Why Saying Goodbye to Coworkers is So Hard—and How to Make It Easier

I am sure most of us have left a company and felt a sense of emptiness or downheartedness take over. What's behind these feelings? If we made the cognitive decision to up and leave the company, why is this feeling so strong? We often attribute these feelings to having been with the company for a long time or feeling settled in our role. The truth for most of us is far more complex.

While working together, we build shared experiences and form emotional bonds with our colleagues. So, when we leave a company and part ways with them, it often feels like we're severing ties with our friends. It's not just the relationships we leave behind that make the exit hard—workplaces frequently become the stage where some of our defining moments unfold. Whether it's celebrating achievements, overcoming obstacles, or just sharing a laugh over coffee, these shared moments leave us with lasting memories.

Given how much of our lives unfold within the workplace, it’s only natural that colleagues evolve into something more—partners in problem-solving, co-conspirators in coffee breaks, and keepers of inside jokes. This shared camaraderie fosters a sense of belonging, making goodbyes particularly bittersweet. But parting ways doesn’t have to mean losing touch. Ease the transition by nurturing these connections beyond office walls—exchange contact details, schedule the occasional meet-up, or create a group chat that keeps professional updates and friendly banter alive. A LinkedIn network can also serve as a bridge, ensuring that the bonds built over countless workdays continue to thrive, no matter where your careers take you.

When a colleague moves on, it’s not just a farewell—it’s a ripple in the rhythm of your workday. The casual detour to their desk for a quick chat, the effortless flow of brainstorming sessions, the unspoken understanding that they were always just a step away—all suddenly missing, like a favorite coffee mug that’s no longer on the shelf. It’s a shift that can leave you feeling a little offbeat. But just as routines can be disrupted, they can also be reimagined. By intentionally seeking out new collaboration opportunities and engaging with different colleagues, you open the door to fresh perspectives and unexpected synergies. Proactively cultivating professional relationships within your team not only restores a sense of normalcy but also lays the foundation for exciting new partnerships ahead.

If you share a close bond with a departing colleague, their absence can leave an undeniable void. When so much social energy is invested in one person, their departure can feel isolating, like losing your favorite lunch spot without a backup plan. But connections, much like good ideas, flourish with a little effort. To reweave your workplace social fabric, step into team events, join workplace activities, or simply strike up conversations with colleagues you haven’t yet gotten to know. New hires are especially great for fresh connections—they’re looking to find their footing, just as you’re looking to regain yours. And if navigating new social circles feels daunting, enlist your departing friend as a bridge to new introductions before they go. Change can be bittersweet, but it’s also an opportunity to expand your network and enrich your work experience in unexpected ways.

In the workplace, many of us wear multiple hats—mentor, leader, subject matter expert, teacher, confidante—often without even realizing it. These roles don’t just define our responsibilities; they shape team dynamics, professional growth, and the very fabric of an organization’s culture. So when someone who embodies these roles departs without a proper handover, it can create a domino effect throughout the company, leaving knowledge gaps, disrupting workflows, and sparking uncertainty among those who rely on their presence. But change doesn’t have to mean chaos. If a valued colleague is moving on, take the initiative to learn from them before they go. Ask for documentation, insights, or key recommendations to ensure a smoother transition. And if circumstances allow, consider staying in touch professionally—you never know when a familiar voice might offer the perfect piece of advice.

Much of the anxiety surrounding goodbyes comes from the uncertainty of what comes next. We can’t predict how our relationships or workplace experiences will evolve, and in the absence of immediate change, a departure can feel oddly permanent. But in reality, connections—like careers—are ever-evolving, shaped by the effort we put into them.

The friendships and professional relationships in your life didn’t sustain themselves by accident; they thrived because of intention. So, if a colleague’s departure weighs on you, take the initiative to stay in touch. Schedule an occasional check-in, exchange updates, or simply reach out when something reminds you of them. If the connection naturally fades, then perhaps it was never meant to last—but at least you’ll know you gave it a chance.

Goodbyes in the workplace are rarely just about leaving a job; they mark the end of a chapter filled with shared moments, lessons learned, and relationships built. But while change is inevitable, it doesn’t have to be an abrupt severing of ties. The connections we make—whether as mentors, collaborators, or confidantes—can extend far beyond office walls if we choose to nurture them.

Instead of viewing a colleague’s departure as an ending, see it as a transformation. Work friendships, much like careers, evolve with time and distance. Some will flourish in new ways, while others may naturally fade, but each has left an imprint on your professional journey. So, embrace the shift, stay intentional about maintaining meaningful connections, and remain open to the new relationships and opportunities that change may bring. After all, the best professional networks aren’t just built within a company—they grow alongside you, wherever your path may lead.