Sometimes you just need to leave early from work but are concerned that your supervisor or boss will object.
Both the management and staff benefit from a professional relationship of trust and reciprocity. Rather than requesting a list of excuses to avoid work, simply explain your situation to one’s boss and ask for feedback or suggestions. Managers can tell when you’re making excuses (lying) or if you have a legitimate reason, so honesty is the best policy. Here are the Top 11 Excuses to leave work early.
Read further to know more.
Legit Excuses to leave work early
1. A Stomachache
You’ll have no problem leaving work early if you combine an upset stomach with the mention of ‘bathroom troubles.’
Employers will typically fire you if you mention bathroom issues, so inform your boss that you will be leaving for the day.
2. Must run errands
Banks remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You’ll have to leave work early if you need to go to the bank or run general daily chores like going back a package. They are not open on weekends or after 5 p.m.
If you must go into greater detail, provide an example of a hard closure time of 5 p.m. That way, you’ll have an apparent reason for leaving before the present time.
3. Physical exhaustion
Only if you had a long day and a streak of excellent power can you tell your manager that you’d like to go home because you’re exhausted and need rest for the next day. As it may appear unprofessional if stated without being true. However, make sure you only do this after a solid performance campaign.
4. Planning for the important meeting the following day
If you have a lot of meetings the next day or are planning an event on behalf of the company, it’s fine to leave early a week before, saying, “I’m going home presently because Wednesday is going to belong.”
5. Consultation with a doctor
Visiting a medical professional or physician can be a valid reason to leave work early. Understandably, medical appointments can only be made during regular business hours.
If you have a medical appointment on that day, it is best to prearrange with your boss that you might come in early or stay late to complete the work for the day.
You and your boss can talk about possible solutions.
Early notification of these dates (Medical appointments) can assist you, and your boss is preparing for your absence and ensuring that all required work is completed on time.
This is particularly true if you have regular medical appointments.
6. Unexpected visit from relatives
You can use this rationale if your parents and grandparents are visiting from out of town and you need to be present to welcome them.
Use this reason with caution.
If this happens each week, something is wrong, and your boss will be furious.
7. Working from home.
With many companies adopting hybrid work arrangements, it is generally acceptable to change your working atmosphere.
You can inform your boss that you are working from home and leaving the office early.
Because remote working arrangements are built on trust, you should continue working from home and not abusive behaviour the trust that has been bestowed upon you.
Unfortunately, this applies only if your job can be performed digitally and your company permits it.
8. Client meetings for business purposes
Business networking activities, such as attending local chamber of commerce meetings, trade shows, or conventions, are critical if your employer values networking with potential business partners.
9. Attending a family gathering
For understandable reasons, this is one of the many excuses to leave the office early that are rarely used. Attending a family member’s wedding ceremony, on the other hand, is a great reason to leave early.
This is particularly true if you mention how far you have to travel to the venue.
10. Unknown Emergency
This is a great reason to leave work early if you can fake urgency. Look at your phone or set one’s alarm and exit the room.
Return and explain that you’ve received an urgent text/call and must leave immediately to deal with the situation. Make sure you have an explanation ready for your next meeting with your boss.
11. Workplace injuries
Accidents do occur. If you are injured at work, you should notify your manager or boss so that appropriate action can be taken.
If your injury requires you to sleep at home or see a physician, your employer will most likely request that you leave work early to rest.
Common workplace injuries include:
- Slipping, tripping, and falling
- Sprained ankle
- Strains in the muscles
- Injury to the knee
- Elbow pain from tennis
- Collisions and crashes
- Lacerations and cuts
- Toxic fumes inhalation
If the condition persists and your doctor advises you to rest, it is in your best interest to take sick leave until you have recovered or as directed by your doctor.
Conclusion
As can be seen, family medical emergencies, unexpected family deaths, illnesses, and childcare are all valid reasons to leave work early. You should put your family’s health and well-being ahead of your job.
Try to have your job covered as a professional courtesy before approaching your boss. Provide a brief explanation without going into detail.
You must have a valid reason for leaving work to avoid getting in trouble. Your boss may try to prevent you from going home early and may terminate your employment if you leave early without permission.
