Condolence Letter – Format, Meaning, Purpose, Examples, and More

The death of someone close is a very sorrowful event. A formal condolence letter is written to the employee in case of a family member’s death and to the family in case of an employee’s death. Such letters are written strictly in a formal manner on behalf of the organization.

A condolence letter is the most effective way to convey your sympathies to the concerned individual. However, let’s face it, when writing a condolence letter, we often get stuck on what to say to someone who has lost a dear one. Finding effective words to express your feeling of sympathy can be daunting at times. A formal letter of condolence can help you comfort them in their grief.

Below is the exact definition of a condolence letter, a few tips, guidelines, letter of condolence format, and examples of the same.

What is a Condolence Letter?

The Letter of Condolence is written on the very unfortunate event of someone’s death. This letter shares the pain of an employee or associate at the time of bereavement. The Human Resource department shares this letter with the concerned person.

In many organizations, Human Relations is a department that is focused on bonding with its employees and shares this letter of condolence with the employee or its associates to support them during the situation of grief.

What is the Purpose of a Condolence Letter?

The main aim of this letter is to provide support and comfort to the employee or their associates. This letter can provide a kind of support to the family of the deceased. It is also a gesture of support and works as an effective source of offering sympathy when words are at loss.

During the period of grief, the family of the deceased will be suffering a lot, hence, any form of support to the associates will be welcomed.

Demotion Letter – Format, Meaning, Samples, Examples and More

Draft a Condolence Letter – Guidelines

• Writing Style: Make sure to keep the sound of your letter formal. Do not make your letter sound informal as you are writing it on behalf of your company. In case you want a customized, easy-to-use Condolence letter template, you can access it on UBS HRMS Software offering India’s leading HR Toolkit.
• Company’s Letterhead – Ensure using the letterhead of the company while writing a formal letter of condolence to the employee or its associates.
• You can also type the letter if required. It is not necessary that you write a letter with your hand.
• If the deceased is an employee of the company, mention some of the achievements he/she has received during the employment. Moreover, let the family of the deceased know how he/she was an asset to your company. Good and consoling words spoken about the deceased may bring happiness to the family. Also, mention that his/her presence will be missed in the organization.
• Conclude your letter with words of respect towards the deceased.

With this template letter, you can:

• Convey grief and support to the employee or its family.
• Effectively convey a sensible message in a sensitive situation.
• Appropriately convey your feelings to the affected.

Condolence Letter Format

Condolence Letter Example

Considerations While Writing a Letter of Condolence

• Writing a letter by hand might look outdated, but leaves a greater impact on the family of the deceased. It looks like a more heartfelt gesture.
• If you do not want to write a letter, get a customized condolence letter template from some leading HRMS software. However, if you are using a customized template make sure that the letter sounds genuine.
• The letter should be brief and should offer comfort and reassurance.
• Ensure adding your full name at the end of the letter.
• Ensure considering the religious beliefs regardless of what the bereaved believes in.
• The content of the letter should be heartfelt and thoughtful.

If you feel stuck while writing the letter, we are here to help with the best HR Toolkit in India – UBS. We are the leading HRMS Software India offering hundreds of HR letters and other HR documents that will help you streamline your HR operations quickly and easily.