How To Ask Boss To Leave Work Early? (With Examples) | 2022 (2024)

Sometimes you may have personal obligations that interfere with your work schedules.

When that happens, leaving work early is generally acceptable upon approval by your employer.

There are many good reasons why you need to leave work early or call in sick at the last minute, but you need to communicate your request clearly.

We will look at how can we effectively ask your boss to leave work early with examples that you can use to format your request.

How to Ask to Leave Work Early

Similar to calling in sick for work, you’ll need to ask to leave work early professionally. If you want to ask for time off from your work, you can consider some of these steps.

1. Choose a Format

The format where you can use to ask your employer to leave work early depends on your working environment.

Working onsite in Office

If you are working in the office, you can just give your employer a call or drop by his office to make the request.

Working Remotely

If you are working from home or conducting your work remotely, you can probably schedule a virtual meeting or send an email to inform your employer about your request.

2. Consider Your Reason for the Request

Even when your employer wants to let you leave work early, the reason you give has to make logical sense.

Your employer may need to explain to his or her superior why they let you leave work early.

Top excuses that let you leave work early are,

  1. Having a sick child and informing your boss that you need to send them home from school or daycare.
  2. Medical reasons that you need to go home and rest.
  3. Appointments or events that you need to prepare early.

But if you need specific believable reasons to leave work early, you can check out some of the best reasons to give to your boss and leave work early and professionally in my other article here.

3. Notice Your Employer Early

Giving a sufficient notice period to your employer for your upcoming absence is a form of respect for your work and your employer.

Your employer needs to have enough time to arrange your replacement and approve your request. A notice of at least a week or more will be reasonable.

But if it is an urgent request that requires you to leave work immediately, inform your employer as soon as you know the information.

How to Negotiate For Leaving Work Early?

Negotiating to leave work early is possible with a little bit of planning, common sense, and timing your request right. But there are 3 main steps for a successful negotiation.

  • First, you will need to have a solid reason for why you need to leave early.
  • Second, try to offer up a solution that will alleviate any potential problems for your boss.
  • Third, be willing to compromise on other aspects of your job.

When it comes to negotiating for leaving work early, there are a few key points to keep in mind.

What you should do when negotiating with your boss to leave work early?

  • Show compassion and understanding for your boss. Understand their goals and arrange your work around them.
  • Be proactive. Think of different plans and solutions on how you can best complete your task at hand and present these solutions to your boss during the negotiation.
  • Build relationships with people around you. Building a good relationship with people around you so they can be your support when help is required.

What you should not do when negotiating with your boss to leave work early?

  • Avoid talking about your personal views and the troubles you face outside your work. You can mention them but don’t dwell on them. Just be honest about your family obligations.
  • Avoid being rigid. You’ll need to think outside of the box and be creative with solutions on how to get your work done. It can be having remote working arrangements or flexible hours arrangements. Most important is to be open to options.
  • Avoid being too emotional. There are chances that your boss might not want to listen or accommodate your request. Don’t get all defensive and become too emotional. Be objective about the issue and come together to find a solution that works for both of you.

Request To Leave Work Early Template

Here are some templates you can use to ask your boss or manager to leave work early when required.

Request to Leave Work Early for Family-Related Issues

“Hi, [Boss Name]. I’ve just received a call [Family issues].

I will need to [What you’ll need to do to resolve this issue?]

Will it be ok if I leave work after [Proposed timing] to [What you need to do]?

In the meantime, I will [How you make up for leaving work early].”

Request to Leave Work Early for Health-Related Issues

“Hi, [Boss Name]. As I am feeling [Health issues],I will like to leave work early to [See a doctor or rest at home].

I may need help in following up on [Task that needs to be follow-up].

When I am back at work I will [How you make up for leaving work early].”

Request to Leave Work Early for Events or Appointments

“Hi, [Boss Name]. As I am attending [Event], I’ll need to [Your Reason to leave work early].

Is it okay with you if I leave work early at [Propose time], so I can [Reason for leaving work early]?

In the meantime, I will [How you make up for leaving work early].”

How to Ask For Permission to Leave Work Early (Sample)

Below are some simple examples of how you can tell your boss or manager you need to leave work early.

Leave Work Early Due To Family Emergency

“Hi, Mr. John. I’ve just received a call from my son’s teacher, and he said she is not feeling well.

I will need to pick up my kid from school as the school will not allow kids who are sick to be in school.

I will need to stay at home with him, but I can work from home to finish the task at hand.

Will it be ok if I leave work after lunch to pick him up?

In the meantime, I will complete all the critical tasks before I leave the office.”

