Crafting the Perfect Post-Super Bowl Work Excuse Email

Touchdown! The Super Bowl is more than just a game; it's practically a national holiday in the United States. As the final whistle blows, and fans nationwide celebrate or commiserate the results, the thought of work the next day can be daunting. You're not alone if you're contemplating sending that carefully worded email to your manager about not being able to make it to work post-Super Bowl. Here’s a guide for a tactful, yet honest email to your boss.

Let’s kick things off with understanding that honesty is the best policy. While it can be tempting to concoct a far-fetched excuse, it often falls apart under scrutiny. So, here’s a template that conveys sincerity and hopes for understanding:

Subject: Request for Time Off Following Super Bowl Sunday

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to discuss the upcoming workday following the Super Bowl, scheduled on [date].

As you may know, the Super Bowl is an event that resonates deeply with many of us, myself included. It's a time when friends and family gather to enjoy the game and partake in what has become a cherished cultural tradition.

This year, considering the significance of the event and the traditions that come with it, I feel compelled to request a day off to recuperate and recharge after what I anticipate to be an eventful evening. Celebrating (or, fingers crossed, not commiserating too heavily) the outcome of the game is important to me, and I wish to be fully present for both the occasion and my commitments at work.

I understand the value of consistency and reliability within our team, and it's not my intention to disrupt our workflow or productivity. To ensure a smooth operation in my absence, I’ve outlined a plan to manage my responsibilities:

• I will complete all time-sensitive tasks ahead of the scheduled day.
• I’ll hand over any urgent matters to [Colleague’s Name], who has agreed to cover for me.
• I’ll be available on my phone for any urgent queries or issues that might arise during that day.
• I’ll resume work on [day after the requested day off], fully ready and committed to tackling the projects on our agenda.

My hope is that with this email, I’m demonstrating my commitment to our team’s success as well as seeking your understanding for a personal request that is very important to me.

Thank you for considering my application for a day off. I genuinely appreciate the flexibility of our company and the understanding you've shown on previous occasions. I'm looking forward to your response and am happy to discuss this further if required.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

Why This Works

This template strikes a balance between a personal request and professional responsibility. It's upfront about the reason for the absence and provides a proactive plan to mitigate any potential impact. Here’s why it’s effective:

Simplicity and Clarity: The message is written in simple and easy-to-understand language, avoiding jargon or convoluted explanations. It sets a clear and respectful tone without being overly casual.

Preparation and Responsibility: Before you press send on that email, showing that you’ve prepared for your absence demonstrates a proactive approach to your responsibilities. Your manager is less likely to be irked if they see you've thought about your workload and have a backup plan.

Respect for the Manager’s Time: The email is concise and to the point. By being considerate of your manager's time, you show respect, which is always good for how your message will be received.

This template can be an excellent baseline, but it’s essential to personalize it to fit your work culture and relationship with your manager. The last thing you want is your email to read as a generic copy-and-paste job from the internet. The goal is to maintain transparency and respect in your professional relationships while looking out for your personal well-being. So, get your email ready, craft it with care, hit send, and then enjoy the big game—may the best team win!