Email Templates to Your Boss: 12 Examples (Update, Time Off, Raise)

Professional email templates for communicating with your boss. Learn the right tone, what to include, and best practices for different types of emails.

Tone Guidance

The tone you use when emailing your boss is crucial:

Professional and respectful:

• Use appropriate formality based on your relationship
• Show respect for their time and position
• Be clear and direct
• Avoid being too casual or overly formal

Clear and concise:

• Get to the point quickly
• Provide necessary context
• Include clear call to action
• Respect their time

Appropriate for the situation:

• More formal for important requests (raise, time off)
• Slightly more casual for quick updates (if your relationship allows)
• Professional always, regardless of relationship

When to Use Each Template

Project Update: Use for regular project status updates.

Time Off Request: Use when requesting vacation, sick leave, or personal time.

Raise Request: Use when requesting a salary discussion or raise.

Status Update: Use for brief, informal updates.

Problem/Issue Report: Use when reporting problems or issues that need attention.

Meeting Request: Use when you need to schedule a meeting.

Accomplishment Update: Use to share successes and achievements.

Question/Clarification: Use when you need guidance or have questions.

Feedback Request: Use when you want feedback on your work.

Deadline Extension Request: Use when you need more time on a project.

Resource Request: Use when you need budget, tools, or other resources.

Thank You/Appreciation: Use to express gratitude professionally.

Subject Lines for Emails to Your Boss

Update emails:

• "Project Update - [Project Name]"
• "Status Update - [Topic]"
• "Update - [Achievement]"

Request emails:

• "Time Off Request - [Dates]"
• "Resource Request - [What You Need]"
• "Extension Request - [Project]"

Question emails:

• "Question - [Topic]"
• "Clarification Needed - [Topic]"

Meeting emails:

• "Meeting Request - [Topic]"
• "Re: [Topic] - Discussion"

Best practices:

• Be specific and clear
• Include relevant details (dates, project names)
• Keep it concise
• Make it easy to find in their inbox

Best Practices

• Be concise: Get to the point quickly
• Be clear: State what you need or are asking for
• Be respectful: Show respect for their time and position
• Be professional: Maintain appropriate tone
• Be timely: Send emails at appropriate times

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

• Be too casual or informal
• Write long, rambling emails
• Send emails at inappropriate times
• Be vague about what you need
• Forget to include necessary context

Do:

• Be professional and respectful
• Keep emails concise
• Be clear about what you need
• Include necessary context
• Send at appropriate times

Best Practices

• Respect their time: Keep emails brief and to the point
• Be professional: Maintain appropriate tone and formality
• Be clear: State your purpose and what you need

Related Resources

For more guidance on professional email communication:

• Sick Day Email - Templates for sick day notifications
• Resignation Email - Templates for resignations
• Professional Email Templates - Browse all professional templates
• Inbox Zero Guide - Learn email management strategies
• Be timely: Send emails at appropriate times
• Follow up appropriately: Don't over-follow-up on non-urgent matters