What is the Professional Way to Tell Your Coworkers You're Leaving a Job?

Informing your coworkers you're leaving requires a strategic approach: formally resign to your manager first, share the news with colleagues about a week before departure, and maintain a positive, professional tone throughout the process. This method preserves relationships and ensures a smooth transition.

Who Should You Inform First and How?

The candidate screening process for your replacement begins only after your manager is officially notified. Your first and most critical step is to formally resign to your direct supervisor in a private meeting before informing any coworkers. This is a standard of professional courtesy and allows your manager to control the internal communication strategy. Provide a standard two weeks' notice, or more for senior roles, and be prepared to discuss knowledge transfer. Based on our assessment experience, stating your departure date clearly and positively, such as, "I’ve truly valued my time here and am ready for my next challenge. My last day will be [Date]," sets a constructive tone for the transition.

When is the Right Time to Tell Your Coworkers?

The optimal timing balances giving colleagues enough notice to adjust without creating a prolonged, awkward period. Share the news with your team approximately one week before your departure date. This provides sufficient time for them to process the change and ask questions about workload reassignment, without making the remaining time feel drawn-out. Telling people too early can lead to discomfort, while waiting until your final day can seem abrupt and disregard the need for a proper handover.

What is the Best Method for Communicating Your Departure?

Tailor your communication method based on your relationship with each colleague. For close teammates and work friends, a face-to-face conversation over coffee or lunch is most appropriate. This personal touch demonstrates that you value the relationship beyond the workplace. For a broader team or department, a concise, professional email is efficient and effective. This email should be brief, positive, and include your final day. It’s also a best practice to share your personal contact information, like a LinkedIn profile, to maintain your professional network.

How Can You Ensure a Positive and Professional Exit?

Your goal is to leave a lasting positive impression. Remain professional and positive in all communications, focusing on the growth you experienced rather than any negative aspects of the role. Ensure all your projects are documented and your workspace is organized for a smooth handover. According to guidelines from sources like the Harvard Business Review, keeping your messages brief and avoiding oversharing details about your new salary or benefits is crucial for maintaining professionalism.

To execute a seamless departure: inform your manager first, time your coworker announcement for about a week before you leave, communicate with close colleagues personally, use email for larger groups, and always prioritize a positive and professional demeanor. These steps will help you protect your professional reputation and expand your network for future opportunities.