20 Other Ways to Say “It Was a Pleasure Working with You”

Ever catch yourself saying the same tired workplace phrases over and over? You’re definitely not alone. Most professionals get stuck repeating “it was a pleasure working with you” until it loses all meaning.

Here’s the thing: your words shape your career. They can open doors or close them. They build bridges or burn them down. So why settle for boring when you can stand out?

Today’s business world moves fast. Everyone wants to be remembered. The right farewell message can keep you top-of-mind for future opportunities. Smart professionals know this secret.

This guide gives you 20 fresh alternatives to “pleasure working with you” that actually make an impact. No more generic goodbyes. Time to upgrade your professional vocabulary.

Is It Professionally Good to Use This Phrase?

Let’s be honest. “It was a pleasure working with you” isn’t wrong. It’s perfectly fine for business communication. The problem? Everyone uses it.

Think about your last five work emails. How many ended with this exact phrase? Probably most of them. Your colleagues see this line dozens of times per week. It blends into background noise.

Research shows memorable communication drives career success. People remember unique messages. They forget generic ones. Standing out matters in competitive markets.

The classic phrase works fine for casual interactions. But important moments deserve better. Project completions, client farewells, team departures – these need impactful appreciation messages.

Don’t abandon the old phrase completely. Just save it for everyday situations. Upgrade to something memorable when it counts.

20 Ways to Express Professional Appreciation

Ready to transform your workplace gratitude expressions? These alternatives work for different situations and relationships. Each one carries its own tone and impact.

Pick phrases that match your style. Some sound formal. Others feel casual. All of them beat the overused original.

1. “Our Partnership Has Been Truly Rewarding”

This phrase emphasizes mutual benefits from your collaboration. It shows you both gained value. Perfect for equal partnerships and joint projects.

Why this works: It highlights shared success rather than one-sided appreciation. Both parties contributed. Both parties benefited.

Best contexts: Project completions, consulting relationships, vendor partnerships, cross-departmental collaborations.

Example in a Project Completion Email:

Subject: Smith & Co. Rebranding Project – Final Delivery

Dear Sarah,

Our partnership has been truly rewarding throughout this rebranding journey. Your creative insights elevated our concepts beyond initial expectations. The client’s 40% engagement increase speaks volumes about our collaboration.

Looking forward to future projects together.

Best regards, Alex

2. “It’s Been a Privilege to Work Alongside You”

“Privilege” carries more weight than “pleasure.” It shows deep respect and admiration. Use this with senior colleagues, mentors, or industry experts.

This phrase works especially well when you’ve learned something valuable. It acknowledges the other person’s expertise and experience.

Best contexts: Working with executives, learning from mentors, collaborating with industry leaders.

Example in a LinkedIn Message:

Hi James,

It’s been a privilege to work alongside you during our joint venture launch. Your market analysis expertise opened my eyes to trends I’d never considered. The 25% faster market entry proved your insights were spot-on.

Hope our paths cross again soon.

Emma

3. “I Greatly Appreciate the Time We’ve Spent Working Together”

Time is everyone’s most valuable resource. This phrase acknowledges that shared investment. It works across all relationship levels.

The psychology behind this: You’re not just thanking someone for their work. You’re thanking them for choosing to spend their precious time with you.

Best contexts: Long-term projects, mentorship relationships, team departures, retirement farewells.

Example in a Farewell Speech:

“As I transition to my new role, I greatly appreciate the time we’ve spent working together. Every brainstorming session taught me something new. Every challenge we tackled made us stronger as a team. Thank you for investing your time in our shared success.”

4. “Your Partnership Has Been Invaluable to Our Success”

“Invaluable” means priceless. You can’t put a price on their contribution. This phrase packs serious punch for recognizing crucial team members.

Use this when someone’s work directly drove results. Be specific about the success they enabled. Numbers make it even stronger.

Best contexts: Performance reviews, project debriefs, client presentations, year-end recognitions.