Leave Work Early Due to Sickness

“Hi, Mrs. Suzy. As I am having a very bad headache, I will like to leave work early to see a doctor.

I may need help in following up on the entry of this list of names into the database that is due today.

When I am back at work I will complete the rest of the data entry.”

Leave Work Early Due to Mental Health

“Hi, Mr. Smith. I am feeling burnout at work. I hope to seek your approval to leave work early today to rest at home.

I will complete all urgent tasks today and follow up on any pending tasks tomorrow when I am back.”

Leave Work Early Due to Pregnancy

“Hi, Mr. Robertson. I’ll be having a doctor’s appointment for my pregnancy this afternoon.

I’ll like to leave work early at 3.00 pm to attend my doctor’s appointment.

I’ve completed all the required tasks today, there will be nothing to follow up for the day.”

Leave Work Early Due To Event

“Hi, Mrs. Mary Jane. As I am attending my friend’s wedding at 6 pm later, I’ll need to get to the event location on time.

Is it okay with you if I left work an hour early at 4 pm, so I can reach the wedding venue on time?

In the meantime, I will complete all the task that is to be completed by today before I leave the office.”

Up Next… Tips on working from home for parents with kids

“How to negotiate?”

Check out this video below!

Read Also:

  • How to Deal With Narcissists at Work, When They Are Your Boss or Coworkers
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  • 9 Signs of a Toxic Workplace (Quit Now!)

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How To Ask Boss To Leave Work Early? (With Examples) | 2022 (1)

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A.C is the Founder of HQHire. Sharing his experience as a management professional in a Fortune 500 Company, he talks about real-world career advice on job search, career advancement, and hiring the right people for the team. As the Founder and editor, he works with career experts to provide working professionals with realistic and actionable career advice that can help even the average joe in the corporate world to achieve success in their career.He is on a mission to provide actionable and reliable information that can create a positive change for each of his readers. Currently, A.C. is authoring a new book that will helps individuals to get out of procrastination and unlock their hidden talents.

How To Ask Boss To Leave Work Early? (With Examples) | 2022 (2024)

FAQs

How do I ask to leave work early professionally? ›

Here are details you should include when you ask to leave work early: The date you need to leave work: Consider providing specific details so your manager can plan accordingly. Include the date and time that you need to leave early. The time your shift will end: Try to specify when during your shift you need to leave.

What is a good excuse for leaving work early? ›

Personal reasons: Illness, for example, or a condition such as severe cramps, migraine, an allergic reaction, or a dental emergency such as a root canal or a toothache. Doctor's appointments or medical tests can also be valid reasons to leave the office before closing time.

How do you politely ask for leave? ›

7 ways to ask for time off just the right way
  1. Choose your time wisely. ...
  2. Be specific and give relevant details. ...
  3. Get caught up with all of your work. ...
  4. Be fair with the rest of your team. ...
  5. Make sure you ask, not tell. ...
  6. Offer to help plan for when you're away. ...
  7. Request your time in writing.
10 Feb 2022

What is the best excuse to take leave? ›

Good Excuses for Missing Work
  • Personal illness. If you're too sick to get out of bed and do your job, or if you have an especially contagious illness, call out of work. ...
  • Family or home emergency. ...
  • Unexpected circumstances out of your control. ...
  • You've worked hard to earn it. ...
  • Scheduled appointment.
27 Apr 2022

How do I ask my boss for permission? ›

12 Tips for Asking for Time Off
  1. Plan the best time to ask your boss. Timing is everything. ...
  2. Don't ask at a peak time. ...
  3. Provide context for your request. ...
  4. Schedule your time in advance whenever possible. ...
  5. Use it or lose it. ...
  6. Request time off in writing. ...
  7. Don't make plans before you receive permission. ...
  8. Help plan the workflow.
25 Nov 2020

Can I have your permission to leave the office early? ›

Format Permission Letter to Leave Office Early

But I promise that I will finish my job early so that nothing is left incomplete or unattended. And I also assure that I will compensate this time by staying an hour extra on Friday, Saturday and Monday so that there is no work loss to the company.

How do I ask my boss for a leave? ›

I request you to please grant me leave for five days, i.e. from (starting date) to (end-date) for the betterment and speedy recovery of my lower back. Also, let me know if any further clarifications are required for the case. I am attaching my medical certificate along with this email.

Why have to You ___ leave work early yesterday? ›

Answer. Answer: Why have you left work early yesterday?

Is it better to call out or leave early? ›

Objectively speaking, you should always call in sick, as it reduces the likelihood of infecting anyone else with what you have, and gives you a chance to rest up at home without having to get to work. So you should heal more quickly and impact others less.

