We all face situations when we need to leave work earlier than our scheduled time. Whether it’s a medical appointment, family obligation, or personal emergency, knowing how to craft a professional email to request early departure can make all the difference in maintaining good relationships with your supervisor and colleagues.
A well-written email shows respect for workplace protocols and demonstrates your commitment to your responsibilities despite needing to adjust your schedule. The right approach can help you get approval without creating unnecessary friction or leaving a negative impression.
Ready to learn how to write the perfect email for leaving work early? Let’s explore 15 effective examples you can adapt to your specific situation.
Sample Emails on Leaving Early from Work
These email templates cover various scenarios for requesting to leave work early. Each example is crafted to be professional, respectful, and effective in different workplace contexts.
1. Medical Appointment Email
Subject: Request to Leave Early – Medical Appointment on [Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I’m writing to request permission to leave work at 3:00 PM this Friday, May 16, due to a medical appointment that could not be scheduled outside of work hours.
I’ve already completed most of my priority tasks for the week and will ensure all pending assignments are either finished before I leave or properly delegated to [Colleague’s Name], who has agreed to cover for me during my absence.
Please let me know if this arrangement works for you or if you need any additional information.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your name and designation]
Phone: [Your contact number]
Email: [Your email address]
2. Family Emergency Request
Subject: Urgent: Need to Leave Early Today – Family Emergency
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I need to request permission to leave the office at 1:30 PM today due to an unexpected family emergency. I just received a call that my child has had an accident at school and needs to be picked up immediately.
I’ve already briefed [Colleague’s Name] about the client meeting scheduled for 3:00 PM, and they’ve kindly agreed to take notes and share them with me. I’ll be available on my cell phone should anything urgent arise, and I plan to log in remotely tonight to catch up on any missed work.
I apologize for the short notice and appreciate your understanding during this stressful time.
Thank you,
[Your name and designation]
Cell: [Your mobile number]
3. Formal Request for Personal Appointment
Subject: Request for Early Departure – Personal Appointment on [Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request your permission to leave work at 4:00 PM on Wednesday, May 14, for a personal appointment that could not be scheduled after working hours.
To ensure this doesn’t impact my work responsibilities, I will arrive 90 minutes early at 7:30 AM to complete all my scheduled tasks. Additionally, I’ll be available on my phone should any urgent matters arise after my departure.
I appreciate your consideration of this request and would be happy to discuss any concerns you might have.
Respectfully,
[Your name and designation]
Department: [Your department]
Extension: [Your office extension]
4. Plumbing Emergency at Home
Subject: Emergency at Home – Request to Leave Early Today
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I’ve just been notified of a water leak in my apartment that requires immediate attention. The building manager has arranged for a plumber to come at 2:30 PM today, and I need to be present to let them in and address the situation.
I’m requesting permission to leave at 2:00 PM. I’ve already completed my presentation for tomorrow’s meeting and have updated the project tracker with the latest milestones.
I can be reached on my cell phone if needed, and I plan to make up the time by working through lunch for the rest of the week.
Thank you for understanding this unexpected situation.
Regards,
[Your name and designation]
Mobile: [Your mobile number]
5. Childcare Issue Email
Subject: Early Departure Request – Childcare Coverage Issue
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to request permission to leave work at 3:30 PM today. My regular childcare provider called in sick, and I need to pick up my daughter from school as there is no alternative arrangement available on such short notice.
I’ve already completed the quarterly report that’s due tomorrow and have informed my team about my early departure. [Colleague’s Name] will be covering the client call scheduled for 4:15 PM, and I’ll follow up with them afterward.
I plan to log in from home later this evening to catch up on any emails or urgent matters that may arise after I leave.
Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
Warm regards,
[Your name and designation]
Department: [Your department]
Phone: [Your phone number]
6. Leaving Early for Professional Development
Subject: Request to Leave Early for Professional Development Workshop
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m reaching out to request permission to leave work at 2:00 PM next Tuesday, May 20, to attend a professional development workshop on [Topic] at the [Location]. As discussed during my last performance review, this area is directly related to our department’s goals and my professional growth plan.
The workshop runs from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM, and I believe the knowledge gained will be valuable for our upcoming [Project Name]. I’ve already arranged to come in 90 minutes early that day to ensure all my responsibilities are covered.
I’d be happy to share key takeaways from the workshop with our team during our next meeting if that would be helpful.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
[Your name and designation]
Team: [Your team]
Extension: [Your office extension]
7. DMV Appointment Request
Subject: Request for Early Departure – DMV Appointment
Hello [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to request permission to leave work at 3:30 PM on Thursday, May 15, as I have a scheduled appointment at the DMV to renew my driver’s license before it expires. Unfortunately, this was the earliest available appointment I could secure, and rescheduling would push me past my license expiration date.
I’ve planned my day accordingly and will ensure all critical tasks are completed before I leave. The quarterly metrics report will be submitted by noon, and I’ve already briefed [Colleague’s Name] about the client inquiries they might receive in my absence.
I appreciate your understanding and will make up for the time by working through lunch on Thursday and Friday.
Thank you,
[Your name and designation]
Department: [Your department]
Mobile: [Your mobile number]
8. Car Maintenance Appointment
Subject: Early Departure Request for Vehicle Maintenance
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I need to request permission to leave work at 4:00 PM tomorrow to take my car for urgent maintenance. My vehicle has been displaying warning lights, and the mechanic could only fit me in for a late afternoon appointment.
To minimize disruption, I’ll come in an hour early at 8:00 AM and work through my lunch break to ensure all my tasks are completed. I’ve also prepared detailed notes on the [Project Name] status for [Colleague’s Name], who will be available to answer any urgent queries in my absence.
