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12 Leave Letters For Work (With Examples)

When you need time away from work for any reason, you will need to provide your employer with a formal leave letter. A leave letter informs your employer of your absence from work and provides details of your expected return. Depending on your particular situation, you may need to write an annual leave letter, a maternity leave letter, a paternity leave letter, a sick leave letter, or a study leave letter. Whatever your reasons for needing time away from work, it is important to know how to write a leave letter that is professional, clear, and concise. In this article, we will provide you with templates and examples of different kinds of leave letters to help you get started.

Leave letter for being unwell

Dear [Name of manager],

I am writing to inform you that I am unwell and will need to take a day off from work. I am feeling very weak and have been experiencing mild fever and body ache. I am not in a position to come to work today, and I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

I am taking the necessary precautions as suggested by my doctor and will be back to work in full health as soon as possible.

[Optional] I have also requested my doctor to provide a sick note for the same, which I will submit to you as soon as I receive it.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Leave letter for a family event

I am writing to request a day off from work on [date]. I am planning to use this day to attend a family event that has been planned for some time. It is very important to me to take part in this event and I am confident that I am able to make up the hours missed by working additional hours over the next week.

I am aware of the workload that needs to be completed and I am confident that my absence will not negatively affect the progress of our projects.

[Optional] I am also aware that I must provide proof of the event, and so I am including a copy of the invitation.

Thank you for considering my request. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Leave letter for a doctor’s appointment

I am writing to request a day off from work on [date]. I have scheduled a doctor’s appointment for a medical issue that I have been having for some time. It’s necessary that I now visit the doctor to have it looked at.

I am confident that I can make up the hours missed by working additional hours over the next week. I am also aware of the workload that needs to be completed and I am confident that my absence will not negatively affect the progress of our projects.

Letter Letter for attending a volunteer event

I am writing to request a day off from work on [date]. I am planning to use this day to take part in a [volunteer event]. I feel it is important to give back to the community and I believe that this event will be a great opportunity to do so.

Leave letter for a surgery

Dear [Name of Manager],

I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am having surgery for a medical condition and need to take the necessary time to recover.

I am hoping to return to work by [date]. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Leave letter for a family trip

Dear [Name of Manager], I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am going on a family trip to [location] and need to attend. I will to return to work by [date].

Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Leave letter to complete a professional course

I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am taking a course to further my professional development and need to attend the classes. I am hoping to return to work by [date].

Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I am confident that the course will help me do better at my role once I’m back.

Leave letter for a vacation

I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am taking a much needed vacation and need to take the time to relax and rejuvenate.

I will return to work by [date]. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Leave letter for the death of a relative

I am writing to inform you that I am requesting a leave of absence from work for the next two weeks. I am attending a funeral for a relative and need to travel out of town to attend.

I am hoping to return to work by [date]. Thank you for your understanding, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Leave letter for visiting a government office

I am writing to inform you that I will need to take a day off from work on [date] in order to visit a government office. The purpose of my visit is to [explain details of why you need to visit the government office]. I understand that this leave is short notice and apologize for any inconvenience.

I will try to be available on phone while I’m away.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Leave letter for maternity leave

I am writing to inform you that I will be taking maternity leave from [start date] to [end date].

I have been with the company for [length of time] and I am excited to start this new chapter of my life as a mother. I am grateful to be able to take this time off to spend with my new baby and family. I am confident that I will be able to return to work on [end date] and I am committed to providing the same high quality of work that I always have.

My team will be in good hands while I am away and I will be available to answer any questions via email or telephone. I am looking forward to coming back to work and continuing to contribute to the success of the company.

Sincerely, [Your name]

Leave letter for paternity leave

I am writing to inform you of my intention to take paternity leave from [start date] to [end date].

I am expecting a child and am looking forward to welcoming my new addition to the family. I am grateful for the paternity leave policy that the company offers, and I am taking advantage of it to spend time with my family.

I am confident that all of my work will be completed before I leave, and I will remain available to answer any questions that may arise. I am happy to provide more information or provide assistance with any tasks that may be needed while I’m away.

Leave letter for the death of a pet

I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a few days of leave from work to grieve the death of my pet, [name of pet]. I was very attached to [name of pet], and I need some time to process and come to terms with her passing.

I hope you can understand the importance of this time for me and that you can grant me this leave.

Leave letter to take care of a sick family member

Dear [name of manager],

I am writing to inform you that I need to take a leave of absence from work in order to take care of my [relation]. My [relation] has recently been diagnosed with [illness], and I need to take some time away from work to provide them with care and support.

I understand that this may cause some disruption for the team, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I am hoping to return to work by [date].

However, this may be subject to change depending on the situation. I will keep you updated on any changes and provide any information that you may need. Thank you for your understanding.

• How to Write a Leave Application Letter [+5 Letter Samples]

It’s a hectic Tuesday morning, work deadlines looming, and your phone rings. It’s the school nurse, your son has thrown up twice and he complains that he has a tummy ache, and you know you have to be there for him. 

The questions start flooding in, 

• Will  HR understand?
• Can you even take leave on such short notice?

The truth is, at some point during your employment, you may need to request a leave of absence. This could be for a variety of reasons ranging from personal or family health problems, the birth and/or adoption of a child, to rest from excessive job stress. It could also be the loss of a loved one, the pursuit of a hobby, or a desire to travel. A leave of absence in your case is not a luxury, but a necessity.

What is a Leave Application Letter? 

A leave application letter is a letter written to apply for a leave of absence from the office for a certain period.

The concept of a leave application centers around a formal way of asking for a break/leave of absence from work for a specified period.

A person writes leave application letter they’re unable to perform their duties for a stipulated period of time.

Types of Leave Applications 

Sick leave  .

Sick leave is basically a leave of absence due to an illness. Sick leave is granted under a number of scenarios; for personal physical or mental illness, the care of a sick child, spouse, parent, or parent of a spouse, regular health checks, and/or to address the physical, psychological, and legal effects of domestic abuse. 

At the moment, there are no federal legal requirements for paid sick leave. For companies subject to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Act does require unpaid sick leave. The U.S. government ensures that federal employees get 13 paid sick days a year.

Study Leave 

Study leave is basically a leave of absence from work granted in order to allow a person time to study or carry out research. In the case of a school pupil, it allows them to study at home, usually in order to prepare for examinations.

According to the labor laws in the US, Study Leave with or without pay is a matter for arrangement entirely between the employer and the employee. By law, the maximum length of study leave granted in the same employer’s service is two years. 

Sabbatical 

By definition, a Sabbatical leave is a period in which a person does not report to his regular job but who remains employed with that company. Also commonly referred to as ‘career break’ or ‘adult gap year’, It is a period away from work, agreed with your employer.

The truth is, there are no laws that cover taking a career break or sabbatical; as such employees have no statutory right to take leave. A sabbatical will in most cases be an authorized, unpaid leave of absence.

Maternity/Paternity Leave

Maternity leave is basically a period of absence from work that is granted to a mother before and after the birth of her child. The US government doesn’t guarantee for paid maternity leave, employers may, however, provide paid leave if they choose. If you have worked at a company for at least a year, you are entitled by federal law to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave.

Paternity leave is a period of time that the father of a new baby is allowed away from work. Usually, a company provides up to eight weeks of paid paternity leave. When a man takes time off because his partner is having a baby, adopting a child or having a baby through a surrogacy arrangement he might be eligible for: 1 or 2 weeks’ paid paternity leave, paternity pay and/or shared parental leave and pay.

Vacation/Holiday Request Letter 

Vacation leave is ideally available to all eligible employees for the purpose of rest, relaxation, and to attend to personal affairs. It is strikingly similar to annual leave which is paid time off work granted by employers to employees. Although not stipulated by law, many employers nonetheless offer paid vacation, typically around 10 workdays, to attract employees.

Emergency Leave Application 

Emergency leave is necessary to cater to unforeseen circumstances such as the death of a loved one/family member. A funeral leave, which is leave of absence with pay, must not exceed three days and can be granted for absence from work. You qualify for an emergency leave if; there is a verified death, a life-threatening condition due to an accident, illness, or major surgery, or to visit a terminally ill person in the immediate family.

How to write a leave application

Here are 8 quick steps to aid you in writing your leave application..

• Check your organization’s leave policies:  Review the leave policy in your organization to find out what is required to request a leave application and the mode of request that will give you a better chance of getting your leave approved.
• Address the letter to the appropriate person:  Simple yet key-address the request to the right channel. You would have gotten this detail from your employee policy guide or handbook, so you know who has the authority to approve your application.
• Use a professional salutation:  Use a formal tone and adopt formal salutations. For instance Dear instead of hello.
• State your reasons for writing:  Share your intentions from the first paragraph so the reader knows why you are reaching out and can assess any information you present in the body of your request.
• Specify the start and end date of your leave:  Don’t be vague, specify the date your leave is expected to commence and the end date. If you are not sure of an end date. Put a tentative end date and let them know that it is subject to change.
• Share details of how your tasks would be handled in your absence:  share the deliverables you would handle before you leave and the plans you have made to ensure that your work does not suffer in your absence, by either delegation or sharing a contact list of who holds what while you are away. Where applicable you can offer to show up in cases of emergencies.
• Express Appreciation:  Express your gratitude to the recipient for taking the time to review your request and in anticipation of their consideration and kind understanding.
• Provide A Way To Reach You:  Always provide a number or emails through which you can be contacted while away.

5 Top Leave Letter Format

Sick leave letter format.

The Manager,

(Insert company name)

Subject: Leave Application due (Insert illness)

Dear Sir/ma’am,

Respectfully, it is to inform you that I am suffering from (Xyz’s illness). I am an employee of your firm for the past (x years). I recently have been diagnosed with a (insert illness). Due to this sudden illness, it would not be possible for me to make an appearance at the office for a month.

This critical condition has deteriorated my health a lot. I cannot eat properly and have a really bad body rash. It is impossible for me to concentrate on anything. I can attest to have been a dedicated employee and did not take any additional leave from work ever.

The employee regularity record would serve as evidence of this claim. After I fully recuperate, I will be able to return and continue to serve your company with the same level of diligence and attention to detail. I hope you take my plea into consideration and allow me a leave of absence for a month. I will always be grateful for your generosity.

Yours Truly,

(Insert name),

(Insert date)

Study Leave Letter Sample

The Manager (Authority name),

Institute Name…

Institute Address…

Sub: Leave Application for Further Study

Dear Sir/Ma’am,

The Higher Education Commission, (Country name) has recently offered a free six-month study program (Another country name) for the candidates fulfilling the criteria. For government and private servants, it is a prerequisite to get approval from the relevant authority.

Sir/Ma’am, I fulfill the criteria of this study program. For me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to accomplish my dream of studying abroad.

I am committed to continuing my services to the department after receiving higher education in (Country name). If you approve my leave request for my study program, I will be indebted to you.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully,

Job Designation…

Contact no…

Sabbatical Leave Letter Sample

Dear [Recipient Name],

My name is [insert name] and I have been working in the ICT department for the past decade. I have recently found myself stuck in a loop, doing the same things over and over again. My learning process stopped and I haven’t improved for a while now.

Feeling the need for self-development, I would like to request for an extended leave, sabbatical, in order to continue my studies and earn another degree.

I am glad to be employed at [business name] and I am dedicated to it. After receiving my degree, I intend to return to work at [business name] since I will have gained more experience, knowledge, motivation, and commitment by then.

I do think that this is a good step for the organization and for me. In late September, I intend to enroll. The program will take no longer than nine months, so I should be back by May. I have briefed the head of the department and he assured me that coverage is available and that workflow will not be affected much.

I kindly ask you to consider my request and I am hopeful that will approve it. Attached to this letter are the program acceptance letter and other related documents for your reference.

Thank you very much.

Best Regards

(Insert name)

Maternity Leave Application Letter

Subject: Application for Maternity Leave

Dear Mr./Mrs. {Recipient’s Name},

I write to inform you of my intention to take the allotted {Number of weeks} of maternity leave available to me. I hope to start my maternity leave on {Starting date} and return to the office by {Tentative joining date}, barring any unforeseen issues regarding my pregnancy and delivery arise.

If my plans change for any reason, I will let you know as soon as possible. A letter from my doctor confirming the relevant details have been attached to this letter.

Please do well to contact me if you need any additional information.

Yours Sincerely,

{Your Name}

Annual Vacation Request Letter

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear Mr./Ms. {Recipient’s Name},

I write to inform you that I will be traveling with my family for a period of one month, between {start date} and {end date}. Due to the fact that my entire quota of annual leave sanctioned by the company is pending, I request you to adjust my leaves accordingly.

Following my earlier discussion with my team lead, I have requested my colleague, Mr./ Ms. {enter name} to take over my project while I am on leave. I have already handed over all material regarding the project to him/ her, and expect there to be no exigencies in my absence.

Due to the nature of my travel plans, I may not be available to take phone calls. I request you to address any urgent work-related matters to my email address {enter email ID}.

I will be grateful for a positive reply to my leave request.

Thanks and regards,

How Employers & HRs Can Receive Leave Application Requests

With online forms, Formplus provides a flexible way to store your received data in the cloud storage of choice. You also have the option to opt-out of storing your data on our servers

With unlimited file uploads , users can submit online forms without any restriction to the size or number of files that can be uploaded, Formplus is a great tool to manage employee data. 

Form analytics and reports also give you an insight into an overview of the data submitted to your form.

 Top Leave Application Template for HR and Employers

• Maternity Leave Application Form 

This online maternity leave application form is for a pregnant employee intending to apply for maternity leave as the delivery period nears. This request will help you plan ahead and help solve challenges that may arrive as a result of an employee leave which might be up to 6 months, depending on the labor laws in your country. 

• Paternity Leave Application 

Form Formplus’ online paternity leave application form allows your employees to apply for paternity leave when expecting a baby. That is if the labor laws grant prospective Fathers paternity leave when expecting a child with their partners.

• Sick Leave Form

This sickness notification form template allows your employees to formally notify you of their illness and unavailability to work. With this form, you can track all sick notifications from employees.

• Travel Request Form 

With the online travel request form template, you can let your prospective customers, employees or ward request for a travel package for business trips, holidays, honeymoons, pilgrimage, etc. This travel request template is perfect for travel agencies, employers and tour consultants.

FAQs on Writing a Leave Application.

Q: What should I include in a leave application? 

Your leave application should have your name/personal details, a clear subject line, the receiver’s information, a formal salutation, the reason for the leave and the duration, your contact information, and your plans on how your responsibilities would be handled in your absence.

Q: How long should a leave application be? 

A leave application should be at most one page long. Your application should be paunchy and straight to the point.

Q: Can I apply for leave via email?

Yes, you can apply for your leave via email.

Q: How far in advance should I submit my leave application?

A minimum of two weeks’ notice is ideal, so you can give your employer time to make plans to manage your absence.

Q: How should I address my leave application if it’s for an emergency?

Communicate the emergency, apologize for the short notice, and provide the time you expect to be away.

Q: Do I need to provide a reason for my leave? 

Only if it is an emergency or unplanned. To be on the safe side, check the leave policy of your organization.

Q: What should I do if my leave application is denied? 

If this happens politely ask for clarity and check for possible alternatives in terms of dates or adjustment of the duration.

On the whole, a leave application letter should contain a valid reason for your leave application, which should convince the employer and make him grant you leave. 

If you are having a reasonable enough claim for leave application then your request will not be declined without any justification, particularly, when it is due to some personal reasons, could be an illness, urgent piece of work or for visiting sick parents, etc

Most importantly, the leave application should not sound friendly or casual; rather it must be formal and professionally-written.

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• leave application letter
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Take the Break You Deserve with These 7 Annual Leave Application Letter Examples

• Post author: Meet
• Post published: April 8, 2023
• Post category: Leave Request

Taking a break from work is essential for employees to recharge and maintain their productivity levels. Whether it’s for personal or medical reasons, an annual leave application letter is a formal way to request time off from work. However, not everyone is comfortable writing one. That’s why we’ve put together a list of seven sample annual leave application letters for employees that can help guide you in writing your own. From short and sweet to detailed and formal, these samples cover a range of scenarios that might require taking leave. So, whether you’re a new employee or a seasoned professional, read on to find the right sample letter for your needs.

Table of Contents

Basic types of annual leave letters Samples

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. I have completed all my current projects and tasks, and have made arrangements for my work to be covered in my absence.

I understand the importance of ensuring that my absence does not disrupt the operations of the company, and I have made arrangements with my colleagues to ensure that my work is covered. I will also be available via email or phone during my absence in case of any urgent matters.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to returning to work after my leave.

[Your Name]

I would like to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. I have not taken any annual leave this year, and I would like to take this opportunity to spend time with my family and recharge.

I have made arrangements for my work to be covered during my absence, and I have discussed my leave request with my colleagues to ensure that my absence does not cause any disruptions to the company’s operations.

Thank you for considering my request, and I look forward to returning to work after my leave.

I am writing to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. I have been working hard over the past few months and I feel that it is time for me to take a break and recharge.

I have made arrangements for my work to be covered during my absence, and I have discussed my leave request with my colleagues to ensure that my absence does not cause any disruptions to the company’s operations. I will also be available via email or phone during my absence in case of any urgent matters.

Understanding the Different Types of Annual Leave Available to Employees

Here are seven types of annual leave that employees should consider taking advantage of. From Travel/Family Vacation and Volunteer Work to Health and Wellness and Rest and Relaxation, each type of leave offers unique benefits that can help employees destress, recharge, and pursue personal interests. So whether it’s celebrating a personal milestone, immersing in a different culture, or furthering education, there’s a type of leave for every need.

