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Last day at work

LAST WORKING DAY

9 tips for a positive farewell with samples

Whether you are starting your last day of work before a job change, going on maternity leave or about to retire - emotions vary greatly. The feeling of anticipation for the new phase of life is often mixed with melancholy. Questions suddenly arise that you never thought of before:

  • How do I say goodbye appropriately? 
  • What do I say to my colleagues as a farewell? 
  • What do I write to my colleagues as a farewell?
  • How do I say goodbye to retirement or maternity leave?
  • What other things do I need to consider on my last day at work?

A last day at work is more than just a day to say goodbye, it is an opportunity to leave a good last impression with your employer, maintain positive relationships and make the transition as smooth as possible. As a recruitment agency with years of experience, we have the answers to these questions and offer helpful tips to help you make the most of your last day at work.

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GOOD REASONS FOR A CONFIDENT FAREWELL ON YOUR LAST DAY AT WORK

A confident farewell to the company is important for several reasons. First, it serves to maintain a good relationship with your current company and your co-workers. You never know when you will cross paths again or if you will work together again in the future. By saying goodbye professionally, you show your appreciation and respect for the employer and leave a positive, confident last impression.

In addition, a good goodbye will contribute to your own professional reputation and help you in your job search. By taking care of any outstanding tasks and saying goodbye respectfully, you demonstrate your commitment and sense of responsibility. This has a positive impact on future recommendations and on the rating in your job reference.

In addition, an orderly farewell helps you to make a clear cut and prepare for the next stage of your life - be it a new job, maternity leave or retirement.

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    2. Tip 1: Plan your farewell words

    Think about and prepare your parting words. Whether you give a short exit speech or have one-on-one conversations: Thank them for their time together and express your appreciation. For example, you can mention what you have learned during this time and which experiences you particularly appreciate.
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    3. Tip 2: Fulfil your duties

    On the last day of work, all pending projects and tasks should be completed. If this is not possible, then at best draw up a detailed handover plan to the successor. This can include, for example, a list of open tasks and corresponding contact persons. This will make it easier for your employees to successfully take over unfinished work packages.
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    4. Tip 3: Hand over your responsibilities

    Make sure you clearly communicate not only your tasks but also your responsibilities within the company. For example, who will take over your projects? Who will be the contact person for certain topics in the future? Clear and open communication helps to avoid misunderstandings and makes it easier for your successors to take over your tasks.
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    5. Tip 4: Check your expenses

    Another important point is to check that the expense report is correct. Make sure that all outstanding expense claims have been submitted and approved. This way you avoid unpleasant queries and additional phone calls and ensure that no money is withheld from you.
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    6. Tip 5: Write a goodbye email

    A well-worded farewell email is a good way to thank your colleagues and stay in touch. In it, you express your gratitude, highlight your learning experiences and wish your team all the best for the future. You can also add your private contact details to the farewell email to enable contact beyond the last day of work.
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    7. Tip 6: Clean up your company computer

    On your last day of work, be sure to clean up your computer. Back up your personal data on an external storage medium and then delete it from the machine. Don't forget to also delete your browsing history and saved passwords. This will protect your privacy and make it easier for your successor to get started.
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    8. Tip 7: Make use of networking opportunities

    Your last working day before your new job is a good opportunity to maintain and expand your contacts. Whether you change jobs, go on maternity leave or retire, your professional network remains valuable. Share your information on LinkedIn and ask for recommendations or endorsements of your skills.
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    9. Tip 8: Have a farewell talk with your superiors and/or the HR department

    A farewell talk with your supervisor or HR department gives you the opportunity to show your commitment and leave a good last impression. Use this conversation to talk about your experiences and learning. At the same time, you can express your interest in future opportunities.
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    10. Tip 9: Have a qualified employer's reference issued

    During your last days at the company, remember that you are entitled to a qualified reference. It is best to take care of this while you are still with the company. It is best to check your reference before you leave so that any corrections or additions can be incorporated directly.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WORDS OF FAREWELL ON THE LAST DAY OF WORK

Finding the right words to say goodbye can be a challenge. After all, you want to thank your colleagues and at the same time express your anticipation for the new phase of your life. Here are some inspiring words of farewell for your last day at work, whether you are changing jobs, on maternity leave or retiring.

