Sample Resignation Letters (Due to Health Issues)

Health-related issues are among the many reasons employees resign. Therefore, if you find yourself in a position where your health condition impedes your ability to perform your duties at work, it may be time to let your boss know of the situation and resign. This is done through a resignation letter due to health issues. The decision to resign can be initiated by your medical doctor or your realization that continuing with your job does more harm than good to you and the organization. A physical letter for resigning due to health issues is preferred, but it can be sent via email in some cases, especially when the resignation is abrupt.

To further understand how you can go about resigning from your job due to health issues through a letter, this article will address the information you should include and the steps you can follow in the writing process.

A resignation letter is a formal document that you write to notify your employer/boss of your intention to leave the position in the organization or company because you cannot fulfill your employment obligations due to health-related issues. The letter is part of a professional resignation process. Once submitted, the letter becomes an official and legal document and goes into the employee’s file. Since health issues may be abrupt, it is acceptable to hand in the letter without advance notice. 

Pre-Considerations

The resignation process can sometimes be subject to specific guidelines, depending on the company policy and employment contractual terms. Therefore, you should clearly understand what you’re required to do before writing the letter of resignation due to health issues.

In addition, you should consider the following:

Check if you’re eligible for leave benefits or employee’s compensation

Not all health issues qualify you for resignation. It would be best always to ascertain whether your medical condition makes you eligible for resignation and any applicable medical benefits. Depending on your employment contract and the FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), you may be eligible for leave instead of resigning and employee benefits such as disability benefits or medical costs for specific medical issues. This consideration is essential, especially if your work is a high-risk occupation. Sometimes, if the illness can be traced to the working conditions, you may be eligible for compensation to cover your medical expenses.

Speak to your employer first

Always talk to your supervisor or HR first before resigning. Informing your employer beforehand gives them time to make the necessary plans for your exit. They can also direct you on the necessary steps you can take to ensure a smooth exit.

Writing a Resignation Letter

Once you have discussed this with your employer and declared your intention, you can hand them your letter if you have already written one or proceed to create one. The letter should communicate your intention to quit and indicate the reason behind your resignation. This letter is your opportunity to leave the organization professionally and politely.

Below is an extensive guide on how you can organize your letter:

Provide a statement of intent

You should start your letter with a statement that declares your intent to leave. Since the letter is an official document, you should go directly to the point. The statement declares the letter’s purpose from the get-go so that the recipient knows what to expect as they read on.

The name of your job position

The following information you should supply in the letter is the name/title of the position you held in the organization. Again, it is imperative to let your employer and HR know which position will be vacant so that they can begin the recruitment process.

State the date of your last day on the job

After indicating your job title, you should state the date you plan to vacate your position

However, it would be best to give advance notice before resigning, as it gives your employer some time to find a replacement.

You can do so by setting your last day on the job to be a few days or two weeks after sending the letter. Again, the date should be specific and show the day, month, and year when the resignation will occur. Also, do not be surprised if the employer decides to terminate your employment before your preferred last date.

Reason for leaving

Next, you should give the reason(s) for resigning, which is your health issue in this case. You’re not obliged to go into details about this. You can provide as much personal information as you see fit. A brief and precise disclosure will work equally a detailed reason.

Thank your employer 

After clarifying why you are resigning from your post, you should include an appreciation message for your employer. You can thank them for being a supportive boss and allowing you to work in their organization. You should maintain a formal tone in this section, even if you have a personal relationship with your employer.

A highlight of your time there 

The letter should also mention one or two highlights from your tenure with the company or organization.

Mention your good wishes for the future of the company

You should then conclude the letter for resigning from a position due to health issues by wishing your colleagues and the company well in their endeavors. You can invite your employer to keep in touch personally and professionally. In such a case, you can provide your contact information.

Resignation Letter due to Health Issues

You can use a template to write your resignation letter due to health issues. Templates outline the fundamental details you should provide in your letter. Below is a comprehensive template guide you can use in your writing process.

