Effective Employee Absence Email Sample: How to Write One

Are you struggling to write an employee absence email and have no clue where to start? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll provide you with employee absence email sample examples that you can edit and customize as needed.

When an employee is absent from work, it’s important to inform their colleagues and supervisor so that necessary arrangements can be made. However, crafting the perfect absence email can be challenging, especially if you’re not sure what to include or how to format it.

That’s why we’ve compiled some employee absence email samples that you can use as a template or modify to fit your specific situation. Whether it’s for a sick day, vacation, or personal leave, we’ve got you covered!

With these examples at your disposal, you’ll be able to write an absence email that is professional, concise, and informative. So, let’s dive into the employee absence email samples and get you on your way to crafting the perfect message!

The Best Structure for an Employee Absence Email Sample:

When it comes to writing an email to notify your employer about an upcoming absence, it can be difficult to know where to start. How do you convey the necessary information in a concise and professional manner?

The best structure for an employee absence email sample should include the following elements:

1. Clear Subject Line

Your subject line should be specific and informative about the reason for your absence. This will help your employer easily identify the email and keep track of any important details mentioned within.

2. Greeting and Introduction

Start the email with a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Manager’s Name],” or “Hello [Team].” Use an introductory sentence to explain the purpose of the email and provide context for your absence.

3. Reason for Absence

In a sentence or two, explain the reason for your absence. Be honest and straightforward, but keep it brief. If necessary, provide additional details about the nature of your absence, such as the date range or whether it is scheduled or unexpected.

4. Impact on Work

Depending on the nature of your position, your absence may impact your work or that of your colleagues. Briefly address any concerns regarding work tasks or deadlines, and offer to help to minimize any disruption. If applicable, suggest any suitable arrangements or recommended colleagues who can take over your tasks while you are away.

5. Length of Absence and Return Date

Specify the exact dates of your absence and your intended return date. This will help your employer and colleagues adjust work schedules and deadlines accordingly. If your absence is for a longer time period, such as vacation or medical leave, provide any relevant information about how to contact you or arrange for coverage during your absence.

6. Appreciation and Closing

End the email with a sincere note of appreciation for any support or understanding your employer or colleagues may offer during your absence. Sign off with a polite closing, such as “Best regards,” or “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

By following this structure, your employee absence email will convey the necessary information in a professional and courteous manner.

Employee Absence Email Samples

Medical Absence

Dear [Employee Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you about your recent medical absence. I understand that medical circumstances can arise that prevent you from attending work, and I wanted to express my support during this challenging time.

Please know that our company policy requires employees to provide a doctor’s note for any medical absence that lasts longer than two consecutive days. Therefore, I kindly request that you submit a doctor’s note for your absence as soon as possible

Thank you for your cooperation. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Personal Absence

Dear [Employee Name],

I wanted to follow up with you regarding your personal absence from work. I understand that personal circumstances can arise and affect your attendance. Our company values work-life balance and I am willing to grant you your time off, though we request that you discuss your situation with HR, so that we can review and adjust your leave balance.

Please let me know your future work schedule as soon as possible so that we can adjust your workload accordingly. Thank you for keeping us informed.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Maternity/paternity Leave Absence

Dear [Employee Name],

Congratulations on the arrival of your new child! I am writing to document and formalize your maternity/paternity leave. As per our company policy, all employees are eligible for a six-week maternity/paternity leave. Based on your leave dates, you will be granted the same six weeks of leave, starting from [insert date].

During your absence, your work duties will be covered by your colleagues in the department. You can rely on us to handle all necessary arrangements and we are happy to assist you in any way possible. Please let me know if you have any questions or any special requests regarding your leave.

Congratulations again, and enjoy this special time with your family.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Bereavement Absence

Dear [Employee Name],

Please accept my sincerest condolences during this difficult time. Take whatever time you need to grieve and we will make every effort to assist you during your absence. I wanted to remind you that you are entitled to bereavement leave as per our company policy. Please let me know your expected return date so that we can make the necessary arrangements for your absence.

If you need any support or guidance from us during this time, please do not hesitate to reach out to HR. Our company is here to support you during this time of need.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Professional Development Absence

Dear [Employee Name],

Thank you for your recent request to attend a professional development event. Our company values continuous learning and development and thus I am pleased to authorize your absence for the purpose. We appreciate your commitment to improving your skill set and knowledge.

