Resignation Letter for Health Reasons: What it is and What to consider in Writing?

Employees resign for a variety of reasons, including health concerns. So, if your health issue interferes with your ability to perform your job duties, it may be time to inform your boss of the situation and resign. 

However, due to health issues, this is accomplished through a resignation letter. Your medical doctor may prompt you to resign, or you may realize that continuing to work does more harm than benefit to you and the company. 

A physical letter is preferred when resigning due to health issues, but it can be sent via email in some cases, particularly when the resignation is sudden. 

This article will discuss the relevant information. You should include the steps you can follow in the writing process to assist you in better comprehending how to resign from your job because of health concerns.

What is a Resignation Letter due to Health Issues? 

A resignation letter for health reasons is a formal document that you compose to inform your employer/boss of your decision to leave the position within the organization or company due to health-related issues. The letter is part of the formal resignation procedure. 

When the letter is submitted, it becomes a legally binding document and is placed in the employee’s file. Because health issues can be unexpected, it is acceptable to hand in the letter without prior notice.

What Should You Consider When You Are Writing This Letter?

Depending on the company’s policy and job contractual terms, the resignation process may be subject to particular guidelines. As a result, before writing a letter of resignation due to health issues, you should understand exactly what you’re required to do.

You should also consider the following:

• Determine whether you are qualified for leave benefits or employee wages

Not all health concerns warrant resignation. It is always best to determine whether your medical condition qualifies you for resignation and any applicable healthcare coverage. 

You may be eligible for leave instead of resigning and employee benefits such as sickness benefits or medical costs for specific medical issues depending on your employment contract. 

• Speak with your employer first 

Before resigning, always consult with your boss or human resources. Informing your employer in advance allows them to make the necessary plans for your departure. They can also advise you on the steps you should take to ensure a smooth exit.

• Make an assertion of intent

Because of health issues, you should begin your resignation letter with a statement stating your intention to leave. Because the resignation letter is a formal document, you should get right to the point. 

• Specify the date of your last day of work

Following your job role, you should indicate the date you intend to leave your position. It is important to note that when it comes to resignation letters for health reasons, it is often appropriate to resign with immediate effect. 

• Reason for Leaving 

Just after that, you should state your actual reason for resigning, which in this case is your health issue. There is no need to go into specifics about this. You are free to provide as much personal details as you want. A brief and precise explanation will work just as well as a detailed explanation.

• Thank your employer 

After explaining why you are resigning from your position, include a recognition message for your employer. You can thank them for being a caring boss and enabling you to work in their institution. 

• A highlight of your time there 

The resignation letter for health reasons should include one or two highlights from your experience with the company or institution.

• Indicate your best wishes for the company’s future

The letter for resigning from a position due to health reasons should then be concluded by wishing your coworkers and the company success in their endeavors. 

Writing Tips

Here are several tips to help you craft your resignation letter due to health issues: 

• Use a business letter format for your resignation letter and keep it to one page: It is not necessary to write a lengthy resignation letter.
• It must also include a statement that you intend to resign from your position: Your supervisor or manager must understand that you wish to leave your position.
• In general, it is not necessary to state the reason for resignation: However, because you are leaving for medical reasons, you may want to reveal that you have a health condition that is interfering with your work without going into specifics. 

Explaining your medical condition is dependent on your level of confidence in sharing such details.

• You must write the letter in such a way that your employer does not feel disappointed: The employer must recognize that you have no choice but to leave the job.
• You must specify the date of your last day of employment: Informing your employer of your last day will assist them in planning the tasks in light of your upcoming resignation from the company.
• Express your appreciation to your employer for employing you and providing you with opportunities during your period of employment: You should also thank your coworkers for their assistance in completing your project requirements. 

Even if you are leaving your job for health reasons, leaving on a positive note will make a good impression.

• Offer to help in finding your replacement:  It’s a good idea (though perhaps not required) to offer to help find your replacement or to ensure a smooth transition of your responsibilities to the next person in charge. However, if you are unable to do so due to illness, your employer will understand.
• Please include your most recent contact information (phone number, address, and non-work email): If your employer has any questions about your upcoming tasks, they may need to contact you.
• Finish your letter with a formal signature: “Sincerely yours,” “Respectfully yours,” or “Best regards,” for example.
• If you intend to submit the letter in hard copy to your manager or supervisor, sign it: If you send your resignation notice via email, simply type your name.
• Check your letter for spelling and grammar mistakes: Even though you’re leaving your job, you want to leave on good terms.

