Leaving a company is a significant career milestone that deserves thoughtful recognition. Insights from a Chief Executive Officer and a partner reveal how to make these farewells meaningful. Discover how to give a meaningful and personal farewell and how to organize a personalized farewell gathering among a total of eight insights. Learn from experts on how to balance respect and genuine acknowledgment for departing employees.
- Give a Meaningful and Personal Farewell
- Recognize Contributions and Maintain Positivity
- Host a Farewell Lunch or Dinner
- Organize a Skill-Sharing Session
- Balance Respect and Genuine Acknowledgment
- Organize a Personalized Farewell Event
- Host a Personalized Farewell Gathering
- Treat Departing Employees with Respect and Dignity
Give a Meaningful and Personal Farewell
When an employee leaves, we make it a point to give them a farewell that’s meaningful and personal. We usually organize a small gathering where team members share specific memories or talk about how that person made an impact. It’s less about formalities and more about genuine acknowledgment. For example, we once gave a departing teammate a notebook filled with handwritten notes from the team and a timeline of their achievements. It wasn’t flashy, but it showed we truly valued their journey with us. Before they left, we also made time for a one-on-one conversation to express our gratitude. Small gestures like these help employees leave on a positive note and remind them they’ll always be part of our story.
Vikrant Bhalodia
Head of Marketing & People Ops, WeblineIndia
Recognize Contributions and Maintain Positivity
Celebrating departing employees focuses on recognizing their contributions while keeping relationships positive. As a remote company, we’ve learned that thoughtful recognition matters more than elaborate gestures.
When our Director of Digital PR recently moved on to a new opportunity, we organized a virtual team gathering where colleagues shared how his leadership improved both our agency’s visibility and client results. The PR team highlighted how his strategies helped Thrive earn regular features in marketing publications, while our client teams shared stories of improved rankings and successful media placements he guided. We created a digital memory book showcasing both internal wins and client success stories that demonstrated his lasting impact on our agency’s growth.
Good departure celebrations focus on appreciation rather than loss. Taking time to recognize someone’s contributions helps maintain positive relationships and shows current team members that their work is valued, whether they stay for years or move on to new opportunities.
Aaron Whittaker
VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
Host a Farewell Lunch or Dinner
I like to make sure that employees who are leaving the company are recognized and celebrated for their contributions. One way I do this is by hosting a farewell lunch or dinner where coworkers can share memories and well-wishes. This allows everyone to say goodbye and show appreciation for the departing employee.
I enjoy giving personalized gifts, such as a handwritten card or a customized item with our company logo, as a token of appreciation. This shows that their time and efforts were valued and will be remembered even after they have left. My idea is to create a positive experience for employees, even as they move on to new opportunities.
One example of a meaningful approach was when one of our employees retired after 30 years with the company. We organized a surprise party for her, inviting past and present colleagues to join in the celebration. During the event, we had a slideshow highlighting her achievements and shared heartfelt messages from coworkers. She was also presented with a personalized plaque and gift basket as tokens of gratitude for her dedication and hard work over the years. It was an emotional yet joyful event that truly showed how much she meant to our company and how she will always be part of our family.
Daniel Cook
HR / Marketing Executive, Mullen and Mullen
Organize a Skill-Sharing Session
As a healthcare marketing agency leader, I’ve learned that organizing a skill-sharing session where the departing employee can pass on their knowledge while receiving recognition creates a meaningful legacy. Just last quarter, our senior content strategist hosted a workshop sharing her best practices, and we surprised her with a customized care package featuring items that represented her biggest achievements with us.
Ryan Miller
Founder & CEO, Etna Interactive
Balance Respect and Genuine Acknowledgment
Celebrating milestones for employees who are leaving the company requires a balance of respect and genuine acknowledgment of their contributions. The goal is to ensure the individual feels valued while maintaining a positive tone for the remaining team. A thoughtful approach involves personalizing the celebration to the employee’s preferences and reflecting on their achievements.
For example, hosting a small gathering where team members can share memories or express appreciation works well. This could be a lunch, coffee meet-up, or even a short team meeting, depending on the company culture and the individual’s comfort level. Prepare a few words or a short speech that highlights their impact, specific accomplishments, and the relationships they’ve built. This adds a personal touch and ensures the event feels meaningful rather than obligatory.
Another approach is to present a memento, such as a signed card or a small gift that ties to their time at the company. If appropriate, include a public acknowledgment, such as a LinkedIn post or a company newsletter mention, celebrating their contributions and wishing them success in their next chapter. This combination of public and personal recognition creates a lasting impression of respect and appreciation.
Dan Taylor
Partner, SALT.agency
Organize a Personalized Farewell Event
Organizing a personalized farewell event is a respectful way to celebrate an employee’s contributions as they transition out of the company.
Start by selecting a date and venue that accommodates the employee’s preferences and schedule, whether it’s a casual gathering at a local restaurant or a more formal event at the office. Personalize the event by incorporating themes that reflect the employee’s interests or achievements, such as a favorite hobby or a memorable project. Invite colleagues who have worked closely with the employee, encouraging them to share anecdotes and express their gratitude during the event.
Consider including a slideshow or video montage that showcases memorable moments and highlights from their time at the company. Providing a space for speeches or toasts allows team members to publicly acknowledge the employee’s impact. To make the occasion even more special, offer personalized gifts or keepsakes that the employees can take with them as a memento.
The goal is to create a warm, celebratory atmosphere that honors the employee’s journey and fosters lasting connections.
Marco Manazzone
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Zzone Homes
Host a Personalized Farewell Gathering
A thoughtful farewell can strengthen company culture and leave a lasting impression. One approach we’ve found effective is to host a personalized farewell gathering. This could involve a small, intimate gathering with close colleagues, a video tribute highlighting their achievements, or a heartfelt speech from a manager. A personalized gift can also be a nice touch.
For CEOs, founders, and other high-profile leadership these farewell send-offs may be included in annual all-hands meetings or other company-wide gatherings. Ultimately, the key is to make the departing employee feel valued and appreciated. By taking the time to celebrate their contributions, we can foster a positive company culture and maintain strong relationships, both with current and past employees.
Nikki Yep
Sr. Event Planner, Event Solutions
Treat Departing Employees with Respect and Dignity
Treating everyone with respect, appreciation, and dignity is your reputation. When an employee is departing from your organization, celebrating their accomplishments should be handled as if they were still on the team. Value your people, make them feel special, because you never know if they might return at some point in the future. Being consistent around how you treat your employees will differentiate your organization and build on your people-first culture.
Mark Krajnik, LSSGB, CPC
Fractional Chief People Officer, Performance Mindset Associates