Last day of work farewell words - general

"Hello everyone,
it feels surreal to write these words, but here we are - my last day working with you. Together we have mastered the craziest projects, made the impossible possible and had a lot of fun.
For all the great moments, the challenges and of course the coffee break philosophies, I want to say thank you. And [colleague's name], I will miss your legendary jokes!
A new door is opening for me, but I carry the memories and all of you in my heart. I would love for us to keep in touch on [LinkedIn/Xing][link to profile].
Thanks for everything and hope to see you soon!"

"Hello everyone,
it feels surreal to write these words, but here we are - my last day working with you. Together we have mastered the craziest projects, made the impossible possible and had a lot of fun.
For all the great moments, the challenges and of course the coffee break philosophies, I want to say thank you. And [colleague's name], I will miss your legendary jokes!
A new door is opening for me, but I carry the memories and all of you in my heart. I would love for us to keep in touch on [LinkedIn/Xing][link to profile].
Thanks for everything and hope to see you soon!"


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Last day of work farewell words - maternity leave

"Dear Team,
Baby break is calling and I'm taking some time off to devote myself to what is probably the most exciting challenge of my life. But I will miss our team moments, the laughter and yes, even the stressful deadlines.
Your support, the little gifts and [colleague's name], your baby tips were just priceless. And I would be happy if we stay in touch via [LinkedIn/Xing][link to profile] until I am back with you after my time off.
Thank you so much for a great time, you guys are the best!"

"Dear Team,
Baby break is calling and I'm taking some time off to devote myself to what is probably the most exciting challenge of my life. But I will miss our team moments, the laughter and yes, even the stressful deadlines.
Your support, the little gifts and [colleague's name], your baby tips were just priceless. And I would be happy if we stay in touch via [LinkedIn/Xing][link to profile] until I am back with you after my time off.
Thank you so much for a great time, you guys are the best!"


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Last day of work farewell words - retirement

"Dear colleagues,
After decades of laughing, learning and working together, I say "goodbye" and look forward to the adventure of retirement.
You have accompanied me on this path and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. [Supervisor's name], without your wisdom, it would have been half the fun. Now it's time to: Unpack fishing rod, read books and explore the world.
But that doesn't mean we'll lose touch. I would be happy if we stay in touch via [LinkedIn/Xing](link to profile).
With one laughing eye and one crying eye, I say thank you and goodbye!"
These samples serve as suggestions and you should of course adapt them to your personal needs and style. Remember: an honest and sincere goodbye is best remembered.

"Dear colleagues,
After decades of laughing, learning and working together, I say "goodbye" and look forward to the adventure of retirement.
You have accompanied me on this path and for that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. [Supervisor's name], without your wisdom, it would have been half the fun. Now it's time to: Unpack fishing rod, read books and explore the world.
But that doesn't mean we'll lose touch. I would be happy if we stay in touch via [LinkedIn/Xing](link to profile).
With one laughing eye and one crying eye, I say thank you and goodbye!"
These samples serve as suggestions and you should of course adapt them to your personal needs and style. Remember: an honest and sincere goodbye is best remembered.


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CONCLUSION: MAKE YOUR LAST DAY AT WORK POSITIVE AND LOOK AHEAD

Your last day at work can be emotionally challenging, but with the right preparation and words, it can be a positive experience. At Hays, you will not only receive support with the transition to your new job, but also valuable tips for your career planning.

With our expertise in personnel consulting, we support you in creating meaningful application documents and prepare you optimally for your new professional challenges.

Of course, we will also help you with your job search. Discover diverse career opportunities in our job exchange or Jobsuche. Entdecken Sie vielfältige Karrieremöglichkeiten in unserer Jobbörse oder simply upload your CV and let us find the right job for you.

 

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