Travel / Family Vacation :

This type of leave is taken for leisure purposes, usually to travel or spend time with family members who live far away.

Volunteer Work :

Some employees may choose to take time off to participate in volunteer work or charitable activities.

Health and Wellness :

This type of leave is taken to attend to personal health or wellness needs, such as a retreat or a wellness program.

Personal Milestone :

An employee may take leave to celebrate a personal milestone such as a birthday, wedding anniversary, or other significant event.

Cultural Immersion :

An employee may take leave to immerse themselves in a different culture, such as by traveling to a foreign country or participating in a cultural exchange program.

Educational Pursuits :

Some employees may take leave to further their education or attend training courses to improve their skills.

Rest and Relaxation :

This type of leave is taken purely for relaxation purposes, such as to recharge or destress. This could include activities like taking a spa day, reading a book, or simply lounging on a beach.

7 Sample Annual Leave Application Letters for Employees

Employee requesting leave for travel / family vacation:.

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. This leave is for a family vacation to [destination name], which has been planned for quite some time.

I have made arrangements for my work to be covered during my absence, and I have discussed my leave request with my colleagues to ensure that my absence does not cause any disruptions to the company’s operations. This vacation will provide a much-needed break for me and my family, and it will allow me to return to work with renewed energy and focus.

Employee requesting leave for Volunteer Work:

I am writing to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. This leave is for volunteer work with [organization name], where I will be participating in [mention the nature and purpose of the volunteer work, such as community service or disaster relief efforts].

I have made arrangements for my work to be covered during my absence, and I have discussed my leave request with my colleagues to ensure that my absence does not cause any disruptions to the company’s operations. I believe that this volunteer work is an important way for me to contribute to society and fulfill my personal values, and it will ultimately benefit our team and the company as well.

Employee requesting leave for Health and Wellness:

I am writing to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. This leave is for health and wellness purposes, as I will be undergoing [mention the nature and purpose of your health-related activities, such as a medical procedure or a wellness retreat].

I have made arrangements for my work to be covered during my absence, and I have discussed my leave request with my colleagues to ensure that my absence does not cause any disruptions to the company’s operations. This time away will help me prioritize my physical and mental health, which will ultimately benefit both me and the company.

Employee requesting leave for Personal Milestone:

I am writing to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. This leave is for a personal milestone, as I will be celebrating [mention the nature and purpose of your milestone, such as a wedding or a graduation].

I have made arrangements for my work to be covered during my absence, and I have discussed my leave request with my colleagues to ensure that my absence does not cause any disruptions to the company’s operations. This is a special occasion that I want to fully enjoy and share with my loved ones, and it will allow me to return to work with renewed happiness and motivation.

Employee requesting leave for Cultural Immersion:

I am writing to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. This leave is for a cultural immersion trip to [destination name], where I will be exploring the local culture, trying new cuisines, visiting historical landmarks, and interacting with locals to gain a deeper understanding of their way of life.

I have made arrangements for my work to be covered during my absence, and I have discussed my leave request with my colleagues to ensure that my absence does not cause any disruptions to the company’s operations. This trip will allow me to broaden my horizons, learn new perspectives, and bring back fresh ideas that could benefit our team and the company.

Employee requesting leave for Educational Pursuits:

I am writing to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. This leave is for educational pursuits, as I will be attending [mention the name and nature of the educational program or course, such as a training workshop or a conference].

I have made arrangements for my work to be covered during my absence, and I have discussed my leave request with my colleagues to ensure that my absence does not cause any disruptions to the company’s operations. This program will help me develop new skills and knowledge that will benefit our team and the company, and it will also provide me with valuable networking opportunities.

Employee requesting leave for Rest and Relaxation:

I am writing to request annual leave for [number of days] days, starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. This leave is for rest and relaxation purposes, as I will be taking a break from work to recharge and rejuvenate.

I have made arrangements for my work to be covered during my absence, and I have discussed my leave request with my colleagues to ensure that my absence does not cause any disruptions to the company’s operations. This time off will allow me to prioritize my physical and mental health, which will ultimately benefit both me and the company.

Some Basic FAQs for Taking Annual Leave 

Q: How many days of annual leave are employees entitled to?

A: The number of annual leave days employees are entitled to depends on their employer’s policies, the country they work in, and their length of service. In some countries, the law mandates a minimum number of annual leave days, while in others, it is left to the discretion of the employer. It’s important for employees to familiarize themselves with their company’s policies and relevant laws.

Q: Can an employee take annual leave during their probation period?

A: This depends on the company’s policies. Some companies allow employees to take annual leave during their probation period, while others may require employees to complete their probation period before being eligible for annual leave. Employees should refer to their employment contract or company policy handbook for guidance.

Q: How far in advance should an employee request annual leave?

A: The amount of notice an employee should give before requesting annual leave depends on the company’s policies. Some companies require employees to give a specific amount of notice, while others may be more flexible. It’s best for employees to check with their employer’s policies and plan accordingly.

Q: Can an employer refuse an employee’s annual leave request?

A: In some cases, an employer may refuse an employee’s annual leave request if it conflicts with business needs or if the requested leave period has already been allocated to another employee. However, employers should have clear policies and guidelines for annual leave requests and communicate them to employees.

Q: What happens if an employee does not take all their annual leave days?

A: This depends on the company’s policies. Some companies may allow employees to carry over unused annual leave days to the following year, while others may require employees to use all their annual leave days within the year. Employees should refer to their company’s policies to avoid losing their annual leave entitlement.

Q: Can an employee be paid in lieu of taking annual leave?

A: This also depends on the company’s policies and applicable laws. Some countries and companies allow employees to be paid in lieu of taking annual leave, while others require employees to take their full entitlement of annual leave. Employees should refer to their company’s policies and relevant laws for guidance.

These are just some common questions and answers about taking annual leave. Employees should always check their company’s policies and relevant laws to ensure they are fully informed of their rights and entitlements.

Taking annual leave is an essential part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Whether it’s to travel and spend time with family, engage in volunteer work, attend to personal milestones, or pursue education and cultural immersion, there are many types of leave that employees can take advantage of. Additionally, requesting time off through a well-written and professional annual leave application letter can help ensure that the process runs smoothly and without any misunderstandings. By utilizing the sample annual leave application letters provided, employees can communicate their leave requests with confidence and clarity. It’s important for employers to encourage their employees to take time off and for employees to prioritize their well-being and take advantage of the various types of leave available to them.

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7 Examples: How to Write a Perfect Leave of Absence Request

By Status.net Editorial Team on November 9, 2023 — 11 minutes to read

• Understanding the Basics of a Leave of Absence Request Part 1
• Steps to Write a Leave of Absence Request Part 2
• What to Include in a Leave of Absence Request Part 3
• Examples of Leave of Absence Requests Part 4
• Leave of Absence Request Template Part 5
• Personal Reasons Leave of Absence Templates Part 6
• Maternity Leave of Absence Template Part 7
• What to Avoid in Your Leave of Absence Request Part 8

Part 1 Understanding the Basics of a Leave of Absence Request

Before you start writing your leave of absence request, it’s important to understand the basics. A leave of absence request is a formal document that you submit to your employer, asking for time off from work for a specific reason. This can be for personal reasons, medical issues, or family matters. It’s important to know the policies and guidelines of your company to ensure your request is submitted appropriately.

• Check your company’s leave policy. Familiarize yourself with the types of leaves that are allowed, the maximum duration you can request, and any approvals or documentation required. This information is usually found in your company handbook or can be requested from Human Resources.
• When drafting your request, be clear about the reason for your leave. It’s important to be honest and straightforward, without going into too much personal detail. State the specific dates you plan to be away from work and any necessary arrangements, like reassigning your tasks to a colleague.

Try to submit your leave of absence request well in advance, allowing enough time for your employer to review and approve your request. This will demonstrate your professionalism and consideration for your team.

Part 2 Steps to Write a Leave of Absence Request

Subject line and formal greeting.

Start your leave of absence request with a clear and concise subject line. Include relevant information, such as your name and the dates of your intended leave. For example: “John Doe’s Leave of Absence Request – June 1-15, 2025.” As a friendly way to start your message, address your email or letter to your supervisor or manager using their appropriate title, such as “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Dr. Johnson.”

Explaining Your Reason for Leave

In the opening paragraph, state the purpose of your leave in a clear and simple manner. Explain the reason for your absence, whether it’s a personal matter, family emergency, or medical concern. Be genuine with your reason to help your supervisor better understand your situation.

Providing the Time Frame

Clearly state the exact dates of your requested leave in the second paragraph. Include the start and end dates of your absence. This shows consideration for your employer’s planning and helps them to manage workload adjustments. For example: “I will be absent from work starting on June 1 and plan to return on June 15.”

Plan of Action During Your Absence

Demonstrate your responsibility by outlining a plan of action for your workload during your leave. This may include delegating tasks to colleagues, completing certain projects before your absence, or being available for limited communication if required. For instance: “Before my leave, I will complete all of my current projects and assign any ongoing tasks to my colleague, Jane Smith. If needed, I will be reachable via email for any urgent matters.”

Closing Your Letter

In the closing paragraph, express your gratitude for your employer’s understanding and support. Offer to discuss your request further in a meeting or call if needed. Example: “Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Please let me know if you need any additional information or if you would like to discuss my request further.”

Review Before Sending

Before hitting send, give your email or letter a thorough read. Check for any spelling or grammar errors, ensure all important details are included, and that your message is clear and concise. This will help you present a polished and professional leave of absence request.

Part 3 What to Include in a Leave of Absence Request

When writing a leave of absence request, make sure to include the following elements:

• Your name and contact information: Begin by mentioning your full name, position, and department. It’s also good to provide your contact information such as email and phone number in case your manager needs to reach you.
• Leave type and reason: Clearly state the type of leave you’re requesting and provide a brief explanation for the reason behind your request. Be specific but maintain your privacy, especially when dealing with sensitive matters.
• Start and end dates: Include the exact dates you plan to be away from work. Providing this information helps your manager know how long they should expect you to be gone and allows them to plan accordingly.
• Work coverage plan: Explain how you’ve arranged for your work to be covered during your absence. If you’ve talked with a coworker who has agreed to handle your tasks, mention their name and workload distribution.
• Additional documentation (if applicable): In some cases, you may be required to provide medical or legal documentation to support your leave request. Attach any necessary documents as per your company’s policy.

Part 4 Examples of Leave of Absence Requests

In this section, you’ll find some practical examples and templates to help you write a leave of absence request with ease.

Example for Personal Reasons

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to request a leave of absence for personal reasons, specifically from [start date] to [end date]. I understand that this time away may require adjustments within the team, and I assure you that I will do my best to minimize any potential disruption.

Before my leave begins, I intend to delegate my tasks to [colleague’s name or team] and provide them with any necessary guidance. If any urgent situations arise during my absence, please feel free to contact me via [phone/email], and I will promptly respond.

Thank you for your understanding and assistance in accommodating my request.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Example for Maternity Leave

I am excited to share that I am expecting a baby, with the due date being around [due date]. With this, I kindly request maternity leave, which I would like to start on [start date] and return on [expected return date]. This should provide ample time for me to prepare, give birth, and bond with my newborn.

During my leave, I will ensure a smooth transition of my responsibilities to [colleague’s name or team], keeping you updated on my progress. If any questions or concerns arise during my absence, I will be available via [phone/email].

Thank you in advance for your consideration and support during this exciting time in my life.

Templates for Leave of Absence Request

Below are a few templates to help you write a leave of absence request for different situations. They will serve as a starting point for your own letters, ensuring you cover all necessary details in a professional manner.

Part 5 Leave of Absence Request Template

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to request a leave of absence from [start date] to [end date] due to [reason for leave]. I have reviewed our company’s leave policy and believe that I qualify for this time off.

During my absence, I have arranged for [colleague’s name] to handle my responsibilities, ensuring a smooth transition in my absence.

Please find the attached documentation relating to my request [if applicable]. I understand that this request is subject to approval and would appreciate your prompt response so I can finalize any necessary arrangements.

Thank you for considering my request, and please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information or clarification.

[Your Name] [Your contact information]

Part 6 Personal Reasons Leave of Absence Templates

Personal reasons leave template 1.

Subject: [Your Name] – Leave of Absence Request

I am writing to request a personal leave of absence from work for [duration, e.g., two weeks] starting from [start date] and ending on [end date]. My leave is due to [briefly explain your personal reason, e.g., a family matter or other personal matter that requires your attention].

During my absence, I have planned for [colleague’s name or your suggestion] to cover my workload and ensure a smooth transition. I will also be available via email for urgent matters.

Please let me know if you require additional information to consider my leave request. I kindly request your approval for my leave, and I will be happy to discuss any concerns or adjustments if necessary.

[Your Name]

Personal Reasons Leave Template 2

Subject: [Your Name] – Leave of Absence Request for Personal Reasons

I hope you are doing well. I would like to request a [length of leave] leave of absence starting from [start date] due to personal reasons. I understand this might cause some inconvenience, but I assure you I will do my best to ensure a smooth handover of my current tasks and responsibilities.

During my absence, I propose [colleague’s name] as a suitable replacement, but I am open to any other arrangements you suggest.

I appreciate your understanding and consideration of my request. Please let me know of any paperwork or further details required.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Personal Reasons Leave Template 3

Subject: [Your Name] – Leave of Absence Request (Start Date – End Date)

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I would like to request a leave of absence from my position as [Your Position] in the [Your Department] department. I am requesting this leave for personal reasons and plan to be away from [Start Date] to [End Date].

During my absence, I have spoken with [Coworker’s Name], who has agreed to cover my responsibilities. We’ll work together before I leave to ensure a smooth transition and minimize any disruptions to the team.

Please let me know if there are any additional steps needed or if you require further information. I look forward to your understanding and approval of my leave request. Thank you.

[Your Name] [Your Email Address] [Your Phone Number]

Part 7 Maternity Leave of Absence Template

Subject: [Your Name] – Maternity Leave of Absence Request

I am excited to inform you that I am expecting a baby, and the due date is [due date]. I would like to request maternity leave of absence as per company policy, starting from [start date] until [end date].

Before my leave, I will coordinate with my team and [colleague’s name] who can cover my responsibilities while I am away. Please let me know if you require any further information or arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to celebrating the birth of my child with you all upon my return.

Part 8 What to Avoid in Your Leave of Absence Request

When writing a leave of absence request, there are certain things you should avoid to ensure your request doesn’t come across as unprofessional or lack clarity.

1. Sharing Too Much Information: You may feel the need to share every detail of your personal life or reasons for the leave. However, this may not be necessary. Share only what is relevant to your leave request and maintain a professional tone. A simple explanation like “medical reasons” or “family emergency” will suffice.

2. Ignoring Timing: Be mindful of the timing of your request. If your company experiences busy seasons or has significant projects in progress, it may not be the ideal time to request a leave. It’s important to be considerate of your company’s needs while also taking care of your own.

3. Making Demands: A leave of absence request is not a demand, but rather a polite inquiry. Approach your request with a collaborative and understanding mindset. Frame your request as a courteous question—not as an entitlement or expectation.

4. Being Vague: Your request must include specific information about the duration of your leave and the start and end dates. Being vague can make it difficult for your employer to make decisions and cause confusion.

5. Skipping the Proofreading: Ensure your request is well-written, free of grammatical errors, and typo-free. Your leave request represents you and your seriousness about the matter. A poorly edited request might cast doubt on your professionalism and commitment to your job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common reasons to request a leave of absence from work.

Some common reasons for requesting a leave of absence from work include personal reasons, medical reasons (for you or a family member), education or professional development, and vacation. You may also request a leave for parental reasons, such as maternity or paternity leave.

How do I start my leave of absence request letter?

To start your leave of absence request letter, begin with a professional and respectful salutation, addressing the recipient by name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Ms. Brown”). Then, in the opening paragraph, clearly state your intention to request a leave of absence, specifying the reason for your request and the desired start and end dates.

What should be included in the body of a leave of absence request?

In the body of your leave of absence request, provide any relevant details to support your request and address the potential impact of your absence on your work and team. You may want to include information about the reason for your leave, such as medical documentation or confirmation of a family event. Also, mention any arrangements you have made to cover your work responsibilities during your absence or suggest possible solutions to minimize the impact on your team.

Are there any important tips for writing a leave request for vacation?

When requesting a leave for vacation, make sure to submit your request with ample notice, considering your workplace’s leave policy and any peak periods that may require your presence at work. Provide the specific dates of your planned vacation, offer assistance in making arrangements to delegate your work during your absence, and be flexible about adjusting your plans if necessary to accommodate your team’s needs. Keep your request concise and professional, while expressing your enthusiasm for the time off.

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Leave Application Letter for Office: Format, Samples, Templates

Home Blog others Leave Application Letter for Office: Format, Samples, Templates

A leave application is something everyone has been taught to write since school days. But what I have seen is that many individuals have several doubts swirling around when they actually sit down to write one. Being an employee of a private firm for many years, I have witnessed the same issue in the work scenario, too. Moreover, I feel that the leave application for office must be written in a convincing, engaging, yet formal manner.

For me, the application of leave in office acts as an official statement to let the manager know that I am planning to take a leave from work. Now, do you know the leave application format for office? If not, let me help you learn the process of drafting such a document. I also recommend taking the KnowledgeHut Professional training for further help with such workplace communication.

