An email to request time off

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

Instructions

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

Reading text

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

Dear Ms Jensen,

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

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

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

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

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

Best regards,

Stefan Bauer

Tips

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

Discussion

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Language level

Average: 4 (4 votes)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Denise on Wed, 16/12/2020 - 08:43

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From: Denise Pinheiro Correia To : Louise Bennet Subject: Request for time off Dear Ms Bennet I would like to request two weeks off between Monday 9 June and Tuesday 20 June, in order to have time to prepare myself for my IELTS exam which is due to submission on 30th of June. Upon your approval,I’ll make plans to leave Sara Coper and Jane Moran covering me during my absence and also leave a playbook so the whole team will be aware of the responsalities and task they need to meet while I’m away. During my time out I would be fully reachable by phone or email to respond any questions and to solve any problem they might come across. I believe that the IELTS test I am doing would benefit not just my personal Life but also my professional life in Uk and at the same time would be really helpfull to the assetments I make in the company. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Thank you for considering my request.I’m looking forward to receive your respond. Best Regards Denise P. Correia
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Submitted by Hennadii on Thu, 10/12/2020 - 10:01

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Normally we have twenty-four days leave in the year. Some works or positions provide extra leave due to hard work conditions. Our labour legislation also gives extra days off to single parents and persons with disabilities. As for me, I have 31 days of leave per year: 24 days - normal leave and 7 days extra because of the work conditions. Honestly, I don't think my job is so hard to give me those extra days off but I don't know anyone who declines additional leave )) Some words about the leave procedure. If you want to get time off you have to write an application request and get approval from your manager.

Submitted by cittàutopica on Thu, 15/10/2020 - 19:39

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In my country, regarding the people who carries out the employee work, the annual normal leave is different in public or private sphere, because there are various collective labor agreements.
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