50+ Examples of a Condolence Message to a Colleague

Written by

Aisha Babr

Colleagues who are dealing with loss may find comfort in kind words from their coworkers. It is not always easy to know what to say to someone who is grieving, but sending a condolence message is better than staying silent. A thoughtful message can show care, respect, and support during a difficult time.

There are many ways for individuals and workplaces to express sympathy and understanding. In this article, we provide 50 condolence messages you can send to a colleague, along with guidance on how to express support to a coworker experiencing grief.

Types of Condolence Messages

Type of Message	Example	When to Use
Group Message	“On behalf of the team, please accept our deepest condolences.”	When sending from multiple coworkers or a team
Loss of a Family Member	“I am deeply sorry for the loss of your [family member]. My thoughts are with you.”	When a colleague has lost a close family member
Simple Message	“Thinking of you during this difficult time.”	Quick, short messages for any occasion
Empathetic Message	“May happy memories of your [family member] bring you comfort.”	When you want to express understanding and care
Formal Workplace Message	“Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. We are here to support you.”	Professional tone for office emails or cards

50 empathetic condolence message examples for a colleague

There are several thoughtful ways to express sympathy to a colleague during a difficult time. You may include a condolence note with flowers or write a brief message in a sympathy card. This is a respectful and widely accepted way to offer support. If your coworker is away from work, you can have flowers and a card delivered to them or send a kind and personal condolence email. Below are condolence message examples that can be customised for a colleague who is experiencing loss.

Condolence messages from a group

Here are some examples of condolence messages that a group of colleagues can send:

• On behalf of the whole team, please accept our deepest condolences.
• We want you to know that our thoughts are with you and your family during this time.
• Wishing you and your loved ones strength and peace in this period of mourning.
• Our hearts are with you as you go through this difficult time.
• We are truly sorry for your loss and are keeping you in our thoughts.
• Please accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of your loved one, from all of us at work.
• As your work family, we want you to know that we are here to support you.
• We are very sorry for your loss and are thinking of you every day.
• Our thoughts and hearts are with you and your family in this sad time.
• We would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Condolence messages for the loss of a parent

Below are examples of condolence messages you can share with a colleague who has recently experienced the loss of a parent:

• Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your [mother/father].
• I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your [mother/father]. My thoughts are with you and your family.
• I’m truly sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences.
• You and your family are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
• May the loving memories of your [mother/father] bring you comfort and peace.
• Thinking of you and wishing you strength as you grieve.
• My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
• Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of someone so special.
• These flowers are sent in memory of your [mother/father]. May they rest peacefully.
• I extend my sympathy to you and your family as you go through this very hard moment.

Condolence messages for the loss of a spouse or partner

Below are examples of condolence messages you can share with a colleague who has recently lost a spouse or partner:

• Words can’t express how sorry I am. Please accept these flowers as a sign of my sympathy.
• Sending my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this painful time.
• Thinking of you and remembering [spouse or partner’s name] and the life they shared with others.
• Wishing you strength for the days ahead and warm memories to keep close.
• My thoughts are with you. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
• I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved [husband/wife/partner]. They will be remembered with care.
• May loving memories bring you comfort and peace now and always.
• With sincere sadness, I extend my condolences to you and your family.
• Keeping you and [name] in my thoughts and prayers.
• May the memories of [name] offer you comfort during this time.

Condolence messages for the loss of a family member

Here are some examples of condolence messages you can send to a colleague who has recently lost a family member:

• I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one.
• Please accept my deepest sympathy during this difficult time.
• May the loving memories of your [family member] bring you comfort.
• I was saddened to learn about the passing of your [family member]. My thoughts are with you and your family.
• Thinking of you as you go through this hard time.
• I wish you and your family peace and strength as you mourn the loss of your [family member].
• Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your dear [family member].
• May the care and support around you help bring you comfort during this painful time.
• My heartfelt condolences for the loss of your [family member]. You and your loved ones are in my thoughts.
• I am thinking of you in this time of sorrow and sending you my deepest sympathy.

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Simple condolence messages

• Sending you my heartfelt sympathy.
• Sharing caring thoughts with you at this time.
• I was very sorry to hear about your loss.
• Please accept my sincere condolences.
• You are in my thoughts.
• Sent with love and kind remembrance of your loved one.
• My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
• Honouring the life of someone truly special.
• A person so dear will always be remembered.
• With warmest condolences and sympathy.

What is a condolence message?

A condolence message is a thoughtful note of support, written by hand on a card or sent in an email. It is used to express sympathy to someone who has experienced a loss in their life. Most often, this loss is the death of a loved one, but it can also relate to other personal tragedies or difficult events.

These messages can show care and understanding from both a personal and professional point of view. They also reflect shared values in the workplace by offering kindness, respect, and emotional support during a time of grief.

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Why send a condolence message?

Your work relationships may not be the same as those with close friends or family, but they are still meaningful. Showing compassion and empathy is a simple way to strengthen these professional connections.

A condolence message allows you to express understanding and support. Small gestures, like helping with a project or assisting with tasks, can make a big difference to someone who is grieving. Even if your colleague prefers to be alone, acknowledging their loss with a kind message shows that you care and respect what they are going through.

Main elements of a condolence message

Here are the four main elements of a condolence message:

Acknowledgement

Your colleague may feel isolated and overwhelmed as they cope with their loss. Offer an acknowledgement of their struggle without going into specific details. This lets your coworker know they are not alone at work and can help them feel valued and supported during a difficult time, bringing a sense of normalcy amid the changes in their life.

Empathy

Expressing understanding of your colleague’s emotions can help them feel less alone and misunderstood. They may find it hard to reach out for support, and by showing your awareness and care, you offer reassurance and respect for what they are going through.

Value

Let your coworker know that they are valued by you and the team during this difficult time. Everyone wants to feel appreciated for their role and contributions. A personalised condolence message can acknowledge their importance to the team and the company.

Support

Offer meaningful support by letting your colleague know how you and other coworkers can help. This could include lending a hand with work, taking time to listen, or simply sharing your thoughts and prayers. Be sincere, maintain a positive attitude, and only promise the support you can genuinely provide.

Tips for a personalised condolence message

Here are some tips to help you write a thoughtful and personalised condolence message:

• Be honest: Speak sincerely and genuinely in your message.
• Avoid giving advice: Focus on showing support rather than offering solutions.
• Relate to their situation: Express empathy without comparing their loss or struggles to others.
• Avoid specific details: Refrain from mentioning details of the incident that may be painful to recall at work.
• Include religious sentiment when appropriate: Consider your colleague’s beliefs and your relationship before adding any religious references.
• Focus on your colleague: Emphasise their value and contributions rather than dwelling solely on the loss they are facing.

Final Thought

Sending a condolence message to a colleague is a simple yet meaningful way to show care and support. Even a few sincere words can provide comfort, strengthen workplace relationships, and let your coworker know they are not alone during a difficult time. Thoughtful messages of empathy and understanding can make a lasting, positive impact.

FAQ

1. What is a condolence message?

A note expressing sympathy and support to someone who has suffered a loss.

2. Why should I send a condolence message to a colleague?

It shows care, support, and respect during a difficult time at work.

3. How long should a condolence message be?

Keep it short, sincere, and focused on support and empathy.

4. Can I send a condolence message via email?

Yes, an email is appropriate if your colleague is away from the office.

5. Should I include religious references in a condolence message?

Only if you know your colleague would appreciate it; otherwise, keep it neutral.