Why Should You Submit an Office Leave Application?

Submitting a leave application for office informs your manager or team lead about your absence from the workplace. Remaining off work without the knowledge of the management may reflect an unprofessional attitude on your side. I think it also creates a difficult situation for your respective team and may hamper the progress of some of your ongoing projects.

Hence, I think it’s a good idea to draft a leave application letter for the office beforehand. You can even send the application on the day when you won’t be able to attend the office because of a personal matter or other unavoidable circumstances.

Types of Leave Application

A leave application for office can be of various types depending on how they accommodate different situations. I have curated the common leave application types for your reference below:

• Maternity Leave Application:  A time off given to new mothers to care for their newborn or newly adopted child.
• Annual Leave Application:  A planned time off that can be accrued over a particular year.
• Sick Leave Application:  An application granted for medical appointments or health-related issues.
• Vacation Leave Application:  This time off is similar to the annual leave application and can be used for relaxation and travel purposes.
• Casual Leave Application:  A short or unplanned leave granted to employees for unforeseen or incidental reasons.
• Emergency Leave Application:  A compassionate or urgent time off granted to address sudden or unforeseen family and personal emergencies.
• Half-day Leave Application:  A type of   leave application for an office that grants the employee permission to be absent from work for half of the usual working hours in a day.

What to Include in an Office Leave Application Letter/Email?

Learning how to write a leave application begins with knowing the content that you must include in your letter or email. Therefore, what follows is my list of points that should definitely be included in your leave application for office.

• Salutation:  Such an approach will usually include the name of an addressee whose name is written in your notice of leave.
• Subject:  This section of the leave application should include the cause behind your request for leave and the date you filed for it.
• Reason for Leave: I advise that you put across the necessary details so that your application for a leave grant while transiting from office receives the attention it deserves.
• Work Plan: To assure peace of mind to customers, talk about your colleague who will look after all responsibilities when you are not there.
• Closing Sentence: Give thanks to the said individual.
• Name:  State your correct name.
• Designation:  Tell about your exact job function in the company.
• Date:  Cite the present date.

Leave Application Format for Employee

Let me show you a leave letter format for the office that will help you draft future applications with ease.

To: [Manager’s Name]

From: [Your Name]

Date: [Current Date]

Subject: Leave application for [your reason and date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to request a leave of absence for (number of days) from (start date) to (end-date). The reason for my leave is (your valid reason for leave).

I have completed all the urgent tasks and delegated the remaining tasks to (your colleague’s name). I am confident that my absence will not have any negative impact on our team’s work.

I will be available by email or phone during my leave if needed. I will also make sure to check my work email regularly.

I appreciate your consideration.

[Your name and designation]

How to Write a Leave Application Letter for Office

Following the correct leave application format for employees is important for you to be granted leave from your workplace. That is why I have curated a step-by-step guide for you to learn how to draft a leave application for office.

1. Use the Company Letterhead:  Use an official letterhead for your leave application if your company has one. It will help add a professional touch to your leave application for office for personal reasons or any other reason. Include your company name, address, and contact information as given on the letterhead.

2. Include the Date:  Write the current date you submitted the leave application at the top left or right corner. I advise you to use the DD/MM/YYYY format.

3. Add Your Name, Designation, and Employee ID:  Mention your full name along with your position or designation in the company and employee ID, if applicable.

4. Address the Recipient:  Your leave application for office should be addressed directly to your HR department head or reporting manager as specified by company policy. Try to use formal titles like Sir or Ma’am.

5. Subject Line:  Include a subject line that briefly states your leave request.

6. Content:  I suggest you clarify the reason and time period for the leave in the paragraph. Along with that, make sure you clearly explain the reason for your absence. According to the company policy, you will need to give enough time for your planned leave to the concerned authority.

7. Polite and Formal Tone:  Maintain a formal and courteous communication style at all times throughout the leave application. Strictly avoid making unreasonable demands.

8. Express Gratitude:  Finally, end by thanking the approval authority for taking the time to review your leave application.

9. Signature:  Wrap up the leave application with your full name and signature.

10. Proofread:  Double-check the leave application for any grammatical, factual, or spelling errors before submission.

Sample Leave Applications For Office

A sample leave letter format for office can help you draft your future applications without making any errors. Let me walk you through some of these sample leave applications for the office.

1. Sample Leave Application for Office for Personal Reason

The following sample leave application will help you learn how to cite personal reasons for your absence.

Subject: Application for Personal Leave

Dear {Recipient’s Name},

I have an important personal matter to attend to due to which I will not be able to come to the office from {start date} to {end date}.

I have transferred all my tasks to {person’s name} and have asked them to call me for any help during my absence.

Kindly consider my leave application for approval and oblige.

Yours Sincerely,  {Your Name}

2. Sample Leave Application for Marriage

The leave application for marriage is different from other leave applications for office, as shown below.

Subject: Leave for Marriage Ceremony

Dear Sir/Ma’am,

I am pleased to announce that I will be getting married on {Date}. So, I request you to grant me leave from {Date} to {Date} for my marriage function.

I have already started to work towards completing my task before the date.

Looking forward to receiving a positive response from you soon.

{Signature}

3. Maternity Leave Application Sample

Here is a leave letter for office samples for those who want maternity leave.

Subject: Application for Maternity Leave

I am writing to inform you about my decision to take the allotted {Number of weeks} of maternity leave available to me. I plan to start my leave on {Starting date} and return to the office by {joining date}.

I will let you know as soon as possible if my plans change for any reason. I have attached the physician’s letter to confirm the relevant details.

4. Annual Leave Application

Here is a sample of an annual leave mail in the office   for your reference.

Subject: Annual Leave Application

I will be traveling with my family for one month between {start date} and {end date}.

As per my prior discussion with my team lead, I have requested my colleague {enter name} to take over my project while I am on leave.

I may not be available to take calls because of the nature of my travel plans. Please address any urgent work matters to my email address {email ID}.

I await a positive reply to my leave request.

Thank you and regards,  {Your Name}

5. Sick Leave Application

Here is a sample sick leave application for the office for your reference.

Subject: Sick Leave Request for One Day

Dear [Supervisor/Manager’s Name],

I regret to inform you that I will not be able to visit the office tomorrow, [date], due to my health condition. I have visited the doctor and therefore will have to take the day to relax and recover. Therefore, I would like to request one day of sick leave.

I will be available via email for all urgent work matters.

Wishing you and the team a productive day in my absence.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

6. Vacation Leave Application

Here is a vacation leave letter example for office.

Subject: Vacation Leave Application

Dear Mr./Ms. {Recipient’s Name},

I am writing this application to request a leave of absence from {start date} to {end date}. My family and I are taking a vacation to Manali as this period marks the summer vacation for my children. I want to take part of my allotted paid leave in this regard.

In the meanwhile, my teammate, {enter name}, has been authorized to take up any pressing matters in terms of my job duties.

I look forward to your approval.

Sincerely,  {Your Name}

7. Casual Leave Application

Subject: Casual Leave Application

Dear Mr./Mrs. {Recipient’s Name},

I request 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 must be away for {X days}.

I shall be reachable during the period mentioned in my email. My person in charge, {person’s name}, will be handling my tasks in my absence.

I will be thankful if you consider my application at the earliest.

8. Emergency Leave Application

Here is how you can write a leave letter for an emergency.

Sub: Emergency Leave Letter

I have to tend to a personal matter in my hometown because of which I will not be able to come to the office until {date}.

I have informed my colleagues about my leave and have briefed everyone on the project we are working on. You may contact me on (Your mobile number) if you need me with any urgent information.

Please grant me a leave for three days and oblige.

{Your Name}

9. Leave Application for Half-day Sample

Here is a sample leave application for the office for a half day.

Subject: Request for Half-Day Leave on [Date]

Dear [Supervisor Name],

This is to inform you that I am applying for a half-day leave on [Date], [Morning/Afternoon]. I need to [briefly state the reason for leave].

I have completed all urgent tasks and informed [colleague name] about my absence. They have agreed to cover the pending tasks for me.

I will be available via email or phone throughout the day for urgent matters.

Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

Leave Application for Office: Template

I have attached a sample   leave application for the office template for your reference. You can also download it instantly.

Tips for Writing Office Leave Application Letters

I have also curated some tips that you can use while drafting an application for medical leave in the office or for other reasons.

• Use a formal tone and professional format to write the leave application for the office.
• Provide all relevant details, including the purpose of your leave and the duration of absence.
• Send your leave application in time.
• Let the management know about your work status, too.
• Attach supporting documents if needed.
• Follow up with the manager or supervisor if they have not responded to your application yet.

Writing a leave application for the office will be an easy task for you once you have read this guide. I have included the formats for all application types, including a one-day leave application for the office, for your reference. Moreover, you must also follow all the tips and guidelines to ensure your application is in the correct format and tone.

You can learn more about such leave applications and how to draft them through free online courses from KnowledgeHut. These courses will enable you to learn more about effective communication in the workplace and enhance your skills for career advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can apply for a casual leave application for the office if you want to attend a function. Make sure to follow the correct format and inform your manager about your planned absence. This will enable you to get approval instantly.

Several leave types are available for employees, including maternity, annual, half-day, casual, vacation, and sick leave. Familiarizing yourself with their respective formats is essential to ensure you submit the correct application.

Your application should encompass several required elements. The three simple ones are the subject line, the date, the reason for your leave, and the name of the person to whom you have transferred your work.

List down the factors that your manager can incorporate in canceling your absence request for the office. If your manager’s explanations are not convincing enough and you need a leave, you can discuss the matter with your HR department, which may be escalated to the seniors if required.

Yes, your leave remains cancelable even after it is approved. All you have to do is prepare a new document stating the new dates or your reasons for changing your leave. You may also want to bring the matter to your HR and proceed with the application without any problem.

Abhresh Sugandhi

Abhresh is specialized as a corporate trainer, He has a decade of experience in technical training blended with virtual webinars and instructor-led session created courses, tutorials, and articles for organizations. He is also the founder of Nikasio.com, which offers multiple services in technical training, project consulting, content development, etc.

Avail your free 1:1 mentorship session.

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• How To Write A Leave Application For Office (Samples)

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Asking for permission to stay away from the office is always difficult, even when you are entitled to it. There is always that nagging thought at the back of your mind – What if they say no? The thought is justified.

Sometimes the company just can’t afford to let you go, especially if your reason for requesting leave is not that pertinent.

Sometimes, however, your leave application gets rejected, not because of the reason behind the request, but rather because of how you make the request.

For instance, if you craft a leave application in impolite language where you literally demand to be allowed to stay away from work, you probably won’t get your request approved.

Furthermore, there is a certain format you have to follow when writing your leave application. Remember leave applications are supposed to be formal documents. The leave application is the official way to request leave.

Of course, you could of course ask your manager for leave verbally, but even if they agree, you might still have to write a formal leave application letter.

This is why crafting an effective leave application is a skill everyone working in the corporate world should learn.

If you don’t know where to start or the do’s and don’ts of leave application writing, read on for a complete breakdown of everything you need to know.

DETAILS TO INCLUDE IN YOUR LEAVE APPLICATION FOR OFFICE

In a leave application for office, you need to explain to HR or the manager why you are taking a leave of absence: what situation exactly is prompting this action?

Below are some of the important details you should always remember to include when writing your leave application:

• Your complete name, address, contact information and employee code: These are details that identify who you are.
• Salutation: This is a greeting addressed to the recipient of the leave application.
• The subject of the application: This is where you specify the type of leave you are requesting for. For instance, you could write “Request for maternity leave .” This makes it clear even before the recipient reads the letter exactly what you are applying for.
• Why you are taking leave: In the letter itself, providing the reason for your desire to take leave. It could be for health reasons, to study, to go on vacation, to take care of an emergency that has emerged, maternity, adoption of a child, and so on.
• Number of days you’ll be away: It is very important that you remember to specify the number of days you intend to be away from the work place. This will allow the company to plan accordingly for your absence. Include the date you’ll go on leave and the date you’ll return to the workplace.
• Work plan in your absence: It goes without saying that work will continue in the organization even in your absence. While you may be entitled to take leave, it is always good when you show initiative and thoughtfulness by ensuring your responsibilities and duties will be handled in your absence. For instance, you can discuss this with your supervisor or with your colleagues and ensure your most urgent duties are distributed to colleagues. You can also train a replacement (an intern perhaps). Another solution would be creating a document that contains detailed information of your daily work. You can also indicate that you will be available in case of any emergency during your absence.
• Contact Information: Provide accurate contact information to ensure you are reachable during your leave. Sometimes emergencies come up and you are the only one who can solve the problem. For instance, if you are the only one who knows where a certain key document is located, they might need to reach you for assistance.
• Official documents: You should be ready to provide any documents, if necessary or if asked for, that support or corroborate your need to take a leave of absence. For instance, if you are taking sick leave, a letter from the doctor may be necessary.

THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN WRITING A LEAVE APPLICATION

Below are some things to keep in mind when writing a leave application;

• Use a formal format: Ensure you draft the leave application in a formal format. This is because the leave application is an official letter, making your employer officially aware of your absence. You may have already informally discussed your leave-taking with the manager or supervisor, but it is the application letter that makes the matter official, which is why it needs to be written in a formal format. As for the contents of the application, we have already covered that above.
• Be concise: Don’t beat around the bush. Instead, get to the point straight away. Furthermore, don’t get too carried away explaining your reasons for taking leave – especially to the point of giving away too many personal details. Identify the most important details that need to be in the application and express them in a matter of a few paragraphs.
• Polite language: Use courteous language in the application. No matter how entitled you feel to being granted the leave request, don’t display that entitlement in the application letter. Use language that is polite, tactful, and convincing. This is especially important when you are taking a sabbatical – what some people call “ adult gap year ”. It is very easy for you application for a sabbatical to be rejected. You must therefore use tactful language to try and convince HR that this is something that a) you need, and b) might be beneficial to the company.
• Make it clear that you are coming back: Employees have sometimes been known to go on leave and not come back, perhaps due to being poached by other companies or quitting their jobs. To allay such fears, provide assurance to HR or your reporting manager that you will come back to the office and your duties as soon as your permitted leave duration ends.
• Show conscientiousness: Show conscientiousness about your duties and responsibilitie s at the workplace. That means you should demonstrate that your duties and responsibilities are important to you. If you simply write an application letter and talk about going to leave, but you don’t say anything about the work you will be leaving undone, it might give the impression that you don’t really care about your job.

Show conscientiousness by planning for how your duties and responsibilities will be taken care off in your absence. You can organize this with your supervisor or your close colleagues.

This is to ensure that there is smooth workflow even in your absence. It could also mean stating that when you come back from leave, you are going to make up for all the lost time.

• Express your thanks: At the end of the application letter, be sure to include one sentence where you thank the manager for taking the time to read through your application and (hopefully) for approving your request.
• Verbal permission: It is also advisable to get verbal permission from your reporting manager prior to writing your leave application. The application letter then becomes a way of making official what has already been approved.

THE DON’TS OF WRITING A LEAVE APPLICATION

The following are some of the things you should avoid when drafting your leave application letter:

• Ensure that there are no grammatical errors in your letter. Once you have typed it, read it at least two or three times to correct any grammar mistakes and punctuation errors.
• Don’t write in a casual tone.
• Don’t use complex terms or purple prose to show off. Ensure your application is as simple to understand as possible, something that can be read and understood quickly without having to consult the dictionary.
• Don’t use an informal format or make your leave application too long.

TYPES OF LEAVE YOU CAN APPLY FOR

1. sick leave.

This is when you take a leave of absence on account of an illness. Sick leave scenarios include physical illness, mental illness, health checkup, taking care of a sick loved one or dependent, or when you need to take time out to cope with or overcome the physical, psychological, and legal repercussion/effects of domestic abuse.

At the moment, there are no existing federal legal requirements for paid sick leave . Companies that are subject to the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) are, however, expected to provide unpaid leave of up to 12 weeks for certain medical situations.

When crafting an application for sick leave, ensure you give relevant details (not too detailed, however) to prove credibility.

2. Study Leave

This is leave you take solely for the purpose of studying or carrying out research. Study leave, with or without pay , is not a legal requirement/obligation. Whether you get it and if you get paid is up to your employer. Keep this in mind when you are applying for study leave – remember that you are not entitled to either the leave or the pay. Choose your wording carefully.

3. Sabbatical

A sabbatical leave is the kind where you (for a given period) stop reporting to work for an extended period of time but you are still an employee of that company. Another name for it is “adult gap year” or “career break”. It’s highly likely to be an unpaid leave of absence.

There are no laws that cover you if you want to take a career break. This may be the most delicate application to write.

When writing the application for a sabbatical leave, figure out how to show that doing this will make you better at your job when you come back. Don’t display any entitlement, lest you either a) get denied, or b) lose your job in the process.

4. Vacation/Holiday Leave

Vacation leave is a period when you take time off from work to rest, relax, or attend to your own personal affairs. It is quite similar to annual leave (paid time off work). While vacation leave is not covered by law, there are many employers who offer paid vacation, usually as a means to attract employees.

The approach you take when writing your vacation leave application should be informed by your company’s guidelines or regulations concerning vacation leave.

5. Maternity/Paternity Leave

Maternity leave is a period during which a mother, before and after her child’s birth, is allowed to take time off from work. The US laws do not guarantee any national statutory paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers.

