11 easy ways to apply for leave via text

Are you in need of some time off? Whether it’s an unexpected event or a long vacation, applying for a vacation is probably easier than you think. In today’s work environment, a text message can give you the break you deserve. Read on for our full list of tips and examples below on how to apply for leave via text.

Table of Contents

Compose your message carefully before sending

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Make sure your offer is clear and free of typos. Messages to superiors asking for leave should be a bit formal and don’t appear to be hastily written. The more serious you are when writing your message, the more your boss will see that you respect them and their work. ^{[1] X Research Source} The following is an example of a standard format:

First, say hello and make your offer clear. For example, “Hello, Ms. Hanh. I would like to ask for leave on Monday, January 31.”
If you ask for a last minute leave, say it firmly but include an apology. For example, “I’m sorry, but I can’t come to work today.”
Specify whether or not you are applying for paid leave. For example, “I would like to take eight hours of paid leave,” or “I plan to take unpaid leave during this time.”
Finally, thank you. For example, “Thank you very much!” or, if you’re taking an abrupt leave, “Thank you for your understanding.”

Show confidence when texting to ask for leave

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Be upfront about your rights in the offer. When asking for leave, it’s often better to “tell” your boss that you want to take leave rather than “ask” for it. The more indecisive you are, the easier it will be for your superiors to refute. As long as you follow the company’s rules, they won’t be able to refuse. ^{[2] X Research Source}

For example, “Hello, Lan. I’m sorry, but I’m sick so I can’t come to the office today.” or “Hello, Mr. Thanh. I want to take a paid leave on March 3.”
Note that your boss may not accept it if other people have applied for leave on the same day as you want to take off or you have recently taken too many days off.

Write a short message

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Don’t include too many details explaining why you need to leave. Contrary to popular belief, the longer you explain why you’re taking leave, the more likely your boss will be suspicious. Furthermore, you have the right to some degree of privacy. Make your offer as simple as possible. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

For example, if you’re taking a break to go to a concert in another city, simply say, “I need to get out of town that day.”
If you’re applying for unscheduled sick leave, you don’t have to say specifically how sick you are. Simply say, “I woke up this morning feeling unwell,” or “I have a cold.”
However, if you develop symptoms that may require several days off, let your supervisor know that you may need to take more than one day off.

Honestly state the unexpected reason why you had to leave

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You have the right to take time off to handle unexpected incidents. If you need to take time off because something unexpected happens to you or a loved one, you should be frank that you need to take care of an emergency. Similarly, if you need to deal with a mental, physical, or emotional health crisis, be honest instead of making up some excuse. Often your boss will understand if you insist that you need a break. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

For example, “I can’t go to work today. My family member has an unexpected problem,” or “My mental state is not good today, so I need to stay home.”
While you can take time off when you really can’t work, don’t abuse this excuse, especially if you’re not using paid or sick leave.

Avoid making excuses if you don’t have a good reason

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Tell your boss that you need time off for “personal reasons”. If you need a day off but don’t have a good reason, don’t pretend to be sick or have an emergency. A made-up story puts you at risk of being found out. Instead, send a brief message to your boss that you can’t come to the office. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

For example, if you want to take a day off to go to the beach, don’t say, “I have the flu.” This message will cause undue anxiety for them.
Instead, briefly and politely say, “I need to take a day off for personal reasons. I’m very sorry. I’ll go back to work tomorrow.”
You can use “personal reasons” to explain if you want to take a break for your mental health but are worried that your boss won’t understand.

Offer to work overtime

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Show you know that your work is important. Depending on your area of work, you may be able to negotiate with your boss to work overtime when you return to work. That way, even if your boss rejects your offer, they can still see that you don’t take the leave for granted. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Depending on the nature of the job, you may be able to work overtime on behalf of others, overtime or outside of regular working hours.
For example, “Thank you for giving me a break. If needed, I can work overtime when I go back to work.”
Another way is to ask if there are any tasks you can do overtime. For example, “Is there anything I can do without going to the office?”

Say you can work from home

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Let your boss know that they can contact you via email or text. If you’re applying for paid sick leave, you may be able to take on some work from home. Tell your boss that they can contact you in case of an emergency or have questions. This is a thoughtful offer after you’ve caused them an unexpected inconvenience, and it proves you’re not taking advantage of them. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

For example. “I’ll stay home today, but if you need anything, you can text or email me.”
You only need to make this offer if you are still getting paid for the day off. If you take unpaid leave or use paid leave, you are not obligated to work.
However, this can be tactful if you feel embarrassed because you take too much time off and want to keep your reputation.

Ask for multiple days off if you’re not sure how long you need to take off

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Indicate the estimated time that you will be on sick leave or unscheduled leave. If you take sick leave, you may have to stay home for a few days. In this case, it’s a good idea to let your boss know that you’re not sure how long the break will take, but estimate the approximate time and let them know you’ll keep them updated. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Normally, if you take the day off today, you’ll probably need to take the day off tomorrow.
For example, “I have the flu. Just to be safe, I won’t go to the office today and tomorrow. I’ll let you know my situation tomorrow.”

Send messages during business hours

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Avoid disturbing your superiors at night or during weekends. When texting your resignation, it’s best to treat it as a job offer. In other words, don’t raise the issue outside of work hours, when your boss may be enjoying their time off. Take care of their interests by sending a message during business hours. ^{[9] X Research Source}

This is a little different if you suddenly feel the need to rest as soon as you wake up. In this case, you should send the message as soon as possible.
However, if you can wait for approval, such as if you ask for permission first, send a message during business hours.

Ask permission in advance as soon as possible

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Notify your supervisor weeks or months in advance, if possible. If you plan to take leave, let your boss know the date you intend to take leave as soon as the decision is made. Your boss will be more receptive if they have time to make arrangements in your absence. ^{[10] X Research Source}

This is especially important if you’re new to the job or if you’re taking time off during a time of year when others may also want to, such as a holiday.
If you apply for unexpected sick leave, you should notify your supervisor as soon as you wake up and decide not to go to work.
Check to see if your workplace has a procedure for applying for leave. Your boss may require you to follow procedures and time off.

Prepare yourself that your offer will not be approved

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Make a contingency plan or be ready to negotiate. It’s possible that your boss doesn’t approve of your leave. If the reason is that you are taking leave at a busy time or someone has applied for the same day as you, you can negotiate. If it’s because you took too long, you can also find a compromise solution. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Harvard Business Review Go to Source}

If your plans are subject to change, such as if you haven’t purchased a plane ticket, you can apply for another day off.
If your boss says you’re taking too long, you can reschedule to take fewer days off.
If you work in an industry where you can have someone else do the work, ask if a co-worker can do your shift.

Steps