This post covers a work excuse letter.
You are not a robot, sometimes you may need to take a break from the working atmosphere with or without a solid reason- a doctor’s appointment, a sick day, personal stuff, etc.
How do you tell your boss?
Write an excuse letter for work.
A work excuse letter is a formal and effective way to ask for an excuse from your boss whenever you feel like being absent from your workplace.
In this post, I will guide you on everything you need to know about work excuse letter including;
- what is a work excuse letter
- why do you need an excuse letter for work?
- How do you write an effective work excuse letter for an important matter?
- a work excuse letter template
- a work excuse letter samples
- etc.
let’s get started
Related:
- Joining letter after medical leave (guide + free samples)
- letter of separation to an employee (guide + free template)
- Absence excuse letter for school (guide + free samples)
- Recognition letter (guide, FAQs & free samples)
- Thank you letter to a boss who is leaving (guide + free samples)
Jump to section
What is a work excuse letter?
A work excuse letter is a brief statement of facts written by an employee to an employer to ask for an excuse to be absent from work due to some emergencies or any other personal issues.
Employees should send the excuse letter as soon as possible, preferably before missing work, in order to request permission.
However, if an employee is unable to attend work for urgent reasons, it is possible to send an excuse letter only after being absent.
Employers usually don’t need an entire essay explaining why you have to miss work, but they do need the basics.
This letter is simply to notify your boss of when and why you will be absent.
Why do you need a work excuse letter?
A work excuse letter is a letter that you write to your employer when you intend to be absent (in most cases) or have already been absent (in some cases) from work.
Therefore a well-written work excuse letter will;
- Serve as a record of your absence
- It helps to settle disagreements about your absences (if the situation ever arises)
- Demonstrate your sincerity, as well as your understanding of the value of time and concern for the inconvenience caused by your absence
- Help you to comply with your employer’s absence from work policies.
When do you need a work excuse letter?
Every company has specific procedures and reasons for employees missing work.
Before writing your letter, you should double-check the procedures in the employee handbook to determine whether you need to inform your boss and how you should go about doing so (e.g., a phone call, a letter, an email)
When a letter is required, the organization specifies what it should contain and who should receive it. Also, Consider how far in advance you should notify your employer.
It is important to understand company policy and what constitutes a legitimate excuse from work. Some excuses for missing work may be denied by your employer.
The following are examples of legitimate reasons for an excused absence from work:
- Your sick
- There is a family emergency; death, someone is sick, etc.
- Home emergence (something needs to be repaired)
- Your child or close relative requires unexpected assistance.
- You’re recognizing a religious holiday.
- You have a doctor’s appointment.
- You are taking a vacation/personal day (if applicable to company policy).
- Jury duty
- Personal reasons (you don’t need to share details)
- etc.
How to write a work excuse letter
A work excuse letter is written in business letter format. Begin your letter with your address and contact information, followed by a date and the address of the employer, and state that you are writing to ask for an excuse to be absent from work. Provide the date and the reasons for being absent. Finish with “Sincerely,” followed by your name and signature.
REMEMBER! The purpose of a work excuse letter is to notify your boss of when and why you will be absent.
So, in order to write an effective work excuse letter, do the following;
- Provide your name, address, contact information, and job title.
- Include the date of the letter
- Include the employer’s address
- Clearly state the reasons for being absent
- Provide the dates that you will be away
- Provide the details of how you will be reachable when you are away
- If applicable state who will take care of your duties when you are away
- Attach documents, records, or other documentation for easy reference.
- Be straightforward
- Maintain a professional tone
- Be honest
other helpful tips
- Deliver your letter as soon as possible.
- Comply with organization policy as far as work excuses are concerned
- If applicable Request to work remotely.
A work excuse letter template
Your Name
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip Code
phone
email
DATE
[Recipient’s Name]
[Recipient’s Position]
[Name of the organization]
[organization’s Street Address]
[organization’s City, State, and Zip Code]
Dear Mr./Ms. [Recipient Last Name,]
Please accept this letter as written notice that I was/will be unable to attend work on/from [start date] to [end date] due to [reasons for absence].
[Your colleague’s name] will cover my duties while I am away. In case of an emergency, please contact me at [email/phone].
Thank you for understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Signature]
[Your Name]
A work excuse letter due to emergency
The following is a sample excuse letter for being absent from work due to an emergency;
NB: this letter is suitable to use after being absent. For the sample before being absent, check the next section.
