New retirees lack traditional farewell celebrations

Many new retirees are feeling sad and "cheated" as they leave their jobs without the traditional farewell parties. For Linda Lawrence, her retirement came unexpectedly when her job was eliminated after a company buyout. She planned to retire later but decided to leave early. Now, at 60, she feels disappointed because she did not get to celebrate her 30-year career. This sentiment is shared by others. Historically, retirement parties marked important life changes. However, fewer retiring employees are receiving such send-offs today. Marilyn Hintsa, a retirement coach, notes that expectations have changed and many retirees feel unrecognized after years of service. She emphasizes that a proper farewell can help smooth the transition from work to retirement. Changing work practices, like remote jobs and shorter tenures, have also contributed to less formal retirement celebrations. Budget cuts mean many companies can no longer afford to throw parties. Nancy Heath, a McGill University professor, has seen celebrations reduce over the years. To help, she organized her own farewell party, realizing that people want to feel they made a difference. Hintsa suggests that organizations can still honor retirees on a budget. Simple gestures like personalized emails or memory boards can make a big impact. Recognizing employees not only shows appreciation but also reinforces the value of those who remain with the company. While Lawrence has not yet celebrated her retirement, she hopes to visit Vancouver Island soon. She believes organizations should do more to acknowledge retirees, as a simple email can go a long way in making someone feel valued.