Audience: associates in immediate department or larger group
Message: You have done a fine job; best wishes in your retirement.
Tone: formal
Timing: 2-3 minutes, depending on insertion of career details

I’m pleased to have the opportunity to help you mark your retirement and move into the golden years you’ve earned. To you, I’m sure the years have seemed to go by quickly. And, in fact, the time does pass quickly when you’re breaking industry records and piling up awards for yourself and the company.

Just to remind the group of a few:

[Insert several awards and career accomplishments.]

With all sincerity, we can say that in an disorganized world, (name) has conquered confusion. In a troubled industry, she has conquered obstacles of competition. In a difficult job position, she has conquered complacency.

And while gaining these awards for herself and making such contributions to the company, (name) has not lost sight of the opportunities for involvement in making our lives better outside the office. She has given her time on committees that contemplate the extra-curricular around here at (company) and in the larger community.

Specifically, I’m thinking of her work on the (type) programs and the annual (charity) drive. On both professional and personal problems that have needed a push off dead-center, she has offered insight and lent a hand with her network of contacts in the industry. Her uncollected favors from community leaders and her extensive files that seem to encompass anything of value that’s transpired in the past 30 years also have come in handy.

As I understand it, (name) is ready to mark the next 30 years as efficiently by beginning her own part-time consulting service. Let me say that if you offer the same quality of expertise we’ve been able to take advantage of during your career here, you’re going to be equally a success with that effort. When (name) walks out our front door, she’ll take our admiration with her. And she’ll leave memories of a competent, yet caring, individual. We’re the better for knowing and working with you, (name).

On this your retirement, I offer congratulations on a very successful career—one many of us hope to emulate. Your energy and vitality will undergird years of happiness, hobbies, and whatever hopes you have. Enjoy your leisure, your family and your friends. Godspeed in the years ahead.

Audience: associates in immediate department or larger group
Message: We will miss your friendship; best wishes in your retirement.
Tone: informal, light
Timing: 2-3 minutes

Set up a filing system for bills and canceled checks. Re-pot the ivy. Wallpaper the hallway. Oh, excuse me, that’s my list of honey-do’s, not yours. Oh, well, I’m sure yours will be similar—and longer. After all, you’ll have more time.

But, (name), look at it this way: Retirement has cured many a businessman’s ulcer—and given his wife one! So at the conclusion of this get-together, we are going to proceed with a very moving ceremony. We plan to bronze your coffee cup and send it home to (wife’s name). She’ll need it now.

Seriously, we know she and the rest of your family are looking forward to having you available to them more often. Their gain is our loss here at the office. Truly.

You’ve had a brilliant career, spanning (number) years. First at (company), then at (company), and finally at (company). And there may even be a few other places you’ve hung around while deciding what you wanted to be when you grew up.

This is both a sad and happy time. Happy because (name) is going to have time to enjoy himself. Sad because we hate to say good-bye to a dear friend. He’s proven that many times over. Whenever we’ve needed him, he’s been there through triumphs and tears. Our minor problems required only band-aids; our major problems often required crutches. He’s supplied both and always knew which to use on what occasion.

He has encouraged us loudly and encouraged us quietly. With our successes, he has given us personal attention and company-wide attention. With our failures, he has given us solace and direction for the future. He’s been there to explain—sometimes two or three times—to answer, to guide. That’s how he’s interacted with me and that’s how I’ve heard and seen him interact with many of you.

He knows that work is more than a desk, a pile of paperwork, and some customers. By his listening and sharing of his own wisdom gained through life’s experiences, he has demonstrated a realization that work is, after all, people rather than paperwork.

Our retirement wish for you, (name), is that you enjoy what’s ahead to its fullest. Enjoy your travel, your golfing, your church work. We know your retirement will be filled with all those returned kindnesses—those listening ears, unexpected favors, care and concern coming back to you.

You’re a dear friend and a real winner. We love you. God bless.

Audience: associates in the immediate department or larger group
Message: You have made a valuable contribution; best wishes in your retirement.
Tone: informal
Timing: 2-3 minutes

Samuel Johnson wryly observed: “Don’t think of retiring from the world until the world will be sorry that you retire. I hate a fellow whom pride or cowardice or laziness drive into a corner, and who does nothing when he is there but sit and growl. Let him come out as I do, and bark.”

Well, the world—at least ours here at (company)—is sorry to see (name) retire. And not that he’s been barking. But rather that he’s been leading the pack.

(Name), we’re going to miss that leadership. You’ve been vocal about policies that needed to be changed; management has changed them. You’ve been vocal about quality manufacturing; we’ve set up new quality-control procedures. You’ve been vocal about teamwork rather than turf divisions; we’re still working on that. But I think we’ve come a long way.

Because you have “been there,” been in the battle wholeheartedly, the demands of the job have been do-able and our motivation has been replenished with your enthusiasm,… your insight,… and your dedication.

That’s not to say, of course, that we have always agreed. We haven’t. But always, (name) has stood up for what he thought was right and best for all concerned, often in the face of heavy opposition. We agonized over delays and decisions and deadlines. We fought budget defeat, equipment deficiencies, and computer downtime. He has worked hard and long to bridge whatever gap there happened to be. There were even times we considered other careers—both of us. But the work was enjoyable because, ultimately, we were always on the same side—quality service to our customers.

I could go on to compliment (name)’s competence and his results. But then those have been obvious to everyone who has had opportunity to work with him. He has handled his work with admirable efficiency and expertise. As a result, we can say to our colleagues in the industry that our company is one to model.

Let me just sum up by saying, we as a company and as individuals will feel a great loss from your absence, (name). You command our attention and our respect.

We understand that you plan to remain in this area and continue your volunteer work with (project or organization). It’s good that you have a plan.

