Retirement is a special time. A retirement guide includes tips to help you best prepare for your exit from the professional world.
How to say goodbye when retiring?
Symbolically saying goodbye to your colleagues one last time is harder than it seems. You’re both happy about the prospect of your well-deserved retirement, but sad to no longer be able to share a laugh with your colleague between projects. It’s up to each person to find the words to express this bittersweet feeling as pleasantly as possible through a touch of emotion, a selection of anecdotes and fond memories, and finally, a word of thanks.
How to wish a colleague a good departure?
This much-loved colleague in the company is preparing for a well-deserved retirement. It’s time to accompany him with a message in a farewell card or a short speech at the leaving party. This should translate into a choice of words to tell him that he will be missed, recall his qualities, and wish him the best in his new life. It’s important to highlight the positive aspects of this milestone while emphasizing the fact that it’s important to keep in touch and, above all, not lose touch after so many years together.
Example of a retirement message
We are gathered here to mark your imminent departure from the company. This is a well-deserved retirement after so many years of loyal service, during which you demonstrated both professionalism and human qualities. We will miss you, because you deserve the gold medal for best colleague, at once reassuring, competent, and warm.
We wish you a wonderful retirement, hoping that you will come see us from time to time to delight us with your lilting laughter.”
Example of a humorous retirement message
“That’s it, it’s retirement: you’re finally going to start working! It’s up to you to sort your collection of 5,000 stamps. You’ll be able to take care of all the projects at your house, which your wife has been asking for for years: clearing the garage of accumulated clutter, redoing the exterior paint and wallpapering the guest room. And don’t forget to finally change the gate! I wish you a wonderful and active retirement.”
How to say goodbye professionally?
When it comes to closing your time at work, as at every stage of your professional life, every detail counts to leave a good impression. Politeness and professionalism must therefore be perfectly adapted to the situation to avoid making a faux pas. Indicate in advance, for example by email, the date, place, and time of your leaving party, with the most open communication possible to avoid offending anyone. During the party, it is good form to thank your management and colleagues for your past collaboration.
Example of a thank you message for a retirement gift
“Thank you very much for the gift you gave me. It was a very nice surprise and a wise choice, I will happily use it during all the free time I will have from now on. I was very lucky to have worked with such friendly and warm colleagues. Thank you again to all of you from the bottom of my heart. I will not forget you. Good luck to you and see you next time, when I come back to give you news.”
