Retirement Letter of Resignation

The retirement letter of resignation serves two important purposes. First, it is an official notice that you are leaving the company. Second, it sets the tone for your exit. Even if you hate your job, a well-written letter can help preserve the employer and employee relationship and increase the likelihood of your getting a good reference from the company if needed.

Format and Content:

Write a letter that is both professional and respectful. The retirement letter of resignation format begins with a resignation statement and the effective date of your resignation. The next paragraph is used to thank the employer. Use this opportunity to mention specifics if possible. End the letter by offering to help with the transition phase. Always address the recipient by name and include his/her contact information, your contact information, and the date the letter is written.

Sample:

In this letter, the director of human resources notifies the company’s general manager of her intention to retire. This situation differs from the normal in that the employee must leave the organization within a very short timeframe. The abrupt departure of a high-ranking official leaves a gap that may threaten organizational productivity. The employee in this retirement letter of resignation sample acknowledges this and has taken the time to develop a plan to prevent the negative once she departs.

Dear Mr. Spencer,

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation as Human Resources Director for Jones Smith International. My last day of employment will be on June 18, 2013. I realize I am not providing you with the customary 2-week notice. However, my personal health circumstances are such that I cannot remain with the company beyond this date.

I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and to grow with your organization. I have really enjoyed working for this company and its focus on employees. I believe your people first philosophy is directly responsible for our amazing success over the last 15 years. You ignored the old-school traditions of organizational management and in doing so, made Jones Smith International a model other companies try to imitate.

I realize my role in the organization is a critical one, and again, I regret my abrupt departure. Fortunately, your management strategies have allowed me to help my staff grow and develop their potential. I know my department will continue to run smoothly in the future. Over the next week, I will put a contingency plan in place. This plan includes temporarily promoting Bridget Moore to the position of acting Human Resources Director, with your approval.

I will be happy to meet with you in person to discuss my resignation and the short transition phase. As you are aware, I will be unavailable to help following my last day of employment with the company. I want to thank you for your understanding and your patience. I wish you and the company the very best.

Sincerely,

George Baker

Mrs. George Baker

Human Resources Director

Jones Smith International