{"id":1526,"date":"2022-07-04T13:27:31","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T13:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/?p=1526"},"modified":"2023-06-26T07:49:40","modified_gmt":"2023-06-26T07:49:40","slug":"retirement-letter-tips-and-example","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/","title":{"rendered":"Retirement Letter: Tips and Example"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you are ready to retire, you will need to first submit a retirement letter to your employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will inform them of your plans and give them the time to prepare for your leaving the company. Below, we will look into the best practices for writing a retirement letter.<\/p>\n\n    <div class=\"builder-button\">  \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img width=\"768\" height=\"520\" src=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/retirement-letter.png\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Retirement Letter: Tips and Example\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/retirement-letter.png 768w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/retirement-letter-300x203.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/retirement-letter-50x34.png 50w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f007ca5afb2\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #2c1e39;color:#2c1e39\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f007ca5afb2\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#What_is_a_retirement_letter\" >What is a retirement letter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#What_benefits_does_retirement_give_you\" >What benefits does retirement give you?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#How_to_write_a_retirement_letter\" >How to write a retirement letter?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Direct_it_to_the_right_person\" >Direct it to the right person<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Include_the_date_of_your_planned_retirement\" >Include the date of your planned retirement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Thank_the_employer_for_your_experience_in_the_workplace\" >Thank the employer for your experience in the workplace<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Offer_to_help_with_the_transition_process\" >Offer to help with the transition process<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Suggest_other_forms_of_employment_if_interested\" >Suggest other forms of employment (if interested)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Talk_about_your_retirement_needs\" >Talk about your retirement needs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Example_1\" >Example # 1<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Example_2\" >Example #2<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Suggestions_for_after_retirement\" >Suggestions for after retirement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/retirement-letter-tips-and-example\/#Writing_a_retirement_letter_Conclusion\" >Writing a retirement letter: Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_retirement_letter\"><\/span>What is a retirement letter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A retirement letter is a written document that tells your employer that you plan to retire. It\u2019s quite similar to a letter of resignation the purpose of which is to inform your employer that you will be leaving your job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-resignation-letter\/\">how to write a resignation letter<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main difference between the two is that a retirement notice letter lets your employer know that you are not only leaving the company but also seeking to receive your retirement benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note that your retirement letter will also go into your employer file together with other important documentation like your job contract, performance reviews and more.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"builder-banner-top\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__title\">\n            You'll Never Find a Good Job\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner-top__text\">\n            It\u2019s a job hunter\u2019s common fear, but we can help boost your chances!\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner-top__a\">Click to use resume builder<\/a>\n    <\/div><h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_benefits_does_retirement_give_you\"><\/span>What benefits does retirement give you?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"http:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Retirement-Letter_-Benefits-min-300x145.png\" alt=\"retirement letter\" class=\"wp-image-1530\" width=\"800\" height=\"388\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Retirement-Letter_-Benefits-min-300x145.png 300w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Retirement-Letter_-Benefits-min-50x24.png 50w, https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/Retirement-Letter_-Benefits-min.png 704w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are ready for retirement, there are quite a few benefits you can be looking forward to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, you will have a lot more free time. And this means you can finally go on that hike to the Appalachian Mountains or take that Mediterranean cruise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, you will have your retirement pay-outs that will support your lifestyle after you\u2019ve stopped working. Now, how much you receive in retirement benefits depends on a number of factors. If you have a thought-through retirement plan in place, you will be able to enjoy sufficient disposable income to allow you to have a relaxed and comfortable life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the United States, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dol.gov\/general\/topic\/retirement\/erisa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)<\/a> covers two primary retirement plans: the defined benefit plan and the defined contribution plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A defined benefit plan ensures a specified monthly benefit at retirement. For example, this may be the exact dollar amount per month that the retiree will receive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A defined contribution plan is not focused on the specific amount of benefits. With these types of plans, the employee, employer or both agree to make regular contributions to the retirement fund at a set rate \u2014 for instance, 5% of your annual salary. An example of such a plan is the 401(k). According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.benefitspro.com\/2021\/06\/16\/employer-sponsored-retirement-plans-hrs-new-recruiting-tool\/?amp=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">BenefitsPro<\/a>, over 52% of employee currently offer 401(k) plans to their full-time employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whichever retirement plan you choose to go with, it\u2019s important to not delay planning your retirement. A well organized retirement plan will ensure a safe and stable future for you and your family when you quit work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_write_a_retirement_letter\"><\/span>How to write a retirement letter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are several essential steps to composing a retirement notice letter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Direct_it_to_the_right_person\"><\/span>Direct it to the right person<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your retirement notice letter should be addressed to your supervisor. You should also send a copy of the letter to Human Resources as they will be the ones responsible for managing your health care coverage and pension.