Request To Work From Home Due To Illness [Email Templates]

If you need to request to work from home due to illness–for a day or permanently–we have the right email templates for you below.

Here are four email templates to request remote work for health-related reasons. Click any link below to jump to the sample email that fits your reason:

1. Illness/sickness (temporary remote work)
2. Medical condition (permanent remote work)
3. Sick family member (temporary)
4. Medical appointment (temporary)

 

Email request to work from home due to illness

Subject: Request to Work from Home Due to Illness

Hi [Boss’s first name],

Unfortunately, I started feeling sick yesterday and it’s the same this morning. 

It’s nothing too bad, just a [mention symptoms, e.g., fever, cough, etc.]. To err on the side of caution and to prevent spreading any germs, I am requesting to work from home for [today or the next few days].

I do plan to manage my current tasks and responsibilities from home.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time. Please let me know if there are any concerns or additional information I should provide.

Best regards,

[Your name]

See Also: 26 Medical Reasons To Work From Home

 

Work-from-home proposal due to a medical condition

Subject: Request for Permanent Remote Work

Hi [Boss’s first name],

I hope this message finds you well. I’m reaching out to discuss a matter that’s personal and professional. 

Due to ongoing health concerns, specifically [mention the health issue, e.g., mobility challenges, heart disease, diabetes, etc.], my medical advisor has strongly recommended that I minimize [issues associated with condition].

Given these circumstances, and after careful consideration, I believe transitioning to a permanent remote work arrangement would be the most prudent course of action. This decision wasn’t made lightly but from a place of necessity, ensuring that I can maintain my health while continuing to contribute meaningfully to our team.

I understand this is a significant request and would like to discuss the plan and measurement for my remote role.

Could we set up a time to discuss this further? Here are some times I am free this week:

• [Day]: [Time slot]
• [Day]: [Time slot]
• [Day]: [Time slot]

Thank you very much for considering my request and for your understanding. I look forward to our discussion and to finding a path forward that supports both my health needs and our company’s goals.

Warm regards,

[Your name]
 

WFH request due to a sick family member

Subject: Request for Emergency Remote Work Day

Hi [Boss’s first name],

I hope this message finds you well. Due to a family emergency, specifically [mention reason briefly, e.g., sick child, parent’s medical appointment], I am requesting to work from home today.

I’ll be online and fully accessible as normal. I appreciate your understanding and flexibility in this matter.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best,

[Your name]
 

Work from home email for a medical appointment

Subject: Work from Home Request for Medical Appointment

Hi [Boss’s first name],

I hope you’re well. I have a [medical/dental] appointment scheduled for [date], and it requires me to be out for a part of the day. To manage this efficiently without impacting my work, I’m requesting to work from home for the day.

I’ve blocked off my calendar during the appointment time so I won’t have any meeting conflicts.

Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if you need any further information.

Best regards,

[Your name]

 

Email Requests To Work From Home

This email template is part of our series on ways to request work from home. If you’d like to see some other options (and edit them in Google Docs or Microsoft Word), you can download all 18 templates for free.