The Power of Goodbyes at Work
Why workplace farewells matter, and what we lose when they disappear.
Think back to the last farewell you attended—maybe a heartfelt speech over some snacks, a few final moments of small talk together, or just a simple thank-you. Now imagine leaving a job after years, maybe decades of service with no acknowledgment at all.
That’s happening more and more, especially in the federal workforce, where mass layoffs are sending employees out the door without a word. But farewells aren’t just for those leaving—they affect those who stay. When departures go unrecognized, it sends a quiet message: you don’t really matter.
»Read my latest piece in Psychology Today on why saying goodbye matters more than we think. «
Some key points
- Farewells aren’t just for those who leave—they remind those who stay that their work and presence matter.
- Amidst mass federal government layoffs, the absence of meaningful farewells carries a hidden cost.
- When workplaces strip away recognition, employees disengage and are more likely to leave.
- A simple farewell isn’t just human, it makes it less likely you'll be saying goodbye to others, too.