That said, there are some employees who are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave annually for birth, adoption, or medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Unfortunately, not all companies are covered by the FMLA (they have to have at least 50 employees).

6. Emergency Leave Application

This is when you need to take leave to deal with unforeseen circumstances that have emerged, such as the death of a loved one. Other scenarios include an accident, a major surgery, to visit a terminally ill family member, and so on.

LEAVE APPLICATION SAMPLES

Now that we have covered the different kinds of leave, let us look at samples of how to write applications for some of the different leave types.

1.  Study Leave Application Letter Sample

Manager’s Name Institute’s Name Date

Sub: Leave Application for Further Study

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing this to request for a six-month study leave, to start on [date]. During the leave period, I will be at [name of educational institution] pursuing a [name of program or course]. The program starts on [date].

After I have completed my period of study, I believe I will bring greater value to the organization. Should my leave application be granted, I intend to resume my duties at the office on [date]. I will be greatly indebted to the company for giving me this opportunity to further my studies.

I am also thankful for the opportunity to serve this company.

Yours faithfully, Name Job Designation Contact Number

2. Sick Leave Application Letter Sample

The Manager Company Name Date

Subject: Leave Application Due To The Flu

Dear Sir/Ma’am

This is to inform you that I am currently suffering from the flu. After visiting the doctor on Wednesday, I was diagnosed with the flu and bed rest was prescribed.

My fever is consistently at over 100 degrees, my muscles ache, I have chills and sweats, and I cough throughout the day. I also have frequent headaches, nasal congestion, and sore throat. I am afraid that not only does my illness make it impossible for me to discharge my duties, but it also poses a risk to the rest of my colleagues who might also contract the flu if I continue coming to work.

For that reason, I am applying for a ten-day leave to ensure I am completely well when I return to the office. Attached to this application is a letter from my doctor. I hope you take my application into consideration.

3. Annual Leave Application Letter Sample

Manager’s Name Company Name Date

Subject: Annual Leave Application

Dear Mr. /Ms. [Recipient’s Name]

I am writing this to let you know that I will be taking my company-sanctioned annual leave for a period of one month, starting on [start date] and ending on [end date]. Throughout the year, I have not gone for leave, and would like to at this time utilize my full annual leave allowance.

Having had this discussion with my supervisor already, my responsibilities and duties have been distributed to colleagues in my department. I can therefore take this leave with a clear conscience that work will continue smoothly in my absence.

During the leave, I intend to travel, and due to the nature of said travel plans, it will be difficult to reach me on phone. I therefore urge that in case of any urgent work-related matters that require my attention, do write to me via email: [enter email address].

I will be grateful for a positive response to this application.

Thank you and regards,

4. Sabbatical Leave Application Letter Sample

Dear [Recipient Name],

My name is [name] and I have been working in the IT department for the last three years. Of late, however, I have felt the desire to be more and do more in my work. I feel as if I am stuck repeating the same monotonous tasks daily. I would like to take a sabbatical leave to help me renew my motivation and at the same tme increase my skills, particularly in coding and graphic design. I believe this will be instrumental in helping me take on more responsibilities and more complex tasks when I come back.

It is due to this desire for self-development and for a renewal of my passion for my job that I am requesting an extended sabbatical leave of [period]. During this time, I will take a few online courses on coding and graphic design.

Committed as I am to this company, I believe that when I resume work, I will be in better shape to give my all to the job and truly be of high value to [company’s name].

It is with the earnest hope of approval that I write this application.

Best regards,

5. Maternity Leave Application Letter Sample

Subject : Application for Maternity Leave

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is to inform you that I intend to take the allotted [write down number of weeks/months] of maternity available to me, starting on [start date]. In the event that there are no pregnancy or delivery-related, unforeseen issues that crop up, I intend to resume my duties at the end of my maternity leave on [tentative joining date].

Should my plans change for any reason, be sure that I will inform you speedily. Attached to this application is a letter from my doctor with confirmation of the relevant details.

During this period, you can reach me at this number for any emergency: [contact number].

Yours Sincerely,

6. Vacation Leave Application Letter Sample

Subject : Leave Application for Family Vacation

I am writing this to request approval for a 12-day vacation leave, starting on [start date] and going on up to [end date]. My family and I have been planning a trip to Brazil.

Having known for a while that I intend to take vacation leave, I have in the last few weeks been staying extra hours at work to ensure that I finish my most urgent work projects. I have also communicated with my immediate supervisors and had my work duties and responsibilities distributed to my colleagues to ensure smooth continuity even in my absence.

Thank you, and I am looking forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

7. Leave Application For Emergency

Subject : Funeral Leave

I write this email to inform you of a family emergency that has disrupted my life and made it impossible for me to come in to work. Last night my sister passed away, having been bedridden in the hospital for the last two weeks after a heart surgery. Arrangements of the funeral – as well as the grief – are going to keep me preoccupied for the next few days.

I am sorry for any inconvenience that will be caused by my absence and have called into the office to organize the distribution of my most urgent duties to colleagues. In any case, I will be back at the office on [date], during which I will complete the remaining tasks.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

WRAPPING UP

The biggest take-away from this is that leave application letters should be formal, polite, and follow a particular format. The what of your application is also very crucial, and this means giving the reason why you want to take leave.

The more urgent or pertinent your reason, the higher your likelihood of getting your application request granted.

Another important thing to remember is conscientiousness. The moment you say you want to go on leave, the management starts to wonder what will happen to the work you are supposed to be working on.

Though this might depend on the context and on the organization’s protocols, it is usually a good idea for you to make arrangements that ensure the disruption in workflow is as minimal as possible in your absence.

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Writing a Leave Application for Work (Free Templates)

Whether you're new to the workforce or a seasoned veteran, learn how to communicate your leave requests formally from work, which includes free templates, and expert tips.

Written by:

Dr. Moina Rauf

Dr. Moina Rauf, fluent in English and Dutch, is a distinguished writer and editor with a PhD in Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Economics. With extensive experience in both academia and industry, she excels in elucidating complex concepts about business management, human resources policies, legal documentation, employee leaves, appointments, contracts, and workplace culture. Her proficiency in analyzing and simplifying intricate documents ensures comprehensive understanding for her audience. Published in academic journals, Dr. Rauf’s authority in her field is well-established.

Whether you’re new to the workforce or a seasoned professional, understanding how to formally request leave is crucial. A well-crafted application ensures that your request is taken seriously and processed efficiently. This guide will walk you through the essentials of writing an effective leave application, provide free templates for various scenarios, and offer tips to help you navigate the process seamlessly. Additionally, it offers insights on how to tailor your communication style to fit different cultural expectations, ensuring that your leave requests are received positively and processed efficiently.

• Why Request Leave Formally?

Requesting leave formally is not just a procedural formality—it’s a sign of your professionalism. A formal request helps maintain clear communication with your employer and prevents misunderstandings arising from an informal approach. It also ensures that your leave is recorded properly in the company’s HR systems, which can be important for tracking leave entitlements and complying with labor laws.

• How to Write a Leave Application: Step-by-Step Guide

This step-by-step guide is designed to make writing a leave application easy and efficient and guide you through each essential element of a successful request.

Understand Your Company’s Leave Policy

Study the policies and procedures for requesting leave at your company before drafting your leave application. This will help you frame your request according to the policy.

Identify the Recipient

You should address your leave application to the appropriate person, typically your direct supervisor or the HR department. Use the correct salutation and ensure you have the correct contact information.

Include the Necessary Details

When writing your request for a leave of absence, keep the following points in mind: 

• You must clearly state the type of leave you are requesting, whether it’s sick leave, annual leave, or any other type specified in your company’s policy.
• Be specific about the dates you propose to be away from work. If possible, provide alternative dates in case your initial request cannot be accommodated.
• You should also briefly explain the reason for your request. Provide enough information to justify your absence without going into unnecessary detail.

Outline Coverage Plans

If applicable, outline any plans you have for covering your responsibilities during your absence. This could include delegating tasks to colleagues or providing instructions for handling your workload.

Express Willingness to Discuss Further

Remember to conclude your application with a polite request for leave to be granted. Express your willingness to discuss the matter further if needed and provide your contact information for follow-up discussions.

Proofread and Submit

You should proofread your letter before submitting it to ensure there are no errors or inconsistencies. Once you are satisfied with the content, submit your application according to your company’s procedures.

If you do not receive a response to your leave application within a reasonable timeframe, consider following up with the recipient to ensure it was received and to inquire about the status of your request.

Free Leave Application Templates

We provide free, downloadable templates designed for different leave scenarios at work to help you even more. They provide a framework that you can customize according to your specific needs.

Sick leave is designed for employees who are unable to perform their job duties due to illness or injury. The conditions and pay for sick leave can vary, but generally, it is paid leave provided by many employers. At the federal level, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) offers provisions for unpaid sick leave for serious health conditions. Additionally, various states and municipalities, including California and New York City, have enacted laws mandating paid sick leave.

Template Features

This template includes specific sections to detail the nature of the illness and the expected duration of the leave and includes a provision for attaching a doctor’s note if necessary. This ensures that the request is comprehensive and adheres to company policy. 

• The template clearly states the reason for the leave request, specifying that it is due to a sudden illness. A placeholder [mention the general nature of the illness, e.g., a viral infection] is provided to describe the health issue, which is crucial for HR or management to understand the severity and legitimacy of the leave request.
• It specifies the start and end dates of the leave with placeholders [Start Date] to [End Date] which allow precise planning and coverage during your absence.
• It includes details about how you plan to ensure continuity of work. This involves a placeholder for [list of tasks] and the name of a colleague [Name of the Colleague] who will oversee these responsibilities which ensures there is no disruption to daily operations.
• The template prompts you to attach any relevant medical documentation, such as a medical certificate, which is often required to validate sick leave requests officially.
• It mentions your intention to check emails periodically and remain available for urgent issues which shows responsibility and a commitment to assist in any urgent matters even while on leave.
• The template ends with thanks for the recipient’s understanding and support which adds a polite request for a swift response and expresses hope for a quick recovery and return to full duties.

Casual Leave

Casual leave is generally used for short-term absences for personal reasons that are not otherwise categorized under more specific leave types, like medical or maternity leave. This leave is usually granted for a few days and is intended for personal matters requiring immediate attention. There is no specific federal regulation for such time off, as it is typically governed by employer-specific policies or through collective bargaining agreements in unionized environments.

The casual leave template offers a straightforward approach to requesting time off, with placeholders for the dates of leave and a brief explanation of the reason. This helps keep the application process simple and efficient, suitable for the informal nature of casual leave. 

• The template clearly states the purpose of the letter, which is to request a casual leave of absence, including the specific duration from [start date] to [end date] , making it easier for scheduling and approval processes.
• The template includes a placeholder for [personal reasons/family commitments/other] , allowing the employee to specify the cause of the leave. This transparency helps in understanding the necessity of the request.
• It outlines what you plan to do during the leave, enhancing clarity about your activities away from work. If comfortable, this might include a brief description of personal activities.
• It states your availability for contact during the leave via [phone number] or [email address] which helps to maintain open lines of communication for any urgent issues that may arise.
• The letter ends with a polite expression of gratitude towards the manager for considering the leave request and a closing remark that reinforces your appreciation for the manager’s understanding and support.

Annual Leave

Annual leave is scheduled time off work that employees are entitled to each year for personal rest and recovery. This leave is typically planned and agreed upon in advance between the employee and the employer. The provision of annual leave is not mandated by federal law in the US, with terms typically outlined in employment contracts or employer policies. Some state laws, however, might dictate how accrued leave is to be handled financially upon the termination of employment.

This free annual leave template provides a comprehensive format for you to specify your planned leave dates, detail any work coverage arrangements, and formally request approval. The clear structure of the template ensures all necessary information is presented, facilitating easier planning and approval by management. 

• The template clearly states the intention to request annual leave for a specified number of days, using placeholders [number of days] , [start date] to [end date] . This clarity is vital for HR or management to organize staffing and workload distribution during the absence.
• The template includes a section for a brief explanation  [brief reason for leave] , such as rest and rejuvenation, which helps justify the necessity of the leave to the recipient.
• It outlines a proactive plan to manage work responsibilities during the absence, detailing specific tasks or projects and the designated colleagues [list any specific tasks or projects and the name of the colleague who will handle them] who will take over. This reduces potential disruptions and demonstrates the applicant’s responsibility.
• The template suggests maintaining open lines of communication and offers options for contact in case of urgent issues, which helps in managing any unforeseen needs that might arise during the leave.
• It concludes with a courteous acknowledgment of the recipient’s consideration and a forward-looking statement expressing eagerness to address any further questions, fostering a positive relationship.

One-Month Medical Leave

One-month medical leave caters to employees needing extended time off for medical treatment or to recover from a serious health condition, often requiring supportive documentation from healthcare providers. This type of leave is generally covered under the FMLA, allowing eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for serious health issues.

The template assists in organizing a detailed explanation of the medical condition, the necessary treatment plan, and the expected recovery timeline. It also provides space for the required medical certification, facilitating a clear and structured application process. The template is thoughtfully designed to ensure clarity and professionalism in its approach to requesting extended leave. 

• The template features a section for a brief description of the medical condition, which provides essential context for the leave request.
• It prompts you for the inclusion of all necessary medical documents and a doctor’s letter to substantiate the leave request.
• It has placeholders to mention specific start and end dates of the leave which offers a clear timeframe for the absence.
• A placeholder is also included in the template for detailing the expected treatment, surgery, or recovery process, which informs the recipient of the recovery trajectory.
• The template ensures continuity at work by including a plan for pre-leave preparation where you can commit to updating and handing over current projects and tasks.
• You can name a designated colleague as a point of contact during the leave, with their contact information provided to handle responsibilities in the applicant’s absence.
• The template allows you to state your availability for urgent consultations via email or phone, health permitting, indicating ongoing engagement with work matters.
• The letter concludes with a polite request for understanding and support, which underscores the necessity of the time off for health recovery.

Emergency Leave for Office

Emergency leave is essential for unexpected situations such as a family crisis, a sudden illness, or other emergencies that require immediate attention. This kind of absence is not specifically covered under federal laws such as the FMLA unless the emergency relates to a serious health condition affecting the employee or an immediate family member.

 The template is designed to quickly convey the urgency of the situation, with sections to briefly explain the circumstances and the expected duration of the absence. This format ensures that the application can be processed swiftly, which is crucial in emergencies.

• The body of the letter allows for a brief explanation of the emergency, using a placeholder [brief description of the emergency] . This gives context to the urgency and nature of the request and helps the recipient understand the need for immediate leave.
• It specifies the anticipated start and return dates with placeholders [start date] and [tentative return date] , which helps in planning the absence duration and coverage.
• The template includes provisions for how ongoing work will be managed, with placeholders for detailing if you will be completely unavailable, have limited availability, or if specific arrangements (like a colleague covering) have been made.
• The template suggests attaching supporting documents such as medical certificates or police reports which reinforce the legitimacy of the emergency claim.

Half-Day Leave for Office

Half-day leave enables employees to take only a part of the day off to attend to personal matters, medical appointments, or other short-term obligations without taking a full day’s leave. No specific federal laws govern half-day leave. This type of leave is generally managed through employer policies or broader paid time off (PTO) policies.

The half-day leave template provides a concise format for requesting leave, specifying whether the morning or afternoon is needed. This assists in clear communication and smooth processing of the leave request. 

• The template clearly states the intent to request a half-day leave and specifies the exact date which is crucial for planning and approval processes.
• It outlines the specific times you plan to leave or arrive, such as [XX: XX am/pm] , ensuring transparency about the absence duration.
• It emphasizes your commitment to minimizing disruption by coordinating with a colleague [colleague’s name] who will oversee urgent tasks during the absence.
• The template also lets you express a willingness to compensate for the time off by working extra hours or completing tasks in advance which shows responsibility and consideration for team performance.

Leave for Marriage

Marriage leave is offered to employees for their weddings and related festivities. The availability and duration of this leave type can vary greatly between different employers and is not typically covered under standard leave policies. This type of leave is not mandated by federal law in the US and is generally left to the discretion of the employer, often seen in more comprehensive benefits packages.

This template allows you to clearly state your wedding date, and the duration of the leave you are requesting and includes a polite formal request for approval, making it easy for your employer to understand and process the request. 

• The purpose of the leave is immediately stated, with placeholders such as [number of days] for the duration and [start date] to [end date] for the specific dates of the leave, providing a clear timeframe and scope of the absence.
• The letter emphasizes the importance of the marriage ceremony, highlighting it as a significant milestone, thereby underlining the personal importance of the leave.
• It includes a detailed plan for delegation and task management during your absence, mentioning a placeholder [Colleague’s Name] who will cover your duties, ensuring continuity of work without disruption.
• The template mentions attaching a wedding invitation, which serves as proof of the event, lending authenticity to your application and potentially aiding in the swift processing of the leave request.
• It ends with a polite thank you and a look forward to a positive response, maintaining a cordial tone and expressing eagerness to return to work with renewed focus post-event.

Leave for Vacation

Vacation leave is used for personal rest, relaxation, and recreation. This type of leave is generally planned well in advance and is most often paid. It is one of the most common types of leave provided to employees as part of their employment benefits. There is no federal requirement in the United States mandating employers to provide vacation leave. However, company policy typically dictates the terms of vacation leave, and some state laws may influence how accrued vacation time is managed upon an employee’s termination.

The vacation leave template includes placeholders detailing the intended vacation dates, arrangements for covering responsibilities in the employee’s absence, and a section for officially requesting approval, which helps streamline the leave approval process.

• The template is structured to ensure an organized request for vacation leave, starting with a personalized greeting.
• It clearly states the purpose of requesting approval for a specific number of days off, indicated by the placeholder [Number of Days] .
• The dates for the vacation are specified with placeholders [Start Date] to [End Date] .
• The body outlines your plans during your absence which includes mentioning a colleague [Name of Colleague] who will cover duties.
• It mentions completing pending tasks and providing a detailed handover document.
• The template invites the recipient to contact the applicant for further information or forms needed for the leave process.
• At the end of the application, gratitude is expressed for considering the leave request and ends with a warm closing and includes placeholders for adding your name and contact information.

Maternity Leave

Maternity leave is specifically allocated for childbirth and the care of the newborn. This leave can vary in terms of duration and compensation, depending on both employer policies and the legal framework in place. At the Federal level, the FMLA governs maternity leave, providing up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave. Some states enhance this provision with additional benefits, including paid leave options as seen in California, New Jersey, and New York.

This template is designed to facilitate a smooth and clear communication process for requesting leave. It includes several placeholders to ensure the letter is personalized and accurately addressed.

• The template outlines a detailed plan for transitioning responsibilities, which includes a placeholder for a comprehensive handover document that maps out ongoing projects and task statuses.
• Another key placeholder is [Colleague’s Name] , designated to take over duties, ensuring continuity of work during the applicant’s absence. 
• The template also highlights the applicant’s commitment to remain accessible via email for any urgent queries, enhancing communication while away. Before the leave, there is a commitment to train another specified [Colleague’s Name] on critical tasks and processes, preparing the team for the leave period.
• The template notes the requirement to attach a medical certificate and any necessary documentation as per company policy which ensures compliance and thoroughness.
• The letter concludes with a courteous thank you note and an expression of anticipation for the approval of the leave which reflects a well-organized and considerate approach to leave planning.

Study Leave

Study leave allows employees to engage in educational pursuits that enhance their professional skills or career progression. Employers typically offer this type of leave as part of their professional development benefits, and it can be paid or unpaid depending on company policies. There is no federal mandate for study leave in the United States; however, certain state laws or industry-specific regulations may encourage or support employers in providing leave for educational purposes.

This template helps you clearly outline the educational program, its relevance to your current job, and the expected outcomes. This structured approach helps in presenting a compelling case for why such leave should be granted and ensures all necessary details are effectively communicated.

• The template clearly states the intention to request leave for educational purposes, including the specifics of the program [Type of Educational Program] at [Institution’s Name] . This not only justifies the leave but also aligns it with personal and professional growth.
• The leave period is clearly defined with placeholders for [Start Date] to [End Date] , which are crucial for planning coverage during the applicant’s absence.
• The template highlights how the education will benefit you and the organization, making a case for the leave’s value beyond the individual’s personal growth.
• It outlines steps taken to minimize impact on workplace operations, including coordination with colleagues [Name of Colleague(s)] who will cover responsibilities, preparation of detailed instructions, and completion of all time-sensitive tasks.
• It is also mentioned that you can attach necessary documentation from the educational institution, such as the course outline and acceptance letter, which supports the application and assists in its approval.
• It also emphasizes your dedication to resuming your duties post-study, showing a strong commitment to your role and the organization’s success.
• The template encourages open communication and invites the recipient to request further information or discuss any necessary arrangements, demonstrating your proactive approach to their professional responsibilities.
• It concludes with a polite thank you and an expression of hope for a favorable response which helps to maintain a positive and respectful dialogue.
• Navigating Cultural Differences in Multinational Firms Regarding Leave Policies

In today’s globalized workplace, understanding and respecting cultural differences are essential, especially when it comes to requesting leave. This section explores the nuances of navigating multicultural dynamics in professional leave applications and how you can approach this:

• Learn about the cultural norms of your colleagues and supervisors, especially regarding leave requests. Some cultures value directness, while others prefer more formal or indirect approaches.
• Tailor your communication style to fit the cultural expectations of your audience. This might mean adjusting the level of formality in your leave application or the way you discuss your leave in person.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for advice from HR or colleagues who share your cultural background or have experience with the company’s cultural dynamics. They can provide valuable insights on how to effectively navigate the leave application process.

A well-crafted application ensures clear communication and efficient processing of your request. This guide has provided a step-by-step approach to writing an effective leave application, along with free templates for various leave scenarios. Whether you’re requesting vacation, sick leave, study leave, or other types of absence, these templates are available in DOCX, ODS, DOTX, and Google Docs formats to suit your needs. By following these guidelines and using the provided templates, you can navigate the leave application process with confidence and professionalism.

How far in advance should I submit my leave application?

It’s advisable to submit your leave application as early as possible, especially for planned leaves. This allows your employer to plan for your absence and ensures a smoother transition of responsibilities.

Can I take leave without pay if I have exhausted my annual leave balance?

This depends on your company’s policy. Some companies allow employees to take unpaid leave in certain circumstances, while others may not. Check your company’s leave policy or consult with HR for clarification.

Can I combine my annual leave with other types of leave, such as study leave or maternity leave?

This depends on your company’s policy. Some companies allow employees to combine different types of leave, while others may have restrictions. Check with your HR department for clarification.

Is it possible to cancel my approved leave application?

Yes, you can usually cancel your approved leave application, but you should do so as soon as possible and follow your company’s procedures for canceling leave. Inform your supervisor or HR department promptly and provide a valid reason for the cancellation if required.

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Leave Application for Office – Format & Samples

Table of Contents

A leave application is a formal request for temporary absence from duties due to specific reasons. They can range from personal matters, health issues or family events. Knowing how to craft a leave request is crucial if you’re a working professional.

This article shall look into the nuances of constructing a leave application, focusing on the format, vital components, and other narrative elements. We have covered multiple templates that will help you understand the tone required for different situations.

Different Types of Leave Application for Office

Leave applications come in different forms, catering to diverse needs and situations. Here’s a breakdown of some common types:

• Sick Leave: The duration of sick leave varies based on the severity of the employee’s condition, ranging from a few days to several months, ensuring employees can focus on their recovery without work-related stress.
• Casual Leave: Employees typically receive 1 to 3 casual leaves per month, offering short breaks for personal or unexpected needs, and promoting work-life balance.
• Maternity Leave : As per the Maternity Benefit Act, female employees are entitled to 26 weeks of maternity leave, allowing new mothers ample time to care for their newborns and recover after childbirth.
• Paternity Leave: Some companies grant male employees 15 days of paternity leave, fostering a supportive environment for new fathers during crucial family moments.
• Annual Leave: Indian employees enjoy 15-20 days of annual leave per year, offering the chance to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends.
• Bereavement Leave: In India, bereavement leave spans up to 7 days, allowing employees to mourn the loss of a loved one without the worry of work responsibilities. The exact duration may vary based on company policies.
• Vacation: Employees can utilise their accumulated annual and earned leaves for extended vacations. The number of paid vacation days depends on the remaining leave balance, enabling employees to plan longer breaks.
• Half-Day Leave: Half-day leave allows employees to manage personal tasks or appointments while ensuring minimal disruption to work commitments.
• One-Day Leave: This short leave option is ideal for addressing immediate personal matters without impacting work schedules significantly.

Tips to Write a Perfect Leave Application for Office

• Maintain a formal and respectful tone throughout the application.
• Include your full name, ID, department/class, and contact details for easy identification.
• Briefly state the reason for your leave. Be honest and straightforward.
• Specify the precise start and end dates of your leave period.
• If applicable, mention how you plan to delegate or handle your tasks during your absence.
• Provide details of a trustworthy colleague or family member who can be contacted in case of emergencies.
• Express thanks for considering your request and understanding your situation.
• Review the application for errors in grammar, spelling, and clarity before submission.
• If needed, attach relevant documents such as medical certificates to support your leave application.

Major Elements of a Leave Application for Office

A well-structured leave application comprises essential elements to ensure clarity and professionalism. These elements include:

• Salutation: Address the recipient respectfully using appropriate titles such as “Dear Sir/Madam” or the individual’s name and designation if known.
• Subject: Provide a concise subject line outlining the purpose of your application. Be clear and specific to help the recipient understand the context at a glance.
• Main Body: The main body of the application should contain detailed information, including the reasons for your leave and the specific dates you intend to be absent. Clearly articulate your situation or requirement.
• Contact Information: Include your contact details, such as phone number and email address, enabling swift communication if required during your absence.
• Name and Signature: Sign the application with your full name, indicating your acceptance of the request. A signature adds a personal touch and authenticity to the document.
• Reasons for Leave: The reasons cited in a leave application should be valid and genuine.

Leave Application Format for Office

Knowing the format and the primary components that you need to cover whilst writing a leave application is a must. Here’s a basic format that you can use.

Subject: Application for Leave

Dear Sir/Madam,

Main Body of the Leave Application:

[Provide the details and reasons for your leave request here.]

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name] [Designation] [Name of the Organization]

Application for Leave in Different Formats

Leave Application for Office

In drafting a leave application for office, maintain a formal tone and structure. Here is a leave application for office:

Dear [Supervisor/ Manager’s Name],

I am writing to formally request a leave of absence from [start date] to [end date] . The purpose of my leave is [briefly state the reason, e.g., personal family event] . I kindly request your approval for this period of absence.

During my absence, I have organised my tasks meticulously to ensure a smooth workflow in the department. [Explain briefly how you will manage your work, whether by delegating tasks or completing pending work before the leave period] .

I can be reached via phone at [your phone number] or email at [your email address] in case of any urgent matters that require my attention during this period.

Thank you for your understanding and support during my absence. I am committed to ensuring a seamless transition and will return to work promptly on [return date] .

[Your Full Name] [Your Designation] [Contact Number]

Sick Leave Application

I am writing to inform you that I am unwell and unable to attend work. I have been diagnosed with a severe bout of flu by my healthcare provider. Following the doctor’s advice, I need to take a sick leave from {start date} to {end date} to recover and regain my strength.

I have already informed {colleague’s name} , my colleague, who will be handling my urgent tasks during my absence. I will ensure a smooth transition of my responsibilities before I leave.

I can be reached via phone at {mobile no.} or email at {email address} if there are any work-related emergencies during this period.

Thank you for your understanding. I will keep you updated about my progress and provide any necessary medical certificates upon my return.

[Your Full Name] [Your Employee ID] [Contact Number]

Application for Leave of Absence for Annual Leave

Dear Mr./Mrs. {Recipient’s Name},

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I will be out of the country for a month due to personal reasons. Therefore, I kindly request to avail my full annual leave allowance. I would like to request leave from the {start date} to {end date} .

During my absence, {colleague’s name} will be handling my responsibilities. I have been mentoring {colleague’s name} for the past year, and I have full confidence in her ability to manage the tasks efficiently. For any work-related emergencies, I can be reached on my mobile phone.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Warm regards,

[Your Name] [Your Contact Information]

Half-Day Leave Application

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I will be arriving late to the office today due to a doctor’s appointment. I need to visit my doctor at 10 a.m., and due to some necessary investigations, I will only be able to reach the office in the afternoon.

I kindly request your approval for a half-day leave for today. I assure you that I will make every effort to catch up with as much work as possible once I am in the office.

Thank you for your understanding.

[Your Full Name] [Your Employee ID] [Contact Number] [Email Address]

3 Days Leave Application Sample

I hope this message finds you in good health. I am writing to request a casual leave for 3 days, starting from the {start date} to {end date} of the same month, due to a family medical emergency. During my absence, I have arranged for {colleague’s name} to handle my duties, and he has kindly agreed to take over my responsibilities. I trust he will manage the tasks diligently.

I will be available to resume work on the {return date} . I kindly request your approval for this leave, and I assure you that I will ensure a smooth transition of my responsibilities before my departure.

Please feel free to contact me at {mobile no} if any urgent matters require my attention during my absence.

Bereavement Leave Application

I hope this message finds you well. It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of my dear mother last night. In this difficult time, I need to head home to support my family and take care of the funeral arrangements. Therefore, I humbly request your approval for a 5 days paid bereavement leave, starting today, {start date} to {end date} .

I will be reachable on my cell phone {mobile no} if you need to contact me. Additionally, I have informed {colleague’s name} , a colleague, about my responsibilities, and she will be able to assist you in my absence.

I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging period.

Thank you for your consideration.

One-Day Leave Application for Office

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you in advance that I will not be able to work on the {date} of this month. My mother has experienced some health issues, so I have scheduled an appointment with her doctor on the {date} . Considering the necessary investigations, I will be unavailable for the entire day.

I have arranged for {colleague’s name} to handle my responsibilities during my absence. I kindly request you to grant me this one-day leave.

Application for Paternity Leave

I am writing to formally request paternity leave from {start date} to {end date} . My wife and I are expecting a child, and I would like to take this time to support her and bond with our newborn.

I have arranged for my colleague, {colleague’s name} , to handle my responsibilities during my absence. I assure you that I have taken steps to minimise any disruptions. I am willing to assist remotely if needed.

Attached is the medical certificate confirming my wife’s pregnancy. I appreciate your understanding and support. Please feel free to contact me for any further information.

Thank you for considering my request.

Leave Application Sample for Vacation

I am writing to request vacation leave from {start date} to {end date} . During this period, I plan to visit my hometown to celebrate a family event.

I have completed all my pending tasks and briefed my colleague, {colleague’s name} , about my ongoing projects. I assure you of a smooth workflow during my absence. I am reachable via email {email address} in case of any emergencies.

Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your cooperation.

Leave Application Sample for Emergency

I am writing to inform you about an unforeseen family emergency that requires my immediate attention. Due to this situation, I am unable to attend work starting tomorrow, {date} .

I have informed my colleague, {colleague’s name} , about my ongoing projects and tasks, and he has kindly agreed to cover for me during my absence. I will ensure all pending work is completed upon my return.

I sincerely apologise for this inconvenience and appreciate your understanding in granting me this emergency leave. I will keep you updated about my situation and my expected date of return.

Leave Application for Marriage

I am writing to request leave for my marriage ceremony. I will need leave from {start date} to {end date} , to make arrangements and celebrate this joyous occasion with my family and friends.

I have ensured that all my pending work is completed and handed over my responsibilities to my colleague, {colleague’s name} , who will handle my tasks during my absence. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition before and after my leave period.

I sincerely request your approval for this leave and appreciate your understanding in this matter. I assure you that I will resume work promptly on {date} .

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Application for Leave of Absence

Dear [Supervisor/Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you in good spirits. I am reaching out to request a leave of absence from my position at [Company Name] due to [explain the reason] starting from [Start Date] until [End Date].

I have taken the necessary steps to ensure a smooth handover of my tasks to [colleague’s name or team] and have documented all relevant information. During my absence, I will remain reachable via email to address any urgent matters or provide assistance as needed.

Attached to this email are the pertinent documents supporting my leave application.

I appreciate your understanding in this matter and assure you of my commitment to complete any pending work before my departure. Thank you for your consideration and support.

[Your Full Name] [Your Job Title] [Your Company Name] [Your Contact Number]

FAQs About Application of Leave

What is a leave application letter.

A leave application letter is a formal document where an individual, either an employee or a student, states their intention and reasons for taking a temporary absence from work or school.

How to write a leave application?

Outside of the basic details like address, subject and other technical details, her4e is what you should include in the body of the leave application:

• Reason for Leave: Clearly state the reason for your leave (e.g., illness, personal reasons, family emergency).
• Duration: Specify the start and end dates of your leave period.
• Arrangements: If applicable, mention any arrangements you've made for your work/tasks during your absence.
• Contact Information: Provide your contact details in case of any urgent matters.
• Closing: Express gratitude and professionalism (e.g., Thank you for your understanding and support. Sincerely, [Your Name]).

How to write an application to the principal for leave?

Here is what goes in the content of an application to the principal for leave:

• Reason for Leave: Briefly state the reason for your leave (e.g., illness, family emergency). Specify the start and end dates of your absence.
• Academic Responsibilities: Confirm completion of pending assignments. Assure catching up on missed lessons promptly upon return.
• Supporting Information: Mention attached notes from parents/guardians if applicable. Offer additional documents if necessary.
• Contact Information: Provide your contact number for school communication. Include parent's/guardian's contact if required.
• Appreciation and Closing: Express gratitude for understanding. Close with a polite sign-off.

How to write a leave application for the office?

Here is everything you need to add to the content:

• Reason for Leave: Clearly state the reason for your leave (e.g., personal, medical, family-related). Specify the dates you intend to be on leave.
• Work Responsibilities: Mention your plan for pending tasks and deadlines. Offer to delegate or complete urgent work before your departure.
• Colleague Notification: Inform colleagues about your absence and provide necessary instructions to ensure a smooth workflow in your absence. Mention a point of contact for work-related queries in your absence.
• Availability During Leave: Specify your availability (or unavailability) for emergencies. Provide your contact information in case of urgent work matters.
• Appreciation and Closing: Express gratitude for understanding and support. Close with a polite closing statement.

How to write a medical leave application?

Here is what you need in a medical leave application:

• Doctor's Note: If applicable, attach a medical certificate or note from your healthcare provider indicating your condition and recommended leave period.
• Details: Mention the specific illness or medical condition you are suffering from.
• Joining: Discuss the course of treatment and brief about the number of days you would require to recover. Be clear about when you can join back.

How to write an application for a leave of absence?

