Celebration · 15-30 minutes
Work anniversaries
Recognise years of service with a story, a gesture, and a thank-you that is specific to the person.
Read more All celebrations
People moments
Farewell and send-off
A respectful, warm goodbye that honours a colleague’s contribution and keeps the door open.
- When
- On or just before the last working day
- Duration
- 30-45 minutes
- Budget
- Low to medium
- Who is involved
- Manager, team, and HR
How to plan it - step by step
- 1
Ask the person how they would like to be sent off - big, small, or private.
- 2
Collect messages and memories from colleagues for a card or video.
- 3
Prepare a small gift or a team-signed card.
- 4
Gather the team for a short farewell with a few stories and thanks.
- 5
Share their contact for the alumni network (with consent) and complete the exit formalities.
Benefits
- Makes people feel valued as individuals.
- Builds warm relationships across the team.
- Improves belonging and loyalty.
- Costs little but is remembered for years.
Celebration ideas
- A memory book or a video montage of messages.
- A farewell lunch or a virtual toast.
- An alumni group that stays in touch with former colleagues.
- A leader’s thank-you note.
What you need
- The last working day and handover plan confirmed.
- A card, gift, or video tool.
- Consent for any photos or contact sharing.
Messages you can use
2 notes - click Copy to use one.
- Thank you for [N] years of great work, [Name]. We will miss you, and we wish you all the best.
- It has been a pleasure working with you. The door is always open.
Tips
- Keep the tone positive regardless of the reason for leaving.
- Let the person decide how public the send-off is.
- Complete clearance and letters before the last day.
Mistakes to avoid
- Skipping the send-off for people who leave on difficult terms - a respectful gesture still matters.
- Gossip or jokes at the person’s expense.
- Forgetting the experience or relieving letter.
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