Why do more and more companies decide to write end of year letters? The increasing trend towards electronic correspondence means that the written letter is becoming something of a rarity. This has a few exceptions, for example formal announcements and legal documents. As the end of year letter provides a chairperson or MD (Managing Director) the chance to congratulate his staff or partners and to review the year's successes, a letter signals that he or she considers this important - not expendable - enough information to be sent out on paper.