Subject: Request to leave early today
“Hi [Manager], I would like to leave at [time] today for a personal appointment. I
will complete my priority tasks beforehand and follow up on anything else
tomorrow. Please let me know if that works. Thank you.”
Email templates
Leave Work Early Email: Templates for a Professional Request
When you want a written record or a more formal tone, an email is a good way to ask to leave work early. Here is a simple structure and three examples you can adapt.
Subject line and structure
Keep the subject clear, such as “Leaving early today” or “Request to leave early on [day].” In the body, use two or three short sentences: a one line request with the time, a short honest reason, a sentence on how your work is covered, and a thank you. There is no need to over-explain.
Three example emails
Subject: Heading out a little early today
“Hi [Manager], I hope your day is going well. Something has come up and I would
like to head out around [time]. I will wrap up what is time-sensitive first.
Thanks so much for understanding.”
Subject: Leaving early on [day]
“Hi [Manager], I need to leave by [time] on [day] for an appointment. I am flagging
it early so we can plan around it, and I will make sure my work is covered. Let me
know if you have any concerns.”
Email, text, or chat?
Choose email when a written record matters, when the message is more detailed, or when your manager prefers it. For a quick same-day note on an informal team, a short text or chat message can be better. See the text message version for that format.
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This page shares wording ideas, not legal or employment advice. Follow your own employer's attendance and time-off policy.
Common questions
Should I use email or a text message?
Use email for a written record or a more formal request. Use a short text or chat for a quick, same-day note. See the text message version linked above.
What should the subject line say?
Keep it plain and specific, such as “Leaving early today” or “Request to leave early on [day].”