How do you ask for something professionally? ›

  1. Lead with the ask. ...
  2. Establish your credibility. ...
  3. Make the way forward clear. ...
  4. If you're asking a question, propose a solution. ...
  5. Be scannable. ...
  6. Give them a deadline. ...
  7. Write your subject lines like headlines. ...
  8. Edit your messages ruthlessly.
24 Jan 2019

How do I ask for leave in office example? ›

Dear Mr./Mrs. {Recipient's Name}, I am writing to request you for a leave of {X days} from {start date} to {end date} since I have to attend to a medical emergency of a close relative. As the relative is situated in Uttrakhand, I will have to be away for {X days}. I will resume work from {mention date}.

How do you inform sudden leave? ›

Dear Mr./Mrs. {Recipient's Name}, I am writing this email to inform you that I will not be able to come to work tomorrow as I have a severe bout of a migraine headache. Taking a day from work and resting will help me overcome this and get back to a normal routine the next day. Kindly grant me leave for a day on {date}.

How do I ask to leave boss on Whatsapp? ›

I got to know about this suddenly so please allow me to take the leave for the next Two days from tomorrow onwards. Dear Sir/Madam, This is a kind request regarding an emergency leave due to the sudden death of my uncle,which happened today morning due to cardiac arrest. So please grant me a leave for today.

How do I ask for permission at work? ›

If you want to write a compelling letter of permission from work, understand the following: As a formal letter, it must include specific information in line with the established workplace procedure and policies. Maintain a professional tone when writing the letter. Address it to your superior in a conversational tone.

How do you write a formal letter asking for permission? ›

Permission Letter Format
  1. Address: Usually, the receiver's address is compulsorily written in the letter, but sometimes both the sender and receiver's addresses are mentioned in the letter.
  2. Salutation: The letter should have a proper salutation. ...
  3. Subject: The reason should be briefed with few words.
23 Sept 2020

How do you say leave in office? ›

So let's start with the list of excuse and see what are the most often and good looking excuse you can use.
  1. 1) Sir, I am not well today. ...
  2. 2) I have an dentist appointment. ...
  3. 3) Family member is not well. ...
  4. 4) Parent's doctor appointment. ...
  5. 5) Virtual relative's death. ...
  6. 6) Stuck in traffic! ...
  7. 7) Adverse House Situations.
6 Aug 2016

How do you ask your boss for a leave? ›

Here are some basic steps to take when asking your manager for some time off work:
  1. Choose a formal greeting. ...
  2. Explain why you're writing. ...
  3. State the dates of your absence. ...
  4. Provide a reason, if necessary. ...
  5. Share additional details. ...
  6. Thank your supervisor for their consideration. ...
  7. Include a formal sign-off and a signature.
30 Nov 2021

Can I have your permission to leave the office early? ›

Format Permission Letter to Leave Office Early

But I promise that I will finish my job early so that nothing is left incomplete or unattended. And I also assure that I will compensate this time by staying an hour extra on Friday, Saturday and Monday so that there is no work loss to the company.

Can I leave early on my last day? ›

It's most likely okay. If you are paid hourly, make sure you report only the hours you actually worked. But if you want to leave the best possible lasting impression, leave at the normal time rather than cutting out early.

How do you text out of work? ›

Text Examples to Miss work
  1. “Hi (Manager Name). I woke up not feeling well and will be staying home from work today. I'll keep you in the loop, as I'm hoping to feel better by tomorrow.”
  2. “Hi (Manager Name). I'm not feeling well this morning, and I need to use a sick day. I'll be back tomorrow if I'm feeling any better.
6 Oct 2022

How can I get out of work today? ›

Good excuses to get out of work
  • You're sick. ...
  • You've got an injury. ...
  • There's an emergency. ...
  • You're celebrating a religious holiday. ...
  • You've got jury duty. ...
  • You're having car trouble. ...
  • There's a bereavement. ...
  • You need a mental health day.
24 May 2022

How do you call out of work professionally? ›

  1. Pick the best method of contact. When calling out of work, it's important to contact your employer in the way they are most likely to quickly receive it. ...
  2. Be prompt. ...
  3. Keep it brief. ...
  4. Offer solutions. ...
  5. Get ready to return. ...
  6. Work hard when you get back to work.

Is it better to call out or leave early? ›

Objectively speaking, you should always call in sick, as it reduces the likelihood of infecting anyone else with what you have, and gives you a chance to rest up at home without having to get to work. So you should heal more quickly and impact others less.

What is the meaning of leave early? ›

an opportunity to leave work or school earlier than you usually do.

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