How to Say Goodbye When a Staff Member Leaves Your Small Business

It’s never easy saying goodbye to someone at work, especially in a small business where everyone knows each other. Whether they’re off to a new job, retiring, or just fancy a change, it can be a bit awkward knowing what to say – or do. Should you make a big deal of it? Or just say “bye” and move on?

In this post, we’ll chat about what to consider when someone leaves your team, how to give them a proper send-off (without it being cringey), and why it’s actually quite important to acknowledge their time with you. All in a relaxed, down-to-earth way, of course.

Why It Matters How You Say Goodbye

Let’s be honest – endings can feel a bit weird. But the way you say goodbye to a staff member can really stick with people. It’s not just about the person leaving either – the rest of your team is watching how you handle it. A quick “cheers, good luck” might seem fine at the time, but it can feel a bit cold if that person’s been part of your business for ages.

Think about it like this: if you ignore someone’s departure, it can look like you don’t value your team. On the flip side, if you handle it well, it shows you care about your people – and that can help build a better workplace overall.

Does It Have to Be a Big Fuss?

Nope! You don’t have to throw a huge party (unless you want to). It’s more about making a bit of effort to acknowledge that someone’s moving on. A small gesture goes a long way – especially if it feels genuine. The key is to keep it personal and appropriate for your business and your team’s vibe.

Reasons People Leave – And Why That Affects the Goodbye

Not every goodbye is the same. How you handle it might depend on why someone’s leaving. Here are a few examples:

• They got a new job – Wish them well and maybe say something about their new adventure.
• They’re retiring – Definitely time for a proper thank you and celebration!
• They’re off for personal reasons – Keep it supportive and respectful, especially if things are sensitive.
• They’ve been let go – A bit trickier. You might not do a public send-off, although if they have been made redundent you might want to.  You can still be kind and professional in the situation though.

Small Gestures That Make a Big Difference

You don’t need to roll out the red carpet, but a few thoughtful touches can really show you appreciate someone’s time with your business. Here are some easy ideas:

1. Say Something Nice

This sounds obvious, but just taking a moment to say something kind can mean a lot. A quick thank-you, a memory from when they started, an occasion where they made a significent contribution to the business, or even when they made everyone laugh in a difficult situation, or just wishing them luck for what’s next – it all helps.

2. Write a Card

Get the team to sign a card with little messages. It’s simple, costs next to nothing, and gives the person something to take away with them. You could even get a little gift, if that suits your team culture.

3. Do a Team Send-Off

This could be anything from a trip to the pub after work, to a pizza lunch in the office. Doesn’t have to be fancy – just a chance to say goodbye properly and maybe have a laugh.

4. Post Something (If They’re Cool With It)

If your business uses social media or has an internal newsletter, you could do a quick post saying thanks and wishing them well. Check they’re happy with it first though – not everyone wants the spotlight!

What Not to Do

Sometimes, trying too hard can backfire. Here’s a few things to avoid:

• Don’t ignore it completely – Even if it’s awkward, silence can feel a bit rude.  It can feel odd for your ex-staff member if it gets to 5pm on a Friday and they just walk out the door, unacknowledged.
• Don’t make it about you – This is their moment. Try not to turn it into a big speech about the company or yourself.
• Don’t overdo it – If they’ve only been with you a few weeks, maybe skip the gold watch ceremony.
• Don’t pressure them to celebrate – Some people don’t want a fuss, and that’s totally fine. Ask what they’d like.

How to Handle Goodbyes in a Tiny Team

In really small businesses, things can feel even more personal. You might have worked side by side with someone for years – or maybe you’re practically mates. That can make it feel harder to say goodbye, but also more meaningful.

Here are some low-key ideas that work well in a small team:

• Go for a coffee or lunch one-on-one
• Write a short letter or email saying thanks for everything
• Share a funny or heartfelt memory with the rest of the team
• Give them something small but personal – like a framed photo of the team or a silly in-joke gift

The nice thing about a small team is that goodbyes feel genuine. It’s easier to keep it real and personal.

What If You Didn’t Get On?

Not every work relationship is a dream. If the person leaving didn’t quite fit in, or there was tension, it’s still worth saying goodbye with respect. You don’t have to fake a big emotional send-off, but a simple “Thanks and good luck” keeps things professional and avoids burning bridges.

Besides, people change jobs all the time – you never know when paths might cross again. Ending on good terms is just good business sense, next time you meet you may be wanting to sell them or their business something, or even be looking for a job.

Involving the Team

Letting the rest of the team be part of the goodbye is important. It gives people a chance to show appreciation and also helps them adjust to the change. You might want to:

• Ask if anyone wants to chip in for a gift or card
• Give everyone time to say goodbye (not just at 5pm on their last day!)
• Share the news early enough so it’s not a surprise

Involving people helps them feel valued too – and keeps the team vibe positive.

What About Remote Workers?

If your team’s remote or hybrid, goodbyes might need a bit more planning. Try these:

• Organise a short goodbye call or video chat
• Email around a digital card (like using Kudoboard or something similar)
• Send a small gift or card to their home
• Give them a shout-out in your team chat or Slack

It’s still possible to make someone feel special, even if you’re not in the same room.

How to Handle Emotions (Without Being Mushy)

Some goodbyes bring up a few emotions – especially if it’s someone you’ve worked closely with for ages. That’s okay. You don’t have to be super soppy, but it’s fine to show you care. Just be yourself and keep it sincere.

If you get a bit choked up, no worries. That just shows you value them. Most people appreciate honesty more than a perfectly polished goodbye.

After They Leave – Staying in Touch (Or Not)

Once they’ve gone, you might want to stay in touch – or not. It depends on the person and the situation. If you got on well, connect on LinkedIn or drop them a message a few weeks later. If not, a clean break is okay too.

What matters is that you ended things professionally. If you do keep in touch, it could lead to future collaborations, referrals, or even boomerang hires (when someone comes back later on as has happened to me on more than one occassion as a freelancer!).

Quick Tips Round-Up

• Always acknowledge someone leaving – don’t pretend nothing’s happening
• Keep it simple, genuine, and personal
• Don’t overdo it – match the goodbye to the situation
• Involve the team if they want to be involved
• Handle tricky situations with professionalism and kindness
• Remote goodbyes need a bit more effort, but they’re just as important

Final Thoughts

Saying goodbye when someone leaves your small business doesn’t have to be awkward or dramatic. Just a little bit of effort can leave a big impression. It shows you care about your people – not just while they’re working with you, but when they move on too.

So next time someone hands in their notice, don’t just mutter “cheers” as they walk out the door. Take a moment to say goodbye properly – you’ll be glad you did.