Work From Home Request Email: 6 Best Practices to Follow

As more people and companies realise the advantages of flexible work schedules, working from home is gaining popularity in today’s workplace. Did you know that 98% of workers prefer to work from home at least occasionally? If you are considering a switch, a well-written work from home request email can help you.  As workplace norms evolve and it becomes apparent that efficiency and involvement may flourish outside of traditional workplaces, WFH choices are becoming increasingly significant. Achieving the optimal work-life balance now requires this flexibility more than it did in the past.

Employees often send a formal work from home request email to formalise WFH arrangements. Such requests specify the justifications, expected time frame, and anticipated work outputs, providing clarity and documentation for both parties. This blog will teach you how to write a professional and successful work from home request email. For more information, continue reading!

Why You Might Need a Work from Home Request Email

Employees and organisations both benefit from a work from home request email. Two benefits of working remotely are reduced travel expenses and better work-life balance, which usually leads to higher output and greater job satisfaction. 

• Companies that permit WFH can benefit from lower overhead expenses, higher staff retention, and more goal-oriented, focused work.
• Employees could request WFH arrangements for several reasons, such as improved responsibility management, family duties, or health concerns. By establishing these requests within an email, supervisors can better understand their employees’ demands and evaluate the impact on work schedules. 
• A WFH request email can also set clear guidelines and expectations for work hours, availability, and accountability.
• Practical work from home request emails expedite the approval process and enable managers to make well-informed decisions that meet team and employee needs. 
• To make it easier for the employer to review and approve their request, employees can state how they plan to stay connected and productive and provide the reasons and expected results.

Key Elements of a Work from Home Request Email

Writing a work from home request email requires professionalism, clarity, and conciseness. The following are the essential components:

1. Subject Line Tips

Ensure your subject line is clear and concise. Well-crafted work from home request email helps your manager quickly understand the purpose of your communication. For example:

Request to Work from Home on [Date]”

2. Addressing the Manager

Begin by addressing the manager respectfully. Maintain a professional tone throughout the email to demonstrate that you take the request seriously. For example

“This letter is an official request to the manager for permission to transition to a regular work from home schedule. This change will improve my work-life balance, productivity, and overall performance. I propose working remotely on [specific days] of the week, with [number of days] as my preferred schedule.”

3. Main Body Content

You can frame WFH request mail-in in practical ways. Here’s an example:

Dear Elsa,
The results of my recent X-ray confirm a tibia fracture that will likely require surgery soon. Consequently, I won’t be able to bear weight on it for some time. I kindly request permission to work from home until I recover enough to walk and drive without difficulty.
I understand the importance of our weekly customer meetings and am committed to continuing my presentation duties via video conferencing software.
Thank you for considering my circumstances in advance.
Sincerely,
John

Writing the Perfect Work from Home Request Email for Different Situations

Working from home has become flexible for many employees, but submitting a well-structured application for work from home is essential. Below are examples of how to phrase WFH requests for various situations:

1. Requesting Due to Personal Reasons

When writing a work from home request mail for personal reasons, maintain professionalism while respecting your privacy. Explain the necessity briefly, ensuring your employer understands the need without unnecessary details. Provide a suggested schedule and express your confidence in meeting deadlines.

Sample Line: 

Dear Manager

“I’m requesting to work remotely for the following [certain amount of time] due to short-term personal obligations. I’ll fulfil all obligations and due dates and always be available for meetings and communication.“

2. Request for WFH Due to Health Reasons

Transparency is key when requesting WFH for health reasons. In your work from home request email, clearly explain the situation while assuring your manager that your productivity will remain unaffected. Emphasize your commitment to fulfilling your responsibilities while working remotely.

Sample Line: 

“I’m currently managing a temporary health issue, and working remotely would be more convenient. I assure you that I’ll remain committed to my duties and available for meetings and assignments.”

3. Work from Home Request Email for Childcare Requirements

When writing a work from home request email due to childcare, outline your plan for maintaining productivity. Include the start and end dates of the arrangement and reassure your employer that your work output will remain consistent throughout.

