Writing a maternity leave request email marks a significant step. Your goal is to sound professional while sharing your happy news and asking for time off. Using the right words helps secure a positive response from your manager.
Clear communication about details creates a smooth process for you and your company during your absence. These email templates show you how to write requests that meet your needs while maintaining good workplace relationships. Start exploring these proven ways to ask for maternity leave that will help you succeed.
Maternity Leave Request Email Samples
Here are 20 carefully written email templates to help you request your maternity leave professionally and successfully.
1. Standard Request with Specific Dates
Subject: Maternity Leave Request – Sarah Johnson
Dear Mr. Williams,
I am writing to formally request maternity leave starting July 15, 2024. My expected delivery date is August 1, 2024, and based on our company policy of 12 weeks paid leave, I plan to return to work on October 7, 2024.
During my absence, I will ensure all my current projects are properly handed over to my team members. I am already preparing detailed documentation and transition plans for each assignment. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you next week to discuss the specifics of my leave and address any questions or concerns you might have.
Thank you for your support during this exciting time.
Best regards, Sarah Johnson
2. Early Notice Request
Subject: Advance Notice of Maternity Leave – Marketing Department
Dear Ms. Rodriguez,
I wanted to inform you early about my pregnancy and upcoming maternity leave. My due date is December 10, 2024, and I would like to begin my leave two weeks before, starting November 26, 2024. Based on the standard 16-week maternity leave policy, I expect to return on March 19, 2025.
I am sharing this information well in advance to allow adequate time for planning and training my temporary replacement. I can help create a comprehensive transition plan and assist in training whoever will cover my responsibilities during my absence.
Please let me know when would be convenient to discuss this further.
Kind regards, Rachel Chen
3. Remote Work Transition Request
Subject: Maternity Leave and Remote Work Transition Plan
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I am expecting a baby and would like to request maternity leave beginning September 1, 2024. Before starting my leave, I propose transitioning to remote work from August 15 to help manage my doctor appointments while maintaining my work responsibilities.
My maternity leave would extend through December 1, 2024. Upon return, I would like to discuss the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement for the first month to help ease the transition back to the office.
Would you be available this week to discuss these arrangements?
Thank you for your consideration, Lisa Martinez
4. Extended Leave Request
Subject: Extended Maternity Leave Request
Dear Mrs. Bennett,
I am writing to request an extended maternity leave period. While our standard policy allows for 12 weeks, I would like to request an additional 4 weeks of unpaid leave, making my total leave period 16 weeks.
My leave would start March 1, 2024, with my return date set for June 21, 2024. I understand this request requires special approval and am happy to provide any additional information needed to support my application.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely, Amanda Foster
5. Flexible Return Schedule Request
Subject: Maternity Leave with Gradual Return Plan
Dear Dr. Phillips,
I am expecting a baby in May and would like to request maternity leave starting May 1, 2024. For my return to work, I would like to propose a gradual transition starting August 1, 2024.
My suggested schedule would be working three days per week for the first month, then increasing to four days for the second month, before returning to full-time in October. This arrangement would help me balance my new family responsibilities while ensuring a smooth transition back to work.
Looking forward to discussing this plan with you.
Best wishes, Emily Watson
6. Team Lead Transition Plan
Subject: Maternity Leave Request and Leadership Transition Plan
Dear Mr. Garcia,
As team lead for the customer service department, I am writing to request maternity leave and present a leadership transition plan. My leave would begin June 15, 2024, with an expected return date of September 7, 2024.
I recommend Sarah Thompson as acting team lead during my absence. She has shown excellent leadership skills and knows our processes thoroughly. I will spend the next eight weeks training her and introducing her to key stakeholders.
Please let me know your thoughts on this transition plan.
Regards, Michelle Cooper
7. Project-Based Leave Request
Subject: Maternity Leave Planning – Project Completion and Handover
Dear Ms. Anderson,
I am writing to request maternity leave beginning October 1, 2024. Before my leave starts, I will complete the quarterly audit project and create detailed handover documents for the upcoming holiday season campaign.
My planned return date is January 15, 2025. This timing allows me to wrap up current projects and return before the annual planning meeting. I have already started creating process documents and would like to schedule a meeting to review the transition plan.
Thank you for your support.
Best regards, Patricia Lee
8. First-Time Mother Request
Subject: First Maternity Leave Request
Dear Mr. Roberts,
I am excited to share that I am expecting my first child. I would like to request maternity leave starting April 15, 2024, as my due date is April 30, 2024.
As this is my first pregnancy, I want to ensure everything is properly arranged at work before my leave begins. I plan to return on July 8, 2024, and would appreciate your guidance on any paperwork or procedures I need to complete before then.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards, Jennifer Brooks
9. Small Team Coordination Request
Subject: Maternity Leave Planning for Small Team
Dear Ms. Turner,
I am requesting maternity leave from November 1, 2024, to January 24, 2025. As part of our small marketing team, I want to ensure my responsibilities are covered during my absence.
I suggest splitting my tasks between Tom and Anna, who have both expressed willingness to help. I can create detailed guides for my regular tasks and train them on specific processes over the next few months.
Would you like to meet to discuss this arrangement?
