# Sympathy messages for a coworker

What to write when a colleague has lost someone. Simple, sincere words matter more than finding the perfect thing to say.

The page also has a free writer: give it their name, a detail and a tone, and it drafts a note. [Start a group card](https://www.cardshare.ai/create?occasion=sympathy) for everyone to sign.

## Simple and sincere

- I'm so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
- With deepest sympathy. We're all thinking of you.
- I'm so sorry. Please take all the time you need.
- Sending you love and strength at this difficult time.
- There are no right words, but please know we care about you.
- Holding you in our thoughts.

## If you knew the person who died

Put their name where it says [name].

- [Name] was a wonderful person, and I feel lucky to have known them. I'm so sorry.
- I'll always remember [name]'s kindness. Thinking of you and your family.
- [Name] always made people feel welcome. They'll be missed by so many.
- I have such happy memories of [name]. I'm so sorry for your loss.
- What a special person [name] was. Sending you all my love.
- I'm so sorry. [Name] always spoke about you with such pride.

## Offering support

- Please don't worry about work. We've got things covered for as long as you need.
- If there's anything I can do, from a meal to a chat, I'm here.
- No need to reply. Just know we're thinking of you.
- Whenever you're ready to come back, we'll be here. Until then, look after yourself.
- I'm here if you ever want to talk, or not talk. Whatever helps.
- Take all the time you need. We'll keep your seat warm.

## From the team

- Everyone here is thinking of you and your family. With love and sympathy from the whole team.
- We're so sorry for your loss. You're in all our thoughts.
- From all of us, our deepest sympathy. Please lean on us if you need to.
- With love from your team. We're here for you.
- We were so sorry to hear your news. Sending you all our love.
- Thinking of you at this sad time, from everyone in the team.

## How to write it

- **Keep it simple**: 'I'm so sorry for your loss' is enough. You don't need to explain or fix anything.
- **Use their name if you knew them**: A short memory of the person who died can be a real comfort.
- **Take work off their plate**: 'Don't worry about the project' can mean more than 'let me know if you need anything'.
- **Leave out the clichés**: 'Everything happens for a reason' and 'I know how you feel' can hurt, however kindly meant.

## FAQs

### What do you write in a sympathy card for a coworker?

Say you're sorry for their loss and that you're thinking of them. If you knew the person who died, add a short memory. If you can, offer support at work.

### What should I avoid writing in a sympathy card?

Avoid explaining the loss ('they're in a better place'), comparing it to your own, or anything about deadlines. Keep it about them.

### How long should a sympathy message be?

One to three sentences. Short and sincere is kinder than long.

### Can a team send one sympathy card together?

Yes. A group card lets everyone add a few words and sends them as one card, so your colleague gets the support in one place rather than a flood of messages.

## More message ideas

- [Leaving card messages](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/leaving-card-messages)
- [Retirement messages](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/retirement-messages)
- [Birthday messages for coworkers](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/birthday-messages-for-coworkers)
- [Work anniversary messages](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/work-anniversary-messages)
- [Get well soon messages](https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/get-well-soon-messages)

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Source: https://www.cardshare.ai/messages/sympathy-messages-for-coworkers