How to Write an Effective Email to Staff About Employee Leaving

Hey there, team! As you may know, we will soon be saying goodbye to one of our colleagues who will be moving on to new opportunities. As part of our commitment to maintaining open communication within the company, we wanted to send out an email to inform everyone about this change.

We understand that this news may come as a surprise for some of you, but we want to reassure you that we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and that all necessary tasks will be delegated accordingly.

We have also taken the liberty to include some examples of how to write an email about an employee leaving in the email for your reference. Please feel free to edit them as needed to fit your own communication style.

As always, we appreciate your hard work and dedication to the company. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Thank you for your continued support.

The Best Structure for Email to Staff About Employee Leaving

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a colleague who’s leaving the organization. As a manager, you might have to take the lead in drafting an email to your team informing them about the employee’s departure. The structure of the email is crucial; it needs to be concise, clear, and convey the right tone. Here’s a breakdown of the ideal structure for the email:

The Opening Paragraph

The first paragraph should begin with an announcement about the employee’s departure, mentioning their name, and position. You can add a sentence or two expressing gratitude for their contribution, dedication, and wish them well in their future endeavors. This opening paragraph sets the tone for the rest of the email and should be positive and respectful.

Background Details

Provide context and details about the employee’s departure, such as their last day, reason for leaving, and their future plans if relevant. This information will help address the questions and concerns of the staff and show transparency about the company’s decision-making process. It’s also an opportunity to communicate changes that might result from the employee’s departure, such as changes in responsibilities or new hires, which would affect the team.

The Acknowledgment of the Impact

It’s essential to acknowledge the impact of the employee’s departure on the team and reassure them that their contribution and success are valued. You can mention the employee’s achievements and the positive impact they made on the team and the company. Encourage staff to take the opportunity to learn from the departing employee’s skills and work ethics as they move forward and wish them the best of luck for the future.

The Closing Paragraph

End the email with a note of appreciation for the team’s collective efforts, acknowledging that the departing employee was part of that success. Invite staff to come forward with any questions or concerns, and offer to discuss any further details in person or over the phone. You can also mention any farewell or goodbye events planned, including the details or how to get involved if they wish.

In conclusion, a well-structured email should address key points about the employee’s departure, impact, and future plans while conveying a tone of gratitude and positivity. It should also respond to any possible questions, concerns, and give reassurance to the remaining staff and stakeholders. Your email should sound authentic and empathetic, sending off the departing employee with good wishes for their future career and cementing the good relations they built with the team.

7 Sample Email Templates to Notify Staff About Employee Departure

Leaving for Better Opportunities

Dear Staff,

I am writing to let you know that our colleague, [Employee Name], will be leaving us soon to pursue a new job opportunity. While we are sad to see [Name] go, we are also proud of their accomplishments and wish them well in their future endeavors.

During their time here, [Name] has been an instrumental member of our team, consistently delivering high-quality work and going above and beyond to support our goals. We will miss [Name]’s positive attitude and can-do spirit, but understand that career growth and development is an important part of everyone’s journey.

Please join me in congratulating [Name] and wishing them the best of luck in their next chapter.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Resignation Due to Personal Reasons

Dear Staff,

I regret to inform you that [Employee Name] will be leaving our team due to personal reasons. This is a difficult decision for [Name], but one that has been made after much consideration and reflection.

While we will miss [Name]’s contributions and expertise, we fully support their decision and wish them the best for the future. We hope that [Name] will keep in touch and let us know how they are doing from time to time.

Please join me in thanking [Name] for their dedication and commitment to our organization, and wishing them all the best in their future endeavors.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Termination Due to Performance Issues

Dear Staff,

It is with regret that I must inform you that [Employee Name] will no longer be a member of our team as of [Termination Date]. This decision has been taken after a series of discussions and performance evaluations, and is based on [Name]’s inability to meet the expectations set for them in their role.

We take our commitment to our customers and stakeholders seriously, and hold all our team members to high standards of performance and conduct. While [Name] has made some valuable contributions during their time here, the challenges with their performance could no longer be overlooked. We are grateful for the time and effort [Name] has invested in our organization, and hope that they find success and fulfillment in their future endeavors.

Please join me in wishing [Name] well as they move on to new opportunities.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Retirement Announcement

Dear Staff,

I am pleased to announce that [Employee Name] will be retiring from our organization on [Retirement Date]. [Name] has been an integral part of our team for [Years of Service], bringing their expertise, experience, and professionalism to every aspect of our work.

