Things to Consider while Writing a Retirement speech for a coworker

  A retirement speech for a coworker is a sincere appreciation of the retiree’s contribution to the company.  It’s a celebration and a fond farewell to a co-worker.  It is an emotional occasion and the speaker should use the anecdotes to illustrate the personality and accomplishments of the retiree.  If you are asked to give a speech to honor a retiree, make him memorable and respectful, while adding a sense of humor, if it suits you and your retired co-worker.

  Want to write a farewell letter or retirement speech for coworker or employee who is leaving but doesn’t know the best way to write it?  You are not alone.  This article contains helpful tips that will help you learn how to write a great farewell letter.  It will also help you discover the nice things to say to someone announcing their resignation, retirement, promotion, or transfer to another organization.

  You might never have been asked to give a retirement speech before now.  It can be difficult to know where to start.  Do not feel disoriented.  Retirement letters like any opportunity to speak in front of the public.

What to say to a coworker who is retiring?

  The process is similar to when writing a Best Man / Maid of Honor speech.  Even if you are an experienced public speaker, take some time to prepare.  The last thing you want is to stand in front of everyone and realize that you don’t know enough about retirees to properly honor them.

  A person’s professional career includes many different stages.  It starts as a trainee and then advances to successive levels earning great respect.  This is that time period that gives him those eternal memories like lunchtime laughter, serious business discussions, meeting deadlines by working through the wee hours, arguments with the boss etc.  All these moments flashed like a poster from various aspects of his career on his retirement day.

  Retirement is the end of a career that is not complete without a letter.  It is a moment when you feel happy and sad about the retiree.  So, to make the occasion special, an excellently delivered retirement speech can do wonders.

  Are you responsible for giving the speech at your friend’s retirement party?  Congratulations!  This means that others are confident in your ability to inform, inspire and entertain.  Take their confidence in your abilities very seriously and take up the task with courage.

  How to write a retirement speech for a coworker

  If you’ve been responsible for delivering a retirement letter to an employee for a long time, take time to gather information about the person.  You might need to do some research.  We hope you can get the information you are looking for without resorting to the honoree for help.

  If you feel that you are missing essential details, try reaching out to some colleagues.  Employees who work with retirees or a retired supervisor will be good people to talk to.

  This step is especially important if you don’t have a personal relationship with the employee.  Getting one or all of these facts incorrect will be embarrassing for you and your supervisor.

  Hopefully, he asks you to give this speech because you know what makes this person unique.  But this is not always the case, especially if you are the head of a large group of people.  You may need to meet with coworkers and family members to get to know the person you honor.

Retirement speech for coworker sample

  When (name of retiree) joined (name of company), black and white television had just arrived in Ireland, and Liverpool’s new pop group, The Beatles, was topping the charts with a song called Hard Day’s Night.

 (Name of retiree) led the company through times of great change from the early days to help out with the plant or assist with sales and distribution.  He was appointed General Manager in 1980, and over the next twenty years he oversaw many key moments and developments.

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  (Provide some examples of the shift in manufacturing, distribution, and commerce, and conviction and consistency with which the branding strategy has followed.)

  John was assertive, fair, and consistent – you knew where you stood with him and if you get a briefing, you probably deserve it, and you once said it was over and you did.

  He was very good at encouraging initiative and developing teamwork and the company showed tremendous flair in entrepreneurship during the 1980s and 1990s.

  He was a very good and empowered listener, it was as if he was following the saying “The best way to retain power is to share it, and the best way to have influence is to listen.”

  (Name of retiree) didn’t have any great business philosophy I could discern – he just seemed to focus on getting the basics right.  I think using your talents and leaving a legacy is something we all want to do and John has succeeded in doing it.  However, he was almost outspoken in seeking recognition for his accomplishments.  One of the nice things I’ve heard about John is that he’s basically the same guy who joined (name of company) all those years ago.

  (Name of company) is a better place to be thanks to John’s efforts.  Let’s hope we can all say it when our time comes.

  My last tribute is to say this is such foundation strength that he has gained such that I believe we can all face the future with confidence under Kevin’s leadership.  (Behind him)

 (name of retiree), I describe my toast as “the best is yet to come” and I hope this feels good for you personally and the company that makes an impact.  Enjoy retirement hobbies – golf, hillside walks, travel and any new activities you resort to.

 (Name of retiree) is retiring from (name of company), but a new world of business, entertainment and volunteer opportunities awaits you.  There are dozens of organizations that value his talents and skills.

  I know he’s well prepared for this transfer, having worked with a retirement coach for the past year.

  (Name of retiree), I remember the words of the Roman poet Horace …  “You have played enough, have eaten and drank enough, it is time to leave.”

  Congratulations on a wonderful career path, and best wishes for the next stage – we are pleased to get to know you and work with you.

  For yourself and wife, I wish you a long life, health and happiness together.  The wheel is full circle and it’s time to start over.  You initially said Hard Day’s Night was at the top of the charts when you joined ACME, it was “Long and Winding Road” and now you have a “ticket to ride!”