Should I send a goodbye email after a layoff?

Yes, to people you worked with closely, and keep it short. A goodbye note is how most people keep in touch with former colleagues, and it costs you nothing.

Can I send it to the whole company?

Only if that is normal where you worked and your manager is fine with it. Otherwise send it to your team and the people you worked with.

What should I leave out?

Anything about the layoff decision, management or severance. Keep it positive and forward-looking; it may be forwarded to people you have never met.

Goodbye email to coworkers after a layoff

Your coworkers are your best references and your first leads. A brief, kind note with a personal address to reach you keeps them.

Subject: Moving on from [team or company]

Hi all,

Today is my last day, as my position was part of the layoffs. I wanted to say thank you before I go.

Working with [team or company] has been the best part of this job. I will remember [one thing you will remember], and I learned something from nearly every one of you.

I am looking for [what you are looking for]. If you hear of anything, or want to stay in touch, I am at [personal email or phone]. I would be glad to be a reference for any of you.

Take care of each other.

[your name]

Open in my email app

How to get it right

Send it from your work address only if you still have access, and put your personal address in the body. Your work address stops working the day you leave.
Keep it under 120 words and leave out anything about the decision or the company. This note will be forwarded.
Offer to be a reference. Coworkers who are also looking will often do the same for you.
Before access is cut, ask your manager whether it is fine to send a note to your team. If not, send it individually from your personal account the next day.

Questions about this message

Should I send a goodbye email after a layoff?: Yes, to people you worked with closely, and keep it short. A goodbye note is how most people keep in touch with former colleagues, and it costs you nothing.
Can I send it to the whole company?: Only if that is normal where you worked and your manager is fine with it. Otherwise send it to your team and the people you worked with.
What should I leave out?: Anything about the layoff decision, management or severance. Keep it positive and forward-looking; it may be forwarded to people you have never met.

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