Working from home has become more common than ever, and chances are, you might need to ask your manager for a remote work day. But how do you do it the right way, without sounding too casual or too formal? Don’t worry. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to write a professional work from home request email that’s polite, clear, and more likely to get a “yes.”
Why You Might Need to Work From Home
Before diving into how to write the email, let’s quickly talk about why someone might ask to work from home. Maybe you’re:
- Feeling under the weather but still able to work
- Waiting for a delivery or home repair service
- Dealing with a family issue
- Looking for a quiet environment to focus
- Saving commute time on a particularly busy day
Whatever your reason is, it’s important to communicate it clearly and respectfully. You want your manager to understand where you’re coming from—and that you’re still committed to doing your job well.
Tips for Writing a Great Work From Home Request Email
Not sure what to include? These tips will guide you step by step.
1. Use a Clear and Professional Subject Line
Your subject line should clearly convey the purpose of the email to your manager immediately. Keep it short and simple. Here are a few examples:
- Request to Work from Home on [Date]
- Work from Home Request – [Your Name]
- WFH Request for [Day/Date]
2. Greet Your Manager Politely
Start your email with a friendly and respectful greeting. For example:
- Dear [Manager’s Name],
- Hi [Manager’s Name],
Choose the one that matches your usual style of communication with them.
3. Mention the Date or Timeframe
Be specific about when you want to work from home. It helps your manager plan accordingly.
For instance: “I’m writing to request to work from home on Tuesday, July 10th, as I have a home repair appointment scheduled during the day.”
4. Explain the Reason Briefly
You don’t need to write a long explanation, but it’s good to provide some context. Keep it professional and don’t overshare.
Examples:
- “I have a mild cold but feel well enough to work from home.”
- “I need to be home to receive a delivery between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.”
5. Reassure Them About Your Productivity
Your manager wants to know that you’ll still get your work done. So, let them know how you’ll stay connected and on top of your tasks.
Something like: “I will be available via Slack and email throughout the day and will attend all scheduled meetings on Zoom.”
6. End With a Polite Thank You
Wrap up your email with a short thank-you and mention that you’re happy to discuss it further if needed.
Example: “Thanks for considering my request. Please let me know if you’d like to speak about this further.”
Don’t forget to sign off:
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample Work From Home Request Email
Need an example to put everything together? Here’s a sample email that you can tweak to fit your situation:
Sample 1: WFH Request Due to Scheduled Home Maintenance
Subject: Work from Home Request – [Insert Date]
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to request to work from home on [insert date] as I have a scheduled home maintenance appointment that requires my presence during the day.
I’ll ensure that my work remains uninterrupted. I’ll be available online during working hours, accessible via email and Slack, and will attend all scheduled meetings virtually.
Please let me know if this arrangement works for you. Thank you for considering my request!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 2: Work From Home Request Due to Mild Illness
Subject: WFH Request – Feeling Unwell (________)
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I wanted to inform you that I’m feeling a bit under the weather today. While it doesn’t seem serious enough to take a sick day, I believe it’s best to rest at home and avoid exposing anyone in the office.
I’d like to request to work from home on [insert date]. I’ll be fully available online, will attend all scheduled meetings, and will continue working on my assigned tasks without delay.
Please let me know if you’re okay with this arrangement.
Thank you for understanding!
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sample 3: WFH Request Due to Newborn Baby Care
Subject: Request to Work from Home – [Insert Date]
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to request to work from home on [insert date], as I need to attend to some urgent care responsibilities for my newborn.
I’ve ensured that my tasks and deadlines are on track, and I will remain fully available throughout the workday via email, Slack, and scheduled meetings. I’ll make sure my work continues uninterrupted and responsive.
I appreciate your understanding and support during this time. Please let me know if you’d like to discuss this further.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Why Writing a Professional Email Matters
Think about it: would you be more likely to approve a vague, one-line request or a well-written message explaining everything clearly? When your email is well-structured and professionally written, it shows respect for your manager’s time and your job responsibilities.
Plus, it reduces the back-and-forth. If you include all the important details up front, your manager won’t need to ask for clarification or more information.
Looking to request something else formally? Whether you’ve finished a training, project, or internship, you might also need to draft a request letter for a completion certificate.
Things to Avoid in Your Email
Even if you’re on good terms with your manager, try to stay professional in written communication. Here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Being vague: “I need to work from home” without explaining why can sound unclear or suspicious.
- Too casual: Avoid slang or overly conversational tone like “Hey! I’m thinking of chillin’ at home tomorrow to get stuff done.”
- Last-minute requests: Try to give at least a day’s notice if possible, unless it’s an emergency.
Final Thoughts
Requesting to work from home doesn’t have to be complicated. When you keep your message clear, respectful, and focused on accountability, your manager is more likely to say yes. Remember, it’s not just about the ask—it’s about showing that you’re still taking your work seriously, even if you’re doing it in sweatpants.
So next time you need a remote work day, use these tips and templates to craft the perfect email. Trust us, your manager will appreciate your professionalism, and you’ll feel more confident about making the request.
Have you ever had to send a work from home request email? What worked for you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Need help with other workplace communication, too? Whether you’re aiming for a raise or looking to take the next step in your career, knowing how to ask the right way is key. Here’s how to write a promotion request letter that gets noticed.
