How to Write Application for Sick Leave? [Get Samples & Templates]

Employees often need time off from work for various reasons, and one of the most common is illness. When you are unwell and unable to fulfill your job responsibilities, it is essential to inform your manager or employer formally by submitting an application for sick leave. 

This ensures that your absence is recorded, work adjustments are made, and your employer is aware of your health status. Whether it’s a short-term illness like a fever or a long-term medical condition requiring surgery or ongoing treatment, submitting a medical leave application is a professional and necessary step.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about office sick leave applications, including their importance, the correct format, essential components, and sample templates.

What is an Application for Sick Leave?

An application for sick leave is a formal written request made by an employee to notify their employer about their inability to attend work due to health-related reasons. The request should clearly mention:

• The reason for leave (illness, surgery, medical treatment, etc.)
• The expected duration of absence
• Any necessary supporting medical documentation (if required)
• Delegation of responsibilities during absence (if applicable)

The format and requirements for a sick leave application depend on the company’s policies. Sick leave applications can be submitted in different formats, such as:

• Email application: The most common and widely accepted method
• Formal letter: In some organizations, employees must submit a printed copy
• HR portal submission: Many companies require employees to apply through an internal leave management system

Importance of Application for Sick Leave

Let us now study some of the important aspects of an application for sick leave in office as an employee: 

Compliance with Workplace Policies

Many organizations have strict leave policies that require employees to formally document their leave. A well-structured medical leave request ensures compliance and avoids unnecessary HR complications.

Work Management and Planning

When an employee takes time off due to illness, it may impact project timelines, team workload, and overall productivity. Submitting a sick leave application helps the team prepare for your absence by redistributing tasks accordingly.

Avoiding Interruptions During Recovery

A formal leave application notifies your employer and colleagues that you are unavailable, preventing unnecessary calls, emails, or urgent work requests while you recover.

Payroll and Leave Balance Accuracy

If your company tracks paid and unpaid leaves, submitting a medical leave application ensures your leave days are correctly recorded and processed.

Legal and HR Documentation

For extended leave due to serious health conditions or hospitalization, formal documentation serves as proof of absence and may be required for insurance claims or medical reimbursements.

How to Write an Application for Sick Leave?

A well-structured sick leave application for office includes the following key elements:

Subject Line

The subject line is usually a brief yet informative one so that the recipient immediately understands the purpose of the email.

Example:

• Request for Sick Leave Due to Fever
• Medical Leave Application for Surgery

Salutation

Start with a polite greeting, addressing your manager or HR representative professionally.

Example:

• Dear [Manager’s Name],
• Dear HR Team,

Body of the Letter

The main content of your application for sick leave should include:

• Reason for Leave: Clearly state your medical condition without excessive details.
• Duration of Leave: Mention the exact dates or an estimated recovery period.
• Work Handover Details: If applicable, indicate who will be handling your responsibilities during your absence.
• Availability: Mention if you will be available for urgent matters or if you need complete rest.

Closing Statement

End the application professionally, expressing gratitude and offering to provide additional details if needed.

Example:

• Thank you for your understanding. Please let me know if any additional information is required.

Sign-Off & Contact Details

Use a polite and professional closing followed by your name and designation.

Example:

• Sincerely,
• [Your Name]
• [Your Designation]

Supporting Documentation (If Required)

For extended leave, some companies may require a medical certificate, doctor’s note, or hospital discharge summary as proof of illness. Ensure you attach these if necessary.

Pro Tip: If you're recovering from a serious illness and would not be able to work physically from the office for a long time, but are able to work remotely, specify the same in the email. 

Sick Leave Application For Office: Things To Keep In Mind

When writing a sick leave application for office, keep the following points in mind: 

• Clearly state the medical condition and share relevant information. 
• If the leave is pre-planned, mention the duration of the leave. In this case, also send the email in a timely manner so the team can better plan for your absence. For example, if you have a medical condition requiring surgery, you can let the team know in advance. 
• Maintain a professional tone and keep it a concise request. 
• Include the details of the person who can be contacted during your leave.
• Specify your accessibility level, i.e., if you'll be able to answer urgent emails and requests or if you'll be completely absent.
• Follow the policy and mention the leave application type, i.e., if it's paid or unpaid. 

Types of Applications for Sick Leave (Sample Templates)

Sick Leave for Short-Term Illness (1-2 Days)

Best for: Minor illnesses like fever, cold, flu, stomach infection

Subject: Sick Leave Application Due to Fever

Dear (Manager’s Name),

I am feeling unwell due to a high fever and have been advised to rest for (Number of Days) days. I will be unable to attend work on (Date).

During my absence, (Colleague’s Name) has kindly agreed to handle any urgent tasks. I will ensure all pending work is completed once I return.

Please grant me leave for the mentioned period. Let me know if you need any additional details.