These pointers should be included in the body of your letter for a leave of absence:

• Reason for Leave: Clearly explain the reason for needing a leave of absence (e.g., personal reasons, family commitments, educational purposes).
• Duration: Specify the start and end dates of your intended leave period.
• Planning: Assure that you have made necessary arrangements for your responsibilities during your absence.
• Availability: Provide information on how you can be reached during your absence if required.

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2 Replies to “Leave Application for Office – Format & Samples”

This sounds really useful! I’m looking forward to learning more about the different formats and components for writing leave applications. The templates will definitely be a great help. Thanks for providing such detailed guidance!

Thank you for good information for all

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Formal Leave of Absence Letter Example

• How to Request a Leave From Work
• Dos and Don’ts for Requesting a Leave

What to Include in Your Formal Letter

Leave of absence request template, leave of absence request email example, frequently asked questions (faqs).

Do you need to take a leave of absence from work? If so, it’s important to put your request in writing, both for documentation purposes and to make it easier for your manager to understand what you're requesting.

How to request a leave of absence depends on your position and company policy. Some companies have formal policies in place for employees to request a leave of absence from their jobs. Others accept informal requests. Your employer may have a form you need to complete to request a leave of absence, or you may be required to write a letter documenting your request.

Here's information on how to request a leave of absence, examples of written and email requests for a leave of absence, and tips on what to include when you ask for a leave from work.

Key Takeaways

• Employers are obligated to provide leave for family, medical, or religious reasons, as required by law.
• Other leave benefits are voluntary; they must be agreed upon by an employee and an employer.
• Before you apply for leave, check your employer's policies and procedures for requesting leave.
• It can be helpful to outline your request in writing for your manager to review, as well as to schedule a meeting to clarify policies regarding leave from work.

How to Request a Leave of Absence From Work

Many companies offer leave benefits to employees. However, not all leave benefits are mandated by law. Employers are required to provide some leave. Others are voluntary incentives provided by an employer. Voluntary leave benefits are typically an agreement between an employee and an employer or between an employer and an employee's representative, such as a labor union.

The typical process for requesting a formal  leave of absence  from work is to discuss your situation with your manager or human resources department and learn the process for requesting leave. Your employer will explain what leave is available, the eligibility requirements for leave, and the procedures for requesting leave. You may be required to meet with a manager to review your request and the information you'll need to provide.

It can be helpful to write a letter (or, more typically, an email) to your direct supervisor requesting a meeting to discuss whether, and how, you should apply for a leave of absence.

In this letter, you should include the following:

• Your  reason for needing a leave of absence  (such as the birth or adoption of a child, personal or family health issues, loss of a loved one, or relief from excessive job stress)
• The things you are willing to do to help prepare for your absence (examples: training your replacement, writing a detailed handbook of your daily work processes, or offering to remain available to answer any questions during your absence)
• The anticipated dates of departure and return to work
• A request for your supervisor’s assistance in helping you negotiate the leave of absence process with senior management or your human resources department

Once you have attended this meeting with your supervisor, follow up on the conversation with a written request for a leave of absence. This will be added to your personnel file to initiate the formal leave-of-absence process and provide documentation, if required, prior to the approval of your leave.

The Balance

Dos and Don’ts for Requesting a Leave of Absence

It’s important to ask for your leave in the best possible way. The following guidelines will help you write a request that’s effective, professional, and considerate.

Give as much notice as possible.  It takes time to arrange cover for your role. The more notice you can provide, the easier it will be for the company to accommodate your request.

Speak to your direct supervisor first. Outline your request in writing after the conversation, and make sure to complete the leave request paperwork. 

Know your rights. The Family and Medical Leave Act entitles many employees to unpaid leave to deal with medical conditions and family needs, such as the birth or adoption of a child or emergencies related to a family member’s active military service. Eligible employees who work for companies comprising 50 or more employees are entitled to 12 working weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period. Find out whether you’re covered before requesting leave.

Your state may also have family and medical leave laws that provide for employee absences from work. Check with your state labor department for information on programs in your location.

When requesting a formal leave of absence, your letter should include the following:

• Request for a leave of absence
• The dates you expect to be away from work
• The date you plan to return to work
• An offer to provide assistance, if feasible
• Thanks for considering your request

This leave of absence example template is for a formal request for a leave of absence from work, following a discussion with the employee’s supervisor.

Your Name Your Address Your City, State Zip Code Your Phone Number

Supervisor’s Name Title Organization Address City, State Zip Code

Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],

This letter is a formal request for a leave of absence, to follow up on our meeting yesterday. As we discussed, I would like to request a leave of absence from [Date] through [Date].

I will return to work on [Date].

Please let me know whether you require any further information or have any questions.

Thank you very much for your consideration in affording me this opportunity for personal leave.

Your Signature (hard copy letter)

Your Typed Name

Here's an example of an email message requesting a leave of absence.

Subject: Leave of Absence - John Dooley

Dear Jennifer,

As we discussed yesterday, I would like to request a formal leave of absence from my job for family reasons. I plan to be away from November 2, 2024, to December 30, 2024, returning to work on January 3, 2025.

If approved, I would be glad to help with a plan to cover my workload in my absence. I would also be available to answer questions and provide assistance while I am on leave.

Please let me know whether you require any additional information. Thank you very much for your consideration of my request.

Are employers required to give employees paid leave from work?

Federal law does not require employers to pay employees for time not worked, such as personal leave, vacations, sick leave, or holidays. Some states mandate paid family, sick, parental, and school leave. Check with your state department of labor for details.

What is the best way to request a leave from work?

Your company may have a policy in place for requesting leave from work that specifies circumstances where leave may be granted and how much time employees are entitled to take as leave. Check your employee handbook or talk to your manager for details. If a policy is in place, be sure to adhere to those guidelines for requesting a leave of absence.

National Conference of State Legislatures. " State Family and Medical Leave Laws ."

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. " Leave Policy Tips ."

Department of Labor. " Leave Benefits ."

Department of Labor. " Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) ."

National Conference of State Legislatures. " Paid Family Leave Resources ."

U.S. Department of Labor. " Personal Leave ."

Leave Application Letter Sample | How To Write A Leave Application Letter | Leave Application For Office | Sick Leave | Maternity Leave | casual Leave, Etc.

Looking for a sample leave application format? 

We got you. In this article, you’ll find some detailed instructions on writing a leave application letter, school leave application, sick leave application, and other leave application formats. 

A leave application letter is a formal way of asking for a leave of absence from work, school, or office for a specific period of time. 

You may be a student or a working professional, Taking a leave of absence without your supervisor’s permission is not allowed. 

There are several rules and regulations that we all need to follow. If you need a break for personal reasons or need to attend to important work, you may have to apply for a leave. 

Writing a leave letter is simple. By the end of this article, you’ll be able to write a professional leave application letter by yourself. 

You must submit a handwritten leave application or send an email to your supervisor if you need a leave of absence.

If you do not want to leave to be rejected, You must keep the following things in your mind before writing a leave application letter. 

• Your leave application letter should be precisely dated. 
• It should be brief and to the point
• The reason for the absence should be genuine and clearly explained.
• The duration of the leave must be justifiable

How to write a leave letter?

A leave letter should be properly formatted and addressed to the right person. 

Here is a list of essential parts of a leave letter. 

• Date: a leave application letter must be properly dated for the records
• Recipient details : your leave letter must be addressed to the right person and department. Do not forget to mention the correct details of your supervisor or HR manager. For example name, designation, department, etc.
• Subject: the subject line of your leave letter is an essential part. Write a brief one-liner in your subject line starting with “leave application…”
• Salutation: a letter or an email must start with a proper salutation. For example “Dear sir, Dear Madam, Dear Raman, Dear Mr. Sharma (First Name or Last Name, if you know the recipient) 
• Letter body: The body of your application letter must contain a maximum of three paragraphs. It should be concise, to the point and polite. 

The body of your leave letter should not be too lengthy.  

The body must contain your own details like name, employee ID, department, etc. 

It must contain the reason for your leave request, duration, and details of the person who would be taking care of your work in your absence. 

Also, you must express gratitude towards your supervisor for taking the time to read the application and granting you the leave.

Finally, the closing lines should inform the supervisor of your availability in case of urgency and your contact details. 

Types of leave application

• A nnual leave letter : Annual leave applications are written to request to utilize pending leaves by the employees. People use annual leave to plan a long vacation, tour, etc.
• Maternity leave letter : You might have to write a maternity leave application in case you are expecting a child. Speak to your HR manager before applying for maternity leave. Every company has a certain number of days reserved for a paid and unpaid maternity leave. 
• Paternity leaves letter : every father wants to spend a few days tendering his newborn. Speak to your HR manager to find out the number of days allowed for paternity leave. Plan your leaves accordingly. 
• Casual leave letter : At times, we have to take care of our personal things. In such situations, you have to write a casual leave application. Speak to your HR manager to find out the number of days allowed for casual leave. You can plan your leaves accordingly. 
• Sick leave letter : we write a sick leave in case we are not feeling well. These leaves are uncertain and mostly unapproved in advance. 
• Emergency leave letter : These certain times when things go south and we need emergency leave. These leaves are unapproved in advance and must be written accordingly. 
• Vacation leave letter: not every vacation is planned. But if there is one, we need to write a vacation leave application. We need to apply well in advance for such leaves. 
• Half-day leave letter: we write a half-day leave application when we have to take care of something personal that came up during the working hours. 

Annual Leave Letter Format – leave application to boss #1

Dear (Recipient’s Name)

Designation, Department

Sub: annual leave application letter

I’m writing this letter to request a 10-day annual leave starting from 10th Oct to 20th Oct 2020. I would like to utilize my annual leave quota of 21 days for these leaves. I am planning to go on a short vacation with my family. 

In my absence, my colleague, Mr. Gupta will be taking care of the operations. In case there is an urgent need, please feel free to reach me on XXXXXXXX or email me at [email protected]

Please consider my leave request. Thank you for your time. 

Yours sincerely

(Your Name)

Leave application sample #2

Date: 

Mr. Morningstar

HR Manager,

HCL, Mumbai

Mr. Peter Parker,

Assistant Manager,

Sub: Leave application for personal reason

I humbly request you to grant me a 5 day leave starting 15th oct to 20th oct. I have recently purchased a small piece of property and I need a few days to complete the legal work. 

Meanwhile, Mr. Superman will be sharing project information on my behalf.

Should you need any further information, please feel free to reach me on xxxxxxx or email me on [email protected]

I request you to consider this leave request and provide me a 5 day personal leave. 

Yours sincerely,

Maternity leave application letter format #3

Mr. Tony Stark,

HR Manager, Stark Corporation

Subject: Maternity leave application

I, Adriana working as a customer support executive in the customer service department, would like to apply for maternity leave starting from 10th sept 2020 till 1st march 2021. 

As I am entering the ninth month of my pregnancy, my doctor has advised  me to have a complete bed rest. My due date is XXX. and after that i’ll have to stay at home to take care of my baby for a few months. Kindly approve my maternity leave for the period of start date – end date. 

As I will be away for a period of 6 months, I request you to arrange a replacement for my position. In case of any urgency, please feel free to reach me on XXXXX or email me on [email protected]  

Also, I have enclosed my medical certificates and a letter of recommendation from our family doctor for your records. 

Thank you for your consideration and I request you to grant me a maternity leave for the period mentioned above. 

Yours Sincerely

Paternity leave application letter #4

Subject: Paternity leave application letter

Dear Mr. Rao,

I would like to apply for a paternity leave starting from Date to date. I wish to inform you that my wife, (Name) is nearing her due date i.e. 15th of march. Therefore, I wish to utilise my paternity leave as per the paternity leave policy. 

As I will be unavailable for the period of 30 days  starting from 10th march, I have assigned my duties to Mr. shah. I will be avilable on xxxxxxx and xxxxx for this period. 

Thank you for your kind consideration. 

Medical leave application letter for office employee #5

Martin Luther King,

HOD, Project Managment Team

Google Corporation

Sub: Medical leave application letter

Dear Mr. king,

This is to bring to your notice that, I have met with an accident on 10th or november. I have a small fracture on my left leg and I’m scheduled to undergo a minor leg surgery on 13th or november. The doctor has advised me a complete bed rest for a period of 1 month. I will be mostly available after my 15th of december to resume work. 

I have enclosed all the necessary documents including a letter of recommendation from my doctor. 

I regret the inconvenice and I’d like to request you to consider this medical leave application.  

Thanking you,

Yours faithfully.

Jack Harper

Casual leave application format # 6

Subject: Casual leave application 

Dear Ms. Adriana

I, Jack Harper would like to request a five day casual leave starting from 10th march to 15th march. I have to urgently visit my hometown to attend a marriage of a close relative on 12th of march.

I’ll be leaving tonight at 10.30 PM. I will be to resume my work from 16th march. If you need any assistance I shall be available on xxxxxxx and xxxxxxx.  Besides, my team member mr. gupta will be taking care of my responsibilites in my absence. 

Yours Sincerely,

Sick leave application for office #7

Sick Leave Application Letter

Bhaskar reddy,

General Manager,

Montreal energy Ltd. 

(date). 

Mr. tom Hank,

Director Sales,

Montreal Energy Ltd.

Sub: Sick leave application

Dear Mr. Hank,

I am writing this letter to apply for sick leave following my illness. I am experiencing extreme pain in my left shoulder and chest from last few days. My doctor had advised me take a few tests and based on the reports i’m supposed to be admitted to a hospital. 

I have enclosed a medical certificate and a letter of recomendation from the doctor for your reference. I’m sure post my recovery i’ll be back with a renewed energy. 

Please let me know if you need any other documents. I am available fulltime on xxxxxxx. Please feel free to contact me in case of any emergency. 

Kindly consider the leave request on urgent basis. Thank you for your time.

Yours 

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One Day Leave Application. 10 templates to ace your leave

One day leave application.

When it comes to a one-day leave application, your employer's cooperation is key. Whether it's for a personal matter or an emergency, making a formal request is essential to ensure a smooth process and avoid any confusion with your work schedule.

In this blog, we will provide samples on how to write a one-day leave application, including essential details such as the reason for your absence, the leave date, and how to provide contact information and a signature.

By following these tips, you can write a professional and convincing one-day leave application that is sure to be approved by your employer .    

Half-Day Leave Application: 8 Formats to Get You Out the Door!

How to write a one-day leave application letter 

Writing a one-day leave application letter can seem challenging, but following a simple process and using the correct language can increase your chances of getting approval for your time off. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to write a one-day leave application:

• Start by  stating the purpose  of your application clearly and concisely. Use phrases such as "I am writing to request a one-day leave of absence on [date]" to get straight to the point.
• Provide a  reason for your absence . Be specific and honest about the circumstances that require your absence.
• Give  notice  by indicating that you are providing advance notice and seeking approval for your leave.
• Provide  relevant contact information  and arrangements made for your responsibilities to be covered while you are away.
• End with a  formal request  for approval politely and professionally.
• Sign and date  the application to indicate that the application has been signed and dated by you.

Guide To Crafting A Leave Application For Office. Formats & samples

Samples of one-day leave application letters.

Sample 1: Sick leave application for one day

[Employer's Name],

Subject:  Sick leave application for one day leave

Dear [Manager's Name],

I am writing to inform you that I am unwell and must take a sick leave on [Date]. Due to my current condition, I cannot perform my duties effectively, and resting for the day will help me recover quickly.

To ensure that my absence does not disrupt the workflow, I have updated my tasks and informed [Colleague’s Name] about any urgent matters that may arise. I will also remain reachable via phone or email if any critical issues need my attention.

Thank you for your understanding and support. I am committed to returning to work the following day, fully recovered, and ready to resume my responsibilities.

I appreciate your consideration.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

No Need to Feel Ill: 10 Easy-to-Follow Formats for an Application for Sick Leave

Sample 2 - One day leave application for an urgent piece of work

[Manager's Name], 

Subject: One day's leave due to an urgent piece of work

Requesting one-day leave on [Date] due to an urgent piece of work needing immediate attention.   Aware of potential inconvenience, and apologize for any caused.

I have taken the necessary steps to ensure my absence will have minimal impact on the team, and my work will be covered during my time off. Am available via phone and email should you need to reach me in an emergency. 

I assure you that I will be back to work the next day and catch up with any missed work as soon as possible.  Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated, and a favourable response from you is eagerly awaited.

Thanking you

Write Your Leave Application for Urgent Work in No Time - With 10+ Samples!

Sample 3 - One day leave application for Personal reasons .

[Employer/Supervisor],

Subject: Leave application for a day for personal reason

I would like to inform you that I will not be able to attend work on [date] due to personal reasons. I kindly request you to grant me a leave for one day.

Arrangements have been made for [Name of the substitute] to cover my responsibilities during my absence. If any further details or information are needed, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Acknowledging the short notice, I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  I assure you that I will be back at work as soon as possible and that my absence will not affect the performance of my duties.

Your understanding in this matter is greatly appreciated, and a favourable response from you is eagerly awaited.

Sincerely, [Your Name]  

A Guide to the Perks of Privilege Leave: 4+ Sample Formats to Get You Started!

Sample 4 - One day leave application for festival in office:

Subject: Application for one day leave

Requesting one day's leave on [Date] for the religious observance of [Name of the festival]. This date is significant for a religious ceremony I must attend, which was recently confirmed. Apologies for the short notice.

I have arranged for [Name of the substitute] to cover my responsibilities while away. Please let me know if you require any further details or information.

Kindly approve a one-day leave of absence. Efforts will be made to ensure my absence does not inconvenience.

Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to returning to work as soon as possible.

10+ Easy Formats to Make Your Leave Application for Fever Stress-Free!

Sample 5 - Application for a family function

Subject:  Day leave application for family function

I request you to kindly grant me leave for a day on [Date] to attend a family function. This is an important event for my family, and I have to be present. 

Acknowledging the potential inconvenience, I apologize for any disruption caused. Rest assured, all necessary arrangements have been made to minimize the impact on the team and ensure coverage of my work during my absence.

I will be available by phone and email should you need to reach me in case of an emergency. I assure you that I shall be back to work the next day and catch up with any missed work as soon as possible. 

Requesting a one-day leave of absence. Your understanding in this matter is appreciated, and I await your favorable response.

11 Maternity Leave Application Formats to Make the Process Easier!

Sample 6 - for an emergency

Subject: Leave application for emergency

This is to inform you that I am writing this letter to request for leave due to a family emergency. I will not be able to attend work on [date] as I need to attend to an urgent matter concerning my family.

I have arranged for [Name of substitute] to cover my responsibilities while I am away. Please let me know in case of any further details or information that you require.

Rest assured, this is an exceptional situation, and I am committed to ensuring that my absence does not impact the performance of my duties.

I am thankful to you for your understanding and support in this difficult time. I kindly request you to grant me the leave for the above-mentioned date.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sample 7 - casual leave application

Subject: Application for One-Day Casual Leave Dear [Manager's Name], I am writing to formally request a one-day leave of absence for [date]. Due to [brief reason for leave, e.g., personal commitments, family occasion, etc.], I need to take a day off to adequately address this matter.

Understanding the importance of my responsibilities, I have ensured that all my tasks are current. Additionally, I have briefed [Colleague's Name] about my ongoing projects, and he has kindly agreed to oversee any urgent matters during my absence. Should you need to contact me for any immediate concerns, I will be available via email and phone.

I appreciate your consideration of my request for this one-day casual leave and will await your approval. Please let me know if further details or adjustments are needed. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sample 8 : One Day leave application for teacher

Subject: Application for One Day Leave

Dear [Principal’s Name],

I request a one-day leave from my teaching duties on [Date of leave]. I cannot attend school that day for [brief reason, such as a personal matter, medical appointment, family event, etc.].

To ensure a smooth day in my absence, I have prepared my lessons and left detailed instructions for the substitute teacher. My lesson plan for [specific subject/grade] includes [brief details of the lesson or activities planned]. I have ensured all required materials are easily accessible.

Although I understand the importance of my presence in the classroom, I have taken steps to minimize any disruption my leave might cause. Moreover, I will remain available by phone or email if any urgent matters arise during my absence.

Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your understanding and support.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 9: Leave application for fever one day 

Subject:  Leave Application for One Day Due to Fever

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to inform you that I am experiencing a high fever. On the advice of my physician, I need to take a day off from work to rest and recover.

Despite my best efforts to manage my health, the fever has made it difficult to perform my duties effectively. Taking a day off will allow me to recover quickly and return to work with total energy and focus.

I request leave for one day on [date] and assure you that I will resume my responsibilities promptly on the following day. I have completed my pending tasks and briefed [colleague's name] about my current projects to ensure no workflow disruption.

Please feel free to email or call me if you have any urgent matters that require my attention.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

Sample 10: Out of office message for one day leave

Dear [Recipient],

Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office due to a personal matter and will be unavailable for the day on [date]. During this time, I will have limited access to my email and may not be able to respond immediately.

If your matter is urgent, please contact [Alternative Contact Name] at [Alternative Contact Email] or [Alternative Contact Phone Number], who will be happy to assist you in my absence.

I will respond to your email as soon as possible upon my return on [next working day].

Thank you for your understanding.

Final thoughts

Taking a day off can be beneficial in many ways, and submitting a one-day leave application is the best way to request permission for a single day of absence from work. 

It is essential to ensure that you know your company's leave policies and submit the application per those policies. It is also crucial to ensure that your application is polite and professional and includes all necessary information.

Please browse our other leave application formats to find the one best suits your needs. Taking a day off can benefit your mental and physical health, so make sure to take the time to relax and recharge.

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Leave application Questions? Answers.

• How to write a leave application
• Leave application for fever
• Leave application for urgent work
• Leave application for marriage
• Leave application for sick leave
• Leave application for office
• Leave application for maternity leave
• Leave application for school
• Leave application for half-day
• Privilege leave
• Medical leave application

To write a leave application, you should include the following information: the reason for the leave, the dates of the leave, how you will keep in touch (if applicable), and a plan for catching up on any missed work.

You should submit your leave application as soon as you know that you need to take time off. This will allow your employer to plan accordingly and minimize disruption to the workplace.

This depends on your employer's policies and the specific reason for the leave.

In some cases, an unpaid leave of absence may be granted for personal or family reasons. However, it is best to discuss this with your employer to determine what is possible.

Yes, most employers are required to provide maternity and paternity leave to eligible employees. The specific terms of the leave, including the duration and whether it is paid or unpaid, may vary depending on the employer and the individual's situation.

Yes, employees who are called to active military duty are entitled to take a leave of absence for military service. The specific terms of the leave, including the duration and whether it is paid or unpaid, may vary depending on the employer and the individual's situation.

To request a leave of absence, you should first check with your employer to see what their policies and procedures are for taking time off. In most cases, you will need to submit a written request for leave to your supervisor or HR department. Be sure to include the reason for your leave, the dates you plan to be out, and any other relevant information.

Yes, in most cases you can take a leave of absence for personal reasons. However, the specific reasons for which you are allowed to take time off will vary depending on your employer's policies and the laws in your state. For example, some employers may allow you to take time off for personal reasons such as to care for a sick family member, while others may only permit leaves for medical reasons.

Whether your benefits will continue while you are on leave will depend on the specific policies of your employer and the laws in your state. In some cases, your employer may continue to provide benefits such as health insurance and paid time off during your leave, while in other cases, you may need to pay for these benefits yourself or they may be suspended during your leave.

Whether you will have to pay taxes on your leave pay will depend on the specific type of leave you are taking and the laws in your country.

For example, if you are taking a leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in the US, the pay you receive during your leave may be tax-free.

However, if you are taking a personal leave of absence without pay, you will not receive any pay and therefore will not have to pay taxes on it.

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3 Sample Leave Of Absence Letters (And Do’s And Don’ts of Writing)

• Excuses To Miss Work
• Excuse Letter For Absent
• Leave Of Absence Letter
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• What Is A Sabbatical At Work?
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Find a Job You Really Want In

Needing time off work happens from time to time, which means you’ll need to write a leave of absence letter request. A well-written letter can increase your chances of being granted a leave of absence and staying on good terms with your supervisor and your team. If you’re in need of a leave of absence, we’ll go over how to request a leave of absence from work, provide some example leave of absence letters, and some common reasons for needing a leave of absence. Key Takeaways: A leave of absence is an extended period of time when you will not be formally working while still maintaining your position at a company. The formal process for requesting a leave of absence involves sending a letter to your supervisor as well as higher management and getting this request approved. You do this for documentation purposes, as well as to clarify your specific needs in your request. Leaves of absence are taken for various reasons, including medical needs, birth or adoption of a child, or other urgent personal needs. In This Article    Skip to section How to request a leave of absence from work Example letters for leave of absence Leave of absence letter template What is the family and medical leave act? Do’s and don’ts for requesting a leave of absence Common reasons to request a leave of absence Leave of absence FAQs References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to request a leave of absence from work

When requesting a leave of absence from work, be sure you know your company policies and state laws regarding your work absence and then determine how long you are going to be gone. Here is a more detailed list of how to request a leave of absence from work:

Know your company policies and state laws regarding work absences. The first thing you’re going to want to do is check your employee handbook and become familiar with your company’s policies on leaves of absence.

See what the leave benefits are (if there are any). Check whether or not your company will still pay you during this leave and plan accordingly.

Determine the time frame. Your second step is determining how long you will need time off of work.

Keep in mind that you’re going to need to justify each day taken off, and your supervisors are not likely to approve a leave of absence that requests an excessive amount of time off without good reason. If you have a doctor ’s note or other documentation specifying the amount of time you need off, be sure to include that and factor it in.

Meet with your supervisor to discuss your absence. As soon as you determine that you need a leave of absence and the general timeline, meet with your direct supervisor to discuss your request.

Consider your options. After meeting with your supervisor, consider the options you discussed or the available options. You may have the opportunity to temporarily reduce work hours, work from home, or other measures in which you will still be working but with added flexibility for your circumstances .

Create your leave of absence letter. Finally — after considering all of the above steps — you’ll create your formal letter notifying your boss of your leave of absence. Craft this letter for your supervisor and whomever else you are required to notify formally.

Tell your team. After sending your letter, decide with your supervisor how you will inform your colleagues of your absence. You may need to tell them personally, or someone may take care of it for you.

Example letters for leave of absence

Your letters should be sent after meeting and discussing your absence with your direct supervisor, but prior to discussing this absence with your coworkers. Here are some examples of letters for a leave of absence for different scenarios you may encounter:

Leave of absence email request example

Subject: [Leave of Absence – Megan Gordon] February 19, 2021 Dear Sharon, I’m writing to request a formal leave of absence from work starting next month due to a recent family emergency. I plan to take this leave from March 8, 2023, through April 2, 2023. I plan to return to work on April 5, 2023. As discussed, this is a tentative date based on my current family circumstances. I will update you with adequate notice if I need to create a plan for returning to work at a later date. In preparation for my leave, I am willing to train my colleagues to complete projects in my absence and communicate with my clients. During my leave, I will be available periodically to answer urgent questions through email or cell phone. Thank you for your assistance in this process and your consideration. Regards, Megan Gordon (618)-219-8705 [email protected]

Medical leave of absence request letter example

Subject: [Leave of Absence – Treyvon Moore] June 1, 2021 Dear Ms. King, I am submitting this request for a leave of absence following an upcoming medical procedure on June 26. My doctor requires a recovery period of two weeks, so my leave will begin on June 28 and end on July 9, 2023. I have attached her signed recommendation. As per my doctor’s orders, I will be able to return to work on July 12, 2023. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist in covering my workload during my absence. Thank you for your time and understanding. Best regards, Treyvon Moore (919)-231-8124 [email protected]

Leave of absence for personal reasons request letter example

Subject: [Leave of Absence – Elena Forbes] Dear Mr. Gilbert, I am writing to formally request a leave of absence from my position at XYZ Company from August 31 to September 15, 2023. The reason for this leave is due to personal circumstances that require my immediate attention and presence. I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my absence and minimizing any disruption to the team’s operations. During my absence, I will ensure that all pending tasks are completed or handed over to a designated colleague. I am confident that my colleagues have the expertise to manage any unexpected situations that may arise in my absence. I am also open to being available for consultation via email or phone to address any urgent matters that may require my input. Thank you for considering my request. I appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Please let me know if there are any specific procedures or forms I need to complete in order to finalize this request. Sincerely, Elena Forbes (123) 456-7890 [email protected]

Leave of absence letter template

Here is a template for a leave of absence request that gives an example of how you might format a written letter.

Leave of Absence Written Letter Example

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Your Phone Number] [Other Relevant Contact Information] December 8, 2020 [Your Supervisor’s Name] [Company or Organization] [Company or Organization Address] Dear [Supervisor’s name], This is a formal written request notifying of my intention to take a two-week leave of absence for personal reasons. As discussed in our meeting yesterday, I hope to take this leave from [start date] through [return date] if this is still a timeframe that works for you. I will be able to return to work on [return date]. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in making preparations for my absence. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any further questions. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. Sincerely, [4 lines of blank space for a written signature] [Your name]

What is the family and medical leave act?

The Family and Medical Leave Act is a federal labor law established in 1993. The FMLA’s purpose is to protect employees who have genuine private concerns outside of work that they need to take time off from work. There are several key points to FMLA that you will want to understand when requesting a leave of absence:

Eligibility. The FMLA states that eligible employees must receive an unpaid leave of absence in the event of family reasons (birth, adoption, etc.) or health issues. The FMLA only applies to companies that employ more than 50 individuals, and to employees who have worked at least a year with the company for at least 1,250 hours ( part-time ) over the past year.

What you receive. Note that while companies are not mandated to pay employees who take leaves of absence, these employees’ benefits remain, most importantly their employer-sponsored health insurance. Employees who are approved for a leave of absence under the FMLA must receive the same job they had when they left or a job of similar pay with similar responsibilities.

How many weeks. You can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid time off out of the year under the FMLA. If you need to take a leave of absence to care for a military service member who’s dealing with a serious medical condition, this time frame is extended to 26 weeks. These weeks don’t have to be taken consecutively, and federal holidays don’t count against your total days taken off through the FMLA.

Other state laws. Some states also have laws that are more generous for employees. For example, in California , employees still receive 60-70% of their average earnings while on a family leave of absence. Be sure to look into your state’s guidelines to learn the exact details.

The FMLA is the absolute minimum that companies of this size must follow. Many organizations choose to offer much more generous leave packages, especially for those leaving for parental leave.

Do’s and don’ts for requesting a leave of absence

When giving your leave of absence letter, you should give plenty of notice and be sure to inform your boss first. Here are some more general rules of thumb when requesting a leave of absence.

DO: Give adequate notice.

DON’T: Wait until the last minute.

Give your supervisors and your team time to plan for your absence by submitting your request as soon as possible.

DO: Communicate with your direct supervisor first.

DON’T: Tell coworkers or clients before your supervisor.

You don’t want your supervisor to feel like you are keeping secrets, as this can erode trust. So be sure to tell her of your plans before you tell others.

DO: Offer gratitude and further assistance.

DON’T: Make the details of your departure unclear.

Try to let your team know explicitly how you can help in preparation for and during your absence. Be helpful to others in whatever capacity you are able, as your absence may increase their workload.

Common reasons to request a leave of absence

Having a new child, medical reasons, or a death in the family are some of the most common reasons to request a leave of absence. Some more common reasons to request a leave of absence outside of normal PTO include:

New child. Maternity and paternity leave are the most common reasons why employees take extended leaves of absence. Different companies might have different policies, but the FMLA covers the bare minimum requirements for coverage (more on that below).

Medical reasons. When you need to get surgery or treat a condition, you probably won’t be able to continue with your normal occupation for a little while. The FMLA also covers these reasons, including if the medical issue is with a family member that you’re caring for full-time.

Education. Choosing to go back to school is a legitimate reason to request a leave of absence, but it’s best to talk to your supervisor about your goals and get on the same page about how your education will help you do more at work.

Death in the family. Employers won’t always make you take PTO days when you suddenly need to attend a funeral or deal with a death in the family.

Military. People in the Army Reserve should be forthcoming when taking a job, but most employers are happy to have armed service members working for them. These leaves of absence may also be taken for family members who need time off for military reasons.

Jury duty. It can happen to any over the age of 18. When this happens and you are picked to be a part of a jury, depending on the court case, you could be out of work for a couple of weeks. When this happens you need to let your employer know.

Leave of absence FAQs

What does it mean to take a leave of absence?

A leave of absence is an extended period of time off from work that is due to circumstances not covered by PTO or sick days. A leave of absence is usually longer than what either your PTO or sick days would cover. It is usually the result of out-of-the-ordinary circumstances such as childbirth, death in the family, or medical reasons.

Is a leave of absence better than quitting?

Yes, a leave of absence is better than quitting. If you know you will want to return to your job, or even if you don’t know, but you consider it a possibility, then a leave of absence is a good choice. Quitting your job is final, which will make your professional circumstances much harder down the line.

How do you ask for a leave of absence?

To ask for a leave of absence:

Research your company’s leave of absence policy

Determine your reasons and time frame

Meet with your supervisor

Consider your options

Draft a leave of absence letter

Inform your coworkers

These steps ensure you ask for leave of absence in a professional, thought-out manner.

Can an employer refuse to give you unpaid leave?

Yes, an employer can refuse to give you unpaid leave depending on your reasons and company policy. If your reasons are not covered by FMLA or some other state or Federal law, then it is up to the discretion of your employer to decide what type of unpaid leave is appropriate. That is why it is important for you to look into company policy before you ask for a leave of absence.

What are some reasons for taking a leave of absence from work?

Having a child, caring for a sick family member, or pursuing your education are some common reasons for a leave of absence. Having a medical emergency, a death in the family, and jury duty are other common reasons for needing a leave of absence.

U.S. Department of Labor – Family and Medical Leave Act

Office of Personnel Management – Fact Sheet: Family and Medical Leave

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Roger Raber has been a content writer at Zippia for over a year and has authored several hundred articles. Having retired after 28 years of teaching writing and research at both the high school and college levels, Roger enjoys providing career details that help inform people who are curious about a new job or career. Roger holds a BA in English from Cleveland State University and a MA from Marygrove college.

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28+ Leave Letter Samples and Formats

As an employee, sometimes, you might find yourself in a position where you are unable to attend work on a given day or for a particular duration due to some inevitable reason. Some of the reasons for that may include to; take your child to the hospital for a routine check-up, attend a very crucial function you can’t miss, go to an interview, or any other reasonable excuse.

Whichever the reason for which you won’t be able to attend work on the specified date(s) is, a leave of absence letter can go a long way in ensuring you are granted leave. This formal letter is supposed to be written to the supervisor or boss, ideally, a few days in advance.