Example in a Performance Review:

Lisa, your partnership has been invaluable to our team’s Q3 success. Your client retention strategies boosted our renewal rate from 78% to 94%. That’s $2.3 million in additional revenue directly traced to your innovative approaches.

5. “It’s Been Great Having You on the Team”

Sometimes simple works best. This casual phrase feels warm and genuine. Perfect for close colleagues and informal environments.

The key is sincerity. Don’t use this for distant relationships or formal situations. Save it for people you actually enjoyed working with.

Best contexts: Team chat messages, casual conversations, peer-to-peer appreciation, friendly departures.

Example in a Team Chat:

@Mike: It’s been great having you on the team these past two years. Your debugging skills saved us countless late nights. Plus, your coffee recommendations kept us all caffeinated! We’ll miss having you around.

6. “I’ll Always Treasure Our Time Working Together”

This phrase works for deep professional relationships. Use it when you’ve built genuine connection beyond just work tasks.

“Treasure” implies lasting value. You’re not just saying goodbye. You’re saying this relationship mattered to you personally.

Best contexts: Retirement farewells, long-term mentorships, close collaborations, career milestone moments.

Example in a Retirement Card:

Dear Patricia,

I’ll always treasure our time working together over these 15 years. Your mentorship shaped not just my career, but my approach to leadership. The lessons you taught me continue guiding my decisions every day.

Enjoy this well-deserved next chapter.

Robert

7. “Your Contributions Have Been Greatly Appreciated”

This phrase puts contributions front and center. It’s perfect for recognizing specific achievements and valuable input.

Focus on what they actually did. Vague appreciation doesn’t stick. Specific recognition does.

Best contexts: Project feedback, performance discussions, team recognitions, achievement celebrations.

Example in a Project Feedback Email:

Subject: Q4 Marketing Campaign – Outstanding Results

Tom,

Your contributions have been greatly appreciated throughout this campaign. Your data-driven content strategy boosted engagement by 156%. The A/B testing approach you suggested became our new standard.

Excellent work this quarter.

Samantha

8. “It’s Been an Honor to Collaborate with You”

“Honor” elevates the relationship. Use this for respected colleagues, industry leaders, or significant achievements.

This phrase works especially well for conference collaborations, research projects, or high-profile initiatives.

Best contexts: Conference presentations, research partnerships, industry collaborations, thought leadership projects.

Example in a Conference Follow-up:

Dear Dr. Chen,

It’s been an honor to collaborate with you on our Neuroscience Summit keynote. Your groundbreaking research combined with our visualization techniques created something truly impactful. The standing ovation said it all.

Looking forward to our next collaboration.

Professor Williams

9. “I’m Grateful for Our Wonderful Working Relationship”

This phrase emphasizes the relationship itself, not just the work output. Perfect for ongoing partnerships and positive team dynamics.

“Wonderful” adds warmth without being unprofessional. It shows you genuinely enjoyed the collaboration process.

Best contexts: Recommendation letters, partnership renewals, team appreciations, relationship building.

Example in a Recommendation Letter:

“During Jane’s three years as Marketing Coordinator, I’ve been grateful for our wonderful working relationship. Her proactive communication style and collaborative approach made every project smooth and enjoyable. Jane doesn’t just complete tasks – she enhances team dynamics.”

10. “Your Expertise Has Made This Experience Truly Rewarding”

Expertise recognition hits differently. It acknowledges someone’s professional skills and knowledge. Use this for learning situations and skill-based collaborations.

“Truly rewarding” shows you gained value from their knowledge. It’s perfect for consulting relationships and mentorship situations.

Best contexts: Client thank you notes, consultant appreciations, learning partnerships, skill development.

