There can be numerous reasons for you to take a day off from your work. Like, let’s just say, your friend showed up with some trouble which you are supposed to sort out, you need to attend someone’s funeral, you need to take care of your mom who suddenly got a fever, or you are just not in a mood to work today. But getting your request approved on such short notice can be a real pain. Let’s know How to ask for a day off on short notice?
In this article, you will learn how you can get a day off from your work on short notice. Now there are different rules for getting a leave depending on which company you are working for. For example, some companies are more relaxed and don’t care if you want to get a day off on short notice or whatever. However, some companies are more strict with the rules for getting a leave. Also, depending on the policy of the company you are working for, you will either get a paid day off or an unpaid day off.
Now, you have to keep in mind that when you ask for a leave, you have mentioned a solid reason not just for why you need leave but also why you informed them on such short notice.
You will either email or call the boss or whoever you are supposed to inform. There are companies with policies like if you want a day off, you must inform them two weeks prior, etc. But since you want it on short notice, you will most probably call your boss or manager.
BELOW ARE SOME MISTAKES YOU NEED TO AVOID WHEN ASKING FOR A DAY OFF:
1. Do not ask your manager or boss about the day off during busy hours. This must be common sense to know when to or when not to ask for a leave. When they are so busy with some work, they are already tense, and when you walk into them and put in your request, they will be frustrated. Not only will they lecture you on your responsibilities, but your request may not even be approved. So try to approach them when they are free and are in a good mood.
2. Avoid telling, instead, prefer asking for a day off. It might not seem like a big deal, but trust me, it will make a big difference on your side. Because when you request something rather than just telling, it shows that you are polite and ask for permission. It will increase your chances of getting your request approved.
3. Do not take a leave on important days like an important meeting or something. Try your best to avoid such days to get a day off unless it is an emergency you can’t avoid. Because needless to say, the chance of getting a day off on such days is most likely rare. It will also make you look like you are not a responsible employee.
4. Do not ask for frequent leaves if you are new to the job. It will put a mark on your image that you are not responsible for your work.
BELOW ARE SOME TIPS TO HELP YOU INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING A DAY OFF:
1. Even though you are asking for a leave on short notice, send them a formal email mentioning the date for which you want a day off and the reason. If you are requesting them on the day itself, call the manager.
2. Please try to avoid informing them about your leave on the day itself in any case. Even if you inform them the day prior is somewhat okay but on the day itself, is not. So try your best to bring them the notice soon.
3. Try to be more polite and respectful since you are asking for a lot! Your manager will most probably be upset with you for the fact that you are informing them about your leave at the last minute. But make sure to listen to whatever they say and apologize.
4. Let your coworkers know that you are taking a day off. Yes, it is so crucial to make your coworkers aware of your leave because it will help them plan the duties accordingly. It will also help build cooperation with your colleagues.
5. Use your bond with some of your colleagues. And ask them to do your shift for a day, if possible. That will help your boss to agree instantly since you managed the way to do your work anyhow. And then you can do the same for your colleague.
6. Let the manager or boss know that once you are back, you will catch up on your work by doing extra hours. Even though it is something you have to do anyways, still mentioning this while asking for a day off will help. This will show that you are aware and responsible for your job.
7. Try to keep your profile clean and reputed. Be responsible and hard working. And lastly, try to be on the good side of your boss. This will increase your chances of getting anything approved more easily by your boss.
8. Lastly, I would say that since you are asking for a day off at the last minute, it most probably could be an emergency. So try to be honest with your boss and eventually your request will be approved. Because emergencies happen!
BELOW ARE SOME OF THE EMERGENCY SITUATIONS YOU COULD USE TO GET A DAY OFF ON SHORT NOTICE:
Before moving further, you must know that you should be honest with your boss and ask for leave only if it is an emergency. These are some of the situations where you could get a day off from your work on short notice.
1. MEDICAL EMERGENCY
This can be the perfect reason to call off work at the last minute since you can get sick anytime, you never know. Even though it is a perfect reason, it can be unbelievable because almost everyone uses this one to get a leave. So they might think you are making excuses. Thus you will have to bring them a copy of the doctor’s medical certificate the next day.
