Occupational stress is considered a serious health issue. It can lead to poor performance at work, less happiness and diverse mental health problems. Stress is one of the common reasons for taking a leave of absence from work. An excuse letter can be written to the employer for absence due to stress if an employee wants to take some time off work or work remotely for a while.
This excuse letter is usually submitted as a formal letter to the boss, supervisor, or human resource department, depending on the company’s requirements.
More than 70% of adults in the United States feel anxiety and stress daily. Employers might provide employee assistance programs to lower stress levels of their employees as it is found helpful, physically and professionally when employees discuss their stresses with trained health specialists.
The FMLA (Family Medical Leave Act) also provides legal protection for stress leaves to employees who have served in that company or organization for more than a year. The HR department can help with the paperwork needed for a stressful leave of absence.
Reasons for Stress
There can be many causes of work stress. Employees have to meet deadlines, which is very stressful for them. Sometimes, extra night shifts are required because of work overload. Another phenomenon defined by excessive computer usage is Technostress, which is caused by the inability to deal with IT technologies in a healthy manner.
Stress doesn’t have to be related to work only, it can be personal, such as related to marital problems, death of a dear one, chronic illness and sometimes it can be due to emotional problems. Stress must not be ignored as it can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, depression, asthma, and obesity.
During a stressful leave, it is advisable not to check work-related emails and messages. Instead, focus on combating stress and staying mentally and physically healthy.
Things to Consider
While writing the letter, the following things must be kept in mind:
- Provide a period of your absence, the duration, and when you would be leaving.
- The employee must be aware of the company’s HR policies regarding the leave summary plan description.
- Provide a brief explanation of the reason for being absent from the office.
- A strategy must be provided for how the job or work responsibilities will be met during your absence.
- If an employee is going to be absent for a longer period, for weeks or months, necessary documentation should be provided to support the request, e.g., a Medical assessment report in case of health-related issues.
- A reassurance of being accessible in case of a work emergency.
Writing the Letter
The letter does not have to include all the details about what the employee is dealing with, but it should give a clear idea of the employee’s stress. It should state the time the employee must be absent from the workplace. The employee should provide the contact details so colleagues can connect when necessary.
Format
- Subject: What the letter is all about.
- Contact Information: Name, Title, Address, contact number, email.
- Date.
- Recipient Information: Name, Title, Company, Address.
- Ask for permission, according to the company policy.
- Offer some compensation. Let the company know you are willing to make up for your absence.
- Avoid writing details of being absent; instead, keep it concise and to the point.
- Complimentary closing: Regards, Sincerely, Respectfully.
- Signature.
Sample Excuse Letter for Absence due to Stress
Mathews Johns
[email protected]
333-2321112132
20th September, 20XX
Subject: Request to take Stress Leave
Dear Mr. James,
I would like to request a 15-day leave of absence from work. My stress levels are too high, and my Doctor has suggested I take some time off.
I would like to leave work from 25th September 20XX to 3rd October 20XX. Meanwhile, if it’s very urgent, I will be reachable by email.
I have attached my Doctor’s recommendation note along with the letter.
Regards,
Mathews Johns
File: Word (.docx) 2007+ and iPad Size 17 Kb | Download
Excuse Letter for Being Absent from Work due to Stress
Elena Godwit
45 SY-90126 SK Apartments
Vancouver, Canada
17th April 20XX
The Directors
Raiyah Pvt. Ltd.
Tokyo Tower, Main Square
Vancouver, Canada
Re. An Excuse for Being Absent due to Stress
Reverend Sir,
This is to inform you that I am the Lead Model at your company under contract from September 20XX to June 20XX. I have been very punctual and dedicated when it comes to my shoots. For now, I need a one-week break from work as I am going through chronic stress. This stress involves low energy, mood swings, headache, upset stomach, and insomnia. Going through these different problems, it has become very difficult for me to appear for all the shoots.
Moreover, a model cannot perform well under acute, chronic stress. The stress affects their looks and their way of working. Insomnia hits me extravagantly and causes other issues to arise, like an unhealthy stomach, chest burns, and headaches. I am visiting a psychiatrist regularly, and she has suggested I take a break from work and pay attention to my psycho-spiritual health.
Sir, I do not want my stress to affect the working quality, and I feel it necessary to take one week off from modelling and shooting. During this time, I shall have enough time to heal myself and relieve stress while going through different therapies and counselling sessions.
I know that the absence of a model to showcase the products may affect a bunch while new campaigns are being launched, but I will present myself with extra hours of work later on my return. I assure you that it will not take more than seven days. Furthermore, I would not mind if you agreed to trim my off-days salary according to the company’s policies.
I hope you understand my need for a break. I would be highly grateful and very glad if you conceded to my request.
Sincerely
(Signature)
File: Word (.docx) 2007+ and iPad Size 22 Kb | Download
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