Historically, most people retired at 65, unless there were special circumstances that forced them to continue working, so there was no need to formally announce their retirement. Now some people retire at 50 while others work until 80, and how to announce retirement has become unclear. Knowing how and when to announce your retirement can make the process less stressful and help you finish your career successfully and in the best possible way.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Announce it to your boss
Step 1. Plan well and in advance
The decision to retire is very important, so you should start planning your retirement at least six months in advance.
- This way you will have time to be sure of your decision before making it formal, to close various issues and to use the last few days of vacation.
- Make sure you are aware of your company's retirement policies. Since you still have your credentials, download all the information on compensation and benefits from the company's website.
- These policies explain if your company has rules that require how much in advance you must notify your employer and the human resources office, so you will be able to determine the next steps.
Step 2. Decide when to tell your boss
It is important that you follow company protocol, but often you are given some leeway as to when you can talk to the supervisor about your decision to retire.
- Be cautious in announcing it too soon. By doing this you may be giving signals to your employer not to be involved and he may delegate your plans to others, or ask you to anticipate your retirement in order to find a replacement. Likewise, if you hold a supervisor position, your employees may stop listening to your instructions or respect your authority.
- If you are concerned that your retirement announcement may have negative repercussions, it is best to wait until the last minute to announce it, as explained in the company guidelines. Just as you have done in the past when you quit a job, you must communicate your intentions to your boss no later than 3 weeks before your expected retirement date. The "3 weeks notice" rule is the minimum amount of time it takes to find, hire and train the new employee.
- If you hold an important position or one that is difficult to replace, it is not uncommon to give 3 to 6 months notice, so that the company has enough time to find and train a suitable replacement.
- Think about the relationship you have with your supervisor and with your company and whether you believe it is important to maintain them after your retirement. Reflecting on your company's position when you retire can help maintain good feelings on both sides.
Step 3. Schedule a private meeting at the end of the day
This will ensure that you have time to discuss your plans without disrupting your boss's other job responsibilities.
- The level of formality of the meeting depends on the type of relationship you have with your boss or supervisor. If you have a strictly professional relationship, the announcement must have a similar form. If, on the other hand, you have a friendly relationship, the announcement can be conversational and less rigid.
- If you haven't defined your plans yet but are breaking the news to your boss as a courtesy, be sure to say so. You can simply say “I'm thinking of retiring in June, but I'm not sure yet. How far in advance must he know?"
- If the plans are decided, you can say “I have thought for a long time and I think it is time to retire. I will retire at the end of June”.
- Either way, let your boss know that you want the handover to be as easy as possible.
Step 4. Ask your boss how to communicate the news to the rest of the staff
Some executives prefer it to be they who break the news of your retirement to the rest of the staff, while others prefer you to tell your colleagues. If you have a preference, be sure to let them know.
- If the boss sends a message, posts a news or makes an announcement, you don't have to be the one to formally communicate your retirement to colleagues.
- If, on the other hand, you prefer to tell your colleagues (or just someone), ask the boss to wait to announce it until you have had the opportunity to communicate it to the most important people.
- Even if you probably have no intention of looking for another job or returning to work after retirement, the current economy is unpredictable and it is wise to ask your supervisors for 3 reference letters, if needed. It's better to ask them while they remember your work ethic than to wait until you need the letters, because supervisors may work elsewhere and it may be difficult to track them down.
Step 5. Write a letter to your boss officially announcing your retirement
The letter is a formality and can be short, but it must contain your retirement date.
- Deliver the letter to your boss after discussing your plans.
- Even if you have spoken to them clearly, the human resources office requires a formal letter to be filed. The administration will also need the letter to be sure that the count of sick days and other bonuses are included in the salary.
- Make sure you ask the human resources office which documents you need to fill out and by when.
Part 2 of 3: Announce it to colleagues
Step 1. Tell it personally
It is thoughtful to let your colleagues and staff know in person that you will be retiring, otherwise you can call them or send them an email rather than letting them know with a corporate message. Giving a personal touch to the message will make your colleagues feel valued and will be important in maintaining your relationship after your retirement.
- Notify your closest friends and colleagues after notifying your boss. News runs fast and even if you ask them to be confidential, your boss must be the first to hear about it.
- If your boss is planning a meeting to announce your retirement only to your closest colleagues, email all staff before it is automatically sent by the system at the end of the meeting. This will make it seem like everyone is invited to the meeting and no one will feel left behind.
Step 2. Include important information in all correspondence
Whether you are writing a draft email for human resources, a formal letter for your boss or a note for your secretary, certain information must be included to simplify the process and avoid confusion.
- Include the exact date of your retirement in all communications. Doing so will avoid speculation and simplify the work of those who depend on you, as they will know when you no longer work.
- Add a new address, if it is different from the one the company has on file. If you cannot collect your salary on the last day of work, the company can send it to that address along with all the important information.
- Include other information (phone number, email, address) if you want to keep in touch with some colleague after retirement.
Step 3. Express your appreciation and good wishes
Rather than sending a direct, impersonal message, writing a nice, personalized letter to your colleagues and your replacement - if he's already been hired - will make you remember as a caring colleague.
- Retirement letters are an opportunity to say goodbye to your company, which is why they should be sincere and authentic in good wishes.
- If you want to maintain the relationship with your colleagues once you retire, this is the right time to invite them to a barbecue or family dinner organized after your retirement. This way you can make sure that you maintain relationships with them and that they won't forget you.
Part 3 of 3: Announce it to Friends and Family
Step 1. Find the right time
Regardless of when you decide to tell your boss and your colleagues, you should plan when to communicate it to friends and family after making the announcement at work.
- News travels fast - it might be weird if your boss found out about your retirement by rumors.
- The exception is your partner, your family members, trusted friends and your mentor. You need to talk about your retirement decision before your plans are done, so feel free to talk to the people you are familiar with. Make sure they know this information is confidential.
Step 2. Keep the announcement informal
Although the announcement to your boss and your colleagues must take place formally, with your friends and family it can be as informal as you want.
- A post on Facebook or other social networks can make the announcement easier, since you communicate it to everyone at the same time. If you use LinkedIn or other job portals, be sure to mention your retirement on those platforms as well.
- It is advisable to write your retirement announcement in such a way that future opportunities are open to you, especially if you are retiring early. Write something like “I will leave my position in June to spend more time with my family. I am eager to find out what life has in store for me”.
- Consider making a fun retirement video. Take a look at YouTube to get some ideas.
Step 3. Consider organizing a party to give the big announcement
Invite your family and friends so you can say it in a meaningful way.
- You can decide to let them know before the party or make a surprise announcement during the party.
- While throwing a party for yourself might seem rude, the rules and manners change and the retirement party is considered an exception, especially if there is a surprise that you reveal during the party (and in this case no one will have to bother you. gifts).
