Professional Condolence Messages for Work & Clients

Professional Condolence Messages: 120 Messages for Colleagues, Clients & Bosses

Saying the Right Thing at Work Isn’t Always Easy

Expressing condolences in the workplace can feel especially delicate. You want to show empathy without crossing professional lines. Whether you're writing as a colleague, manager, HR, or a team member, the challenge is to strike the right tone: respectful, warm, but also appropriate for your role and relationship.

This article provides 120+ professional condolence messages for work settings — from brief Slack or email messages to longer card-worthy notes. Whether you're responding to a personal loss, sending a note from HR, or signing a team sympathy card, you’ll find examples here that suit the moment.

The sections below are organized by:

• Sender (peer, manager, HR, team, company)
• Channel (chat, email, card)
• Context (colleague, employee, boss, client)

All messages are neutral in tone, suitable across cultures and beliefs. No heavy religious language is used unless clearly noted.

Whether you need short condolence messages for immediate response or more comprehensive expressions of support, understanding different types of condolence messages helps you choose the most appropriate approach for each situation.

Short Condolence Messages to a Coworker (30 examples)

Use these when you're offering condolences to a coworker, teammate, or colleague in a quick, professional way (e.g. chat, email, or card line).

For a Close Teammate or Work Friend

1. I'm truly sorry for your loss. I'm here if you need anything.
2. Thinking of you and sending strength your way.
3. Please know I’m just a message away if you need anything.
4. Holding you and your family in my thoughts.
5. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. I’m here for you.
6. Wishing you moments of peace in the days ahead.
7. Your loss is deeply felt by those who care about you.
8. I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
9. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
10. We’re all thinking of you.

For an Acquaintance or Cross-Team Colleague

1. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
2. Wishing you strength and peace during this time.
3. My thoughts are with you and your family.
4. I’m very sorry for your loss.
5. Sending sincere sympathy to you and your loved ones.
6. May you find comfort in those around you.
7. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
8. I was very saddened to hear the news.
9. Sending you my deepest sympathies.
10. I hope you feel surrounded by support.

For Remote or Virtual Teams

1. Though we're miles apart, I’m thinking of you.
2. Sending virtual support and heartfelt sympathy.
3. The whole remote team is keeping you in our thoughts.
4. We're all with you in spirit.
5. Please take all the time you need — we’re here.
6. You’re not alone — we’re thinking of you from afar.
7. Sending care and strength across the distance.
8. Your remote team is holding space for you.
9. We’re with you even if we’re not nearby.
10. Thinking of you across the distance — take care.

These concise messages work particularly well for condolence text messages when immediate but respectful contact feels appropriate.

Condolence Messages from Managers or HR to Employees (20 examples)

Professional yet warm messages from leadership or HR, ideal for emails, Slack, or formal cards.

From a Direct Manager

1. I'm truly sorry for your loss. Please take all the time you need.
2. You have my deepest sympathies — we’re here to support you.
3. Your well-being is our priority right now.
4. If there’s anything I can take off your plate, please let me know.
5. Please don’t worry about work at this time.
6. We are thinking of you and your family.
7. Wishing you comfort and strength in the coming days.
8. I’m here for you, professionally and personally.
9. The team will support you however you need.
10. Take whatever time you need to be with your loved ones.

From HR on Behalf of the Company

1. On behalf of the company, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
2. We are truly sorry for your loss and extend our sympathies.
3. If you need support or assistance, we are here for you.
4. Please let us know how we can help during this difficult time.
5. Your colleagues are thinking of you — you’re not alone.
6. We’re here to support your time away.
7. We understand how difficult this must be.
8. Please take time to care for yourself and your family.
9. Wishing you comfort and peace.
10. Know that the entire organization is holding you in our thoughts.

Professional Condolence Messages for Clients or Business Contacts (15 examples)

Use these to offer sympathy while maintaining formality and professionalism.

To a Client or Vendor

1. We were saddened to hear of your loss — our thoughts are with you.
2. Please accept our sincere condolences on behalf of our team.
3. Wishing you comfort during this difficult time.
4. Our hearts go out to you and your loved ones.
5. We deeply value our relationship and are truly sorry for your loss.
6. You and your family are in our thoughts.
7. May you find strength and support in the days ahead.
8. We stand with you in sympathy and respect.
9. Sending sincere condolences from our entire team.
10. We wish you peace as you navigate this loss.

From the Company as a Whole

1. On behalf of [Company Name], we offer our deepest sympathy.
2. Our team is keeping you in our thoughts.
3. Please know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.
4. We were truly sorry to hear the news.
5. May you find comfort in your family and friends.

Condolence Messages to a Manager, Boss, or Senior Leader (20 examples)

Messages that respect hierarchy while remaining warm and professional.

