Many people struggle with writing proper sick leave emails to their employers. They worry about appearing unprofessional or fear their request might be denied. The stress of crafting these messages often adds to their discomfort when they should focus on getting better.
This guide offers carefully crafted email samples that balance professionalism with sincerity. Each template addresses different situations while maintaining the right tone and required details. These samples will help you write effective sick leave messages that help maintain good relationships with your employer.
Email Samples on Sick Leave
Here are practical email samples you can customize based on your specific situation.
1. Simple One-Day Sick Leave Request
Subject: Sick Leave Request – [Name] – [Date]
Dear Mr. Thompson,
Due to a severe migraine and fever that started last night, I need to take a sick day today. I’ve already informed my team about pending tasks and arranged for Sarah to handle the client meeting scheduled for 2 PM.
I plan to rest today and expect to return to work tomorrow. I’ll check my emails periodically in case anything urgent comes up that needs my attention.
Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards, James Wilson
2. Extended Sick Leave for Surgery
Subject: Medical Leave Request for Scheduled Surgery
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I’m writing to formally request sick leave from March 15 to April 5, 2024, as I need to undergo knee surgery. My doctor has recommended three weeks of recovery time, including physical therapy sessions.
I’ve already briefed my team about ongoing projects and prepared detailed handover notes. Tom will take the lead on the marketing campaign, while Lisa will handle our regular client reports during my absence.
I can be reached on my personal phone for any essential updates. I’ll provide my medical certificate upon return to work.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards, Michael Chen
3. Same-Day Emergency Sick Leave
Subject: Emergency Sick Leave Today
Dear Mrs. Parker,
I woke up with severe food poisoning symptoms this morning and need to take an emergency sick day. My doctor has advised complete bed rest for at least 24 hours.
I’ve messaged the team in our group chat about my absence. All my deliverables for today are already uploaded to our shared drive, and I’ve asked David to present at the team meeting.
I expect to return tomorrow, but I’ll keep you updated on my condition.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best wishes, Rachel Greene
4. Half-Day Sick Leave Request
Subject: Half-Day Sick Leave Request – Dental Appointment
Dear Mr. Johnson,
I need to request a half-day sick leave today from 2 PM onwards for an emergency dental appointment. My dentist called this morning about a cancelation slot for a root canal procedure I’ve been waiting to schedule.
I’ll complete my morning tasks and brief the team before leaving. Alex will cover any urgent matters that may arise during my absence.
I’ll be back at work tomorrow morning as usual.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards, Emily Torres
5. Sick Leave Extension Request
Subject: Extension of Sick Leave – [Name]
Dear Dr. Williams,
This email is to request an extension of my current sick leave until Friday, March 22. While I’ve shown improvement, my doctor advises additional rest days to ensure complete recovery from bronchitis.
I’ll continue coordinating with Mark regarding my ongoing projects. He has access to all necessary files and is familiar with current priorities.
I’m attaching my updated medical certificate for your records.
Thank you for your support during my recovery.
Best regards, Daniel Kim
6. Sick Leave for Mental Health Day
Subject: Sick Leave Request – Personal Health Day
Dear Ms. Anderson,
I need to request a sick day today to focus on my mental well-being. Recent work pressure has affected my sleep patterns and anxiety levels, and I believe taking a day off will help me reset and return more productive.
I’ve already updated the project timeline spreadsheet and informed my team. No urgent deliverables are due today.
I appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Thank you, Sophie Martinez
7. Sick Leave for Child’s Illness
Subject: Sick Leave – Caring for Ill Child
Dear Mr. Roberts,
My son woke up with a high fever this morning, and I need to take today off to care for him. His pediatrician has requested monitoring his condition throughout the day.
I’ve rescheduled my client calls for later this week and shared important files with the team. Jane will handle any urgent matters in my absence.
I plan to return tomorrow, assuming his condition improves.
Thanks for your understanding.
Regards, Patricia Lewis
8. COVID-19 Related Sick Leave
Subject: Sick Leave – COVID-19 Testing and Isolation
Dear Mrs. Thompson,
I’m writing to inform you that I tested positive for COVID-19 this morning. Following health guidelines, I need to isolate for the next five days.
I feel well enough to work remotely if needed. I’ve already notified my team and set up virtual meetings to replace in-person appointments.
I’ll provide regular updates about my condition and expected return date.
Best regards, Robert Chang
9. Sick Leave After Workplace Incident
Subject: Sick Leave Following Office Accident
Dear Mr. Davidson,
After slipping on the wet floor near the break room today, I need to take sick leave for the rest of the week. The emergency room doctor diagnosed a sprained ankle and recommended rest and elevation.
I’ve handed over my current projects to Tim and briefed him on all pending tasks. He has access to necessary resources to maintain workflow.
I’ll submit the incident report and medical documentation once I return.
Thank you for your concern and support.
Best wishes, Laura Miller
10. Sick Leave for Medical Tests
Subject: Sick Leave Request – Medical Examinations
Dear Ms. Carter,
I need to request sick leave for March 25-26 to undergo several medical tests. These appointments require fasting and preparation time, making it impossible to work.
I’ve prepared a detailed handover document for my team and scheduled all deliverables to be completed before my absence.
