Writing a retirement letter is no easy task. If you’ve been with the company a long time, you may question your ability to function without this job. Whether you’re scared or excited for the prospect of retirement, you need to find a professional way to formally inform your employer.Chances are you’re leaving on either a positive or negative note. If you had some bad experiences at work, you run the risk of writing a negative letter full of resentment. If your spouse or employer is forcing you into retirement, you run the risk of sounding insincere or conflicted. Either way, this unprofessional tone could leave a bad impression on your boss.You need to work hard to craft a well-thought-out notice. Thankfully, you can use our writing tips and general retirement letter templates to create your own document.
General Retirement Letter Template
Gerald Smithson is retiring from his job. He has been with the company for over 30 years, so he’s nervous about what the future has in store for him. He wants to retire, but sometimes he questions whether or not it’s the right choice, making this an emotional task.
Dear Margo Lawrence,
I write this letter to announce my retirement from my position as IT specialist with Milton Manufacturing. According to my employment contract, Milton Manufacturing requires at least a two-week notice prior to retirement. For this reason, my last day on the job will be November 23rd.
As you know, I have worked for Milton Manufacturing for 37 years. I started as a mechanic and was able to work my way up to the IT department. During this time, I have worked with a great group of people and participated in innovative projects. I want to thank you for the opportunities you have given me to grow professionally here. As I enter this next phase of my life, I will look back fondly on the experiences I have had.
I look forward to the slower pace of life retirement will give, but I will truly miss working here. If I can do anything to help make this transition go smoothly, please let me know. I would be open to working part time for a while after my retirement if you need me to. Otherwise, I can help train Stacy or Jordan to take over my duties.
Sincerely,
Gerald Smithson
How To Write a General Retirement Letter
A retirement letter has two main purposes. First, it informs your boss of your retirement plans. Second, it reminds your employer of the beneficial relationship you have had with the company. Depending on the circumstances leading up to your retirement, this letter may contain sensitive information. Use caution to ensure you create something appropriate for the workplace.
The first paragraph of your letter should address your retirement plans. There’s no need to be indirect. Instead, use a phrase such as “I want to announce my retirement” to make your intentions clear to your boss. Like in the general retirement letter template, you should also include your last day on the job. Refer to your employment contract or talk with an HR representative to find out what restrictions you may have.
The next section of your note should express your gratitude. Let your boss know how thankful you are to have worked for them. If possible, engage your audience by mentioning a specific positive situation with your boss. Briefly discuss your entire history with the company to show what you’ve learned and how you’ve grown. At the minimum, you should include how long you’ve been at the company. These details not only show how the company has benefited you, but also how you have benefited the company.
The paragraph after that should go into your willingness to help out in your final weeks. Perhaps you need to train someone to take over your current role. Or maybe you’re willing to work part time for a while after your retirement. No matter how you want to help your team transition, simply letting your boss know you’re there to help can earn you some final professional adoration.
What To Avoid in Your General Retirement Letter
As your retirement nears, you may think you don’t need to retain any professional ties. After all, you’re going to be spending your days at the park or an exotic beach. However, extenuating circumstances could make it necessary for you to return to work in the future. For this reason, you need to avoid completely burning your bridges. Instead, keep the focus of your letter on the positives of your experiences with the company. If you leave on a positive note, you have a better chance of earning a part-time job with the company in the future or at least getting a good reference.
You should also avoid getting too personal in your letter. Perhaps your wife is forcing you to retire earlier than you would like. You don’t need to go into specifics. Saying you’re retiring in one sentence and then agonizing over it in another will only confuse your employer. Instead, stick to what your boss needs to know. In other words, simply focus on the fact that you’re retiring.
How To Follow Up After Sending Your General Retirement Letter
Retirement etiquette dictates that you should discuss your plans with your boss prior to sending in a formal notice. This initial discussion can help you figure out the company’s retirement policies so you can make sure you’re doing everything right. After sending in your letter, it’s a good idea to check in with your boss again.
This follow up gives you the chance to go over your retirement details one last time. You can make sure your last day on the job fits with the company’s schedule. You can also discuss your plans for the transition.
While it’s not necessary, you may also want to let your coworkers know of your retirement plans after making it official. Someone in the office may want to throw you a going-away party or at least have a goodbye card ready for you before your last day.
Top 5 General Retirement Letter Writing Takeaways
1. Show your gratitude
Saying thank you for your time at a company can help keep your professional ties intact. Sure, you aren’t planning on returning to work. However, plans can change. It’s better to leave on a good note than to burn all of your bridges.
2. Be specific
Mention the exact date you plan to retire early in your letter. This gives your employer a concrete idea of when you’re leaving, but it also protects you. With a specified date in writing, your boss won’t be able to push back your retirement.
3. Mention your willingness to help
As an experienced worker, your absence at the company may require some skillful transitioning. Offer to help train a coworker to take over your duties. If you want to stay on part time, you can also discuss that wish in your letter.
4. Focus on the positives
Your tenure with the company may not have been entirely positive, but you should fight the urge to complain in your retirement letter. Instead, focus on what you liked about the company.
5. Review your letter
This note can go on your permanent file. Read through it, checking for spelling or grammatical errors. If possible, have a friend or family member read it, too, to make sure it stays on topic in a positive way.