Sample Line:

“I need to handle childcare duties that require a temporary work from home arrangement from [start date] to [end date]. I’ve got everything I need to complete my tasks and ensure my workflow doesn’t get interrupted. I appreciate you giving my request some thought. Please let me know whether you want to continue the chat or require any other information.“

Common Issues to Avoid in a Home-Based Email

Since email is the primary means of communication with clients, bosses, and coworkers, it is essential when working from home. It is necessary to be professional when sending emails from home while being clear and concise. However, frequent errors can make emails less successful by causing misunderstandings, uncertainty, or a lack of clarity.

Work from Home Request Email Templates

Employees can request permission to work remotely by sending an official “Work from Home” request email for a set amount of time. Usually addressed to managers or supervisors, these requests should be competent, polite, and straightforward. The email should emphasise the purpose of the request, the planned dates, and any required information about responsibilities at work. Here are some of the work from home request email templates mentioned below:-

1. Single-Day Work from Home Request

Sometimes, employees need to work remotely for a day due to personal commitments, such as urgent tasks or medical appointments. Here’s a sample work from home request email for such situations.

• Situation Example: You have a doctor’s appointment and must remain home.
• Subject: Requesting to Work on [Date] from Home
• Template:

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope everything is going well on your end. I want to work from home on [specified day] for [short reasons, like going to the doctor, which requires me to stay home].

I reassure you that I will complete all tasks assigned to me. Please inform me of any special requirements or deliverables for that day, and I will prioritise them.

Thank you for reviewing my request. Please let me know if you need any other information.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

2. Indefinite Work from Home Request

Employees might request indefinite work from home arrangements for continuous medical treatment or personal reasons. Here is a template to help you convey such a request properly.

• Situation example: You are unsure when you will be prepared to resume work because you are still recovering from surgery.
• Subject: The Permission to Work From Home Constantly for Health-Related Reasons
• Template:

Dear [Manager’s Name],

You must be doing well. Please allow me to work from home for as long as I wish, beginning on [start date], since I wanted to update you on my present circumstances. This request is being made because of [short explanation, such as my inability to commute due to post-surgery recovery].

To discuss priorities and advancements, I’ll ensure it doesn’t get in the way of my work and stay in regular contact. Once my health is more apparent, I will also provide you with an update on it and when I plan on returning to work.

Thank you for acknowledging my situation. Tell me if you would want to discuss this further.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

3. Example of a Work from Home Request in Family Matters

Sometimes, an employee may need to work from home for a while due to personal family issues. Here is a template for requesting permission to work remotely under such circumstances.

• Situation Example: To care for a sick family member, you must remain home.
• Subject: Request to Work from Home Because of Family Responsibilities
• Template:

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Due to personal circumstances, I am requesting temporary authorisation to work from home beginning on [start date]. [Shortly describe, for example, that I must take care of and support a family member who is ill.]

I promise to continue being dedicated to my work obligations and to maintain my availability and output. Please inform me so that I can proactively address any unique expectations or changes that could be necessary.

Thank you for your understanding and support. I appreciate you looking into my request.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

4. Follow up on the Request to Work from Home

Sometimes, following up on a prior request for work from home may be necessary to confirm approval. Below is a template for follow-up emails.

• Situation Example: The email you sent out making the initial request has not been answered.
• Template:

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope you are well enough to receive my communication. Regarding my previous email of [date], I wanted to enquire further about my request to work from home on [specific day/indefinite period/family considerations].

Despite your hectic schedule, I would like to know how my request progresses. Please let me know if you want to discuss the topic in greater detail or need more information.

Thank you for your time and patience. I’m looking for a response from you shortly.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Balance Your Work Routine From Home

A practical work from home request email can foster professionalism and trust by outlining clear expectations for you and your company. Supervisors are more likely to approve you if you give them a clear picture of your availability and work schedule. Maintaining a polite and professional tone throughout the email highlights your commitment to and compliance with corporate regulations.

Using the provided templates and guidance, you can easily craft a simple work from home request email that aligns with corporate policies while clearly and concisely expressing your needs. Leverage these resources to create effective WFH requests that balance organizational objectives with the flexibility you require.

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQs)