An email to request time off

An email to request time off

Learn how to write an email to request time off work.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

Reading text

From: Stefan Bauer
To: Emma Louise Jensen
Subject: Request for time off

Dear Ms Jensen,

I'm writing to request some time off between Monday 18 February and Friday 8 March in order to work on my MBA dissertation, which is due for submission on 30 March.

I understand that the three weeks I am requesting exceeds my remaining annual leave by four days. I would like to ask if those four days may be taken in lieu of the extra working hours I put in during the two weekends of the Chicago International Management Conference last November.

I have spoken to Kristian Sander and Jasmine Riber, who have both agreed to cover for me during my absence. I would also distribute a playbook for my team members so that everyone is clear on the tasks they are in charge of and the deadlines they have to meet. During my leave, I would be fully reachable by phone and email to answer any questions or provide any assistance needed. I would also be happy to discuss any further plans to ensure my workload is covered.

I believe that the research I am doing and the resulting MBA will contribute greatly to my professional development, and my improved expertise and qualifications will in turn benefit the company.

Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you for your consideration of my request.

Best regards,

Stefan Bauer

Tips

  1. This is a formal request for time off, so unless you know the recipient very well, start your email with Dear ... .
  2. State the dates of your absence clearly.
  3. Be clear right from the beginning what it is you are asking for. In some cultures, it might be more common to start by providing full background information about why time off is needed. However, when communicating across cultures, it is better to be direct (but polite) and clear about what you are requesting, so as to avoid possible miscommunication.
  4. Give clear reasons why you need the time off, but don't go into too much unnecessary detail.
  5. Assure your manager that your work can be covered and that any problems during your absence can be dealt with.
  6. If possible, show how your company or team can benefit from your request being approved.
  7. End by thanking your manager for considering your request.

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

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Average: 4.3 (9 votes)
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Submitted by Ensiye on Wed, 20/09/2023 - 20:55

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In my Country, people usually can get 26 days off in a year. Of course, it should be divided between twelve months. It will be two and a half days a month.

Several years ago, I was working in a company whose manager believed that you have to work from your fingers to the bone. It meant that in his mind, giving a day off hadn't been defined.

Working in these conditions not only revived a new desire in me but also made me start learning my favorite job. I wouldn't want to burn the candle at both ends.

I personally like working especially my favorite job which makes me not aware of time, place, hunger, and thirst. But I clearly know If I don't provide for my mental and physical needs, I will definitely burn myself out and my work quality will decrease.

After that, in any job interview, I explicitly ask about getting days off and also state my opinion in order to make the right decision.

But in my heart, there is a desire. I'm interested in having a freelance job. I mean, I like to be my own boss, and It's clear that the boss definitely decides what time we have a rest or not!
I have pulled up my socks to do it.

Submitted by lay_sx on Wed, 21/06/2023 - 15:21

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In my country we usually have 30 days in 12 months to rest, so we can travel or plan some event that spend more than 2 days, because we have 2 days off in a week but i think this time is not enough for some plans.

Submitted by I.es91 on Sun, 07/05/2023 - 01:30

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In my culture it's normally to take 30 days as annual leave every year. some companies give their employees advantages for annual leave by let them take it in the next year if they have remaining days. In my work place, because it's a small environment we can talk to the manager directly or by HR section.

Submitted by Eman Samir on Wed, 14/12/2022 - 12:00

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In my country, people normally get annual leave about 21 days . It could be for some reasons such as being ill, away on holiday, attending a training course or an important family event - a son's graduation ceremony, or a daughter's wedding.

I think It not annual leave for some reasons as being ill, In my country, if you was ill, have sick leave.
In my country, every year have 6days Paid sick leave.

Submitted by Rita25 on Thu, 30/06/2022 - 03:57

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In my country annual leave depends of your labor sector and the company. Employees are normally entitled to 12-15 days annual leave. General attitude towards taking time off work requires notices in advance.

Submitted by Abrarhussain on Sun, 30/01/2022 - 22:58

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In my country people normally get annual leave for four weeks. In my work place the general attitude to taking time off work, requires notice in advance.

Submitted by Suraj paliwal on Tue, 09/11/2021 - 13:26

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I'm a still a student so I don't know what is the annual leave provide in my country but in my country different companies have different rules and regulations. Government entities have provided more annual leave than private companies.

Submitted by Stela Stoycheva on Fri, 05/11/2021 - 14:41

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Its normal 28-30 days annual leave in my country, but is not possible to take all days 1 time, maybe in some places- yes. Oh, I think that`s not enough days for 365 day per year. Its good Government to think for almost 2 months annual leave- it will be motivating the people to take long and nice rest...

Submitted by Ehsan on Tue, 20/07/2021 - 07:00

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in our country, annual time off days are 16. Attitudes toward this issue are different for different organizations.