We are grateful for [Name]’s contributions to our organization, and will miss their leadership, mentoring, and commitment to excellence. We hope that [Name] will keep in touch and let us know how they are doing in their retirement.

Please join me in congratulating [Name] on their well-deserved retirement, and wishing them all the best as they move on to new adventures.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Medical Leave of Absence

Dear Staff,

I am writing to let you know that our colleague, [Employee Name], will be taking a medical leave of absence effective immediately. [Name] has been experiencing some health issues, and needs to focus on getting the care and support they require.

We fully support [Name]’s decision and will do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition during their absence. We ask that you respect [Name]’s privacy during this time, and refrain from reaching out to them for work-related matters.

Please join me in wishing [Name] a speedy and full recovery, and in supporting our team as we work to cover [Name]’s responsibilities during their absence.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Relocation to Another Office or City

Dear Staff,

I am writing to inform you that [Employee Name] will be transferring to another office or city within our organization effective [Transfer Date]. While we are sad to see [Name] leave our team, we also recognize the value of connecting our employees across different locations and working towards our shared goals.

[Name]’s transfer is part of our organization’s effort to [Reason for Transfer]. We are confident that [Name] will bring their skills, expertise, and professionalism to their new role, and will make valuable contributions to their new team.

Please join me in wishing [Name] all the best during this exciting transition, and in supporting our team as we adjust to the changes in our organization.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Layoff Due to Organizational Restructuring

Dear Staff,

It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that [Employee Name] will be affected by the organizational restructuring we are undertaking. [Name]’s position has been eliminated, and [Name] will no longer be a member of our team as of [Layoff Date].

We recognize the tremendous contributions [Name] has made to our organization during their time with us, and will always be grateful for their professionalism, dedication, and positivity. We hope that [Name] will keep in touch and let us know how they are doing from time to time.

Please join me in thanking [Name] for their many contributions, and in wishing them the best of luck in their job search and future endeavors.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Emailing Staff About Employee Leaving

When an employee decides to leave, it can have a significant impact on the company. It is important to send an email to all staff informing them of the departure. Here are some tips on how to do it effectively:

  • Be transparent: Be honest in your communication and avoid sugar-coating the situation. Share accurate details such as the reason for the departure and the last day of work.
  • Show appreciation: Take the time to show your appreciation for the employee’s contributions to the company. Let them know they will be missed and send them off with well wishes.
  • Provide support: Offer support to the departing employee as well as their colleagues. Encourage staff to reach out to their former colleague and offer their support during this transition period.
  • Assign tasks: Determine which tasks or responsibilities will be shifted to other staff members and communicate this clearly in the email.
  • Highlight opportunities: Take this opportunity to promote internal mobility and career growth. Encourage staff members to think about their own career goals and how they can contribute to filling the gap left by the departing employee.
  • Celebrate the person: Host a farewell party or event for the departing employee. Celebrate their contributions to the company and provide an opportunity for staff to say their goodbyes.

Remember, this email is not just a formality. It is an opportunity to show your company’s culture and values, and to maintain a positive relationship with the departing employee and the remaining staff. By following these tips, you can ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved.

FAQs about Emailing Staff About Employee Leaving


Why do we have to inform the staff about an employee leaving?

It is important to inform the staff about an employee leaving to ensure that everyone is aware of the change and can adjust their workload and responsibilities accordingly.

What should be included in the email to staff about an employee leaving?

The email should include the employee’s name, last day of work, reason for leaving (if appropriate), and any further instructions or information relevant to the staff.

Should the email include the employee’s contact information?

No, it is not appropriate to include the employee’s contact information in the email. However, the staff can be informed of who to contact for any necessary follow-up or questions.

What is the best time to send the email to staff about an employee leaving?

The email should be sent as soon as possible after the employee has given notice of their departure. It is best to send it during regular business hours, when staff are most likely to be checking their emails.

Should the email be sent to all staff or only specific departments?

The email should be sent to all staff, as the departure of an employee could potentially impact different departments and their workflows.

What tone should the email have?

The email should be professional and respectful, acknowledging the employee’s contributions and thanking them for their service to the company.

Should the email include any information about the employee’s replacement?

If a replacement has been hired or is in the process of being hired, it can be helpful to include that information in the email to provide clarity and alleviate any concerns about the impact of the employee leaving on the company’s operations.

Until Next Time!

Thanks for reading this email about our dear colleague who will be leaving us soon. It’s always hard to say goodbye to a valuable member of our team, but we wish them all the best on their new journey ahead. Remember to keep in touch with them and treasure the memories you’ve shared. We hope you’ll visit again soon for more updates on our team. Have a great day!