{"id":10943,"date":"2026-06-15T10:00:35","date_gmt":"2026-06-15T02:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scc.sg\/e\/?p=10943"},"modified":"2026-10-24T15:58:27","modified_gmt":"2026-10-24T07:58:27","slug":"when-a-close-colleague-leaves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scc.sg\/e\/when-a-close-colleague-leaves\/","title":{"rendered":"When a Colleague You\u2019re Close To Leaves"},"content":{"rendered":"
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When a colleague you are close to leaves, it can help to acknowledge what you will miss, say goodbye in a way that feels comfortable, and make small adjustments to your working day. You may be pleased for them and sad for yourself at the same time. Missing a familiar person does not, on its own, mean something is wrong with your mental health.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Notice what their departure changes for you<\/h2>\n

A work friendship can live in ordinary moments: lunch downstairs, a shared joke before a meeting, or someone who understands why a particular afternoon was difficult. Their departure may leave gaps that are less visible than an empty desk.<\/p>\n

Ask yourself what you are missing most. Is it companionship, reassurance, practical knowledge, or feeling understood? Naming the gap gives you something more specific to respond to than \u201cwork feels different now\u201d.<\/p>\n

HealthHub\u2019s guidance on transitions<\/a> explains that change can disrupt routines and feelings of familiarity and security. You can recognise that disruption without judging yourself for finding the change difficult.<\/p>\n

Make room for a goodbye and realistic contact<\/h2>\n

A goodbye need not involve a large gathering or an expensive gift. A brief note, coffee, or sincere thank-you can acknowledge what the friendship has meant to you. Respect their preference if they would rather keep their departure quiet.<\/p>\n

You might say: \u201cI\u2019ve really appreciated having you here, especially our lunchtime chats. I\u2019d like to stay in touch. Would you be open to coffee sometime after you\u2019ve settled in?\u201d<\/p>\n

An invitation leaves room for their answer. Avoid treating a casual \u201cwe must catch up\u201d as an agreed schedule, or assuming the same daily messaging will continue. Ask which personal contact channel they are comfortable using, rather than relying on workplace accounts after they leave.<\/p>\n

If their availability changes, you can feel disappointed without immediately deciding that the friendship was never genuine.<\/p>\n

Give your working day a little new structure<\/h2>\n

Start with the part of the day that feels most noticeably different. If you always ate together, decide what you will do for your next lunch break. That might be a walk, a meal with another colleague, or time somewhere away from your desk.<\/p>\n

The NHS recommends routine and manageable, short-term steps<\/a> when coping with change. You do not need to rebuild your entire social life in a week.<\/p>\n