What to Write in a Sympathy Card from Your Company

When an employee, client or customer experiences the loss of a loved one, it can be hard to know what to say.

Sending a sympathy card from a business involves a delicate balance of keeping things professional while also trying to show compassion and deliver genuine, heartfelt condolences.

If you struggle in this department, don’t worry! Whether you want to show care for the loss of a relative, friend or even a pet, Hallmark has got you covered. 

This article will guide you through writing a sympathy card, so you’ll feel confident when it comes time to send a meaningful message of care to a colleague.

5 Message Tips for Business Sympathy Cards

1. Keep your sympathy message short.

We take special care when crafting sympathy messages to capture the significance of the moment while still giving you the opportunity to include a personal note. You may feel like you should write more, but when done thoughtfully, you can convey warmth and care in as few as one or two sentences.

When it comes to business sympathy cards for employees and customers, it’s likely you do not know the deceased. Keeping your sympathy message short is especially important in those situations. That’s why our sympathy sentiments are uniquely written so they require minimal additional messaging.

2. Brainstorm what you want to say before putting pen to paper.

You may feel a lot of pressure to get the message perfect when reaching out to someone going through a difficult time. With a little preparation—and help from Hallmark—you’ll be able to write just the right message for your recipient.

Pause and consider what you want to write before doing so. You don’t want to resort to using white-out or crossing through your mistakes. In fact, we suggest using a scrap piece of paper to write your message before putting pen-to-card. 

Keep in mind: on our website, you have the option to type your personal message directly inside the sympathy card you choose, then we’ll print boxed cards for you.

3. Use your full name or "group name" when signing the card.

If the card is only coming from you and not from a larger team, consider using both your first and last name in your sign-off so they know it’s you. It’s safe to assume your employee or customer will receive multiple sympathy cards. Meaning, there’s a good chance other card givers could have the same first name as you—especially if it’s a common one. 

If the sympathy card is coming directly from your business, we suggest using a sign-off such as:

• Your friends at (company name)

• Your support system at (company name)

• Your (company name) team

4. Avoid popular cliches. 

Some sentences or phrases, while very common, are overused and can detract from the heartfelt meaning of your card. When you express your condolences, try to be original and avoid writing things like:

• Time heals all wounds.

• This, too, shall pass.

• (Name of deceased) is in a better place now.

• This happened for a reason.

Staying away from these phrases will increase the sincerity of your business sympathy cards.

5. End with a warm closing.

A great way to close your sympathy card is with respectful regards. Some ideas might include:

• My (Our) sincere condolences

• With sympathy

• God bless

• Wishing you peace

• Thinking of you

Message Starters for What to Write in a Business Sympathy Card

If you struggle to find the right words for your sympathy card, we hope these messages below inspire you:

• “We are so sorry for your loss. We want you to know that we are thinking of you during this difficult time.”

• “I am deeply saddened to learn that your (mother, father, spouse, sibling, etc.) recently passed away. Please know that you have my deepest sympathy.”

• “The loss of a loved one is never easy. That's why we want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time.”

• “I wish you

  peace and comfort as you mourn the loss of your (mother, father, spouse, sibling, etc.). You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.”

• “Mourning the death of a loved one is hard, but please know that we grieve with you during this difficult time.”

• “I know that you are going through a lot right now. Please know that I am here for you.” 

• “We are keeping you in our thoughts as you mourn the loss of your [mother, father, spouse, sibling, etc.] and pray that you find peace and comfort.” 

• “My heart goes out to you and your family at this difficult time.” 

• “Words cannot begin to express our sorrow for your loss. Please accept our deepest condolences.”

Expressing Care & Concern with Hallmark

We understand that the right words during a time of loss can profoundly impact the individual receiving it. That’s why we’ve created a collection of business sympathy cards that are uniquely suited for showing care to business contacts.

We also offer cards for pet sympathy and a range of messages that encourage and support during life’s challenging moments.