Let me just add a few other suggestions for these golden years: Continue to sound off in public about what our community and world needs to change. Influence our young people to apply themselves. Exercise every day. And spend your children’s inheritance!

Our best as you do so. Your rest and relaxation is well deserved.

Audience: associates in immediate department or larger group
Message: I will miss you, but I’m eager to get on with life.
Tone: informal, light
Timing: 1-2 minutes

Thomas Edison once remarked, “I start where the last man left off.” Although I’m certainly not comparing my successes to Edison’s, I do feel his modesty about those achievements you’ve mentioned in your earlier comments tonight.

Whatever I’ve been able to accomplish in these (number) years at (company) has been due in great part to the team spirit we have here. I’ve never considered myself to be a lone ranger. Whatever the project, there was always someone around—many of you in the audience. To give advice…. To lend support…. To bend the budget…. To approve the exceptions…. To applaud the results. That team spirit is what makes success sweet.
Thank you for making me look good on the projects and in the positions others have mentioned today.

Despite the enjoyment in working with you, I do not approach retirement with reluctance and regret. I’m looking forward to relaxing without fear that a customer will phone and catch me daydreaming. To eating a big lunch and not caring whether it makes me sleepy in the afternoon. To traveling without having to type up a trip report when I get off the plane. Although—I will probably miss those airfare and hotel reimbursements on my paycheck stub.

And I will miss making copies on the Xerox machine. And (name)’s weekly football statistics and predictions…. Sincerely, I will miss you all individually—your wit, your warmth, your willingness to help me out whenever I’ve called on you.

Keep up the good work here. You’ve been a wonderful team to work with. God bless.

Audience: associates in immediate department or larger group
Message: You are my friends, and I will miss you.
Tone: informal, light
Timing: 2-3 minutes, depending on insertion of personal anecdotes

Next week, I’m going to be a neophyte again…. You’re wondering how anyone at my age could be new at anything? The new task will be readjusting to more than six hours’ sleep and honestly listening to my wife when she talks. Why is it that some companies—when you retire and time is no longer so important—give you a watch?
I see good news and bad news in all that. The good news is that I’m going to be spending a lot more time on the lake. The bad news is that I’m going to be spending a lot of time missing you guys.

But one of the joys of retirement is that I can look back at you younger guys and be thankful I don’t have to go through all that pain of uncertainty again. Will I get the job, or won’t I? Will I meet the deadline, or won’t I? Will I get through traffic to my appointment, or won’t I?

Sitting on my boat, I’m sure to recall times like when

[Insert one or two personal anecdotes.]

Although I have plans to travel and to delve into several hobbies such as woodworking and stained glass, I will think often of you. Your laughter…. Your concern…. Your support in the emergencies…. You have added immeasurably to my professional success and to my personal well-being.

Thank you for the good times. I plan to stay in touch.

Audience: associates in immediate department or larger group
Message: Thank you for your contributions to my life; I hope I’ve contributed to yours.
Tone: formal
Timing: 3 minutes

A long time ago, someone asked me: “Why are you hurrying through life? Are you trying to get to the end?” That statement, or admonition, has taken on much more meaning as the years have passed.

Over (number) years ago, I walked out of the college corridors ready to conquer the world. With all the arrogance and confidence that college graduates possess before life has taken them on for a few rounds. But as I’ve despaired in some economic hard times and have lived high in better times, I’ve come to appreciate the uncertainty of tomorrow,… and the happiness of the present.

I ran into some good advice about half way through my career, back during the time when I thought 14-hours days were normal,… when I thought all missed deadlines would doom me to career disaster,… when I thought paper could replace people…. James Burgh, the Scottish author, advised: “…It is necessary that you have a mind so composed by prudence, reason, and religion, that it may bear being looked into….”

In other words, he cautioned that I’d never enjoy retirement until I prepared for it.

So how does one prepare for it? Well, I’m not sure I’ve discovered that completely. But what the thought meant to me was to slow down and develop some other interests in my life. So I’ve done that. I decided that when they wrote the last chapter of my life, I didn’t want to be disappointed to find out it was only a short story. Or worse, a book in a narrow specialty market—business only.

So, to prepare, I’ve spent more time with my family on family outings and projects. I’ve spent more time with some hobbies I enjoy, even taking a course or two just for fun through the years. And finally, I’ve spent more time learning to care about those people around me—people like you.

And time will eventually tell if I’ve prepared well. But at the moment, I look forward to the years ahead to expand all the opportunities. I’m grateful for good health, a supportive family, and a free country to live in as I please.

I didn’t have to wait for retirement for the full pay-off, however. During my years here, each of you has shown me many facets of life and laughter. I’ve enjoyed our Monday morning quarterbacking,… our celebration luncheons and dinners,… and just our routine, everyday work together.

Working with people like you means someone cares when you triumph. It means someone cares when your son came in from a school event too late the night before. It means someone cares when an elderly parent is lying in a hospital bed across the country. It means simply sharing a cup of coffee on a cold, dreary Monday morning. You have contributed to my life, and I hope in some small way I’ve contributed to yours.

Thank you for the kind words today and for coming to celebrate with me. I will miss you.

To the Retiree

Express appreciation for your association together.

Expand on pleasant personality traits, contributions to the group or you individually, and successes on the job.

Comment on future plans, if they are not too personal.

Wish the person well.

Be sincere, avoiding flowery, overblown sentiment.

Avoid remarks about age, conflict, ill health, or future finances, remembering that retirement may not be something the individual is looking forward to.

From the Retiree

Thank the group for their contributions to your career successes and personal growth.

Comment on future plans in a positive, upbeat manner.

Wish the group well on any ongoing plans or projects.