When a family emergency pulls you out of work, the message says you are out, when you will send an update and who can pick up urgent work, as in "Hi Dana, a family emergency means I need to leave for the day. Priya Nair has the handoff notes. I'll update you by tonight on tomorrow."
"Family emergency" is enough on its own; who it involves and what happened can wait for a conversation you choose to have, and nobody expects a return date in the first message.
All 12 replies on this page
Type your details in the writer and every reply below fills itself in.
Professional 4
Hi [Manager's name], a family emergency means I need to leave for the day. [Who can cover] has the handoff notes. I'll update you by tonight on tomorrow.
Text
[Manager's name], a family emergency came up this morning and I can't come in. I'll be reachable by text later today and will confirm my plans for the rest of the week.
Text
Family emergency, out [Day out]
Hi [Manager's name],
A family emergency means I won't be able to work on [Day out]. I don't know yet how long I'll need, so I'll confirm by tomorrow morning whether I can be back on [Back on]. [Who can cover] has access to my files and can handle anything time-sensitive.
Thank you,
[Your name]
Email
Out for a family matter
Hi [Manager's name],
I need to step away today to deal with an urgent family matter. My calendar is cleared, and I've let the two clients I was due to speak with know we'll reschedule. I'll keep my phone nearby and send you an update this evening.
Regards,
[Your name]
Email
Warm 4
Hey [Manager's name], I'm dealing with a family emergency and have to be with them today. I'm sorry to drop this on you. I'll let you know when I know more.
Text
Hi [Manager's name], there's an emergency at home with my family and I need the day. Everything due today is already sent. Thanks for understanding, I'll be in touch.
Text
Need today for my family
Hi [Manager's name],
Something serious has come up with my family and I need to be with them today. I'm sorry for the short notice. Nothing on my list is due before Friday, and [Who can cover] knows the status of the launch work. I'll write again once I have a clearer picture.
Thank you,
[Your name]
Email
Family emergency, update tonight
Hi [Manager's name],
I'm handling a family emergency and won't be online for most of today. Thank you in advance for your patience. If something urgent lands, [Who can cover] has agreed to step in. I'll send an update tonight with what I know, including whether I can work tomorrow.
[Your name]
Email
Brief 4
Family emergency, [Manager's name]. I'm out today and will update you tonight.
Text
Hi [Manager's name], family emergency. Out on [Day out], [Who can cover] is covering. More soon.
Text
Out today, family emergency
Hi [Manager's name], I have a family emergency and need today off. I'll update you this evening about tomorrow.
[Your name]
Email
Away [Day out], family matter
Hi [Manager's name], an urgent family matter has me out on [Day out]. [Who can cover] can reach me if needed. I'll confirm my return by [Back on].
[Your name]
Email
What to leave out
Details about the family member or what happened. Share them later, in person, if you want to.
A return date. Promise an update instead, and send it.
Long handover lists. Name one person who can find your files; the rest can wait.
Apologizing for having a family. Thank them for understanding and move on.
Checking email "just in case" all day. Say when you will look, then look only then.
Filling it in
Pick a text if it is sudden and an email if you are leaving mid-day and want a record. Add your manager's first name and, if someone has agreed to cover, their name. Leave the return date empty unless you know it; the messages without one promise an update instead.
Questions people ask
How do I tell my boss I have a family emergency?
Send one short message: you have a family emergency, you are out today, and you will update them by a set time. Add who can pick up urgent work if you know. Leave out the details; a manager does not need them to plan, and you can share more later if you choose.
What if I do not know when I will be back?
Say so, and promise an update instead of a date, such as "I'll update you tonight." Then send that update, even if it only says you need another day. A manager can plan around a known check-in far more easily than around silence.
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Everyone leaving soon
From
Department of Being Elsewhere
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Before you go
The auto reply is one of five things. The other four take about ten minutes and prevent most of the emails you will read when you get back.