Sample Email for Urgent Leave: How to Write and Request a Leave of Absence

Are you feeling overwhelmed with work or going through an unexpected personal emergency that requires you to take an urgent leave from work? It’s important to communicate effectively with your employer or HR department, so they can make the necessary arrangements. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Below you will find a sample email for urgent leave that you can use as a template to guide you in crafting your own message. Feel free to edit and personalize it to suit your situation and company policies.

Sample Email for Urgent Leave:

Subject: Request for Urgent Leave

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I have encountered an unforeseen personal emergency that requires me to take an urgent leave of absence from work for [number of days]. I understand the inconvenience this situation may cause, but I assure you that I will do everything in my power to ensure a smooth transition in my absence.

Please let me know what steps I need to take to provide the necessary documentation and to arrange for a suitable replacement during my leave. I have already completed all the urgent tasks that require my attention and informed my teammates on pending work that may require their support.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in this matter. I look forward to resuming my work responsibilities as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

With this example, you can confidently request a leave without worrying about how to write the email. Just remember to include all relevant details, such as the duration of your leave and any pertinent information related to your absence, to avoid any miscommunication with your employer.

The Best Structure for a Sample Email for Urgent Leave

When you need to take urgent leave from work, it’s crucial to communicate your request clearly and professionally. The way you structure your email can make a big difference in how well it’s received by your manager or colleagues. Here’s a simple structure to follow when writing an email for urgent leave, adapted from the writing style of author and productivity expert Tim Ferriss.

Paragraph 1: Start with a clear and concise subject line that summarizes your request for urgent leave. For example: “Urgent Request for Leave: Family Emergency.” In the first paragraph, briefly explain the reason for your leave request. Keep it simple and to the point, but make sure to convey the urgency of the situation. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy to read and understand.

Paragraph 2: In the second paragraph, provide more context and details about your situation. If you need to take time off to care for a sick family member, for example, explain the severity of their illness and why you need to be with them. If your leave is due to a personal emergency, provide as much detail as you are comfortable sharing, but avoid oversharing. Be honest and transparent.

Paragraph 3: In the third paragraph, provide specific information about the duration of your leave and whether you will be reachable during your absence. If you have a plan for how to handle your workload while you’re away, outline it here. If you need to delegate any tasks or responsibilities, provide clear instructions for who will take over and how to contact them. Make sure to express your gratitude for any support or accommodations that your manager or colleagues can offer.

Paragraph 4: Wrap up your email with a clear statement of your intentions, such as “I will be back in the office on Monday, July 12th.” If appropriate, offer to schedule a meeting or check-in to discuss your absence and any outstanding issues. Provide your contact information for emergencies or urgent matters, and sign off with a professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards.”

Following this structure will help you write an effective email for urgent leave that clearly communicates your needs and expectations. Remember to keep your language polite and professional, and to proofread your email before hitting send. With a little planning and preparation, you can make the process of taking urgent leave as smooth as possible for everyone involved.

Sample Email for Urgent Leave Due to Family Emergency

Dear Manager,

I am writing to request an urgent leave due to a family emergency. Unfortunately, my sibling has been hospitalized and needs immediate care and attention. As their closest relative, it is necessary for me to be present and take care of them during this difficult time.

I understand that my unexpected absence may cause inconvenience to the company and my colleagues. However, I am willing to work from home during my absence to ensure that the work is not affected. I will keep in touch with my team and ensure that all my ongoing projects are completed and delivered on time.

I would be grateful if you could grant me the leave for the next two weeks. I will ensure that I make up for the lost time once I am back and settle all the pending work. Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Best regards,

John Doe

Sample Email for Urgent Leave Due to Personal Health Reasons

Dear Manager,

I am writing to request an urgent leave due to personal health reasons. Unfortunately, I have been diagnosed with a severe medical condition that requires immediate attention and treatment. Thus, I need to undergo surgery and will require some time to recover.

I understand that my absence may cause inconvenience to the company and my colleagues. However, I will ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made to ensure the smooth operation of my department during my absence. I will also provide a detailed handover to my colleagues to ensure that all the work is taken care of effectively.

I would be grateful if you could grant me the leave for the next four weeks until I recover from the surgery. I assure you that I will keep in touch with my team and stay updated with all the ongoing projects and work. Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Best regards,

Jane Doe

Sample Email for Urgent Leave Due to the Demise of a Family Member

Dear Manager,

With a heavy heart, I am writing to request an urgent leave due to the sudden demise of my beloved parent. I need to travel to my hometown to attend the funeral and take care of the necessary arrangements. As the only child, it is my responsibility to take care of everything and be present with my family during this difficult time.

I understand that my absence may cause inconvenience to the company and my colleagues. However, I will ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made to ensure the smooth operation of my department during my absence. I will also provide a detailed handover to my colleagues to ensure that all the work is taken care of effectively.

I would be grateful if you could grant me leave for the next two weeks. I assure you that I will keep in touch with my team and stay updated with all the ongoing projects and work. Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Best regards,

Jack Smith

Sample Email for Urgent Leave Due to a Work-related Injury

Dear Manager,

I am writing to request an urgent leave due to a work-related injury. Unfortunately, I was injured during an accident at the workplace and require immediate medical attention and treatment. As advised by the doctor, I need to take time off from work to recover and ensure that my injury heals correctly.

I understand that my absence may cause inconvenience to the company and my colleagues. However, I will ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made to ensure the smooth operation of my department during my absence. I will also provide a detailed handover to my colleagues to ensure that all the work is taken care of effectively.

