When a coworker loses someone, it can be hard to know what to say, especially if you don't know them well. A sympathy card from you or from the team is a simple way to show support. Keep it short, kind and free of work talk.
Below are condolence messages for a coworker, messages from the whole team or a manager, wording for a client, messages for the family of a coworker who has died, and welcome back notes.
Article contents
- How to Write a Sympathy Card for a Coworker
- Short Sympathy Messages for a Coworker
- Personal Condolence Messages for a Coworker
- Sympathy Messages From the Team
- Condolence Messages From a Manager
- Condolences for a Client or Customer
- Messages When a Coworker Has Died
- Welcome Back Messages
- What Not to Write
- How to Sign a Work Sympathy Card
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Write a Sympathy Card for a Coworker
- Say you are sorry. Name the person who died if you know it.
- Keep it short. Two or three sentences is enough.
- Take work off their mind. Let them know things are covered.
- Offer support. Coffee, a walk or help when they return.
Example: "Jen, I'm so sorry about your dad. Please don't give work a second thought. We've got it covered. Thinking of you, Mark"
Short Sympathy Messages for a Coworker
- So sorry to hear the news.
- Your coworkers are thinking of you.
- Sending sympathy from the office.
- Keeping you in our thoughts.
- Sorry to hear about your loss. Take all the time you need.
- Sending you strength and support.
- Lean on us if you need to.
- We are all thinking of you this week.
Personal Condolence Messages for a Coworker
From you, when you work closely with them.
- I was so sorry to hear about your mom. I'm thinking of you and I'm here if you need anything.
- Your inbox can wait. I'll keep an eye on things until you are back.
- I remember you talking about your dad and how much he loved fishing. I'm so sorry.
- I'm sorry for your loss. If you want to grab coffee or take a walk when you're back, I'm around.
- I know how close you were to your grandmother. I'm keeping you in my thoughts.
- I'm so sorry. You don't need to reply to this. I just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you.
Sympathy Messages From the Team
For a group card that everyone signs.
- From all of us on the team, we are so sorry for your loss.
- Your work family is sending you love.
- We are sending our love and support. Take the time you need.
- Everyone in accounting sends their sympathy and support.
- With heartfelt sympathy from your friends at the office.
- We are so sorry. Tell us if a meal or an errand would help.
Condolence Messages From a Manager
- I'm so sorry for your loss. Please take the time you need, and don't worry about anything here.
- On behalf of the whole team, please accept our sympathy. We'll cover your work until you're ready.
- I was saddened to hear about your father. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
- Your family is in our thoughts. Please reach out if you need more time or support.
- I'm sorry for your loss. When you're back, we can talk about easing into things.
Condolences for a Client or Customer
- Please accept our sincere sympathy on the loss of your wife.
- All of us here were saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
- With deepest sympathy from the team. We are so sorry for your loss.
- We have enjoyed working with your father for many years. He will be missed.
Messages When a Coworker Has Died
For a card to the family of a colleague.
- Your husband was a wonderful coworker and a good friend to many of us. We are so sorry.
- We will miss her kindness, her ideas and her laugh. Our deepest sympathy to your family.
- He made our workplace better every day. We are thinking of your family.
- It was a privilege to work with your mother. She was respected by everyone here.
Welcome Back Messages
For a note when they return to work.
- Welcome back. We've missed you, and we're here if you need anything.
- Glad to see you. No need to jump right back in. Take it one day at a time.
- We're thinking of you. Let us know if you need a quiet day or some help.
What Not to Write
- Questions about how the person died.
- Anything about deadlines, projects or when they will be back.
- "I know how you feel."
- Religious messages, unless you know they will be welcome.
How to Sign a Work Sympathy Card
"With sympathy," "Thinking of you," and "With care" all work at work. On a group card, sign your first name under a short line. Some teams add a note about flowers or a donation sent in the family's name.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you write in a sympathy card for a coworker?
Say you are sorry for their loss, tell them not to worry about work, and offer your support. "So sorry for your loss. Take all the time you need" is a good start.
Should I sign a group sympathy card for someone I don't know well?
Yes. A short line like "Thinking of you" and your name is kind and appropriate.
Is it OK to email condolences to a coworker?
A short email is fine for a first message, especially if you work remotely. A card afterward means more.
For more, see our farewell messages for a coworker, what to write in a sympathy card and short sympathy messages. Our Watercolor Flowers and Birds of America sets are blank inside, so they work for sympathy notes. See all sympathy cards.
