing you all the best ahead.

Quiet / barely knew them

Example Wishing you well in what’s next. Congrats on the new chapter.

Retirement

Example Congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for the years you gave here—hope the next ones are restful and yours.

Layoff / involuntary exit (careful)

Avoid cheerleading or “everything happens for a reason.” Keep dignity first.

Example Wishing you steadiness in this transition. Grateful for the work we shared—no need to reply.

Internal move / other team

Example Congrats on the move. We’ll miss you on this side—glad you’re still in the building.

Remote teammate

Example Even from afar, it’s been good working with you. Wishing you a smooth landing wherever you go next.

Short group-card line

Example Congrats and thank you—wishing you all the best.

Short texts

Short text Congrats on what’s next. Thanks for everything here—no long goodbye needed.

Short text Wishing you well. Grateful we overlapped.

Short text All the best in the next chapter.

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