Most people retired at the age of 65 if they could keep their job, and there was no need to announce a planned retirement.The process of announcing a retirement has become unclear as people retire in their 50s while others work into their 80s.Knowing when and how to announce your retirement can help you end your successful career on the best note possible.
Step 1: You should start planning in advance.
You should start planning for your retirement at least six months in advance.This gives you time to make sure you're comfortable with your decision, tie up any loose ends, and use any remaining vacation days.If you still have company log-in credentials, be sure to download compensation statements and benefits information from your company's website.If your company has a rule about how far in advance you must notify, these policies will let you know, which will likely determine when you take the next steps.
Step 2: Should you tell your boss?
It's important that you follow company protocol, but most of the time you can let your supervisor know when to retire.It's a good idea to be cautious about announcing too early.Doing so can signal to your employer that you aren't as invested, and you might be passed over for projects or asked to leave earlier to make room for your replacement.If you are a supervisor, your employees may not respect your authority or listen to your directives.As per your employee handbook, it's best to wait until the last minute if you fear negative repercussions from your announcement.You should tell your boss your plans no later than three weeks before your intended retirement date, just as you would any other position in your career.The minimum amount of time required to find, hire and train a replacement is three weeks.In order to give your company time to find and train a replacement for a difficult position, you should give three to six months of notice.It is important to maintain a good relationship with your supervisor in retirement.Being thoughtful of the position your company will be in when you retire can go a long way in maintaining good feelings on both sides.
Step 3: You can schedule a meeting at the end of the day.
This will allow you to discuss your plans but not interrupt your boss's other work responsibilities.The level of formality depends on the relationship you have with your supervisor.The announcement will be similar if you have a professional relationship.The announcement can be more personable if you have a friendly relationship.If you haven't finalized your plans but are giving the boss the news as a courtesy, be sure to say so.I am thinking about retiring in June, but I have not made up my mind.When will you need to know the absolute latest?I've decided it's time to retire if the plans are finalized.I will be retiring at the end of June.Let your boss know that you want to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Step 4: How to tell the rest of the staff is a question you should ask your boss.
Some bosses will make a formal announcement of your retirement to the rest of the staff, but others prefer that you announce to your coworkers.Let him or her know if you have a preference.If the boss will send a memo, post a bulletin, or make an announcement, you won't need to announce you're retiring to the rest of the staff in a formal capacity.Ask the boss to wait to announce until you've had a chance to talk to the people you want to tell.The current economy is unpredictable and it is smart to ask your supervisors for three letters of recommendation just in case, even if you don't plan on taking another job or going back to work after retirement.If you wait until you need the letters when they may have moved to other companies and be harder to track down, you will miss out on your excellent work ethic.
Step 5: You should write a letter to your boss saying you want to retire.
The date of your retirement should be stated in the letter, which is a formality.Give the letter to your boss after you have told her about your plans.Human resources will need a formal letter to file in their records even though you have made your intentions clear.All relevant sick days or other compensation will need to be given to you by payroll.To find out what paperwork will be required and when, be sure to follow up with human resources.
Step 6: Tell them directly.
It's important to let your co-workers and staff know that you're retiring by phone or email, rather than by a company-wide memo.Giving a personal touch to the message helps your co-workers feel valued and goes a long way in maintaining your friendship into retirement.Inform your friends and coworkers after you tell your boss.You want your boss to be the first to know if you keep the information quiet.If your boss is holding a meeting to tell significant co-workers of your retirement, you can save them to send from your email service at the end of the meeting.Everyone will find out at the same time, and no one will feel slighted.
Step 7: Information should be included in all correspondence.
Certain pieces of information should be included to simplify the process and avoid confusion.All correspondence should include the exact date of your retirement.Doing so helps avoid speculation and simplifies work for others who depend on you, since they know exactly what day you will no longer be working.If the forwarding address is different from what the company has on file, add it.If you don't pick up your final paycheck on your last day, the company can mail it to you.If you want to stay in contact with anyone from the office after retirement, you should include a phone number, email or address.
Step 8: Thank you and send well wishes.
If he or she has already been hired, instead of sending a direct and impersonal notice, kind and personalized letters, will ensure that you are remembered as a thoughtful coworker.Retirement letters should be genuine and sincere in their offer of well wishes, as they are a chance to say goodbye to the company.If you plan to keep in touch with your co-workers after you retire, now is a good time to invite them for a barbeque or family dinner.You can make sure that you maintain the relationship.
Step 9: Time it right.
You should always tell family and friends after you tell your boss and co-workers.It can be awkward for your boss to hear about your retirement when news travels fast.The exception is your spouse and immediate family members.It's important that you talk to your friends and family about the decision to retire before you make your final decision.Don't tell anyone that the information is confidential.
Step 10: Don't make it formal.
It is possible to make an announcement to friends and family that is as informal as you like.The process of announcing can be made simpler with a social media post.If you use a career networking site, make a note of it as well.It's smart to say your retirement announcement in a way that leaves the door open to future opportunities, especially if you are retiring early in life.I will be stepping down from my position in June to spend more time with my family.I'm looking forward to seeing what the next chapter holds.Think about making a funny retirement video.Check out the internet for ideas.
Step 11: A big announcement could be made by throwing a party.
You can tell your family and friends in a way that is meaningful to you if you invite them.If you want to let them know in advance of the party that it is a retirement party, you can either do that or make a surprise announcement.While throwing a party for yourself might seem impolite, rules oniquette are changing and most people find a retirement party an exception to that particular rule, especially if it's a surprise that you reveal at the party.