Whether it’s a co-worker or someone you manage, a note of appreciation is always welcome. Your thank-you note does not need to be formal or lengthy—just make sure it includes your gratitude. That way, the manager (who most likely has the power to give raises, bonuses, and promotions) is aware of your colleague’s help as well.
How to Write Your Thank-You Note
Depending on the circumstances, you might want to send a letter, card, or note by mail to thank your colleague for the help he or she gave you on a project. Sending a paper thank-you note can be a nice touch, and will show you spent some extra time preparing your correspondence. A card to put on a bulletin board or desk is a lasting reminder of appreciation, and also serves as a hard copy record for the person’s files. If you are handwriting your note, remember to include the date on the top right side of the note. Email is also a perfectly fine way to express appreciation. However you decide to send your thanks, your letter will contain the same elements.
What to Include in a Thank-You Note
Salutation
You should begin with a salutation. Depending on your relationship, you might choose “Dear” or “Hi” since this is an informal note between colleagues. As in all business correspondence, don’t use abbreviations or slang. The note can be informal, but all work-related correspondence needs to maintain a professional tone.
Body of Email or Note
The body of your letter should mention a few ways that the person’s expertise was valuable to your project—you can mention how much you appreciate the time the person took out of his or her busy schedule to offer assistance. If there’s something specific that the person did to make the project a success, be sure to mention it.
Closing
In your closing, it’s always nice if you can offer to reciprocate in some way. Otherwise, you can just share your gratitude and pleasure about having the opportunity to work with the person on this particular project. Then end your letter with a complimentary close, followed by your signature.
Sample Thank-You Emails
Here are sample email messages or letters that thank an employee for help with a project. Use these examples as a guideline when creating your own letter or message, and include specific details about how the person helped out.
Sample Thank-You Card
Dear Eloise, Thank you very much for offering your assistance on the upcoming Human Resources project. I really appreciate your willingness to help out outside your current position. It is helpful to have someone who has had experience with similar issues on previous projects to offer guidance and direction. I know HR is happy to have you helping with this project. Let me know if you need anything from me. I can make someone available to help your team out while you spend a few days with the Human Resources staff. Regards, Peter Hi Mike, I wanted to thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to help the Finance department get the year-end accounting completed. I know the work wasn’t part of your normal responsibilities, but your assistance was invaluable in helping my department get everything done in a very timely manner. Your expertise and enthusiasm were both appreciated during a time that can be stressful for all concerned! We sincerely appreciate your efforts and thank your manager as well for sharing some of your schedule with the Finance department. Best regards, Bridget DolanCPA cc: James Bridgton Dear Sophie, Thank you so much for coming in all those extra hours last week to help me get the new shop set up. I can’t believe how much more space we have for display, and the new kitchen is going to make it so much easier to meet the demand for wedding cakes this summer! You are always such a help, and I appreciate your support in every way. I am so happy to have you as my assistant, and I’m looking forward to working with you as we move into the next phase of our growing business. Fond regards, Melissa
