Retirement Letter to Coworkers — Free Farewell Template
Your formal retirement letter goes to your manager, but the people you'll miss most are often your coworkers. A retirement letter to coworkers is a warm, personal farewell that shares your news, thanks your colleagues and lets them know how to stay in touch.
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October 15, 2026
Friends and colleagues
[Company, school or organization]
Re: Notice of retirement
Dear Friends and colleagues,
I am writing to let you know that I will be retiring from my position as [Your job title] at [Company, school or organization], effective [Your retirement date (last day of work)]. After [Years you've worked there] years with [Company, school or organization], I have decided the time is right to begin the next chapter of my life.
I am proud of the work we have accomplished together, and I am grateful for the colleagues who made these years so rewarding.
Between now and my last day, I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition, including documenting my responsibilities and helping prepare my successor.
Thank you for the opportunities, trust and support I have been given here.
With gratitude,
[Your full name]
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Send it after your manager knows
Always give your formal retirement notice to your manager and HR first. Once your manager has had a chance to announce it, or has agreed you can share the news, send your farewell letter to the team.
Many people send their coworker letter a week or two before their last day, so colleagues have time to say goodbye in person, or on the last day itself as a closing note.
Make it personal
This is the place for memories: shared projects, inside traditions, the colleagues who helped you through hard times. A few specific moments mean more than a long list of names. Keep it positive and inclusive so everyone who reads it feels thanked.
Let people know who will take over your work, so they know where to go with questions after you leave.
Staying in touch
Include a personal email or phone number if you'd like to hear from colleagues after you retire. Some retirees also share a professional networking profile or invite coworkers to a farewell gathering.
What to do, step by step
Choose your retirement date
Check your pension or retirement plan, health coverage and any Social Security or Medicare timing before you pick a date. HR can tell you how your last day affects your benefits.
Tell your manager in person
Share the news with your manager before anyone else at work, then follow up with the letter. It turns a private conversation into a formal record.
Give generous notice
Retirements are usually planned, so many people give one to three months' notice, or more for senior roles. Check your handbook in case your employer asks for a set amount.
Fill in your letter
Answer the questions above. Mention your years of service, a highlight or two and how you'll help hand over your work. Keep it warm but short.
Send it to your manager and HR
Email or hand the letter to your manager, send a copy to HR to start the retirement paperwork, and keep a copy for yourself.
What if your employer asks you to stay on or change your date?
Employers sometimes ask retiring employees to stay a little longer, work part time or come back as a consultant. You don't have to agree. If you do, put the new date and terms in writing, and check with HR how it affects your pension, retirement plan and health coverage.
If you haven't heard back after sending your letter, follow up with HR. They usually need written notice to process retirement benefits, final pay and any payout of unused vacation, and some plans have their own forms and deadlines.
If you change your mind before your date, talk to your manager as soon as possible. Your employer isn't obliged to let you withdraw your notice, especially if they have already hired or promoted someone into your role.
Example retirement letter to coworkers
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Linda Okafor
October 5, 2026
Friends and colleagues
Hollis Manufacturing
Re: Notice of retirement
Dear Friends and colleagues,
I am writing to let you know that I will be retiring from my position as Accounts Payable Manager at Hollis Manufacturing, effective January 29, 2027. After 27 years with Hollis Manufacturing, I have decided the time is right to begin the next chapter of my life.
I will always remember the late nights before the big audits, the potluck lunches and the way this team pulled together whenever someone needed help. You have made coming to work a pleasure.
Over my final weeks I will make sure everything is handed over to Maria, who will be taking on my responsibilities. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions before I go.
In retirement, I plan to spend more time with my grandchildren and travel with my husband.
I would love to stay in touch. You can reach me at linda.okafor@email.com.
Thank you for the opportunities, trust and support I have been given here.
With gratitude,
Linda Okafor
Frequently asked questions
Should I send a retirement letter to coworkers by email?
Email is the easiest way to reach everyone, especially in a large or remote team. In a small office, a printed letter on the break room board or a card works too.
What should I say in a farewell letter to colleagues?
Share your retirement date, thank your colleagues, mention a memory or two, say who will take over your work and how to stay in touch. Keep it warm, positive and fairly short.
Is it okay to mention my retirement plans?
Yes. Coworkers usually love hearing what's next, whether that's travel, grandchildren or a hobby. A single sentence about your plans adds a personal, cheerful touch.
Should my coworker letter include my retirement date?
Yes. Including your last day helps colleagues plan to say goodbye, wrap up shared work with you and attend any farewell gathering. Mentioning who is taking over your responsibilities is helpful too, so nobody is left wondering where to turn.
How much notice should I give before retiring?
More than you would for a regular resignation. Many people give one to three months, and senior staff or people in hard-to-fill roles often give six months or more. Teachers and public employees usually time it to the end of a school or fiscal year. Check your handbook and benefits plan for any required notice.
Who should a retirement letter be addressed to?
Address it to your direct manager or supervisor, and send a copy to human resources so they can start your retirement paperwork. In a small business, it may go to the owner. A separate, more personal note to coworkers is a nice touch closer to your last day.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.