What to Write in a Sympathy Card for a Coworker
The rule for a work card is simple: warm, short, and no mention of work. Do not reference cover, deadlines, or when they are back.
From you, individually
- 1
I was very sorry to hear about your father. Thinking of you.
- 2
I do not know what to say except that I am sorry and I am glad you are part of this team.
- 3
Sorry for your loss, Priya. Nothing here needs you.
- 4
Take all the time you need. We will still be here being mildly incompetent without you.
- 5
Very sorry about your mum. No reply needed to any of this.
- 6
Thinking of you this week. If you want a coffee and no conversation, I am available.
From the team, on a group card
One line each, everyone signs their name legibly. Do not let it become an in-joke thread.
- 7
With sympathy from all of us in the Bristol office.
- 8
So sorry, Dan. Thinking of you.
- 9
Sorry for your loss. Take your time.
- 10
Thinking of you and your family.
From a manager
Say the one thing only you can say: that their job is safe and the clock is not running.
- 11
I am very sorry about your father. Your role is covered and there is no deadline on your return.
- 12
Sorry for your loss. Nothing here is urgent and nobody is counting days.
- 13
Take the time you need. If it turns out you need more than the policy says, come and talk to me and we will sort it.
Questions people actually ask
Should the whole team sign one card or send separate ones?
One card from the team plus a separate one from anyone who is genuinely close. A stack of near-identical cards from people who barely know them is more awkward than one good group card.
Is a sympathy card from work too formal or not formal enough?
A card is right. An email is easy to miss in a hundred others; flowers to a home address can feel intrusive from a workplace.