Things to Avoid When Writing Your Resignation Letter

Here are a few things to avoid when writing your resignation letter due to health issues:

• Don’t go into specifics about your medical condition: While you may mention your medical condition, you are not required to go into detail in your letter.
• Avoid criticizing your employer: While your workload may have contributed to your current illness, you should address these issues in a separate letter or in-person meeting.
• Avoid expressing emotional feelings: You can express your feelings to your coworkers in person.

Sample and Template 

You can write your resignation letter due to health issues using a template. Templates lay out the essential information you should include in your letter. You can use the sample and templates guide below to help you with your writing process.

Letter #1: Template 

Your Name

Street Address

City, State ZIP Code

Date of the Letter 

Recipient/ Employer Name 

Title 

Name of company of organization

Company Address

Dear (recipient’s last name) 

I’m writing to inform you of my intention to resign. As a result, I’ll be resigning from the position of (your job title) at (company name) on (day, month, year).

I recently received a diagnosis of [your medical condition], which will have an impact on my capacity to carry out my duties and responsibilities at (company name). After much consideration and consultation with my doctor, I’ve decided that it would be in my best interests to resign from my position to allow myself time to recover and receive medical attention from home. I would have loved to continue working for you, but my reduced productivity will cause problems for my coworkers. I understand the level of performance you expect at (company name), and I’m afraid my health condition will prevent me from meeting those standards.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for giving me the chance to work in your company and advance my career. Working for you and interacting with clients and coworkers has given me useful experience. When I first started, I recall how important you were in training and directing me to become the (job title) I am today.

I wish (company name) the best of luck in the future. I look forward to any prospective professional or personal interactions. My phone number is (phone number) and my email address is (email address).

Best regards, 

Signature (hard copy letter only)

Your name 

Letter #2: Resignation with two weeks’ notice 

Your Name

Street Address

City, State ZIP Code

Date of the Letter 

Recipient/ Employer Name 

Title 

Name of company of organization

Company Address

Dear (recipient’s last name) 

I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from my position as (title/position) due to health concerns. This letter serves as my official two-week notice to [name of company].

I was recently diagnosed with (insert illness) and will begin treatment soon. I believe it is in the best interests of the company for me to focus on my recovery.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at (company name) and will miss working with everyone. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Signature (hard copy letter only) 

Your name 

Letter #3: Resignation with Specific Date 

Your Name

Street Address

City, State ZIP Code

Date of the Letter 

Recipient/ Employer Name 

Title 

Name of company of organization

Company Address

Dear (recipient’s last name) 

I am writing to inform you that I am resigning from (position) at (name of company) effective on (date). I’m currently ill, and my doctor advised me to step down from my job so that I can focus on my recovery.

I am grateful to (company name) for providing me with so many opportunities during my stay. I am extremely grateful for the company’s assistance.

Sincerely Yours, 

Signature 

Your name 

Letter #4: Immediate Resignation 

Your Name

Street Address

City, State ZIP Code

Date of the Letter 

Recipient/ Employer Name 

Title 

Name of company of organization

Company Address

Dear (recipient’s last name) 

I am privileged to work for (company name). I’ve been with the company since (the year you started) and have enjoyed my time there.

However, due to my current health condition, I must resign as (title/position) for (company name) effective today, (date). I am not in the best of health to carry out the job duties that are expected of me. My doctor and family advised me to take full-time rest because it was the best option for my current situation.

I’d like to express my gratitude to you and my workmates for all of your help and friendship over the years. This was not an easy choice for me, but I am grateful for the opportunity to work with you.

I eagerly await your positive response on this matter. 

Respectfully Yours, 

Signature

Your name 

Letter #5: Resignation Letter Through Email 

Subject: (full name) Resignation

Dear (name of employer or manager),

Kindly accept this message as formal notice that I am leaving (company name) in the position of (title/position) due to health concerns. My final day will be (date).

I am grateful for the opportunities provided by (name of company) during my time there. It enabled me to grow both professionally and personally. I will greatly help you during this transition.

I wish you and (name of company) the best of luck in your new endeavors. If you have any questions, please contact me at (personal email address) or (phone number).

Best Regards,

Your name 

Final Thoughts 

Deciding to leave your job for health reasons is difficult, but remember that your health must be a priority. Do not regard your resignation as a setback in your professional career.

Here is a summary of some of the suggestions for writing a resignation letter due to health issues:

• Keep your letter of resignation short and simple. 
• Declare your intention to resign and the date of your last day of work.
• Thank your employer for the opportunities they provided you during your time with them.
• If you are at ease, disclose your medical condition.