Excuse Letter / Note (Examples)

An Excuse Letter or Note is a document written with the intent of excusing someone from work or school and explaining their absence. Excuse letters and notes are a good way of explaining your absence when you must miss work, school, a meeting, or any other scheduled activity. Excuse letters for work are generally formal letters or emails. Excuses for school can be simple handwritten notes. In each case, the excuse should have the date or dates of absence and the reason for the absence.

It’s always a good idea to write an excuse letter or email, even though your workplace may not require it. This is especially true if you must miss an extended period of time for jury duty, a medical procedure, or another reason. Note that many schools and workplaces require documentation from a doctor or other qualified individual if you are absent for more than a day or two.

An excuse letter for missing work should be formal. Write your letter in a professional tone and in the same format as other professional letters. An excuse note for your child can be simple and handwritten. Make sure you know the policy at the company or school for reporting absences. You will likely need to call or email the day you or your child will be absent.

What to Include in an Excuse Letter or Note

These are the important elements in any excuse letter or note:

• Name of absent person
• Date(s) of absence
• Reason for absence
• Any documentation required
• Contact name and information (for verification if a child misses school)

If you are missing work for more than a day, you might include ways you can be contacted if you are needed while you are absent.

Important: When you miss work, you might be able to help by asking your coworkers to take some of your workload. Another way you can help is to offer to work an extra hour or two to complete projects when you return. If you are planning an absence, take care of these things before you leave.

Key Points:

• Know the attendance policy before missing work or school
• Include the date(s) and reason for missing work or school
• Include contact information
• Offer to help if possible
• Enclose any required documentation of illness or other reason for absence if required