How you say goodbye stays with people longer than most of your projects: former colleagues become references, partners and clients. The good news is that a farewell message does not need to be long. It needs a date, a genuine thank-you, a handover line and a way to reach you.
Copy and adapt: “Friends, today is my last day at the company. Thank you for three good years — and especially Lena, who patiently taught me everything in my first month. My projects are with Igor. I’m not disappearing: Telegram @anna.”
Short Messages for the Team Chat
- “Team, today is my last working day. Thank you for everything — it was genuinely good working with you. Let’s keep in touch: @my_handle.”
- “Friends, I’m signing off for the last time. Thanks for the help, the patience and the laughs. Tasks are with Igor.”
- “Last day today. I’ll miss our Monday stand-ups (yes, really). Stay in touch!”
- “Colleagues, thank you for working together. My last day is Friday; after that please contact Olga about client X.”
- “Leaving today with good memories. Cake in the kitchen at 4 pm — come and say goodbye.”
In Your Own Words: A Four-Sentence Formula
1) The date. 2) One specific memory or a thank-you to a named person. 3) Who takes over. 4) How to reach you. Example: “This Friday is my last day. I still remember how Sergei stayed late with me before my first big release — thank you, it meant a lot. Anna has all my projects now. Call me any time: +7 900 000-00-00.”
Heartfelt
- “I came here for a job and I’m leaving with friends. Thank you for every coffee, every late evening and every time you had my back.”
- “Five years is a long time. You taught me more than any course did. I’m proud to have been part of this team.”
Formal Email
Subject: “My last day at the company — handover and contacts”. “Dear colleagues, today is my last day as project manager. Thank you for productive work and support. All current tasks have been handed over to Maria Ivanova (email, phone). I wish the company continued success. My personal contact: +7 900 000-00-00.”
With a Joke
- “Officially handing over my stapler and my seat by the window. Please look after both.”
- “It’s not you, it’s me. Actually, it is a little bit the printer. Thank you, everyone!”
- “Leaving the chat in a few hours. If something breaks after 6 pm — it wasn’t me.”
After a Conflict or Not by Choice
“Colleagues, today is my last day. Thank you to those I worked alongside — it mattered. My tasks are with Olga. All the best.”
If the Team Is Collecting for a Gift
The collection is announced in a separate chat without the person who is leaving and is strictly voluntary. Templates and typical amounts are in collecting for a farewell gift. Money goes by bank transfer as usual; a free DeliBabki group keeps the list of who has paid and the receipt for the gift in one place, so nobody has to reconcile screenshots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say goodbye to colleagues in your own words?
Four sentences: your last day, one specific memory or thank-you to a named person, who takes over your work, and how to reach you. A specific detail makes the message yours; generic phrases make it a template.
What is a short farewell message for the team chat?
Two or three lines are enough: “Friends, today is my last day. Thank you for everything — it was good working with you. Let’s stay in touch: +7 900 000-00-00.” In a large work chat add who now handles your tasks.
When should you send a farewell email?
In the second half of your last day, about three hours before you leave. In the morning you will spend the day answering replies instead of handing over; five minutes before leaving nobody has time to read it or take your contacts.
What if you are leaving after a conflict or not by choice?
Stay neutral and skip the details: “Colleagues, today is my last day. Thank you to those I worked alongside — it mattered. My tasks are with Olga.” Do not explain the reason and do not write anything you would not repeat in a job interview.
How should the team collect for a farewell gift?
In a separate chat without the person who is leaving, strictly voluntary: “Friday is Denis’s last day. We would like to give him a gift from the team — optional, around 500–1,000 RUB, transfer by Thursday.”
Collecting for a Farewell Gift?
One link for the whole team: who has paid, how much is collected and the receipt for the gift.
Create Free Group 🚀