Sample Letters

In this section, free sample letters and emails are offered specifically tailored for those dealing with the challenging task of drafting resignation letters due to health reasons.

Analysis

These resignation letters serve as useful samples for someone seeking guidance on writing their own resignation letter due to several key reasons:

• Clarity and Conciseness: Each letter clearly states the purpose right at the beginning – the individual’s decision to resign. This direct approach is essential in professional communications, particularly in sensitive situations like resignations.
• Professional Tone: Despite the personal nature of the reason (health issues), the writers remain professional, respectful, and straightforward. This balance is crucial to maintaining a positive relationship with the employer and colleagues.
• Inclusion of Essential Details: The letters include all necessary information – the position from which the individual is resigning, the name of the manager or supervisor, the effective date of resignation, and the mention of health reasons—without delving into unnecessary personal details.
• Expression of Gratitude: The writers express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences gained during the employment period. This fosters goodwill and leaves a positive impression, which is beneficial for future professional relationships or references.
• Offer to Assist with the Transition: The willingness of the writers to help with the transition process, such as training a replacement or completing ongoing projects, demonstrates professionalism and responsibility. It shows that the individual is considerate of the company’s needs even while exiting.
• Positive Closing Remarks: The writers conclude on a positive note, expressing hope for future interactions or collaborations. This approach helps in maintaining a good rapport with former employers and colleagues, which can be valuable in one’s professional network.
• Appropriate Formatting and Structure: The structure of these letters follows the conventional format of a formal resignation letter – salutation, body of the letter, and closing with a signature. This format is widely accepted and expected in professional settings.

In summary, these sample letters provide a clear, respectful, and professionally structured template for someone needing to write a resignation letter due to health reasons. They cover all necessary components while ensuring the letter remains succinct and considerate of both the individual’s and the company’s perspectives.

Writing Tips

To improve the effectiveness of your letter in communicating your intention to quit professionally due to health issues, you can incorporate the writing techniques below.

Follow the business letter format

The letter ought to be written in a business letter format. The letter should have a date, header, salutation, body, and a formal closing. You should also sign the letter to authenticate the document and declare that you attest to the information given. By using a business letter format, you are assured that your letter exhibits an acceptable level of professionalism.

Proofread and edit

Since the letter is an official document of the company, it should be free from any grammar, spelling, or typing errors. You should therefore review the letter thoroughly before submitting it.

Organize your facts

When presenting information, you should tie it together into a rational narrative. You can arrange your facts in the order given in this article under “How to write.” Also, you can review other samples of the letters due to health issues. A letter without a logical flow of ideas may be challenging to understand and degrade the professionalism of your letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottom Line

Resigning from your work can be far from what you want, but deterioration in your health may force you to do so anyway. In such circumstances, it is wise that you communicate this to your employer through a formal resignation letter. The amount of detail you include in the letter is all up to you. Some people prefer mentioning the exact medical condition, while others mention they are quitting due to medical issues.
Depending on your medical condition, you can decide to take a leave of absence from work or resign. Minor health issues will often qualify you for medical leave, and you can resume work once you have recovered. However, keep in mind that employers will allow you to be absent from work for a limited time. Therefore, it is imperative to discuss with them to determine the most suitable approach to your situation. On the other hand, serious complications will typically necessitate a permanent solution, which often means resigning.

About This Article

Authored by:

Zhaniece Hill

Human Resources Specialist | Masters of Business, MBA, BAS Operations Management and Supervision

Zhaniece Hill, an accomplished author, and writer, possesses an extensive 9-year journey as a seasoned Human Resources professional. With a Master's degree in Business Administration, Hill's profound insights into human capital management have been shaped by a diverse background spanning public and private sectors. Expertise in talent acquisition, onboarding, employee engagement, and benefits define Hill's remarkable HR acumen. With an unyielding focus on results, Hill's legacy is characterized by innovative HR solutions that elevate employee satisfaction, retention, and overall business performance. Continuously seeking fresh challenges, Zhaniece Hill utilizes her expertise to create a lasting impact in the realm of HR.