In a medical leave of absence letter, an employee formally documents a request for time off from work due to medical or health reasons.
Addressing the employer, the employee states the reason behind his request for absence. Before writing this letter and demanding medical leave, it is very important that an employee knows the company policy in this regard and makes a request accordingly.
In three scenarios, medical leaves can be taken:
- If the employee is sick himself.
- If he has to take Maternity/paternity leave.
- If he has to take care of his parents or other family members.
When requesting medical leave and writing a letter for that purpose, an employee should be considerate about the following, among other things, to increase the chances of the request being accepted.
- Make sure you are eligible for a medical leave.
- Usually, it is better to communicate informally and orally to your employer about your leave before writing a formal letter.
- The medical leave should be applied well before time.
- The employee should be knowledgeable about company policy (so you can request accordingly) and protective laws (so you know your rights).
- The letter should be concise, professional, and convincing.
- Strong justifications should accompany the reasons for the medical leave. Supporting documents such as doctor’s notes may also help.
- If the leave is rejected, the employee should have a plan B. For instance, they could offer work from home or reduce the number of medical leave days, etc.
To make a medical leave letter credible, a medical certificate is usually attached to it.
A medical certificate is a document from a licensed doctor or healthcare professional. The physician who has treated the employee states the employee’s medical conditions and provides evidence of why medical leave is required.
If an employee is not available for work due to health issues, it is always recommended that a medical leave letter be provided to the employer. There are various benefits of providing this document:
- A documented proof is always professional and helpful.
- The employer cannot fire the employee based on allowed absenteeism.
- The employee can use this letter in case of threats of firing from the employer, as law and company policy protect employees for a certain number of off days and state the requirement of payment.
- The letter goes in the employee file, which can be helpful in employee assessment and evaluation rather than being blamed for absence for no reason.
Different companies have different policies regarding medical leave. However, certain general features apply to every company’s policy.
In addition, companies must incorporate laws, such as the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), into their policies.
For instance, a company can offer paid or unpaid medical leave; however, it must offer the number of paid medical leaves stated in the law.
Another example is that the FMLA allows 12 weeks per year of medical leave, and the company must hold the employee’s position for this long. The company cannot terminate the contract if an employee has gone on medical leave without considering the law.
The general policies also include the procedure for applying for medical leave and providing required documents, such as a doctor’s note. These policies are stated in the company’s employee handbook.
Medical Leave Application Letter
Dear Mr. Greg,
I, Watson Smith, want to request a medical leave of two weeks starting from 20th July 2018. I had a sudden appendix operation on 19th July 2018 when I experienced a pain at night and immediately had to get operated.
My doctor has suggested a two-week bed rest, and I will return on August 4th, 20XY. I am attaching my doctor’s note to this letter.
I have communicated to my assistant manager, Mr. Walker John, who will take responsibility for my work and handle the clients until I return to work. If any help is required, I will be available by phone ([555-5555]) or Email ([Email]).
I will be happy to provide any further documents supporting this letter. I would greatly appreciate your consideration in approving my medical leave.
Regards,
Watson Smith
Medical Leave Letter from Doctor
Dear Mr. Smith,
I, Lopez John, am writing this letter to notify you that your employee, Steven Greg, is suffering from a severe viral infection that has affected his throat and nose. His fever has also not come down since yesterday. He is feeling very weak, and the medications will require some time for his recovery.
I want to request that he be granted medical leave for one week starting 25 July 2018. Further, he informed me that he works in HR, which involves him in constant interaction with many people. Mr. Greg is suffering from a contagious disease, and other employees can easily catch it.
I suggest that he return to work when he is completely fine. His follow-up visit on July 30, 20XY, will clarify things. I can provide his assessment report or any other document required for your record. You can contact me or my staff anytime between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday).
Your attention to and approval of this medical leave would be highly appreciated.
Regards,
Lopez John.
Medical Emergency Leave Request Letter
Dear Mr. Meyers,
I, Steven Brown, am writing this letter to request a leave for an emergency in the family. My daughter was playing with her friends at school when she had an accident, and the basketball hit her head. It immediately started bleeding, and the school arranged to take her to the Daycare Hospital.
I was informed about this emergency just 10 minutes ago, around 11:00 a.m. I am sorry for making a leave request on such short notice. Please grant me leave for today, and I will return to work as soon as everything gets under control.
I have asked Mr. Smith John to deal with my clients today and provide you with the details. If you want to contact me, please call me at [CONTACT].
I hope you will consider my emergency and approve my leave for today. I apologize for any inconvenience.
Regards,
Steven Brown.
Long Medical Leave Request Letter
Dear Mr. Brown,
I, Joe Smith, am writing to request medical leave for two months from July 3rd to September 3rd, 20XX.
I have had a complaint of knee pain since last month, but I ignored it. However, when it became unbearable, I went into emergency on 21st June 20XY at 2:00 a.m. After examination, the doctor suggested immediate knee surgery. The doctor has further informed me that after surgery, I will not be able to walk and will be on complete bed rest for two months, which is why I am requesting this medical leave. I am attaching my doctor’s assessment report and prescription with this letter.
I am working on a project that will be completed on June 27, 20XX, so I have booked an appointment for surgery on July 3, 20XX.
I will be available on the phone [555-5555] and by Email [Email]. I have requested my assistant, Mr. Ross Phillips, to fulfill my responsibilities in my absence. I will be in constant touch with him after a week of my surgery.
If you need any more documents, feel free to contact me. I would greatly appreciate your approval of this long medical leave.
Regards,
Joe Smith.
Sick leave letter for one or two days off
- Patient Registration Confirmation Messages
- Excuse Letter for Absence due to Medical Checkup
- Mental Health Letter by Doctor
- Quotation Letter for Medical Services
- Letter to Family about Miscarriage
- Response Letter to Feedback on Improvement in Hospital
- Request Letter for Maternity Leave Extension
- Medical Expense Reimbursement Request Letter
- Letter to a Mother Who Miscarried
- Doctor Recommendation Letter for Bed Rest
- Patient Constructive Feedback Letter for Quality Care Improvement
- Letter to Daughter after Miscarriage
- Pregnancy Bed Rest Letter from Doctor
- Letter of Doctor Authorizing Release of Medical Records
- Warning Letter for Immediate Improvement Required for Professional Healthcare Duties