Example in a Client Thank You Note:

Dear Mr. Johnson,

Your expertise has made this experience truly rewarding for our design team. Your sustainable architecture insights didn’t just improve this project – they’re reshaping our entire approach to eco-friendly design.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

Architect Maria Rodriguez

Read This Post: Other Ways to Say “With That Being Said” (With Examples)

Quick Reference Guide: Choosing the Right Phrase

Situation	Best Phrase	Why It Works
Project Completion	“Our partnership has been truly rewarding”	Emphasizes mutual success
Working with Seniors	“It’s been a privilege to work alongside you”	Shows respect and admiration
Team Departures	“It’s been great having you on the team”	Casual and genuine
Retirement/Long-term	“I’ll always treasure our time working together”	Implies lasting value
Performance Reviews	“Your contributions have been greatly appreciated”	Focuses on specific achievements
Conference/Industry	“It’s been an honor to collaborate with you”	Elevates professional status

11. “Your Insights Have Made This Partnership Invaluable”

Insights show strategic thinking. This phrase recognizes someone’s ability to see what others miss. Perfect for advisors and strategic partners.

“Invaluable partnership” implies ongoing value. You’re not just saying thanks – you’re expressing hope for future collaboration.

Best contexts: Strategic consulting, advisory relationships, problem-solving partnerships, innovation projects.

Example in a Project Debrief:

Mark, your insights have made this partnership invaluable. Your market analysis uncovered trends our internal team completely missed. That competitive intelligence shaped our entire go-to-market strategy.

12. “I’m Grateful for the Enjoyment in Teamwork You’ve Brought”

Some people make work fun. This phrase recognizes positive team culture contributions. It’s about more than task completion.

“Enjoyment in teamwork” acknowledges soft skills that matter. Morale, energy, and positive attitude drive results too.

Best contexts: Team newsletters, culture recognitions, morale building, positive workplace environments.

Example in a Team Newsletter:

Team Spotlight: We’re grateful for the enjoyment in teamwork Sarah brings to our department. Her positive energy and collaborative spirit make even challenging projects feel manageable. That’s the kind of teammate everyone wants.

13. “Working with You Has Been a Truly Enriching Experience”

“Enriching” implies growth and learning. Use this when someone helped you develop professionally. Perfect for mentorship and learning relationships.

This phrase works well for both formal and informal development situations. It shows genuine appreciation for knowledge shared.

Best contexts: Mentor relationships, learning partnerships, skill development, professional growth situations.

Example in a Mentor Thank You Note:

Dr. Patel,

Working with you has been a truly enriching experience. Your research methodology guidance transformed my approach to scientific inquiry. The critical thinking skills you taught me extend far beyond this project.

Grateful for your mentorship, Sarah Johnson

14. “Your Contributions Have Been Instrumental to Our Success”

“Instrumental” means essential. This person wasn’t just helpful – they were crucial. Use this for key contributors and game-changers.

Back this up with specific results. What success did they enable? Numbers make instrumental contributions concrete.

Best contexts: Year-end reviews, major achievements, breakthrough moments, essential contributions.

Example in a Year-End Review:

James, your contributions have been instrumental to our success this year. Your marketing automation system increased lead generation by 340%. That single innovation drove $4.2 million in new business.

15. “It’s Been a Joy to Collaborate with Such a Talented Professional”

“Joy” adds emotional warmth to professional appreciation. “Talented professional” provides specific recognition. This combination works beautifully.

Use this for people whose skills impressed you and whose company you enjoyed. It balances professional respect with genuine warmth.

Best contexts: LinkedIn recommendations, peer recognitions, professional networking, talent appreciation.

Example in a LinkedIn Recommendation:

“It’s been a joy to collaborate with such a talented professional as Emma. Her creative problem-solving abilities consistently turn challenges into opportunities. Any team would benefit from her innovative thinking and positive energy.”

16. “I’m Thankful for the Mutual Growth Our Partnership Has Fostered”

Mutual growth acknowledges equal benefit. Neither person was doing the other a favor. Both gained value from the collaboration.

“Fostered” implies intentional development. This partnership wasn’t accidental – it was cultivated for mutual benefit.