I would be grateful if you could grant me leave for the next two weeks until my injury heals correctly and I am fit to resume work. I assure you that I will keep in touch with my team and stay updated with all the ongoing projects and work. Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Best regards,

Tom James

Sample Email for Urgent Leave Due to a Family Function

Dear Manager,

I am writing to request an urgent leave due to a family function. My sister is getting married, and this is an important event for my family. As her brother, it is necessary for me to be present and take care of the necessary arrangements and ensure that everything goes smoothly.

I understand that my absence may cause inconvenience to the company and my colleagues. However, I will ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made to ensure the smooth operation of my department during my absence. I will also provide a detailed handover to my colleagues to ensure that all the work is taken care of effectively.

I would be grateful if you could grant me leave for the next one week until the event is over and everything is settled. I assure you that I will keep in touch with my team and stay updated with all the ongoing projects and work. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

Best regards,

Mike Smith

Sample Email for Urgent Leave Due to a Medical Appointment

Dear Manager,

I am writing to request an urgent leave due to a medical appointment. Unfortunately, I have been suffering from a medical condition that requires immediate attention and a thorough check-up. As advised by the doctor, I need to take time off from work to attend the appointment and ensure that everything is taken care of correctly.

I understand that my absence may cause inconvenience to the company and my colleagues. However, I will ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made to ensure the smooth operation of my department during my absence. I will also provide a detailed handover to my colleagues to ensure that all the work is taken care of effectively.

I would be grateful if you could grant me leave for the next two days until the appointment is over and I receive the necessary treatment and counseling. I assure you that I will keep in touch with my team and stay updated with all the ongoing projects and work. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

Best regards,

Sandy Lee

Sample Email for Urgent Leave Due to a Personal Emergency

Dear Manager,

I am writing to request an urgent leave due to a personal emergency. Unfortunately, I have to attend to a personal matter that requires immediate attention and intervention. As such, I need to take some time off from work to ensure that everything is taken care of correctly and effectively.

I understand that my absence may cause inconvenience to the company and my colleagues. However, I will ensure that all the necessary arrangements are made to ensure the smooth operation of my department during my absence. I will also provide a detailed handover to my colleagues to ensure that all the work is taken care of effectively.

I would be grateful if you could grant me leave for the next one week until everything is taken care of and resolved appropriately. I assure you that I will keep in touch with my team and stay updated with all the ongoing projects and work. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

Best regards,

David Brown

Tips for Writing a Professional Sample Email for Urgent Leave

When it comes to requesting urgent leave, it’s important to approach the situation professionally and clearly state your reasons for needing time off. Here are some in-depth tips to keep in mind when crafting your sample email:

  • Start with a clear subject line: Your subject line should clearly indicate that this is an urgent request for leave. Use keywords like “urgent,” “emergency,” or “immediate” to ensure that your message stands out and gets immediate attention.
  • Explain your reason for leave: Clearly state why you need time off and provide relevant details to support your request. Be honest and transparent about the situation, but be concise and to the point.
  • Mention any work or projects that will be affected: Let your employer know how your absence will impact your role or team. Provide details of any ongoing projects or work that may be impacted by your leave, and suggest any alternative arrangements that may be necessary.
  • Set a clear timeline: Be specific about the dates or duration of your leave. Let your employer know when you plan to resume work and how they can get in touch with you in case of any urgent matters.
  • Offer a solution: If possible, offer a solution or alternative plan to minimize the impact of your absence. This can help to build goodwill and show that you are committed to your work and responsibilities.
  • Show gratitude and appreciation: End your email with a note of gratitude and appreciation for your employer’s understanding and support. This can help to maintain a positive relationship and show that you value your job and the company.

Remember, when writing an email for urgent leave, it’s important to approach the situation with professionalism, honesty, and clarity. By following these tips, you can increase the chances of getting your leave request approved and minimizing any potential disruptions or problems for your employer.

FAQs related to Sample Email for Urgent Leave


What should be the subject line of the email?

You should mention “Urgent Leave Request” or “Emergency Leave Request” in the subject line of the email.

What information should be included in the email?

You should mention the reason for the urgent leave, the duration of the leave, and contact information in case of an emergency. You can also apologize for the inconvenience caused by your absence.

Is it necessary to provide a doctor’s note for the urgent leave?

It depends on the company’s policy. If your company requires a doctor’s note for sick leaves, then you should mention that in the email and attach the relevant document.

How much notice should I give before requesting an urgent leave?

You should try to give notice as soon as possible. However, if it is an emergency, you can mention that in the email and explain why it was not possible to give prior notice.

Can I use the same email template for all types of urgent leaves?

No, you should tailor the email according to the situation. For example, the email format for a bereavement leave may be different from that of a sick leave.

Should I follow up with a phone call after sending the email?

If your absence could have a significant impact on the workplace or if it is a serious emergency, it is recommended to follow up with a phone call or a message to ensure that the message was received and understood.

How can I ensure that my urgent leave request gets approved?

There is no guarantee that your urgent leave request will get approved. However, you can increase the chances of approval by being honest, providing as much detail as possible, and offering to make up for missed work when you return.

Hope this helps, take care!

And that’s a wrap, folks! I hope this sample email helps you out in case of any future urgent leaves. Remember, it’s always better to be prepared in advance than scrambling for excuses at the last moment. Thanks for reading this article and I hope to see you again soon. Have a great day and take care!