To a Direct Manager

1. I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Please know you have our full support.
2. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
3. Please accept my sincere condolences — we’re here for you in any way needed.
4. My heart goes out to you. Wishing you strength and comfort.
5. If there’s anything I can do to help during this time, please don’t hesitate to ask.
6. We’re all thinking of you and sending heartfelt sympathy.
7. I was truly saddened to hear the news — my thoughts are with you.
8. Please take all the time you need. We’ve got things covered on our end.
9. Hoping you find peace and support in the days ahead.
10. It’s hard to find the right words — just know we’re with you.

To a Senior Executive

1. On behalf of the team, please accept our sincere condolences.
2. We were very sorry to hear of your loss and extend our deepest sympathies.
3. Our thoughts are with you and your loved ones at this time.
4. Wishing you peace and strength as you navigate this personal loss.
5. You and your family are in our thoughts.
6. Please accept our sympathy during this time of mourning.
7. We’re deeply saddened by your loss and offer you our full support.
8. Sending strength and heartfelt condolences from the team.
9. May you find comfort in the support of those around you.
10. Our sincere thoughts are with you during this difficult period.

Group or Team Condolence Messages (20 examples)

Messages for sympathy cards or emails signed by multiple people.

From a Small Team (10 messages)

1. We’re thinking of you and your family and sending heartfelt sympathy.
2. Our whole team is deeply sorry for your loss.
3. Please know you have our support in every way.
4. We're holding space for you during this time.
5. Our thoughts and hearts are with you.
6. We’re so sorry for your loss and are here if you need anything.
7. You and your loved ones are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
8. Please take all the time you need — we’re covering everything for you.
9. Sending strength and comfort from all of us.
10. Your grief is shared by all of us — we’re here whenever you need support.

From a Department or Company (10 messages)

1. The [Department Name] team sends our sincere condolences.
2. We’re so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you.
3. On behalf of the entire company, please accept our sympathies.
4. Wishing you peace and healing.
5. Please know that your entire team is here for you.
6. Our organization extends heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
7. We’re deeply saddened by your loss and stand with you in support.
8. The [Company Name] team is thinking of you and sending our best wishes.
9. You are in our thoughts during this time — we’re here for anything you may need.
10. We hope you find strength and peace, and know you’re surrounded by support from your team.
11. Let me know if you'd like a more formal or culturally adapted version for international teams, or if you’d like to expand this into email-ready templates as well.

When supporting colleagues through specific types of loss, these messages complement resources like condolence messages on death of father or condolence messages for loss of mother while maintaining workplace appropriateness.

Condolence Messages for Sudden or Unexpected Loss (10 examples)

When timing is especially tragic or unexpected.

1. We are deeply shocked and saddened by your loss.
2. This news has affected all of us — we’re thinking of you.
3. Please know we’re here, even if there are no words.
4. It’s hard to believe. We send you love and strength.
5. Holding you in our thoughts through this heartbreaking time.
6. We're truly sorry for this sudden loss.
7. No words can ease this, but we care deeply.
8. Sending you strength, today and always.
9. May you find peace in the support around you.
10. We’re here for you, whatever you need.

For colleagues experiencing unexpected loss, these messages work alongside sudden death condolence messages while maintaining appropriate workplace boundaries and long-term support commitments.

How to Write a Professional Condolence Message

Keep it simple and supportive. Here’s a quick 4-step formula:

1. Acknowledge the loss → “I was very sorry to hear about your loss.”
2. Express sympathy → “Please accept my heartfelt condolences.”
3. Offer support or understanding → “If there's anything we can do, please let us know.”
4. Close respectfully → “Thinking of you,” or “With sympathy,”

Template:

Dear [Name],

I was saddened to hear about your loss. Please accept my condolences during this difficult time.

If you need anything, we’re here for you.

— [Your Name]

FAQ – Professional Condolence Etiquette

Is email okay for professional condolences?

Yes. Email is perfectly acceptable, especially for remote teams. If the person is close or the loss significant, a card is also appropriate.

How long should a condolence message be at work?

1–4 sentences is standard. Keep it brief, kind, and respectful.

Can a team send one message together?

Yes, especially for cards or emails from a department. Use “we” language and sign with team names.

Should I include religious phrases?

Only if you’re sure they’re welcome. Stick to neutral language unless the person is known to be religious.

Closing

You don’t need perfect words to offer comfort—just honest, human ones. In a professional setting, even a brief message can make a lasting impact. These templates are a starting point: feel free to adapt them to your voice, relationship, and company culture.

Whether you're writing as a colleague, manager, or company, a sincere condolence shows compassion that builds trust. Keep it kind, simple, and real.