2. YOU GOT PERSONAL PROBLEMS
You can just say that you have got some problems you got to sort out, which you are not comfortable discussing with them. You can tell it is an emergency and you need to be there. Your boss will most likely agree because he/she will not have any reason to say no to this one. Because anyone can get sudden personal issues.
3. YOU NEED TO ATTEND THE FUNERAL OF SOME FAMILY MEMBER
This is also another emergency where you will need to call off work on short notice. Here too, your boss will most likely agree because he/she will not have any reason to say no to this one. Because we can lose someone anytime, we never know.
4. YOU NEED A MENTAL HEALTH DAY
You might not have used this reason before. Some of you might be unaware of this. You can call your manager and tell them that you are not doing mentally well these past few days. And on that particular day, you are feeling so low and thus a break to process things which will help you get back on track again. Do not feel awkward or embarrassed to ask for a mental health day. Everyone has days where they are not on high energy. If you continue to work on that day, it will affect you even more and also the people around you.
5. THE WEATHER IS BAD
If the weather seems like it is going to flood, you better ask for a day off. If you are living in a busy city, traffic can get your way. So just call the manager, explain the situation to them and, rather than asking directly for leave, ask them what the solution for the problem is. They will most probably ask you to stay at home. In this way, you will get a day off without even asking for it.
6. YOU NEED TO DO SOME SCHOOL WORK
This one is only for those who are studying along with doing a job. You might know that the companies are very understanding when it comes to students. They understand that study is your main priority above the work you do. So you can tell them if there is anything you need to do like, complete an assignment or prepare for a surprise test. And they will grant you a day off because they are soft especially, towards students.
7. YOU RECEIVED UNEXPECTED VISITORS
Anyone can get unexpected guests at home anytime. You can tell the manager that they have come from a distance and are going back today itself. So, it is so important for you to attend them while they are here. This is a pretty believable reason which can help you get your request approved.
8. THERE IS A BLOOD DONATION
This can be a good reason only if used 2-3 days in advance since there is an appointment for blood donation. You can say that the timings are aligning with your working hours and then I will be required to take some rest. Thus, it is better to take a day off.
TIPS ON HOW TO ASK FOR A DAY OFF THROUGH MAIL
1. Mention the reason why you need a day off. Even though your company typically does not require a reason for the leave, your manager will still ask you for it since it is a last-minute request. So, in your mail, mention it beforehand.
2. Mention the exact date you want to call off work. Even though you are asking for a leave on the day itself, mentioning the date will be a confirmation.
3. Ask for permission. While writing an email, look out for what language tone you are using. For example, do not be like you are doing them a favor. Just be polite while making your request.
4. Mention the name of the person you are addressing such as the supervisor, manager, or boss.
5. Make sure to greet however you are addressing the email.
6. Make sure to thank them at the end of the email.
EMAIL FOR ASKING A DAY OFF ON SHORT NOTICE (SAMPLES)
SAMPLE 1:
From: Your name
To: Your manager’s name
Date: Current date
I want to request a day off on (date you want to leave) because (your reason). First, I would like to apologize for asking for a day off on such short notice.
I have discussed with my coworkers and they confirmed that there are not any deadlines or seminars. I promise to cover up my work for the day once I return. Please let me know about my request and again sorry for bringing you the notice at the last minute.
Thank you for understanding!
Best regards,
(Your name)
SAMPLE 2:
From: Your name
To: Your supervisor’s name
Date: Current date
I am writing this letter to request you a day off on (date you want to leave) because (the reason). I am sorry for bringing you the notice on such short notice.
I have discussed this with my colleague (colleague’s name) and, he/she is ready to cover me for that day. I am requesting you to count this day against my annual leave.
So, may I go on leave for a day? Again sorry for the delay in asking for a day off.
Thank you,
(Your name)
Another option is writing in a template form depending on the company you work for. Different companies have different policies on requesting a leave.
So, this was all about how you can request a day off on short notice. Just follow the tips mentioned and, I hope you get your request approved.
Thanks for reading. Have a nice day!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can the boss ask you the reason why you want a day off?
– In most large companies, they don’t ask their employees the reason for the day off unless it is last minute.
2. Is the leave asked on short notice unpaid?
– This will depend on the company’s policy, the leave will most probably count in paid time off.
