In this guide
Thank them, then send them off
The best retirement messages have two halves: a look back and a look ahead.
- 1
Thank them for something real
“Thank you for always making time to answer my questions.” A specific memory means more than “thanks for everything”. - 2
Celebrate what's next
“Enjoy the beach, the books and the long lunches.” Mention a hobby or plan if you know it.
Happy retirement! Thank you for 22 years of patience, great ideas and the best birthday cakes. Enjoy every slow morning.
Happy retirement! No more alarms, only adventures.
Congratulations on a career well done. Enjoy every slow morning.
You've earned this. Go do all the things you never had time for.
For a coworker
Coworkers can be warm and a little playful. Mention a project you did together, a habit everyone will miss, or something they taught you. Keep it short if it's a group card, and sign with your name so they know who wrote what.
Happy retirement! Work won't be the same without you, but you've more than earned this.
Congratulations on your retirement. Thanks for every bit of advice and every laugh.
Happy retirement! Who's going to fix the printer now?
For a boss or manager
For a boss, lead with respect and gratitude. Thank them for a chance they gave you, a lesson you still use or the way they looked after the team. Avoid anything that sounds like flattery or a performance review; this is about them as a person.
Happy retirement! Thank you for leading us with wisdom and patience.
Congratulations on your retirement. Your leadership shaped this whole team.
Happy retirement! Thank you for believing in us and pushing us to grow.
Funny retirement messages
Retirement is one of the best occasions for humor. Alarm clocks, meetings, the office printer and “reply all” are all fair game. Just steer clear of jokes about age or health.
Happy retirement! Your new boss is your own schedule, and it's very relaxed.
Congratulations on never having to set an alarm again. We're so jealous.
Happy retirement! Now you can nap without feeling guilty.
For a parent
When your mom or dad retires, tell them how proud you are. Mention the early mornings, the long commutes or the sacrifices they made, and wish them the rest and adventure they've earned. A photo from their early working years is a lovely touch.
Sending a group retirement card
Passing a paper card around the office is slow and someone always gets missed. With a group card online, everyone signs from their own phone, notes appear as sticky notes on the card, and you can schedule it to open on their last day.
P.S.Quick questions
- What do you write in a retirement card for a coworker?
- Thank them for something specific, share a short memory, and wish them a happy retirement. “Thank you for teaching me the ropes. Enjoy every slow morning!”
- What should you not write in a retirement card?
- Avoid jokes about age, health or being “put out to pasture”. Celebrate freedom and thank them for their work instead.
- How long should a message on a group retirement card be?
- One or two sentences, so everyone fits. A short thank-you plus a wish for their retirement is perfect.
- What do you write for a parent's retirement?
- Tell them how proud you are of everything they worked for, and wish them all the rest, travel and fun they've earned.
That's everything you need. The rest is just picking a photo and saying what you mean.
Love, Bun 🐰
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