Sympathy card messages
Sympathy messages for a coworker
Say you're sorry and offer support you can actually give. Keep it brief and respectful, and don't ask about the details of the death.
Short message
The whole team is thinking of you.
Short message
I'm so sorry for what you're going through.
Short message
Take the time you need. We'll keep things moving here.
Short message
With sympathy and support from all of us.
Professional message
I was very sorry to learn about DETAIL. You have the support of everyone here, today and when you return.
Gentle message
Please don't worry about work right now. Focus on yourself and the people you love, and let us know if there's anything we can do.
Gentle message
I'm sorry you're going through this. If it would help to talk, or to have a quiet lunch when you're back, I'm here.
Professional message
On behalf of the team, please accept our heartfelt sympathy. We're thinking of you and remembering DETAIL.
Gentle message
I'm thinking of you in the days ahead. When you return, I'm here if you'd like company or someone to listen.
Professional message
We were so sorry to hear the news about DETAIL. Please take the time you need, and know that your team is ready to help in any way we can. You're in our thoughts.
Gentle message
I can't imagine how hard this is, but I want you to know I'm thinking of you. When you're back, there's no pressure to talk about it, and I'm happy to listen if you ever want to.
Gentle message
Working beside you, I've seen how much you care about the people in your life. I'm so sorry about DETAIL. Please be gentle with yourself, and know that we're all keeping you in our thoughts.
Make the words yours
Keep a coworker sympathy note brief and kind. Say you're sorry, offer support and avoid asking about the details of the death.
Offer work cover only if you can provide it and your team agrees. Leave decisions about time off and a return date to your coworker and the appropriate workplace contact.
For a group card, choose one shared message and let each person add a short line and their name. Leave out faith references unless you know they'd be welcome.
Ways to sign the card
With sympathy from all of us, NAME
Your colleagues, NAME
With support and care, NAME
Thinking of you from the office, NAME
With respect and sympathy, NAME
Here when you need us, NAME
Use the message in your own card
Copy the wording into a card or a message you send yourself. Replace NAME with your name and DETAIL with the name of the person who died, if you know it; remove any brackets that remain.
Choose only words you are comfortable sending. This page supplies message ideas, so keep personal names and memories in the card or document you are preparing.
A few useful answers
What do you write in a sympathy card for a coworker? Say you're sorry and offer support you can actually give. A short, respectful note is enough.
Should I mention work in a sympathy card? Mention work only to offer help you can actually provide. Avoid deadlines and promises about leave or a return date.
Is it okay to sign a group sympathy card with a short line? Yes. A short, sincere line and your name is plenty.