If for any reason you have to excuse yourself from work, you must formally inform your immediate boss. Usually, you inform your boss through an email or a written letter.
Whether you are working in a small organization or large, your work output is related to someone else’s work one way or another. An organization is a team and each person’s responsibilities are connected to another’s.
An excuse letter is a polite way to inform those depending on you that you will not be available for work on a specified day. This helps others in the workplace be mentally prepared and plan their work in such a way that your absence does not disturb their work performance.
The excuse letter must be addressed to your concerned supervisor who is usually your immediate boss. An excuse to miss work must be appropriate, and relevant.
A good excuse to miss work is one that physically or mentally limits your capacity to work efficiently or an important matter that requires urgent attention and cannot be delayed. For example, an illness, death in the family, family or house emergency, doctor’s appointment, car trouble or attending an important event are all appropriate excuses to miss work.
Here are some examples of missing work due to various situations:
Illness or injury
I am writing to inform you that I was unable to attend work from July 19 to July 23, 20xx. Earlier I had caught a cold due to changing weather, but my condition worsened. I had a high fever and the doctor advised me to rest. I am attaching my medical reports along with this letter.
Please let me know if you need any further information.
Family emergency
Please accept this letter as my notification for missing work from August 03 till August 09, 20xx. My brother has met an accident and I must look after him. Fortunately, my brother did not suffer any permanent damage; however, he is in pain and requires assistance for now.
I have already called in to postpone the meetings with my clients and have arranged for a colleague to handle some urgent matters that were my responsibility. I hope my absence will not cause much disturbance. In event of any queries, you can reach me at my number 444-676768 or email at [email protected]. I will get in touch as soon as I can.
Thank you for your consideration and patience during this difficult time. I hope to be back by August 09, 20xx and resume my work responsibilities with a clear head.
Please let me know if you need any further information.
Bereavement days for a family death
I am writing to inform you that my grandmother has suddenly passed away due to heart failure. Her funeral will be held on March 19, 20xx. I am deeply saddened by her death as I was quite attached to her. This is a painful experience for me and I am afraid I will not be able to concentrate on work while I am grieving. Therefore, I am requesting to kindly grant me leave from March 16 to March 20, 20xx.
I will resume work on March 21, 20xx and all my work responsibilities. If there is some matter that requires urgent attention, please let me know by email at [email protected]. I will reply as soon as possible.
Thank you for your consideration and patience during this difficult time.
Car trouble or transportation issues
I was unable to come to work on November 10, 20xx. The reason is that I was on my way to work when my car broke down in the middle of the highway. It took me more than 2 hours to tow the car to a garage and another 7 hours to get it repaired. Therefore, I had to miss work. Kindly, mark November 10, 20xx as a casual leave in my record.
Thank you for your consideration.
Taking a mental health day
I am writing to request a day off to focus on my mental health. The past two weeks at work were quite hectic owing to the project end documentation. I would, therefore, like to take a day’s break to relax and de-stress my mind. I have completed all the urgent tasks that were my responsibility. I have also briefed a colleague (Mr. Jacobs) on a few tasks and he shall be able to handle them in my absence if the need arises. I shall be back to work day after tomorrow and ready to give my 100% once again.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Doctor appointments
I am writing to request a day off, as I have a doctor’s appointment. I have been suffering from abdominal pain for the past few weeks and it is getting worse. I took some over the counter medicines, but the pain remains, so I took an appointment with the doctor. My appointment with the doctor is scheduled for February 05, 20xx. I hope it is something minor and will be back to work from February 06, 20xx. I shall be highly obliged for this.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Dealing with a house emergency
I was unable to report to work on March 12, 20xx, owing to an emergency in the house. There was an electrical malfunction that caused a fire in the bedroom. Fortunately, we were still in the house and able to shut off the electric connection to the house and put out the fire before it spread. However, the repairs and cleaning up required my urgent attention.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Being summoned to jury duty
I am writing to inform you that I have been summoned for Jury Duty by the court on August 17, 20xx. Jury duty is part of my service to the country’s justice system and mandatory to attend. My failure to report for jury duty may lead to criminal prosecution against me. Therefore kindly, grant me a leave for August 17, 20xx.
Thank you for your understanding.
Attending an event
I am writing to request four days leave from September 08-12, 20xx, to attend a family event. I will be traveling approximately 380 miles away. I will brief my team members about the tasks that I have been assigned so that work can continue as usual while I am away. Mr. Mathews and Ms. Karan have kindly agreed to take over any pending work while I am on leave.
In case of any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected].
Thank you for your cooperation.
Missing work due to oversleep
Dear Ms/Mr. xxx,
I am writing to inform you that I was unable to attend work today (August 14, 20xx). My mother has been unwell, and I had barely slept in the past 3 days. Unfortunately, fatigue finally overcame me and I overslept today. Kindly, grant me a leave today so that I can rest, and I shall be back to work tomorrow.
In case of any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me on [email protected].
Thank you for your understanding.