Retirement speech: how to write one, for yourself or a coworker
By the speechwriters.ai editorial team · Last updated
In shortA good retirement speech is 2–5 minutes. For a coworker: open with how you know them, share one or two specific stories, highlight what they gave the team and wish them well. For your own retirement: thank people by group, share a highlight or two, and say what's next.
How to write a retirement speech for a coworker, your boss or yourself: structure, sample lines and how to keep it warm and short.
Speaking about a coworker
- Open: who you are and how long you worked together.
- Stories: one funny, one that shows their impact. "Linda trained half the people in this room, including me, on a fax machine she refused to let us throw out."
- What they leave behind: the habits, standards and kindness the team will keep.
- What's next: golf, grandkids, the RV, the novel.
- Toast: "To Linda, and to Mondays she'll never have to see again."
Your own retirement speech
- Thank people in groups (your team, leadership, customers, family) so nobody feels missed.
- Share one highlight and one funny moment.
- Be gracious about the future of the company.
- End with what you're looking forward to.
Sample lines
- "Thirty-one years, four office moves and one very memorable holiday party. Thank you for putting up with me."
- "My wife has a list of projects for me. It's longer than our five-year plan."
Keep it short; retirement parties are often in the break room or a restaurant, and people are standing. Check length with our speech timer.
Frequently asked questions
How long should a retirement speech be?
Two to five minutes. Your own farewell can run a little longer than a tribute from a coworker.
Is it okay to be funny?
Yes, keep it affectionate and work-safe, with no jokes about age or health that the retiree wouldn't make themselves.
What should I say about my boss retiring?
Focus on what they taught you and how they treated people, plus one story that shows it.
Should I mention problems at the company?
No. Leave on a gracious note.
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