Writing a Simple Retirement Email Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample retirement email letter as a template for your formal notification.

A retirement email letter is one of the greatest times of a person’s life. After putting in years and years of labor to a job, the aspect of getting to travel the world or stay home and do nothing seems exciting. For some it is the fact that no one will be telling them what to do anymore.
For others, it is the freedom to sleep till noon and stay up all night if they so choose. The first thing that needs to be done before the big celebrations begin is to write a letter of retirement to the company.
It may be one of the hardest letters there is to write, but a retirement letter helps the company to plan for their future. There is much debate on how long a person should give the company as a formal notice. The acceptable term is around two weeks. However, more and more people are giving their employers more time to find a suitable replacement. If the company has been good to work for and they always been fair, give them more than the standard two weeks. If it is a corporate position, it may be hard to fill this slot, and they will probably need a longer span than a couple of weeks.
For others, it is the freedom to sleep till noon and stay up all night if they so choose. The first thing that needs to be done before the big celebrations begin is to write a letter of retirement to the company.
It may be one of the hardest letters there is to write, but a retirement letter helps the company to plan for their future. There is much debate on how long a person should give the company as a formal notice. The acceptable term is around two weeks. However, more and more people are giving their employers more time to find a suitable replacement. If the company has been good to work for and they always been fair, give them more than the standard two weeks. If it is a corporate position, it may be hard to fill this slot, and they will probably need a longer span than a couple of weeks.
Start the letter formally with your return name and address, date and the companies’ name. This letter may be submitted to Social Security to help with processing a claim and can be used as evidence of a retirement. With that in mind, make sure it includes all pertinent information for quick reference. A subject line can be included to allow the HR person to know what you are writing about.
Start the first paragraph by thanking the company for the opportunity to serve them for the many years you have. It is okay to add a few pleasantries to the first paragraph, after all the person has been working for the company for a long time. Sharing a few memories of company events or summarizing your employment over the past few years is acceptable.
What there don’t need to be are any complaints about the company put in the letter. This is not that type of letter and complaints should be addressed in a different manor. Also, if there are health problems or any other personal information to the derogatory, try not to include that in the letter. A person always wants to go out upbeat and happy, and leave a positive footprint behind. The letter should state the dates of retirement, some pleasantries and nothing else.
What there don’t need to be are any complaints about the company put in the letter. This is not that type of letter and complaints should be addressed in a different manor. Also, if there are health problems or any other personal information to the derogatory, try not to include that in the letter. A person always wants to go out upbeat and happy, and leave a positive footprint behind. The letter should state the dates of retirement, some pleasantries and nothing else.
Sample Retirement Email Letter
To: donald@business.com
Subject: Retirement
Dear Donald,
I want to personally thank the Lawrence Hillman Corporation for allowing me to be a part of a wonderful company for nearly 40 years. As I approach my 65th birthday, I find it necessary to take my retirement. I want to be able to travel with my wife and enjoy life while I still have the health to do it. It will be bitter sweet to leave such a wonderful company, and all my friends. However, I have put in my time and now want to explore the world and enjoy my time left.
My last day of employment will be on DATE. That will give the company more than three weeks to find an adequate replacement for my position. While it won’t be easy to find another person like me, perhaps a new person with fresh ideas may brighten the whole company outlook. I am sad to be leaving, but will enjoy my wife and the freedom that retirement allows.
I would like to thank you and the company for being such an important part of my life. From the company fish fry to the annual Christmas Parties, I will truly miss all of these things. I am lucky to have dedicated my life to such a wonderful company. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 555-123-3752.
Sincerely,
George G. Phillips
By Andre Bradley
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