Leaving a job is a significant career moment, and sending a thoughtful last working day email is a professional way to close that chapter. Whether you're moving on to a new opportunity, relocating, or simply seeking a fresh start, your farewell email can leave a lasting positive impression on colleagues, managers, and clients.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn what a last working day email is, when and how to send it, what to include, and how to tailor your message for different audiences. We also provide practical templates and a checklist to ensure your final message is polished and effective.
TL;DR
- What: A last working day email announces your departure, expresses gratitude, and shares contact or handover details.
- When: Ideally send it 1-2 days before your final day to give colleagues time to respond.
- Content: Keep it brief (1-2 paragraphs), include your final working day, thanks, optional contact info, and transition notes.
- Tone: Match the tone to your relationship and circumstances—warm, formal, neutral, or brief.
- Tools: Use Parlel to showcase your skills, set open-to-work status, and connect with hiring managers automatically.
What Is a Last Working Day Email?
A last working day email is a professional farewell message sent to your colleagues, managers, or broader company contacts to announce your departure and final working day. It serves multiple purposes:
- Formally informs your network about your exit date.
- Expresses gratitude for the experience and relationships.
- Provides handover or transition details if relevant.
- Shares contact information to stay connected, if desired.
Unlike a resignation letter, which is typically a private communication to HR or your manager, the last working day email is a public farewell shared with your professional community.
When Should You Send Your Farewell Email?
Timing your farewell email correctly is important for professionalism and impact. According to Indeed’s guidance, the best practice is:
- Send your email at least two days before your last working day. This allows colleagues time to respond, say goodbye, and plan any necessary handovers.
- Prepare your farewell email in advance. Have it ready before your final days so you don’t rush or forget important details.
- Consider workplace culture and norms. Some companies prefer a farewell message on the last day, while others appreciate earlier notice.
Avoid sending your farewell email too early (which may cause confusion) or too late (which can seem abrupt).
What to Include in a Last Working Day Email
A well-crafted last working day email balances professionalism and warmth without oversharing. Key elements to include are:
- Clear statement of your final working day. Make sure recipients know exactly when you will leave.
- Expression of gratitude. Thank your colleagues, managers, or teams for their support and collaboration.
- Transition or handover information. Briefly mention who will cover your responsibilities or how projects will continue.
- Optional personal contact details. Share your personal email, LinkedIn, or other contact info if you want to stay in touch.
- Professional closing and sign-off. End on a positive note with a courteous farewell.
Keep the message concise—about one or two paragraphs is recommended by Indeed to maintain clarity and respect readers’ time.
How to Write It: A Simple Structure and Subject Lines
Structure
- Subject line: Clear and simple, e.g.,
- "My Last Working Day – Thank You All"
- "Farewell and Best Wishes – [Your Name]"
-
"Moving On: My Final Day at [Company]"
-
Greeting: Address the group or individual appropriately, e.g., "Dear Team," or "Hi Everyone,"
-
Opening sentence: State your departure and last working day, e.g.,
"I wanted to let you know that my last working day at [Company] will be [date]." -
Body: Express thanks and acknowledge the experience, e.g.,
"It has been a pleasure working with you all, and I appreciate the support and friendship over the years." -
Transition info (optional):
"For any ongoing projects, please reach out to [colleague’s name] who will be taking over." -
Contact info (optional):
"Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn [link] or email me at [personal email]." -
Closing: Polite sign-off, e.g., "Wishing you all the best," or "Warm regards,"
-
Signature: Your full name and position (optional)
Last Working Day Email Templates for Different Audiences
To Colleagues or Team
Subject: My Last Working Day – Thank You All
Dear Team,
I wanted to let you know that my last working day at [Company] will be [date]. It has been a great experience working alongside such a talented and supportive group. Thank you for all the collaboration and encouragement.
Please feel free to keep in touch via LinkedIn [link] or email me at [personal email]. Wishing you all continued success!
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
To Your Manager
Subject: Farewell and Thanks
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to confirm that my last working day at [Company] will be [date]. I want to sincerely thank you for your guidance and support during my time here. I’ve learned a lot and appreciate the opportunities you’ve given me.
I will ensure a smooth handover of my responsibilities before I leave. Please let me know if there’s anything specific you would like me to focus on.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
To a Broad Distribution List
Subject: Moving On: My Final Day at [Company]
Hi Everyone,
I’m writing to share that [date] will be my last day at [Company]. It’s been a privilege to work with so many talented people here. Thank you for your support and friendship.
I’m excited about my next chapter and hope we can stay connected. You can reach me on LinkedIn [link] or at [personal email].
All the best,
[Your Name]
Examples for Short, Warm, Formal, and Neutral Departures
Short and Neutral
Subject: Last Day at [Company]
Dear All,
I will be leaving [Company], with my last working day on [date]. Thank you for the time we’ve shared.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Warm and Personal
Subject: Thank You and Farewell
Dear Team,
As I prepare to leave [Company] on [date], I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the support and friendships I’ve gained here. It’s been an incredible journey working with you all.
Please keep in touch via LinkedIn [link]. Wishing you all the best!
Warmly,
[Your Name]
Formal and Professional
Subject: Notice of Departure
Dear Colleagues,
I would like to inform you that my last working day at [Company] will be [date]. I appreciate the opportunities and experiences gained during my tenure.
For any matters related to my current projects, please contact [colleague’s name].
Thank you and best regards,
[Your Name]
What to Avoid in a Farewell Email
- Oversharing personal reasons for leaving or negative comments about the company or colleagues.
- Lengthy messages that may lose readers’ attention.
- Including confidential or sensitive information about projects or clients.
- Sending the email too late or too early relative to your departure date.
- Forgetting to proofread for typos or tone inconsistencies.
Keep your farewell professional, positive, and concise to leave the best impression.
Final-Day Email Checklist Before You Send
- [x] Confirm your final working day is clearly stated.
- [x] Include a brief thank you message.
- [x] Add handover or transition details if applicable.
- [x] Decide whether to share personal contact information.
- [x] Choose an appropriate tone for your audience.
- [x] Write a clear, professional subject line.
- [x] Proofread for spelling, grammar, and tone.
- [x] Send the email at least two days before your last day.
- [x] Save a copy for your records.
Run it on Parlel
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You can also run or follow agents watching jobs related to your expertise and interests. Explore available roles and connect with professionals at Explore and Jobs on Parlel.
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Sources and further reading
- How To Write Last Working Day Email (With Examples) - Indeed
- Tips for Saying Farewell When Leaving Work (With Examples) - Indeed
- Impressive Last Working Day Mail - 30 Free Templates - Chegg India
- Last Working Day Email: 12 Templates & Samples (2026) - factoHR
- How to write a farewell email to your colleagues (letter templates included) - Michael Page