It’s a very sad time at work when a colleague dies, whether it has been expected or whether it’s been sudden. The management should always take a lead and write a letter or email announce the death to all staff as soon as possible.
You might also like sample condolence letters after the death of an employee
Letter or email announcing death of a work colleague – sample 1
Dear colleague(s)
It is with great sadness that I write to advise you of the death of our much loved and admired friend and colleague [Name]. [He/she] died [time/day/date if known].
Include the following paragraph if appropriate only.
As you may know, [first/known name] has been ill for some time and has been battling his/her illness [or condition as appropriate if known] but has finally lost the battle and passed away peacefully [in hospital/at home]. His/her close family were at his/her side .
I am/We are not aware of the funeral arrangements at this time but will pass these onto you as they become known.
I am sure that you would like to join me in offering our deepest condolences to [first/known name’s] family and loved ones at this difficult and sad time.
Yours
Letter or email announcing death of a work colleague – sample 2
Dear Colleagues
Today I received the sad news that [name] died suddenly last night. We are shocked to have received such terrible news and are sure you, his friends and colleagues will be too.
We have arranged for those closest to him at work to have a session with our HR counsellor if needed.
We are sure you would all like to join us in sending our condolences to his/her family and as such a card will be available in [reception / other location] for everyone to sign and there will also be a collection for flowers.
If we hear any more news we will be sure to pass it on.
Letter or email announcing death of a work colleague – sample 3
Dear Colleagues,
As you will probably have heard, our colleague and friend [name] sadly passed away [details].
We have heard from their family that the funeral is to take place [details] and all work colleagues are welcome to attend.
Choose one of the following paragraphs
1. As the funeral is to take place during working hours we must ask that only his/her closest friends attend along with a representative from the management team.
2. As the funeral is taking place outside of working hours we would encourage as many colleagues to attend as possible to show our support for [name’s] family.
The family have asked for donations to [charity] rather than flowers so we will be making a collection at work and [employee’s name] will give this to the family at the funeral.
[Name] will be remembered as a kind, caring, thoughtful and hard working member of our workforce and they will be very much missed by us all.
Best Wishes,
[Name]
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