I’ll be available on my phone if any urgent situations arise.
Thank you for your consideration.
Kind regards, Samuel Baker
11. Sick Leave During Business Trip
Subject: Sick Leave Notice – Current Business Trip
Dear Mr. Henderson,
While attending the Chicago conference, I’ve developed severe flu symptoms and need to take sick leave. My doctor advises against travel for the next two days.
I’ve contacted the event organizers and arranged for our company materials to be shipped back. Nathan will present our proposal via video conference as planned.
I’ll keep you updated on my recovery and travel plans.
Regards, Jennifer Wong
12. Partial Day Sick Leave for Therapy
Subject: Leave Request – Afternoon Physical Therapy
Dear Mrs. Nelson,
I’m requesting leave from 2 PM to 5 PM today for my scheduled physical therapy session. This is part of my ongoing recovery plan for my shoulder injury.
All morning meetings and deadlines will be met before I leave. The team is aware of my schedule, and Steve will handle any urgent matters.
I appreciate your continued support of my recovery process.
Best regards, Kevin O’Brien
13. Sick Leave for Family Emergency
Subject: Emergency Sick Leave – Family Medical Crisis
Dear Mr. Harrison,
My father has been admitted to the hospital with chest pain, and I need to take emergency sick leave today. As his primary caregiver, my presence is required for medical decisions.
I’ve updated the project management system and briefed Maria about pending client deliverables. She will manage time-sensitive tasks during my absence.
I’ll update you about my return date once I have more information about his condition.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely, David Cohen
14. Sick Leave for Chronic Condition
Subject: Sick Leave Request – Medical Condition Management
Dear Dr. Phillips,
My arthritis has flared up significantly, and I need to take sick leave for the next three days. My rheumatologist recommends rest and medication adjustment during this period.
I’ve prepared detailed instructions for my team regarding ongoing projects. Weekly reports are completed and scheduled for automatic sending.
I’ll be checking emails periodically and available by phone for urgent matters.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes, Margaret Wilson
15. Sick Leave Following Allergic Reaction
Subject: Urgent Sick Leave – Severe Allergic Reaction
Dear Ms. Brooks,
After experiencing a severe allergic reaction to lunch, I need to take sick leave for the remainder of today and tomorrow. The emergency room doctor has prescribed medication that causes drowsiness.
I’ve shared my presentation materials with the team and briefed Paul on leading tomorrow’s client meeting.
I expect to return fully recovered on Wednesday.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards, Christopher Lee
16. Sick Leave for Medical Procedure Recovery
Subject: Sick Leave Request – Post-Procedure Recovery
Dear Mr. Mitchell,
Following my medical procedure scheduled for next Monday, I need to request sick leave from March 18-20. My doctor expects three days of recovery time before I can return to work.
I’ve prepared advance work for my absence and created detailed guidelines for the team. Sarah will oversee daily operations and handle any urgent matters.
I’ll be available by phone if absolutely necessary.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards, Amanda Taylor
17. Sick Leave Due to Seasonal Illness
Subject: Sick Leave – Severe Seasonal Flu
Dear Mrs. Garcia,
Due to a severe case of seasonal flu, I need to take sick leave today and tomorrow. My doctor has advised rest and isolation to prevent spreading the virus to colleagues.
I’ve rescheduled my meetings and informed team members of my absence. All urgent tasks have been delegated to appropriate team members.
I plan to return on Wednesday, assuming my symptoms improve.
Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards, Thomas Brown
18. Sick Leave for Urgent Dental Surgery
Subject: Emergency Sick Leave – Dental Surgery
Dear Mr. Foster,
I need to take emergency sick leave today due to an infected wisdom tooth requiring immediate extraction. The dentist has scheduled the procedure for this afternoon.
I’ve updated our project tracking system and briefed Helen about covering my responsibilities. She has all necessary access and information.
I should return tomorrow, though I may need to work from home depending on swelling.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best regards, Nicole Martinez
19. Sick Leave Following Hospital Visit
Subject: Sick Leave Request After ER Visit
Dear Ms. Reynolds,
Following my emergency room visit last night for severe back pain, I need to take sick leave today. The doctor has prescribed strong pain medication and advised against driving or operating machinery.
I’ve notified my team and ensured all critical tasks are covered. Peter will lead the afternoon status meeting with clients.
I expect to return tomorrow once the medication’s effects wear off.
Thank you for your support.
Regards, Andrew Wilson
20. Sick Leave for Specialist Appointment
Subject: Sick Leave – Medical Specialist Consultation
Dear Mr. Edwards,
I’m requesting sick leave for this Thursday afternoon to attend an appointment with a medical specialist. The consultation requires several hours of testing and evaluation.
My morning tasks will be completed before leaving, and I’ve arranged coverage for afternoon responsibilities. Jack has agreed to handle any urgent matters that arise.
I’ll return to work as usual on Friday morning.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best wishes, Michelle Zhang
Wrapping Up: Professional Emails for Health-Related Leave
These email samples give you solid starting points for requesting sick leave while staying professional. Success comes from being clear about your situation, sharing needed details, and keeping work moving forward. Adjust these templates to fit your company’s culture and policies. Make your health a priority as you keep open communication with your employer.