Best contexts: Partnership renewals, consulting relationships, collaborative ventures, ongoing alliances.

Example in a Partnership Renewal Email:

Mr. Thompson,

I’m thankful for the mutual growth our partnership has fostered this year. Our combined expertise delivered solutions neither company could achieve alone. The 85% client satisfaction increase proves our collaboration works.

Looking forward to another year of shared success. CEO Jane Smith

17. “Your Expertise Has Made This Project a Resounding Success”

“Resounding success” sounds impressive. Use this for major wins and significant achievements. The word choice creates excitement about results.

Connect expertise directly to outcomes. What specific skills drove the success? Make that connection clear.

Best contexts: Client presentations, project celebrations, public recognitions, major achievements.

Example in a Client Presentation:

“Before diving into results, I want to acknowledge that Alex’s UX expertise has made this project a resounding success. His user-centered design approach delivered a 67% increase in app engagement within three months.”

18. “I’m Honored to Have Been Part of Such a Dynamic Collaboration”

“Dynamic collaboration” suggests energy and innovation. “Honored” elevates your appreciation level. This phrase works for exciting, high-energy projects.

Use this when the collaboration itself was remarkable. The process was as impressive as the results.

Best contexts: Innovation projects, high-profile initiatives, industry collaborations, breakthrough moments.

Example in a Conference Panel Closing Remarks:

“I’m honored to have been part of such a dynamic collaboration on today’s renewable energy panel. The diverse perspectives shared here will undoubtedly advance our industry’s understanding for years to come.”

19. “Your Dedication Has Made Our Partnership Truly Remarkable”

Dedication recognizes effort and commitment. Some people go above and beyond. This phrase acknowledges that extra effort.

“Truly remarkable” sets this partnership apart from ordinary collaborations. Use this for exceptional working relationships.

Best contexts: Exceptional effort recognition, above-and-beyond contributions, dedication awards, outstanding partnerships.

Example in a Team Recognition Email:

Subject: Recognizing Outstanding Q4 Performance

Team,

Samantha’s dedication has made our partnership truly remarkable this quarter. Her weekend work during the product launch crunch kept us on schedule. That commitment to excellence raises the bar for everyone.

20. “I’m Grateful for the Professional Bond We’ve Forged”

“Professional bond” goes beyond task completion. This phrase acknowledges relationship building. It’s about trust, respect, and mutual understanding.

“Forged” implies intentional creation. Professional bonds don’t happen automatically – they’re built through shared experiences and mutual respect.

Best contexts: Long-term relationships, trust-based partnerships, farewell situations, relationship appreciation.

Example in a Farewell Speech:

“As I move to my next opportunity, I’m grateful for the professional bond we’ve forged. The trust and respect we’ve built made every challenge manageable and every success sweeter. These relationships will outlast any single job.”

Final Words: Mastering the Art of Appreciation

Professional appreciation isn’t just good manners – it’s career strategy. The right words at the right moment can transform ordinary interactions into lasting connections.

These 20 alternatives to “pleasure working with you” give you options for every situation. Formal or casual. Brief or detailed. Emotional or purely professional.

The secret sauce? Match your message to your relationship and situation. Don’t use “honored to collaborate” with your cubicle neighbor. Don’t use “great having you on the team” with the CEO.

Specificity beats generality every time. Instead of vague appreciation, highlight actual contributions. Instead of generic thanks, mention specific impacts.

Your professional communication skills shape how others perceive you. Thoughtful appreciation messages show emotional intelligence, professionalism, and genuine care for relationships.

Start using these phrases today. Pick three that feel natural to you. Practice them in low-stakes situations. Build confidence before the high-importance moments arrive.

Remember: people remember how you made them feel. Generic appreciation messages get forgotten immediately. Thoughtful, specific recognition sticks forever.

Your career depends on relationships. Every farewell is a potential future opportunity. Every thank you is relationship maintenance. Every appreciation message is an investment in your professional network.