Please let me know the details of the event including the program and duration, so that we can note your absence and plan for adjustments to workloads.

Thank you for your hard work and interest in professional development opportunities.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Annual Leave Absence

Dear [Employee Name],

I hope you are doing well and finding time to relax in your annual leave. This email is to remind you that once you return to work, we will need you to provide us with a summary of your activities and projects during your leave period. This will help in tracking your workload and any missed deliverables.

Please also note that you will be required to schedule a meeting with your direct supervisor to discuss any work updates and review your leave plan for the remainder of the year.

Thank you for your cooperation. Enjoy the rest of your annual leave.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Emergency Absence

Dear [Employee Name],

Our company takes emergencies and unforeseen circumstances very seriously, especially when it affects our employees. I hope you are safe and well amid the situation you are facing.

Please know that we respect your privacy and will respect whatever course of action you take to return to work. You are entitled to receive support or resources from our HR team when in need.

When you return to work, please contact the HR department at your earliest availability to discuss your current circumstances and develop a plan for your return to work.

We’re thinking of you and wishing you all the best.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Tips for Writing Employee Absence Email Samples

When writing an employee absence email sample, it is important to be clear, concise, and professional in your communication. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective message:

  • Be specific about the dates of the absence – Make sure you include the exact dates and times that the employee will be absent so there is no confusion. This will also help you plan for any work that may need to be covered or rescheduled.
  • Include a reason for the absence – While it’s not necessary to disclose personal details, including a brief reason for the absence can help others understand the situation and assist in planning for any necessary coverage.
  • Provide contact information – Make sure to include a way for others to reach the employee in case of an emergency or if they need to follow up on any work-related matters while the employee is absent.
  • Keep it professional – Avoid using overly casual language or humor in your communication. This is a serious matter and should be treated as such.
  • Plan ahead – If you know that an employee will be absent, try to plan ahead for any necessary coverage or changes to the work schedule. This will help minimize disruption to the team and ensure that work is completed on time.

In addition to these tips, it’s important to communicate with empathy and understanding. An employee may be absent for a variety of reasons, from personal illness or family emergency to professional development or vacation time. As a manager or colleague, it’s important to show support and compassion for your team members, while also ensuring that work is still completed efficiently and on-time.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can create an effective employee absence email sample that communicates the necessary information and supports a positive and productive work environment.

Employee Absence Email Sample FAQs


How should I format my email requesting time off?

Your email requesting time off should be clear and concise. It should include the date(s) of your absence, the reason for your absence, and if necessary, the steps you have taken to ensure that your work will be covered while you are away.

What should I do if I need to take unexpected time off?

If you need to take unexpected time off, you should notify your manager or HR as soon as possible. Explain the reason for your absence and the expected duration. Be sure to follow any company policies regarding notification and documentation.

What should I include in my email if I am taking time off for medical reasons?

If you are taking time off for medical reasons, it is important to include the reason for your absence and any documentation necessary, such as a doctor’s note. It may also be helpful to give a general idea of how long you expect to be away.

Can I take time off for personal reasons?

Yes, you are entitled to take time off for personal reasons. However, you should follow your company’s policies regarding notification and approval. You may also need to use vacation or personal time for this type of absence.

How far in advance should I request time off?

You should request time off as far in advance as possible. This gives your manager and HR time to plan for your absence and ensure that your work is covered. Check your company’s policies for specific guidelines.

What if I need to cancel my time off request?

If you need to cancel your time off request, notify your manager or HR as soon as possible. Explain the reason for the cancellation and be prepared to discuss alternative arrangements if necessary.

What if I have used all of my vacation time?

If you have used all of your vacation time and need additional time off, you should discuss your options with your manager or HR. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to use personal time or take unpaid leave.

Come Back Soon!

And that’s it! We hope that you found our employee absence email sample helpful and informative. At the end of the day, notifying your employer or colleagues of your upcoming absence is a responsible behavior that showcases your professionalism. Don’t forget to use our email templates as a guideline, and feel free to add a personal touch to make them sound more like you! Thanks for reading, and we hope to have you back with us soon for more content and tips!