Composing Retirement and Farewell Letters

What Should Be In a Retirement Letter?

Your first official act as a soon-to-be retiree is to compose a letter to your employer to notify them that you will be leaving the company in the near future. It is not enough to verbally inform your Human Resources department, or supervisor.

You will need to either type or handwrite a letter describing the details of your departure. Be sure to retain a copy of the letter for yourself. Additionally, you may wish to write a farewell letter to your coworkers. Samples of both letters are provided below.

Composing a Resignation Letter

A little research might be necessary before you write and submit your retirement notification. First, ask your supervisor who the letter should be addressed to. Some companies require you to submit a letter to your supervisor or manager.

Other firms prefer that your letter be submitted to the Human Resources department, or to the company president. Also, inquire as to how much notice your employer would like prior to your departure.

Typically one-to-three months is the traditional length of notice. Finally, inquire as to whether you need to print and mail a letter or if it can be sent to the proper person(s) as an email attachment.

If you decide to email your letter you may copy the same letter to your supervisor, the company president, any managers that are above you on the organizational chart, and the HR department.

This sample letter will demonstrate the basic components of a retirement letter.

Your Name
Your Home Address 
Your City, State, Zip Code 
Your Home Phone Number 
Your Personal Email Address

Date 

Name 
Title 
Organization 
Address 
City, State, Zip Code 

Many companies now sponsor "Returning Retiree" programs where those who have retired from the firm may come back to work on a casual basis, intermittently, part-time, or to work on special projects. If this option is available to you, and you would like to participate in the program, you should include an indication of your interest in your retirement letter.

Composing a Farewell Letter

Saying goodbye to coworkers and associates is often the most difficult part of leaving your company. If you are leaving people behind that you would like to stay in touch with, a handwritten farewell note, or an email can be used to express this sentiment. Here is a sample note.

© 2008 Quality Retirement Resources