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

note

When it comes to letters due to health issues, it is often acceptable to resign with immediate effect.

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.

template

[Your name]
[Street Address]
[City, state zip code]

 [Date of the letter]

 [Recipient/Employer name]
[Title]
[Name of company/organization]
[Company address]

[City, state, zip code]

 Dear Mr or Ms or Mrs [recipient’s last name],

With deep regret, I’m notifying you of my intent to resign. Therefore, I’ll be stepping down from the rank of [your job title] at [company name] effective from [day, month, year].

I recently got diagnosed with [your medical condition] that will affect my ability to perform my duties and responsibilities at [company name]. After much thought and consultations with my physician, I’ve decided that it would be in my best interest to resign from my post to give myself time to recover and receive medical care from home. I would have loved to continue working for you, but my decreased productivity will inconvenience my colleagues at work. I know the level of performance you demand at [company name], and I’m afraid I can no longer meet those expectations with my medical condition.

I take this great opportunity to thank you for giving me a chance to work in your organization to further polish my career. I’ve gained invaluable experience working for you and interacting with colleagues and clients. When I first joined, I remember the vital role in training me and guiding me to become the [job title] I am today.

I wish [company name] all the best in the future. I look forward to any future interactions on a professional or personal level. My contact details are [phone number] or [email address].

Best regards [or any other complimentary close],

[Signature] 

Thank you for pointing that out. Let’s include fictitious names and details in the resignation letters and email.

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.

Sample Resignation Letter 1

Dear Mr. James Holden,

I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as Senior Marketing Analyst at Atlas Enterprises, effective December 15, 20XX. This decision has not been an easy one, but due to ongoing health issues, I find it necessary to prioritize my health and well-being.

Over the past three years, I have immensely enjoyed and appreciated the opportunities I’ve had to contribute to the team and grow professionally. I am grateful for the support and understanding from you and my colleagues during my time here.

I assure you of my commitment to ensuring a smooth transition. I am willing to assist in any way possible during my remaining time, including training a replacement or helping to redistribute my responsibilities.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to be a part of Atlas Enterprises. I hope to maintain our professional relationship in the future.

Sincerely,

Laura Smith

Sample Resignation Letter 2

Dear Ms. Angela Martinez,

I am writing to formally announce my resignation from my role as Project Coordinator at Bright Horizons, effective January 5, 20XX. After careful consideration, I have decided to step down due to personal health concerns that require my immediate and full attention.

During my tenure, I have been fortunate to work on inspiring projects with a fantastic team. I want to express my heartfelt thanks for the opportunities for professional and personal development that you have provided me during my time at Bright Horizons.

Please be assured of my full cooperation in the transition process. I will do everything possible to complete my current projects and brief my successor to ensure a seamless transition.

I appreciate your understanding and support regarding my decision. I have valued my time at Bright Horizons and am hopeful for a future opportunity to collaborate again.

Best regards,

Ethan Taylor

Sample Resignation Letter 2

Subject: Resignation Notice – Effective February 28, 20XX

Dear Dr. Emily Wright,

I am writing to inform you of my resignation from my position as Research Analyst at Greenfield Labs, effective February 28, 2024. This decision comes after much deliberation and due to recent health challenges that necessitate my full focus.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Greenfield Labs and am particularly proud of the work we have done in the environmental research department. Working under your leadership has been a highly enriching experience, and I am grateful for the support and opportunities I have received.

I am committed to a smooth transition and will work diligently over the next month to wrap up my duties and assist in handing over my responsibilities to a colleague or a new hire.

Thank you for your understanding and support. I hope to keep in touch and perhaps cross paths professionally again in the future.

Warm regards,

Michael Johnson

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

Should you write a resignation letter?

Yes. You should write a resignation letter to attest to this fact whenever you resign from any profession due to health issues. While it may not be mandatory in the organization, it is considered the most professional thing. In addition, this helps in maintaining professional relationships, which can be valuable later on in your job search after recovering. Also, records are important in any organization; a resignation becomes part of its record as your official notice of resignation to your employer

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

Zhaniece Hill
Authored by:
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.

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