Sympathy cards
What to write in a sympathy card for a coworker
Short, sincere and free of pressure. Lines you can sign for a colleague who has lost someone, whether you are close or barely know them.
I am so sorry. I am thinking of you and your family, and I am here for anything you need, big or small.
HeartfeltThere are no right words, but please know how many of us are thinking of you right now.
HeartfeltPlease do not give work a single thought. We have everything covered, and we will be glad to see you whenever you are ready.
HeartfeltSending you strength and a great deal of warmth from all of us. Take all the time you need.
HeartfeltNothing can make this easier, but I hope it helps a little to know how much you are cared about here.
HeartfeltSo sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
ShortWith deepest sympathy, and all our love.
ShortThinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
ShortWe are all here for you.
ShortPlease accept my sincere condolences on your loss.
FormalWith heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
FormalThe whole team sends its deepest sympathy. We are here to support you in any way we can.
Formal
Most people stall on a sympathy card for a colleague because they are afraid of saying the wrong thing, so they say nothing, or pass the card to the next desk. The truth is that almost any short, kind line is right. What a grieving colleague remembers is who wrote, not the wording.
Keep it about them, not the circumstances. You do not need to know how the person died, and you should not ask. Avoid silver linings such as "at least..." or "they are in a better place" unless you know those beliefs are theirs, and never make them feel they have to reply or hurry back.
At work, a practical offer is often the kindest thing in the card: covering a meeting, taking something off their plate, making sure nobody chases them while they are away. Only offer what you will actually do.
Three things worth getting right
- Name the person who died if you knew them or know their name; it means more than "your loss".
- Tell them not to worry about work, and mean it.
- Leave out any question that needs an answer.
Common questions
What if I barely know the coworker?
A single line is enough: "I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you." Sign your full name so they know who it is from. Near-strangers signing matters; it shows the whole workplace noticed.
Should I mention how the person died?
No. Stick to your sympathy and, if you knew them, a memory of their life. The circumstances are theirs to share or not.
One card, signed by everyone
You have the words. Card Event collects everyone else in one link, with photos, video and voice notes, and no app or account for the people signing.
Start a cardWriting to someone else?
All card wording guides — lines for a coworker and everyone else