How to Announce Your Retirement

Whether you are an employee or a retiree, announcing your retirement can be a difficult time. Not only is it a time of personal reflection, but it can also be a time when you have to say goodbye to people you have worked with for many years.

Regardless of the decision you have made, it is important to announce your retirement in a professional and timely manner. Doing so will help ensure that your company has enough time to prepare for your departure and that you are able to leave with full employer matching funds in your retirement account.

Step 1: Send a retirement announcement letter to your boss and co-workers.

Having a written copy of your retirement announcement will prevent any miscommunication or confusion between you and your company. This document will also be used as evidence should your employer need to prove that you gave proper notice.

The retirement announcement letter should be personalized and brief, detailing what you have been doing for the company, why you are leaving and when you plan to retire. The letter should also be addressed to your immediate supervisor or the appropriate person at your company.

Make sure the date is on the retirement announcement letter, as this will be useful to your employer should they need proof of your notice and date of resignation. It will also be a good idea to include your reason for deciding to retire so that you can demonstrate how much effort you have put into your career and why you want to end it on a high note.

Step 2: Book a private meeting with your supervisor or the person who oversees you at work.

The meeting can be formal or less formal, depending on the relationship you have with your supervisor. The point of the meeting is to inform your supervisor that you are planning to retire and to ask for any assistance they may need to transition you into retirement.

If you have a replacement in mind, it is important to tell your supervisor as early as possible so that they can find a suitable person for the position. This will allow you to help train the new employee and give your replacement time to get up to speed before you retire.

You should also consider sending personal notes to any colleagues or business associates who are significant to you at your company. This is a good way to thank those for their contributions and to let them know that you will miss their company.

Sharing your retirement news with friends and family can be a very touching moment, especially if you are able to meet them for a barbeque or a dinner together after retiring. However, you should be careful to share only a simple message that conveys your gratitude for their contributions and to say goodbye with a smile.