Workplace

How to write a formal leave letter

Whether casual, sick, or planned — a leave letter is a two-minute write. Here's the format and what to leave out.

3 min read·Master Jobs Editorial

A leave letter exists to document a time-off request with dates and a reason. It's not a medical history, a vacation itinerary, or a justification essay. Keep it short.

The seven-line template

  1. To: [Manager name and title].
  2. Date: [Today's date].
  3. Subject: Leave request — [date range].
  4. Salutation: "Dear [Manager],"
  5. One sentence: the dates and reason (one or two words — sick, personal, family commitment).
  6. One sentence: any handover arrangement (who covers you, what's pre-scheduled).
  7. Signoff: "Thank you for considering. [Your name, designation]."

Things to leave out

  • Medical details beyond "for personal medical reasons."
  • Photos of places you're travelling to.
  • Long explanations of who else is affected.

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