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Include_the_date_of_your_planned_retirement\"><\/span>Include the date of your planned retirement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your retirement letter should be specific \u2014 and your employer should be instantly informed of the state of your planned retirement. Make sure to give your employer at least a two weeks&#8217; notice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are not sure about the exact date of your retirement, you can include an approximate date or period of time and then discuss the specifics of your retirement in person with your supervisor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Thank_the_employer_for_your_experience_in_the_workplace\"><\/span>Thank the employer for your experience in the workplace<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Leave some space in your retirement notice to thank your employer and team for the opportunity to work with them, learn and improve your skills. You can use concrete examples, mention specific people and projects that you are especially proud of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Offer_to_help_with_the_transition_process\"><\/span>Offer to help with the transition process<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s a good idea to mention that you would like to assist your employer and team with the transition process. This is especially important if you work in a senior position that requires a lot of planning and organizing. You may offer to complete all outstanding projects that you are currently working on, help train your replacement or even recommend one of your coworkers for the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suggest_other_forms_of_employment_if_interested\"><\/span>Suggest other forms of employment (if interested)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to stop working full time but would like to still be part of the company, you may suggest remaining with your employer in a consulting role. If this is something that interests you, make sure to mention this to your employer. In the future, if such an opportunity comes up, they will know who to consider for the role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Talk_about_your_retirement_needs\"><\/span>Talk about your retirement needs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A retirement letter is also the right place to talk about what benefits you would like to receive upon retirement. This includes healthcare, retirement plans, pension and more. You can also include information about your unused vacation or sick days for which you should be compensated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Examples of a retirement letter<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_1\"><\/span><strong>Example # 1<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><p><em>Mary Lewis<\/em><\/p><p><em>Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72908<\/em><\/p><p><em>479-597-6866<\/em><\/p><p><em>marylewis1964@mail.com<\/em><\/p><p><\/p><p><em>Dear Roberta,<\/em><\/p><p><em>I am writing to inform you of my upcoming retirement. My last day at XYZ Holdings will be November 5th, 2022.<\/em><\/p><p><em>I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for my ten years with the company. I\u2019ve learnt a great deal from my team and have particularly benefited from your attentive mentorship and guidance.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Please let me know what I can do to make the transition process as easy as possible. I would also be happy to assist with the replacement process and have several recommendations from our own team.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Thank you again for the opportunity to work with you for all these years and I wish you and the company all the best in the years to come.<\/em><\/p><p><\/p><p><em>Sincerely yours,<\/em><\/p><p><em>Mary<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_2\"><\/span><strong>Example #2<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><p><em>Serena Jameson<\/em><\/p><p><em>Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813<\/em><\/p><p><em>808-550-6867<\/em><\/p><p><em>serenajameson012<\/em>@<em>mail.com<\/em><\/p><p><\/p><p><em>Dear Mr. Johnson,<\/em><\/p><p><em>I am sending you this letter as a format notice of my upcoming retirement. My final day at ABC Consulting will be December 20th, 2022.<\/em><\/p><p><em>I am sincerely thankful for all the opportunities that you\u2019ve provided me with over my years with the company. It\u2019s been a true privilege being part of such an ambitious and competent team. I\u2019ve learnt a lot about customer service and have really been able to hone my people skills under your guidance.<\/em><\/p><p><em>I have particularly appreciated the opportunity to work with some of our loyal clients such as Thomson Legal, River Financing and others.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Please let me know how I can be of assistance throughout this transition process. I will make sure to complete all my outstanding assignments before my last day and would also be happy to help hire and train my replacement.<\/em><\/p><p><em>As for my retirement benefits, I plan to take out my pension as a one-time payment and I would also like to be reimbursed for the ten vacation days that I haven\u2019t used.<\/em><\/p><p><em>Thank you once again for the opportunity to work with ABC Consulting. I wish you and the company all the best in all your future projects.<\/em><\/p><p><\/p><p><em>Sincerely,<\/em><\/p><p><em>Serena<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-write-a-professional-email\/\">how to write a professional email<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Suggestions_for_after_retirement\"><\/span>Suggestions for after retirement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As we\u2019ve mentioned earlier, a retirement letter is also a chance to suggest options for your future work with the company. If you are available for part time work or if you would like to volunteer for some projects that are of special interest to you, don\u2019t hesitate to discuss this with your employer.<br>You may also offer to keep working with the company until your replacement is found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Note, however, that you should only make these suggestions if you are truly interested in continuing some employment activity after retirement. Plan your time carefully and make sure you are not pressured into schedules that you won\u2019t be able to keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Writing_a_retirement_letter_Conclusion\"><\/span>Writing a retirement letter: Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s sum things up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>A retirement letter is a document that tells your employer that you want to retire.<\/li><li>Your retirement letter should include: the date of planned retirement, suggestions to help with the transition process, details on your retirement benefits and, perhaps, an offer to work on a different capacity following retirement.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/how-to-quit-a-job-the-right-way\/\">how to quit a job the right way<\/a>.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"builder-banner\">\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__title\">\n            Build your perfect resume in&nbsp;a&nbsp;snap\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"builder-banner__text\">\n            Use templates created by HR pros to make your resume and cover letter catch the recruiter's eye.\n        <\/div>    \n        <a href=\"\/goapp\/new-resume\" class=\"builder-banner__a\">Create your resume<\/a>\n    <\/div><div style='text-align:left' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you are ready to retire, you will need to first submit a retirement letter to your employer. This will inform them of your plans [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2517,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false,"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":""},"categories":[8,3],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"yasr_visitor_votes":{"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0,"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1526"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1526"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1526\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6249,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1526\/revisions\/6249"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2517"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1526"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resumekit.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=1526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}