Harris Kelly
Sales officer
200 West Town
City boys, CA 56746
kellyh@email.com
(555)-170-9589
December 30, 20…
Joyce Kimberly
General Manager
Sweet Home logistics
123 Home street
Downtown, CA 68795
Dear Ms. Kimberly
With all due respect, I’d like to express my heartfelt apologies for being unable to attend work from December 25 to December 29, 20… because I needed to take my son to have his leg set after an injury in his baseball game on December 24 night. (Please see the attached pediatric orthopedist documentation. Let me know if you require any additional information.)
I apologize for the delays and inconvenience caused to the company and colleagues. I am aware of all pending tasks and I will work hard (extra hours and weekends) to finish them as soon as possible.
Thank you for your patience and understanding on this matter.
Sincerely
[Signature]
Harris Kelly
Work excuse letter for a dental appointment
The following is the sample excuse letter for work due to a doctor’s appointment
James King
Data Clerk
200 Data Avenue
Home City, CA 57788
kingjames@email.com
(555)-873-5683
December 28, 20…
Bob Blair
Human Resource Manager,
ABC Technologies
756 Tech street
Downtown, CA 68648
Dear Mr. Blair
Please accept this letter as written notice that I will be unable to attend my job on December 31, 20… due to a dental appointment on the same day.
While I am away, John Kennedy will take over my responsibilities.
In the event of an emergency, please contact me at the above-mentioned email or phone number.
Thanks for understanding
Best regards
[Signature]
James King
Doctor work excuse letter
The following is a doctor’s work excuse letter sample
ABC Medical Centre
100 Health Drive
Downtown, CA 64645
info@abcmedical.com
www.abcmedical.com
January 1, 20…
DOCTOR’S EXCUSE FOR WORK
Patient Name: Julie Jones
Age: 25
Gender: Female
To whom it may concern
This is to certify that Julie Jones has recently been diagnosed with Chest Cold.
Kindly excuse her from work for 5 consecutive days so that she can rest while receiving her prescribed treatments.
In case you have further queries concerning Ms. Jones’s medical condition do not hesitate to contact me at (198)-123-1234 or drking@abcmedical.com
Thank you for your patience and understanding on this matter.
Sincerely
[Signature]
Dr. Rowland King
Funeral work excuse letter
Kennedy Johnson
Data analyst
200 West Town
City boys, CA 56746
kellyh@email.com
(555)-170-9589
December 30, 20…
Tim King
HR Manager
Sweet Home logistics
123 Home street
Downtown, CA 68795
Dear Mr. King
I’m writing this letter to let you know that my father, Mr. Brown, passed away (may his soul rest in peace). Our family is currently experiencing grief at the loss.
I’d like to ask for five days off between [01-11-20xx] and [5-11-20xx] so that I can assist my family and friends in organizing his burial.
Ms. Jane will handle my responsibilities while I’m absent. Please get in touch with me via phone or email if there is an emergency.
Thanks for your understanding regarding this matter.
Sincerely
sign:
Kennedy Johnson
FAQ about work excuse letter
What is a work excuse letter?
A work excuse letter is a document that an employee provides to their employer to excuse their absence from work. This letter typically includes information about the reason for the absence, the duration of the absence, and any relevant dates or details.
What information should be included in a work excuse letter?
A work excuse letter should include the employee’s name and contact information, the date of the letter, the reason for the absence, the duration of the absence, and any relevant dates or details. It should also include a statement indicating that the employee will be returning to work on a specific date.
Can I provide a work excuse letter for a personal reason?
Yes, you can provide a work excuse letter for personal reasons. This could include things like a family emergency, a medical issue, or a personal matter that requires the employee’s attention.
Is a work excuse letter required for every absence?
No, a work excuse letter is not required for every absence. However, it is always a good idea to provide one if the absence is planned or if the employee is unable to work for an extended period of time.
Can I provide a work excuse letter for a mental health issue?
Yes, you can provide a work excuse letter for a mental health issue. This should include information about the mental health issue, the duration of the absence, and any relevant dates or details.
How should I submit a work excuse letter?
You should submit a work excuse letter through the appropriate channels, such as emailing it to your supervisor or HR representative. It is also a good idea to follow up with a phone call or in-person meeting to discuss the absence.
What happens if I do not provide a work excuse letter?
If you do not provide a work excuse letter, it may result in disciplinary action or a loss of pay for the days that the employee was absent. It is important for employees to provide a work excuse letter to their employer in order to clearly communicate the reason for their absence and to avoid any misunderstandings.
How do I write a simple excuse letter?
To write a simple excuse letter, start by including your name, contact information, and the date of the letter. Next, state the reason for your absence and the duration of your absence. Keep the letter short and to the point, avoiding any unnecessary details or explanations. End the letter by stating your intended return to work date and your willingness to provide any additional information that may be required.
