When an employee leaves a company, there is likely some acknowledgment that the person is going. It may not be a gold watch, but a card, a cake, or a lunch is a usual way of recognizing their contributions.
The same should be true for those who work closely with your organization, even though they are not officially employees. This could be contract workers, interns, temporary staff that have been there for extended periods, on-site partners, etc. — people who are part of your team regardless of the legal personnel distinction.
A team member’s departure is a transition for everyone making a demarcation valuable to all involved. Don’t let them just leave with just a wave.
