As your colleague leaves for the last time, you may find yourself feeling a bit nostalgic. Saying goodbye hurt even the coldest of hearts.

Unless the co-worker in question has been an absolute pain the whole time you've worked with them and has no redeeming personality traits. In that case, you'll probably end your message with "Kind Regards".

Let's move past that negatively and assume you're here because the recipient has become a much-loved friend as well as a colleague.

The Card

You probably want an A4 card unless your company is small (under 10 people). The front cover can be humourous or a great design but in most cases, it's going to be a battle for space - a minimal card works well as all 4 sides can be signed.

If you're looking for something more modern then an online group card might be what you're looking for.

I've listed a few suppliers including ourselves:

• GroupGreeting - $4.99 per card
• Thankbox - £4.99 - £8.99 (also offers group gift card collection)
• EcardForest - £3.50
• Gleeboard (self-plug) - Currently free (optionally print to an actual A4 card)

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Other gift ideas

These aren't absolutely necessary but I thought they're worth mentioning.

• Group collection - Some people like to get together and collect money for the lucky recipient, either to purchase a gift, a gift card, or a charity donation.
• Engraved Keepsake: An engraved paperweight, keychain, or wall plaque is a timeless and classy way to commemorate your colleague's time with the company. Include their name, job title, and the years they spent with your team for a personal touch.
• Personalized Coffee Mug or Tumbler: Customize a high-quality coffee mug or tumbler with their name, a memorable quote, or an inside joke to make their morning routine more enjoyable.
• Hobby Supplies: Gift your colleague supplies or accessories related to their hobbies, such as painting materials, a knitting kit, or a gardening set.
• Subscription Box: Treat your coworker to a subscription box tailored to their interests, delivering a curated selection of items over several months as a lasting reminder of your appreciation.

Writing the perfect message

It can be hard to find the right words to say in a leaving card. But there are no strict rules about what your message should be or how long it should be.

I'd try to avoid being too formal and try to inject some humor with some overused in-jokes and it probably comes off weird but you're probably funnier than me.

Humor isn't everything though and I would try to express some gratitude for the learnings/leadership you've been given from the recipient as well.

Fast tips

• Do remember space is limited - try to not use a whole page for yourself, especially if your message isn't the most interesting.
• Plagiarising someone else's message can be funny as well - especially if they've laid it on a bit too thick.
• Recall memorable events, funny projects, and any office rituals you'd conduct together. (I use to have a coffee club - we'd explore a different coffee house every day - yes I/we are/were a joke).
• If you're using an online card - memes, pics, images, and gifs can be what you need but remember the card is public and will be viewed by all your colleagues before you post.

Overdoing it

These messages have the right idea but poor execution and could come across as sarcasm for laying it on too thick.

• Thank you for always being willing to teach me something new. Your kindness and patience will be missed by all of us.
• You have been a great mentor to me, and I learned so much from you over the years. Your enthusiasm was infectious, and it's because of your guidance that I've become the person I am today. Thank you for everything!
• It’s been a pleasure working with you! You’re the best colleague I could have ever asked for. I will miss you!

Some final thinking points

These aren't necessarily things to write on the card but worth remembering before they walk out the door.

• What will you miss most about the workplace without your colleague?
• What are their plans for the future?
• How will you keep in touch with your colleague? Will you be able to keep in touch?

Remember to be yourself and have fun with the process, don't write anything that could get you sanctioned by HR.

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