Sincerely,

(Your Name)

(Your Designation)

(Your Contact Information)

Sick Leave for Surgery or Prolonged Illness

Best for: Surgery, hospitalization, chronic illnesses requiring extended recovery

Subject: Medical Leave Request for Surgery

Dear (Manager’s Name),

I am writing to inform you that my doctor has scheduled a surgery on me starting on (Date) to (Date). This include the days that I need to recovery as advised a complete rest for proper recovery by my doctor.

I have attached my medical reports for reference. In my absence, [Colleague’s Name] will handle my urgent responsibilities.

I appreciate your support and understanding. Please let me know if any further documentation is required.

Best Regards,

(Your Name)

(Your Designation)

(Your Contact Information)

Formal Sick Leave Application (For Office Use)

Subject: Sick Leave Request

Dear (Manager’s Name),

I have suddenly develop a health issue for which i need to visit a doctor. In this regard, I need to apply for sick leave from starting from (Date) to (Date) as per my doctor’s advice. During this period, (Colleague’s Name) will oversee my responsibilities to ensure a smooth workflow.

I have attached my medical certificate for your reference. Please let me know if you require any further details. I appreciate your support and understanding.

Looking forward to resuming work on [Date of Return].

Best regards,

(Your Name)

(Your Designation)

(Your Contact Information)

Application for Sick Leave due to Viral Illness

Subject Application for Sick Leave

Dear ______ (Add Recipient's name)

I am down with a viral fever and won't be able to come to the office. The doctor has advised me to take ___ (Add days of absence) days of rest to properly recover before resuming work.

____ (Add colleague's name) has graciously agreed to take over any urgent tasks, update the team about my absence and oversee any critical tasks in my absence. 

Please grant me leave for the aforementioned period to recover from the viral illness. Do let me know if any additional information is required.  

Sincerely,
______ (Your Name)

Sample of Application 2: Sick Leave For Unexpected Illness 

Subject One-Day Leave Application

Dear ______ (Add Recipient's name)

This is to inform you that I've unexpectedly developed a severe stomach illness due to acute food poisoning. 

Please grant me leave for a day so I can consult my doctor for a detailed consultation. Hopefully, I should be back to normal health in a day's time and can return to work. 

At present, I have no urgent tasks pending completion. Please approve my leave. Do let me know in case any further information is required. 

Sincerely,
______ (Your Name)

Sample Of Application 3: Sick Leave for Chronic Condition

Subject Sick Leave Application For ____(Mention Chronic Disease)

Dear ______ (Add Recipient's name)

I wish to inform you that I would require ____(add days) of leave in ____(add time) due to a chronic medical condition. I require regular treatment and bed rest during this time and thus request time off. 

I have been diagnosed with _____ (medical condition) that requires regular hospital sessions to manage the symptoms. Please find attached the statement from my doctor confirming the need for sick leave and its expected duration.

Considering the nature of my condition, I may require additional time off in the future. However, I will do my best to provide advance notice and make arrangements as needed.

I will keep you updated on my progress and expect to return to work on ____ (date of return). I am grateful for your support and understanding during this time. Please approve the leave and do let me know in case you need any further information. 

Sincerely,
______ (Your Name)

All these application samples have one thing in common - they're concise and clear. Writing a successful application is not rocket science. All it requires is that you be honest, professional, and concise in your communication, copy-check your application for typos, and share relevant information in a timely manner. 

Conclusion

A well-structured sick leave application for office ensures smooth approval and helps in maintaining workflow efficiency. Whether it's a minor illness or a long-term medical condition, clear communication with your employer is key. Always adhere to company policies, provide the necessary documentation, and be professional in your request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What should be included in a sick leave request letter? 

A sick leave application should include the following information: 

• Subject and salutation
• Concise body specifying reason and duration for leave, along with other relevant information (PoC in your absence, expected return date, etc.)
• Signature
• Attachments, if required

Q2. Why is it important to write a sick leave letter?

Here are three main reasons for writing a sick leave application: 

• It adheres to company policies, thus signifying professional code of conduct
• It keeps team members on the same page about each other's availability. This allows better task planning. 
• It's documented proof of your absence

Q3. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a sick leave application for office?

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a sick leave letter: 

• Don't be casual in your tone. 
• Not following company policy. If you're not following company policy, please specify the reason and ensure you have proper approval to deviate from it. 
• Not including relevant medical information that supports your leave request. 
• Not checking for errors or typos. 
• Not sending the email in a timely manner. 

Q4. What if I exceed my allotted sick leave days?

If you exceed your entitled sick leave, it may be deducted from your paid time off (PTO) or categorized as unpaid leave.

Q5. Can my employer deny my sick leave request?

In most cases, sick leave is granted, especially with medical proof. However, employers may ask for documentation before approval.

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