What to Include in a Leave Letter

• The reason why you request to be absent from work or school.
• A request for permission to your boss/principal.
• Your date of absence.
• Your date of resuming work/school.
• Your information and contact details.

Sample Leave Letter

Mr. Chandler Bing

Mr. Dan Downing

Sub: A Leave of Absence Request Letter

Dear Mr. Downing,

I would like to kindly inform you that I will be taking my son to the hospital this coming Friday for a routine medical check-up. I have already booked an appointment with the doctor for 12 P.M. Humbly, therefore, I will need a whole day off to prepare the boy adequately and travel with him to Salt Lake City where the hospital is situated, approximately 200 miles away from where I live.

In the meantime, Ms. Beatrice Kravekii will be sitting in for me until my return to work. She will update you regarding the progress of my project by the end of the working day. That said, I hope you will understand my situation and grant me leave from Friday to Monday.

Thank you for your kind consideration,

Yours sincerely,

Chandler Bing

Leave of Absence Request Letter

Mr. Joey Kangaroo Tribbiani

Mr. Noel Dean

Sub: A Leave of Absence Request Letter Dear Mr. Dean,

I would like to kindly inform you that I will be traveling to Gartridge next week Monday to attend the burial of a loved one. Humbly, therefore, I will need a whole day off to attend the function, which is scheduled to take place between 2 P.M and 4 P.M Monday.

In the meantime, I’ve completed my assignment for the day that I’ll be absent from work and submitted it to your desk, in advance. That said, I hope you will understand my situation and grant me leave on Monday.

Thank you for your kind understanding,

Joey Kangaroo Tribbiani

Leave Letter Examples & Templates

Annual holiday leave letter.

Annual Leave Approval Letter

Annual Leave Request Letter

Annual Vacation Leave Letter

Emergency Leave Letter

Emergency Leave Request Letter

Extension Parental Leave Letter

Leave Encashment Application Letter

Leave Letter for Personal Reason

Leave letter to School Teacher

Leave of Absence Approval Letter

Maternity Leave Request Letter

Medical Leave of Absence Request Letter

Medical Leave Request Letter

Medical Reason Leave Letter

Medical sick Leave Letter

Official Leave Application Letter

Paid Maternity Leave Letter

Paternity Leave Letter to Employer

Personal Leave Letter for Office

Request for Personal Leave Letter

Sick Leave Application Letter

Study Leave Application Letter

Study Leave Approval Letter

Teacher Leave Letter to Principal

Short Leave Application from Office

Unpaid Long Leave Letter

Unpaid Sick Verification Leave Letter

Vacation Leave Letter for School

Guidelines for Writing a Leave Request Letter

• Write a heading in line with the appropriate formatting for formal letters.
• Greet your recipient formally, using words like; “Dear Mr.”, “Dear Ms.”, and “Dear Mrs.”, after the heading.
• In the body of the letter, be sure to include the following details; a clear statement suggesting your intent to request for leave, the description of the reason for which you request leave, and the specific time as well as the duration you wish to be absent. Furthermore, you should also include your sincere gratitude to your employer for taking the time to read and consider your request.
• Be sure to attach relevant documents to serve as proof of your claims if you are sending a letter after you’ve taken an emergency leave.
• Next, conclude your letter formally with polite remarks like; “warmest regards”, “sincerely”, “best wishes” and so on.
• Finally, write your name and signature.

The subject of leave email or letter should be as simple and straight forward as possible. For example, “A Request for Absence from Work.”

Burial attendance, interview attendance, picking or dropping a loved one to the airport, sickness, and routine medical check-ups are some of the valid reasons worth asking for a leave of absence. Check “ Excuses for Missing Work ” for more reasons.

When it comes to a leave of absence from school, no matter how trivial they may sound, you are allowed to seek one for almost any reason. After all, in the school setup, there is less seriousness compared to the work setup. Here are a few common excuses for school, attending a wedding, sick leave, food poisoning, taking care of a sick family member, and waking up late. Check “ Excuses for Missing School / Class ” for more reasonable excuses.

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How to Write Personal Leave Application for Office

Divyanshu   Jangid

If you are planning to take a break from work, you will have to inform your employer in advance. Most companies need you to submit a formal leave application in case of planned personal leaves.

A personal leave application serves as a formal request for your employer to excuse you from work for a few days. Informing about your absence formally puts you in the good books of your employer.

But you must follow a formal format while drafting the application. So, we have compiled this in-depth guide to help you write a formal personal leave application for the office.  

• Points You Should Attend in the Personal Leave Application

A personal leave application for office must cover the following points:

• Application date
• Name, designation, and address of the recipient
• Purpose or subject of writing the letter
• Salutation line
• Leave duration
• Reason for taking the leave
• Work plan during your absence
• Your name, designation, and contact information
• Your signature
• Personal Leave Application Format

[Recipient’s Name]

[Recipient’s designation, company name, and address]

Subject: Personal leave application

Dear Mr. / Mrs. [recipient’s name]

[Body of the application: request the leave, specify the reason, duration, and work plan during your absence]

[Thank you note]

Yours sincerely

[Your signature]

[Your name]

[Your designation]

[Your contact details]

• Personal Leave Application Format for Email

[Body of the email: request your leave, specify the reason, duration, and work plan during your absence]

• Personal Leave Application for Visiting Hometown [Letter]

1 August 2022

Mr. Balbir Kundra

Project Manager

KWC Private Limited

Pune, Maharashtra

Subject: Requesting leave for four days to visit my hometown

This is to inform you that I am requesting leave from 8 August 2022 to 11 August 2022 (five days). I need to visit my hometown in Hyderabad during that time. I will be back in the office on 13 August 2022 (Friday).

I have completed all the assigned work till now. I have also delegated responsibilities to my team members to handle all the work during my absence. During my leave, Vineet will take the responsibility of leading my team.

I will be available on call and by email during that time. In case of an emergency, anyone can contact me, and I will be happy to help. I am also willing to attend meetings virtually if something urgent comes up during that time. 

Kindly approve my leave application, and I guarantee you that everything will run smoothly during that time. Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation. 

Yours sincerely Aloka Verma Content Developer Mobile: +91-XXXXXXXXXX Email: [email protected]

Also read: How to Write a Half Day Leave Application for Office

• Personal Leave Application for Marriage [Email]

Subject: Requesting leave for three days for my marriage

Dear Ms. Kumar,

I would request a leave from 4 August 2022 to 6 August 2022 (three days). I need the leave as I am getting hitched by my long-term partner. I will be back in the office on 8 August 2022 (Monday).

I have delegated some responsibilities to my juniors to ensure that the work doesn’t get hampered during that time. I have also completed some work in advance so that we don’t miss any deadlines due to my absence. I have explained to my team how to function during my absence, and I hope they will fulfill individual responsibilities perfectly.

In case of urgency, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I will be available via phone and my personal email.

Thank you for your kind cooperation during an auspicious occasion of my life.

Warm Regards Dhruv Kulkarni Design Head Mobile: +91-XXXXXXXXXX

• Mistakes You Should Avoid While Writing a Personal Leave Application

You should be mindful of these mistakes while drafting a personal leave application for office:

• Don’t address the leave application to the wrong person: You must know to whom you should address your personal leave application. You might have to address it to your immediate supervisor or your departmental head. If you have any confusion, ask your HR manager.
• Don’t forget to mention the date: You should begin your personal leave application with a date. The date shouldn’t be too far from when you are planning to submit the application. Moreover, you should clearly specify the dates on which you will be unavailable. Check the month and day carefully to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding.
• Never submit the application without a subject line: A personal leave application without a clear subject line is unprofessional. You need to clarify the purpose of writing the application in the beginning. Especially when you are sending an email, the subject line is mandatory. Otherwise, your personal leave email might end up in the spam folder of the recipient.
• Don’t forget to add a salutation: You can begin your personal leave application letter using “Dear Mr./ Mrs./ Ms.” followed by the recipient’s last name. You can also use the first name and middle name or only the last name of the person and add a “Ji” with it.
• Never forget to make a formal request: You should mention the duration and reason for your leave explicitly. Your application should be able to convince the recipient about the urgency of the leave. 
• Never draft the application in an informal tone: You need to convey the urgency of your leave in a professional manner. You will have to sound courteous and cooperative throughout the application.
• Don’t forget to state the work plan during your absence: You should convince the recipient that the workflow won’t get hampered during your absence. You can name a few replacements who will take care of your work during the leave period. You might also inform the recipient that you have already completed the work for that period. You also need to mention how you can be communicated during that time in case of an emergency.
• Don’t unnecessarily elaborate on your application: You will have to add all the necessary details in your personal leave application, like the dates of your unavailability and the reason why you need the leave. But don’t exaggerate your personal leave application with unwanted details and make it unnecessarily lengthy. A precise personal leave application will be more effective. 
• Never send the application without proofreading: You might have made grammatical and spelling errors in the application without your knowledge. Always look for typos and errors before sending the application. You should also add proper punctuations to make your leave application more formal, accurate, and error-free.
• Ending Note

Try to submit your personal leave application well in advance. It will provide your superior with adequate time to figure out the flow of work during your absence.

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Table of Contents

How to Write a Leave...

How to write a leave of absence letter: tips & samples.

Everything you need to know.

• Updated 29 Nov 2023
• 10 min read

Joanna Zambas

Content Manager and Career Expert

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

Do you need to  take some time off work  for a period that’s longer than your usual holiday allowance?

Whether it’s for personal reasons,  illness  or to further your education, asking for extended leave can be a tricky and nerve-wracking situation. Whatever your reasons, it’s important to stop putting off the inevitable and put in your request as soon as possible.

To help you out, we’ve put together this in-depth guide with tips and tricks on how to format your leave of absence request letter and, most importantly, get the answer you want.

What is a leave of absence?

A leave of absence is when an employee temporarily steps away from work due to a significant life event or an unexpected circumstance. The duration of the leave of absence can vary, ranging from several days to a number of weeks or even months, depending on the circumstance of the employee. It's worth noting that a leave of absence is typically understood to be temporary, as the employee expected to return to their job at a later date.

Common reasons for taking a leave of absence include adopting a child, giving birth, caring for a family member, managing a serious health condition, mourning the loss of a close family member, military service, pursuing further education, or relocating to another state or country. Understanding the various reasons and policies related to a leave of absence can help both employees and employers navigate these challenging situations effectively.

What is a leave of absence letter?

A leave of absence letter can be a physical document or an email that an employee submits to their employer to request time away from work due to a big life event. As such, it is a formal letter that needs to be concise, free of errors and submitted well in advance (at least where possible) to the employee’s manager or boss.

Maintaining a professional tone is essential when writing a leave of absence letter, and so is sticking to a an easy-to-follow structure. In most cases, around three short paragraphs are sufficient to state the reason why you’re requesting time off, specifying the dates on which you’ll be away, and suggesting how the team might handle your responsibilities while you’re out of the office.

Reasons to request a leave of absence

Sometimes, life doesn’t go according to plan. Unexpected events, both good or challenging, can cause us to reconsider or shuffle around our needs and priorities so we can navigate big changes as best as possible. When that happens, a break from work can also be needed.

These are some of the most common circumstances that require employees to submit a leave of absence from work:

• Dealing with a serious medical condition
• Taking on the role of caretaker for someone in the family
• Adopting or giving birth to a child
• Continuing your education
• Relocating to a new state or country
• Going on military leave

Preparing to write your letter

Asking for leave can be a troublesome situation — after all, your employer won’t want a valued team member out for a long period of time. To make the situation a little easier for everyone involved, follow these tips:

1. Warn your employer early on

If a member of your family has a life-threatening illness, for example, let your employer know early on, as they will expect you to take time off to bereave if that relation sadly passes away. Likewise, if you know you’ll need to be scheduled in for some kind of operation, do let your manager know as soon as you do.

2. Don’t send the application without a word of warning

In order to get approval for that vacation of a lifetime or a medical leave that you badly need, you’ll have to  speak with your manager  before sending a formal application.

This is best done face-to-face and in private, away from your other colleagues. Send your boss an email or IM and ask for a quick chat when it’s convenient for them.

If you  work in a remote setting , however, you should ask your manager to have a call with you before you put anything in writing. It’s important to keep your communication levels high and maintain personal contact.

3. Be specific

Be as transparent as possible by being honest about your time off.

If it’s to further your education, for example, make sure you explain how it will benefit the company in the long run. However, if your leave of absence is for an illness or to look after a sick family member, you don’t have to go into much detail if you do not feel comfortable doing so.

4. Discuss how your work will be handled in your absence

Let your supervisor know how you plan to distribute your work while you’re away.

You can take a plan of action with you, where you have delegated tasks to other team members that can continue those duties while you’re away. This will show that you have been proactive and that you care about your responsibilities.

5. Consider any alternatives

If you’ll still be able to  work remotely  during this period of time, let your employers know. This will benefit both you and them, as you will earn an income and get the work done, meaning the company won’t have to hire a temporary replacement.

Understanding your rights

Under the  Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) , certain eligible employees in the US are entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year. It also mandates that employees’ group health benefits are maintained during this time.

Reasons to take FMLA leave include:

• The birth and care of a newborn child of the employee
• The placement of a child for adoption or foster care
• To care for an immediate family member (spouse, child or parent) with a serious health condition
• To take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition

Bear in mind that, according to the FMLA, you’re required by law to provide 30-day advance notice in writing if your leave of absence is predictable (such as the anticipated birth of a child). In an emergency situation, however, this 30-day requirement is waived.

Depending on your contract with your employer, after a few years of working there, you should be entitled to a  sabbatical  (unpaid leave) for up to three months. Your allowance may vary in accordance to your  company’s policies , so it’s important to check the fine print to see what your rights are before you place a formal request.

UK employees are entitled to the same benefits.

Structuring your letter

When writing a formal leave of absence letter, you must follow some formatting rules to make sure it’s presented in a clear and professional manner.

These useful points will help you create an appropriate structure:

• Sender’s address: Type in your address in the top left-hand corner of the page.
• Date: Include the date below the letterhead. If your request is  via email , you can skip this part.
• Subject: If you’re sending your request by email, you should have a suitable subject line — depending on the circumstance, you could alter it or simply include something like: “Requesting Leave of Absence”.
• On-arrival notices (optional ): You can also include a notation to indicate that the letter contains sensitive or confidential content. Type in your notation by using uppercase, eg: “PERSONAL” or “CONFIDENTIAL”.
• Inside address: Add in your company’s address just a few lines below the above — again, if it’s via email, skip this step.
• Salutation: Even if you’re pals with your boss, you need to address them properly in a formal letter. Open with something like “Dear Emma” or “Dear Ms Gray”.
• Opening paragraph: Start by stating the reason for your request, as well as the dates that you will be out of work.
• Body: It’s important to be as transparent as possible and explain why you need the specified days off work. This will minimize any potential conflict with your manager and it will help them understand why you have placed this request.
• Final paragraph: Here you should explain how your work will be covered in your absence, how you plan on making your departure as easy as possible (ie: with detailed notes on each project, etc) and how you can be reached in the event of an emergency.
• Closing: It’s important to close your letter with appreciation for your job and company, and to thank your boss for their consideration.
• Your name and signature: If you’re handing in a printed letter, add a handwritten signature. If you’re sending an email, simply type in your name.

Sample letters

We’ve put together a few different templates that you could follow when requesting a leave of absence.

For medical leave

To care for a sick family member

To further your education

Holiday request (email)

Leave for personal reasons

If you want to keep your reason private:

If you don’t mind sharing your reason for your absence request:

Leave for your wedding

Leave of absence letter template

If you need some help getting started with writing your leave of absence request, use our customizable template to simplify the process:

Get the template

Things to remember

When it’s time to write a leave request and hand it in to your employer, bear in mind the following four points to ensure that the process goes smoothly:

1. Copy in the HR department

Remember to give a copy of your request to the HR department — they’ll need this information for your personal records. They may also be able to assist with your application, as they’ll be involved in finding a temporary replacement depending on the specific circumstances.

2. Review before you send

Be sure to proofread your request before you send it to your employer, ensuring that you have the correct information and dates, and have made valid and clear points.

3. Wait an appropriate amount of time

If you haven’t heard back straight away, don’t panic, and don’t begin to hassle your manager for an answer. Give it some time for the decision makers to deliberate before they get back to you.

4. Prepare a handover

Before leaving your job, you’ll need to think about how your tasks will be handled until you’re able to return to work. Starting as early as you can, prepare a detailed, clearly written document a colleague can refer to when taking over your tasks and projects, outlining the tools and processes you use and your deliverables.

Free checklist

To ensure that you don't forget anything in the process, save this checklist to stay organised. 

Key takeaways

Asking for an extended period of time off can be stressful, but remember that you’re legally allowed to do so if you have a valid reason. By following this guide, you’ll ensure that you do it in the most professional and considerate manner.

To summarize:

• A leave of absence request is a formal letter, and must be well structured, free of errors, have a professional tone and be submitted as early as possible.
• Leave of absence requests are submitted when employees are met with a big life event, such as the birth or adoption of a child and the need to go on maternity leave.
• When writing your letter, you must outline your reason for stepping away from the office, how long you’ll be gone for, and how your team might handle your projects in your absence.
• Check your employee handbook (if you have one) for specific guidelines on what your employer expects from you at this time.

Have you recently requested a leave of absence? If so, let us know how you placed your application in the comments section below.

Originally published on February 13, 2020. Updated by Electra Michaelidou.

Workplace Etiquette

Annual Leave

Professional Letters