How To Tell Your Boss About A Family Emergency – 8 Tips To Help You

Sudden personal crises can leave us feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed. Let’s discuss the best ways to talk to your boss in such situations.

Key Takeaways

• Briefly explain the situation, especially if it impacts your team.
• Keep it short, but explain the issue and how it affects work.
• Let your boss know how to contact you and promise updates.
• Ask a trusted colleague to cover your work and keep everyone informed.
• If you can’t contact your boss right away, explain professionally.
• Follow company policies and inform everyone.
• Show a doctor’s note or police report if needed.
• Briefly explain the emergency on a call over the phone.

8 Tips For How To Tell Your Boss About A Family Emergency

Consider how your absence from work will affect your team. If it will create a gap, let them know.

If you are friends with your coworker, ask one of them to help and to pass on your message to the team.

Remember, you’re part of a larger group with shared goals at work.

So let’s see some tips for the format of the message sent to your boss telling about a family emergency;

1. Taking Start Of Telling To Your Boss About Emergency:

You need not provide all the tiny details when texting your boss about the emergency.

When explaining your situation, be concise but thorough. Focus on what happened and how it affects your discipline.

Don’t skip any details.

For example: ‘Hi, I’m texting because something just happened. I’ll call you with an update once things settle down.'”

2. Maintain Brevity While Remaining Accurate:

Clearly state the emergency and your next steps. Inform your boss how to reach you and ensure you respond immediately. Avoid exaggerating the situation.

Don’t share personal details; mention that a family member is unwell.

In your message, explain that you’re keeping details private but are updating everyone on the situation.

Example: “I have a personal crisis. I’m fine but won’t be in today. I’ll call you once things settle down.”

3. Share Some Of The Details To Your Boss About Family Emergency:

Let your boss know your situation with some details, so they understand. Explain how work will continue in your absence to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Don’t keep everything to yourself—share the necessary information. If it’s a serious emergency and you’re going to the hospital, inform your boss.

These details will help your colleagues manage better and support you effectively.

For example, “I was in an accident and injured, but the injuries are not life-threatening. I need to go to the hospital.”

4. Refer Your Trusted Coworker For Assigning Work:

When texting your boss, always provide an emergency contact, such as a colleague who can handle your work in your absence.

Inform your boss that you will return as soon as possible and that your colleague will provide updates.

Choose a trusted colleague with whom you can communicate openly. This way, they can keep everyone, including your boss, informed.

Example: “I’ll be updating __, and he/she can provide you with all information.”

5. Ask For Apologies To Your Boss:

Sometimes, you may not be able to contact your boss right away. In such cases, explain the situation later.

Start with an apology, like “I’m sorry I couldn’t reach out immediately. Then, explain the incident, such as “My mother had a medical emergency, and my brothers took her to the hospital.” This approach is professional.

If your absence is noticed, reassure your boss and colleagues once things are under control.

If the day is important, like having a meeting or usually being punctual, try to come in late rather than not at all.

Inform your boss of your late arrival via text or call and explain the situation.

6. Tell Your Boss You Will Not Be Able To Come:

Life throws curveballs sometimes, and you may need time off for illness, family matters, or emergencies.

Check your company’s policy for sick leave or other options. Then, let your manager know what’s happening and when you expect to return.

In urgent situations, most companies have a protocol for how to reach you.

Being clear about who to contact and what to expect shows professionalism.

i.e., “I’ll be updating __, and he/she can provide you with any information you need.”

7. Provide Emergency Verification If Your Boss Requests It:

Most workplaces need verification for absences from work for more than a few days. Check your employee handbook for details.

Depending on your situation, a doctor’s note, police report, or similar document might be needed.

Email a copy to your manager and HR for their records.

Example To Write A Text For How to tell your boss you have a family emergency:

Dear Sir,

It is to state that I want to take an urgent leave of absence because of an emergency in my family. My family just informed me that my sister had an accident. I have to rush to the hospital to take care of her and my family.

Dave will oversee everything in my under. I assure you that I will come back as soon as possible. I will update Dave about everything so that he can tell you.

Please pray for my sister’s health. I will get back to you soon.

8. Call To Tell Your Boss About A Family Emergency If You’re Unsure:

Calling is not the first option, but call him and explain if texting is difficult.

It can confirm emergencies to your boss. Follow up with texts later.

Calling works best for complex situations when typing isn’t enough. Keep calls short and to the point, avoiding too many details.

Conclusion:

In an emergency, it’s important to inform those affected by your absence. Explain the situation and its urgency, and reassure them of your well-being.

This professionalism is appreciated and helps maintain a good relationship. If you’re unsure how to communicate a family emergency, this guide can assist you.

While emergencies are unpredictable, being prepared to inform your boss will give you confidence when the need arises.

Last Updated on 7 months by Usama Ali