Once a person sets a date to retire there are some forms one needs to follow to make their transition from working to retirement easier; as far as the workplace is concerned writing a letter of retirement should patch the way.
Writing a letter of retirement can help the employer know exactly when the employee is leaving and therefore the best way to fill the gap in their team; this notice should be given at least a week before retirement, or as far out as a year if the position is senior or very specialized.
Giving a written letter of retirement well in advance can give the employer time to let the retiree train their replacement or help to train their replacement before they leave, easing the transition for the company. Giving this time to the employer will be seen as an act of good faith and show the retiree's intention to leave on positive standing.
Leave Behind Friends
It is important to remember when writing a letter of retirement that leaving friends behind is better than leaving enemies, it is a nice idea to thank the soon to be former employer for their employment and the skills acquired over the years.
It is also nice to write in a letter of retirement some fun times or successful projects completed with the help of a team including the retiree; this can show that the retiree enjoyed their time with the company and wishes to be remembered in a positive light.
Sometimes more than one person needs a copy of a written letter of retirement; some of these people include human resources', a boss (or supervisor), employees, and/or co-workers. It is appropriate for letters of retirement written to different people to be a little different.
An employer needs different information to cope with the retiree's leaving than an employee will; this can help to create a smooth transition between the person leaving the position and the person taking up the position.
The Letter
Writing letter of retirement should be somewhat formal, and have a format much like a business letter beginning with the employers address, the date, and addressing the employer (or who ever the letter is intended for) in the same way they would be addressed in person.
The body of the letter should include the expected last date of work, well wishes to the company after leaving, and a willingness to ease the transition in anyway possible. If a contract is involved that should be acknowledged; many employers will want a retiring employee to complete their contract.
The closing should also be formal and should include a written signature not only a typed signature; this will make the letter more personal.
