You finally made it: You are ready to retire. However, before you do, you need to write a formal retirement letter to your boss. This can prove tricky, especially because you probably feel mixed emotions as you retire. Whether you are happy or sad to go, it is important to pay special attention to the wording of your letter. Otherwise, you risk sounding insincere, disrespectful, or unprofessional, which can make your final days on the job uncomfortable.Simplify this process by studying our free retirement letter to your boss templates. Read our guidelines to understand the best way to write and format your letter so you can finish your employment on an excellent note.
Retirement Letter to Your Boss Template
Consider the retirement letter below, written by Susan Watson. After working as an editor for the same publishing company for 15 years, Susan is retiring. While she has already met with her boss to discuss this matter face-to-face, she is now providing formal notice through this retirement letter.
Dear Mrs. Huber,
I am writing this letter to announce my formal retirement from my position as editor at Huber & Hicks Publishing Company. As per our conversation last Friday, my final day of work will be October 28.
I want to express my gratitude to you for giving me the opportunity to thrive at Huber & Hicks Publishing Co. these past 15 years. I appreciate the positive and supportive atmosphere you instilled in this office over the years. Such a work environment, along with the mentorship you provided me, helped me to continually develop both professionally and personally. For that, I cannot thank you enough.
Although I look forward to my retirement, I will miss my co-workers and my work here at Huber & Hicks. As you and I previously discussed, I am happy to assist with occasional freelance projects and part-time work.
I will spend the remainder of my time here finishing both the Tedeschi and Salerno projects to ensure that both books meet their publishing deadlines. I have transferred my notes on other projects to Dana and Jack and will ensure they are up to date on all assignments before my last day. I am happy to train my replacement if necessary.
Please let me know if there is any other way I can assist you before I leave. I wish you and everyone here at Huber & Hicks all the best in the future.
Sincerely,
Susan Watson
How To Write a Retirement Letter to Your Boss
The purpose of your retirement letter is to do three things: formally announce your retirement, thank your boss for your job, and convey how you will finish your time there to make the changeover as seamless as possible. Your retirement may be a sensitive subject, as your qualifications and experience might make your boss’s task of replacing you a difficult one. Therefore, it is imperative to put a lot of thought and effort into your message.
First, state the purpose of your letter. Explain that you are retiring from your position and inform your boss of your last day of work. Make sure your retirement date does not go against your contract or the company’s retirement policies.
Next, thank your boss for the time you spent in the position. This should be easy enough if you loved your work, but if you were unhappy with the job, do your best to find some positive aspects. Consider writing about new skills you learned, relationships you formed, or special accomplishments you achieved during the duration of your employment. If you want, continue your message with an offer to perform part-time work, as Susan does in our retirement letter to your boss template.
Finally, close on a strong note that your boss will appreciate. Describe how you will tie up loose ends before your departure. Point out any projects you plan to finish before you go and name colleagues who have agreed to take on some of your responsibilities. Convey a willingness to train or perform other duties to make this transition a smooth one.
What To Avoid in Your Retirement Letter to Your Boss
There are a few mistakes to avoid as you write your retirement letter to your boss. If you hated your job, you might think that because you are heading into retirement, now is the perfect time to list all of your criticisms. However, you never know what might happen in the future. You may want freelance work with the company, or you may need a reference for another part-time job. Try to remain positive and polite throughout your message so you can leave your employment with dignity and without burning any bridges.
On the other hand, if you developed a friendship with your boss or absolutely loved your position, you run the risk of sharing too much information or using informal language or inappropriate jokes. Remember that this is a formal letter of retirement the company may keep in its files for some time. Definitely show your appreciation for your job, but keep your letter concise and appropriate for the workplace.
How To Follow Up After Sending Your Retirement Letter to Your Boss
Sending your boss a letter alone is not a good idea. Try to at least have an informal conversation beforehand to go over the details of your retirement so he or she is prepared to receive your formal letter. Then, after you send your message, follow up in person once again, if possible.
The purpose of this follow-up is to discuss your final days in this position. Ask for your boss’s input on your plans to train a replacement, transfer work to other employees, and conclude your duties before you retire, and inquire about any other ways you can help the company before you go.
Top 5 Retirement Letter to Your Boss Writing Takeaways
1. Open your letter with the announcement of your retirement
Leave no confusion as to the purpose of your letter. Get to the point right away by stating within the first sentence or two that you are retiring.
2. Include the specific date of your last day
Before you write your letter, make sure your plans to retire adhere to your contract and the company’s policy. Then, after you announce your formal retirement in your letter, inform your boss of your last day of work.
3. Show gratitude to your boss for your employment
Whether you loved or hated your job, thank your boss for your employment. Focus on positive aspects, lessons, and experiences instead of your complaints. This ensures your remaining time in the job is comfortable and dignified.
4. Describe how you will help with the changeover
Go into a little detail concerning how you will help make sure your retirement doesn’t hurt the company. Explain how you will wrap up your responsibilities and express your readiness to assist in training or transferring work to others.
5. Keep your letter concise and professional
Remember that your letter should not be longwinded or too informal. Maintain a professional tone and succinct format to convey your message appropriately.
