Saying Goodbye to an Employee: How to Mark Offboarding Events

Leaving a colleague is a bitter-sweet moment. Whatever reason an individual is retiring, relocating to a new city, or assuming a new role, the moment stands out. It is the culmination of a chapter. More significantly though, it presents a moment for a team to pause, express gratitude, and bow out on a high.

Offboarding isn’t just about paperwork or exit interviews. It’s about honoring the contribution of a team member. And when done well, it strengthens team culture. If you’re looking for retirement slideshow ideas, check out the great collection on smartshow-software.com.

So, how do we turn "goodbye" into a meaningful moment? It’s about creating shared experiences that feel genuine and personal. Forget the generic cake in the breakroom (unless that cake is epic and paired with something more). Let’s get creative!

Why Offboarding Events Matter

We invest a great deal of time acclimating new employees but not much time saying goodbye. If a teammate is leaving, the way you say your goodbyes sends a strong message to your team members who are staying.

An intentional offboarding shows that individuals matter. It instills a sense of respect and recognition. It gives closure and forms a basis for a lasting relationship, even after an employee departs. It also keeps the remaining employees because their value is shown.

Skipping this step or rushing it makes an exit feel impersonal. And that can have a domino effect on morale. So, however minor a gesture it be, take a moment to mark the moment.

Here are some creative and meaningful ways to say goodbye:

1. A Farewell Video Slideshow

A personalized video is one of the most touching ways to send someone off. Ask team members to record short clips saying goodbye, sharing memories, or offering well wishes. Combine these with photos from team events, past projects, or everyday work moments.

Tools make this easier than ever. For a polished, touching result, consider using dedicated software like SmartSHOW 3D. It offers 700+ professional templates & effects, a drag-and-drop interface, and support for HD and 4K video perfect for creating a professional yet deeply personal tribute. You can add voiceovers, animated text, and even 3D transitions to make your slideshow stand out. It's a small investment of time with a big emotional payoff.

2. Wall of Memories

Create a shared Google Doc or set up a Miro board titled "Wall of Memories."

Invite team members to drop in short notes, photos, inside jokes, drawings — anything meaningful. Send the link out a week before their departure. The result is a beautiful, collaborative mosaic of appreciation they can read and re-read. Print it out or save it as a PDF for them too. Over a few days, the page will fill up with warm and funny messages. It becomes a digital scrapbook they can keep forever. 

This works well for remote teams, too. Everyone gets a chance to contribute, even asynchronously.

3. Virtual Postcard with Animated GIFs

For a lighter, more playful goodbye, design a digital postcard filled with GIFs, jokes, and silly memories. Use tools like Canva or Ecard services to send something colorful and personal.

Design it with team photos, your company colors, and a clear, heartfelt message from the whole team. Embed short video messages from key people if possible. The animation adds energy and warmth, making it feel more special than a plain text email. You can theme the card around their next destination or new role. Add memes, office catchphrases, or even inside jokes from Slack. Send it company-wide on their last day for a big virtual hug. It’s simple, fun, and gets people smiling.

4. A Thoughtful Physical Gift

Sometimes a real-world item says more than words. A customized gift like a framed photo, personalized mug, or memory jar can mean a lot.

If the team is chipping in, choose something symbolic. A compass for someone starting a new journey. A team photo signed by everyone. A book with a message inside the cover.

Don’t go generic. Try to connect the gift to a specific memory or trait.

5. Host a Casual Send-Off Call or Lunch

It doesn’t have to be formal. Sometimes a laid-back video call or in-person lunch does the job.

Give the person a chance to say a few words, then open the floor for stories and appreciation. If you're remote, bring your own snacks or drinks to the Zoom call. Add a theme: wear team colors, or bring your pet on camera. Keep it warm, casual, and real.

6. Create a Legacy Document

For employees who’ve had a long tenure, create a digital document that highlights their impact. Include milestones, favorite projects, team feedback, and lessons learned.

It’s a great way to preserve their legacy and inspire others. You can even pass it on to their successor as part of onboarding.

Final Thoughts

Goodbye to a colleague is not a mere goodbye. It’s a celebration of the journey, a gratitude for its influence, as well as keeping the relationship intact. 

The way you handle offboarding situations is a reflection of your culture. A great exit makes everybody a little more connected and proud to be a team person.

So take a moment. Get creative. Make it count.