Best, Katherine Mills
10. Departmental Transition Request
Subject: Department Maternity Leave Coverage Plan
Dear Mr. Davidson,
I am writing to request maternity leave beginning February 1, 2024. As department coordinator, I have developed a comprehensive coverage plan for my 12-week absence.
The plan includes task distribution among team members, updated procedure documents, and contact information for all ongoing projects. I would like to schedule a department meeting to review this plan and ensure everyone feels comfortable with their temporary additional responsibilities.
Thank you for your consideration.
Regards, Samantha Wright
11. Client Management Transition
Subject: Maternity Leave and Client Coverage Plan
Dear Mrs. Henderson,
I am requesting maternity leave from July 1 to September 23, 2024. As your senior account manager, I have prepared a detailed transition plan for our key clients.
I propose Mark Wilson as the primary contact for our top five accounts, with support from Jane Peters for the remaining clients. Both team members have worked with these clients previously and understand their needs well.
Please let me know if you would like to review the complete transition plan.
Best regards, Lauren Taylor
12. Technical Role Coverage
Subject: Maternity Leave Request – Systems Administrator
Dear Mr. Chang,
I am writing to request maternity leave starting December 1, 2024. As the systems administrator, I have documented all critical procedures and created troubleshooting guides for common issues.
I have also cross-trained Rick from our IT team on daily maintenance tasks and emergency protocols. He will serve as the primary contact for system issues during my 12-week leave period.
Would you like to schedule a meeting to review these arrangements?
Regards, Maria Sanchez
13. Sales Team Leave Request
Subject: Sales Team Maternity Leave Coverage
Dear Ms. Reynolds,
I am requesting maternity leave from August 15 to November 7, 2024. To ensure continued support for my sales territories, I have created detailed account profiles and upcoming opportunity forecasts.
I recommend splitting my accounts between David and Susan based on their current territories and client relationships. I will spend the next month introducing them to key contacts and updating all account notes.
Please let me know if this plan works for you.
Best, Christine Morgan
14. Creative Team Transition
Subject: Creative Director Maternity Leave Plan
Dear Mr. Bradley,
I am writing to request maternity leave beginning March 15, 2024. As Creative Director, I have prepared a structured plan to maintain our team’s productivity during my absence.
Alex will step up as Acting Creative Director, supported by our senior designers. All ongoing projects have been documented with clear timelines and creative briefs through Q2 2024.
Looking forward to discussing this transition plan with you.
Best regards, Victoria Adams
15. Research Project Handover
Subject: Maternity Leave Request – Research Department
Dear Dr. Mitchell,
I am requesting maternity leave from May 1 to July 24, 2024. I have prepared comprehensive documentation for my current research projects and grant applications.
My colleague Dr. Thompson has agreed to oversee the ongoing experiments, and our research assistants are fully briefed on protocols and timelines. All data collection methods have been standardized and documented.
Please let me know when we can meet to review the transition plans.
Sincerely, Rebecca Wilson
16. HR Professional Leave Request
Subject: HR Manager Maternity Leave Planning
Dear Ms. Franklin,
As an HR team member, I am writing to request maternity leave starting October 1, 2024. I have created detailed process documents for all my primary responsibilities, including recruitment and employee relations.
Jessica from our team will handle urgent HR matters, while routine tasks will be distributed among other team members according to their expertise. I will complete all current hiring processes before my leave begins.
Thank you for your support.
Best regards, Nicole Carter
17. Educational Role Coverage
Subject: Teacher Maternity Leave Request
Dear Principal Stevens,
I am requesting maternity leave beginning April 1, 2024, through the end of the school year. I have prepared detailed lesson plans, student progress reports, and classroom management guidelines for my substitute.
I would like to meet with my replacement before my leave starts to ensure a smooth transition for our students. All necessary materials and resources will be organized and readily available.
Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Kind regards, Sarah Matthews
18. Remote Team Member Request
Subject: Remote Worker Maternity Leave Request
Dear Mr. Harrison,
I am writing to request maternity leave from June 15 to September 7, 2024. Although I work remotely, I have prepared thorough documentation of all my projects and responsibilities.
I will update all project management tools and create video tutorials for specific processes before my leave begins. My teammates in different time zones have agreed to cover various aspects of my role.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best, Rachel Thompson
19. Start-up Team Member Request
Subject: Maternity Leave Request – Start-up Planning
Dear Ms. Zhang,
I am requesting maternity leave starting September 1, 2024. As part of our growing start-up, I want to ensure my absence will not impact our momentum.
I have created detailed documentation for all my projects and processes, including upcoming product launches and marketing campaigns. I suggest weekly team check-ins before my leave to ensure everyone feels confident about their additional responsibilities.
Looking forward to discussing this plan.
Best wishes, Emma Parker
20. Healthcare Professional Request
Subject: Medical Staff Maternity Leave Request
Dear Dr. Anderson,
I am writing to request maternity leave beginning July 1, 2024. As a senior nurse practitioner, I have coordinated with the nursing staff to ensure proper coverage of my patient load and responsibilities.
I have updated all patient records and created detailed handover notes for each case. My colleague Sarah will be the primary contact for my regular patients during my absence.
Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Best regards, Laura Stevens
Wrap-up
These templates offer starting points for your maternity leave request. Change the language and details based on your situation and company culture. Focus on stating dates clearly, preparing thorough handover plans, and keeping a professional tone. A well-written request helps create a smooth transition for you and your team during this significant life change.