Please let me know if this arrangement is acceptable or if you need me to make alternative plans.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name and designation]
Phone: [Your phone number]
Email: [Your email address]
9. Religious Observance Request
Subject: Request to Leave Early for Religious Observance – [Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request permission to leave work at 3:00 PM this Friday, May 16, to observe an important religious holiday that begins at sundown.
I’ve already completed my portion of the [Project Name] ahead of schedule and have coordinated with [Colleague’s Name] regarding any matters that might require attention during my absence. I’m also willing to start work earlier at 7:30 AM to make up for the time.
I appreciate your support in accommodating my religious practices and am grateful for your understanding.
Respectfully,
[Your name and designation]
Department: [Your department]
Extension: [Your office extension]
10. Early Departure for Travel Plans
Subject: Request to Leave Early for Travel – [Date]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request your approval to leave work at 3:00 PM next Friday, May 23, as I’m traveling to [Destination] for the weekend. My flight departs at 6:30 PM, and I need sufficient time to reach the airport and go through security.
I’ve planned my workweek to ensure all deliverables are completed ahead of schedule. The monthly performance reports will be finalized by Thursday, and I’ve briefed [Colleague’s Name] on handling any urgent matters that might arise after my departure.
I’m happy to make up the time by working through lunch next week or staying late on Wednesday and Thursday if needed.
Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
[Your name and designation]
Team: [Your team]
Mobile: [Your mobile number]
11. Home Delivery Waiting Time
Subject: Request to Leave Early – Important Home Delivery
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to request permission to leave work at 2:30 PM tomorrow, Tuesday, May 13. I’m expecting an important delivery of [Item/Service] at my home, and the company has given me a delivery window between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. They require someone to be present to sign for the delivery.
I’ve already front-loaded my work for tomorrow and will complete the analysis for the [Project Name] before I leave. Additionally, I’ll be checking emails from home and can address any urgent matters remotely.
Please let me know if this arrangement works for you, or if you need me to adjust my plans.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
[Your name and designation]
Department: [Your department]
Cell: [Your cell phone number]
12. Academic Commitment Request
Subject: Request for Early Departure – Academic Commitment
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request permission to leave work at 4:00 PM next Thursday, May 22, to attend the first session of a [Subject] course I’ve enrolled in as part of my continuing education. As you know, I’m pursuing this study to enhance my skills in [Specific Area], which directly relates to my role here.
The class begins at 5:30 PM, and I need time to commute to the campus. To compensate for the early departure, I plan to arrive at 8:00 AM that day and work through lunch.
All my current projects are on track, and I’ve already completed the draft of the [Document/Project] that’s due on Friday.
I appreciate your support of my professional development efforts and thank you for considering this request.
Sincerely,
[Your name and designation]
Team: [Your team]
Extension: [Your office extension]
13. Casual Friday Early Departure
Subject: Request for Early Friday Departure – [Date]
Hey [Manager’s Name],
Hope your week is going well! I wanted to check if it would be possible for me to leave a bit early this Friday at around 3:30 PM? I’m hoping to beat the rush hour traffic as I’m heading to [Location] for a weekend event with friends that starts Friday evening.
All my weekly tasks are on track to be completed by Friday afternoon, including the [Project/Task] we discussed earlier this week. I’ve also prepared the weekly report ahead of time and will send it out before I leave.
Let me know if this works for you! Happy to discuss any concerns or make alternative arrangements if needed.
Thanks so much,
[Your name and designation]
Mobile: [Your mobile number]
14. Jury Duty Preparation
Subject: Early Departure Request – Jury Duty Preparation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to request permission to leave work at 3:00 PM tomorrow, as I need to prepare for jury duty that begins the following day. I’ve been summoned to appear at the [Court Name] at 8:00 AM on Wednesday, and I need some time to review the documents and prepare accordingly.
I’ve prioritized my workload and will ensure all urgent matters are addressed before my departure. I’ve also briefed [Colleague’s Name] on the status of [Project Name] and they’ve agreed to handle any critical issues that might arise during my absence.
I’ve attached a copy of my jury summons for your records. I will keep you updated on the duration of my service once I report to the courthouse.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Respectfully,
[Your name and designation]
Department: [Your department]
Phone: [Your phone number]
15. Mental Health Break Request
Subject: Request for Early Departure – Personal Time
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I would like to request permission to leave work at 3:00 PM today. I’ve been experiencing some stress and feel that taking a few hours for self-care would help me reset and return tomorrow with improved focus and productivity.
I’ve completed all my essential tasks for today, including the [Project/Task] report and client responses. Nothing urgent is pending, and I’ve informed my team that I’ll be stepping out early.
I’m committed to maintaining my performance standards and believe this short break will help me continue to contribute effectively to our team goals.
Thank you for your consideration and understanding.
Warm regards,
[Your name and designation]
Department: [Your department]
Extension: [Your office extension]
Wrapping Up: Effective Early Departure Emails
Crafting a thoughtful, professional email when you need to leave work early shows respect for your workplace and colleagues while protecting your professional reputation. The key elements to include are a clear request, specific timing, a brief explanation, a plan for covering your responsibilities, and gratitude for consideration.
Always tailor these templates to fit your specific workplace culture and relationship with your manager. Some environments may require more formal communication, while others might be comfortable with casual requests. Pay attention to how your request is received and adjust your approach accordingly for future communications.
By following these examples and adapting them to your situation, you can maintain professional relationships while still addressing your personal needs outside of work. A balance between work responsibilities and personal well-being is essential for long-term career success and satisfaction.