An avid freelance writer, Tamsen has penned multiple published articles along with books using her advanced degrees and certifications.
Updated January 12, 2019
Sample retirement congratulations letters can provide you with a guideline for commending someone special on a great career. Use these sample congratulations on your retirement letters as a jumping off point for your well wishes for co-workers.
Retirement is the phase in life when leisure and family take our focus. We put to rest the hectic schedules we once adhered to and learn a new pace of living. Many people look forward to retirement though they fear the uncertain. The thrill of accomplishing career goals, being esteemed by coworkers and colleagues in the work environment is passing away. For those who have always been defined by their career, recognized by their role, a new person must emerge-a retired person. On the other hand, for those who have had a long and stressful career, whose days dragged on dreadfully, retirement sounds like heaven.
Whichever category your friend or loved one fits in, retirement letters of congratulations are keepsakes that will be cherished by the retiree for many years. The letter should be carefully written and should encompass a great deal of gratitude and well wishes in just a few paragraphs. Use the following examples as guides, but be sure to personalize them to make them special. If you need help with downloading or editing the sample letters, check out the Guide for Adobe Printables.
When the boss retires, you want to make sure to thank them for the work they did in the capacity of your boss. Even if you aren't too fond of your boss as an individual, it's important to not burn bridges in the business world; you never know when your paths may again cross.
A letter to an employee from a boss congratulating them on their retirement should be complimentary, yet brief.
It's appropriate to compose a congratulations letter to a co-worker who is retiring, especially if you have a friendly relationship with them.
A client who has a long-standing professional relationship with someone retiring may feel compelled to write a letter of congratulations. This is appropriate and is a nice gesture of professional respect.
The first step in composing a retirement letter of congratulations is selecting your materials. Will you use company stationery or something fancier? Will you handwrite the letter or type it? These answers are optional and should be based on your position, whether you are a dear friend or a company leader, and the level of formality you wish to present. If the work setting is intimate and friendly, a handwritten letter may be suitable. However, if the company is a large industry with a reserved work atmosphere, an official letter may be fitting. In some cases, writing both a formal and personal letter may be appropriate. The following is a sample start to your letter:
Dear Jane Doe,
On behalf of XX Industries, I would like to thank you for your many years of hard work. You have been both a pleasure and productive presence in our company for the past 25 years. Today we honor you, commend your efforts and bless your future endeavors.
Are you InTheKnow ?Whether the letter is formal or informal, penned by hand or typed in a traditional font, it should be original. Avoid copying some vague sample you find online or elsewhere. This letter should be a special work, not a random handout. The following are some tips to help you create something unique:
Once you have gathered all of your information, you can compose your letter. At this point, you have enough exclusive material to compile a letter that describes the career successes and accomplishments of the retiree and congratulates them on the relationships they forged throughout the years. Your closing statements can be general, offering good wishes for the years to come. The following is a sample closing for your retirement congratulations letter:
You have survived a fierce work environment and contributed much. We hope your retirement brings you the contentment and relaxation you have earned. Our best wishes go with you as you journey into retirement. May your former hurried pace be replaced with leisure, long visits with family and pleasure in life's small joys.
Summing up a person's entire career on a communal congratulations card can seem difficult, particularly if writing isn't your forte. Instead of getting too wordy, keep your sentiments brief and focus on what's to come. Here are some examples:
Retiring can be exciting, but it can also feel strange as the person starts to wonder about their self-worth if they're easily replaced in their professional role. A kindly worded letter of congratulations from a respected person can make the transition a little easier.
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