Maternity and Paternity Leave Card Messages: 30 Lines for a Coworker
What to write in a card for a coworker going on maternity, paternity or parental leave: warm, funny and practical messages, from you or the team, that never make them think about work.
A parental leave card goes out on someone’s last day before a big change. The best ones do two things: wish them well, and lift any guilt about leaving work behind.
Warm
- Wishing you a wonderful leave and a smooth arrival.
- Enjoy every minute of this. We’re so happy for you.
- Go and be with your family. We’ll be cheering from here.
- Congratulations, and enjoy the newborn cuddles.
- This is the best reason to be out of the office. Enjoy it.
Taking work off their mind
- Everything here is in hand. Don’t think about us once.
- Your projects are covered. Your only job now is your family.
- Please don’t check email. We mean it.
- The handover’s done and it’s great. Go and switch off.
For paternity or a partner’s leave
- Congratulations! Enjoy every moment of being home with your new family.
- Wishing you a brilliant few weeks with your little one.
- Go and change some nappies. We’ve got this.
For adoption leave
- Congratulations on welcoming [name] home. Enjoy this time together.
- Wishing your family a wonderful start together.
Funny
- Enjoy your leave. Sleep is optional, apparently.
- You’re swapping our meetings for 3am feeds. Bold choice.
- We’ll try to survive without you. (We’ll be fine.) (We won’t.)
- Your out-of-office should just be a baby photo.
From the team
- From all of us: congratulations, and enjoy every moment.
- The team is so excited for you. Send photos!
- With love and best wishes from your work family.
From a manager
- Wishing you a wonderful leave. Everything is covered; please switch off completely.
- Congratulations! Take all the time you have, and enjoy it.
Short
- Enjoy every minute!
- Congratulations and happy leave.
- Sending love to your growing family.
- Switch off and enjoy.
When they’re having a hard pregnancy
- Thinking of you, and wishing you an easy few weeks ahead.
- Rest, and look after yourself. We’re all rooting for you.
- Sending you strength and lots of love.
What to avoid
- “See you soon!” or anything about when they’ll be back.
- Birth horror stories.
- Work questions, even tiny ones.
Sign it together
Start a free card for their last day, invite the team by email, and everyone signs with no account. Free to make, sign and send for up to 100 signers, delivered on the day you choose.
Frequently asked questions
What do you write in a maternity leave card? Good wishes and a clear message that work is covered.
Should you say “see you soon” in a maternity leave card? Better not; “enjoy every minute” says it without pressure.
More: new baby wishes for a coworker · welcome back to work messages
