best excuses to work from home

3 min read 17-12-2024

Working from home (WFH) offers numerous benefits: increased productivity, better work-life balance, and fewer distractions. But sometimes, convincing your boss requires a little creativity. This guide explores the best excuses to work from home, categorized for various situations. Remember, honesty is usually the best policy, but a little strategic framing can go a long way.

Legitimate Reasons to Work From Home

These are the most straightforward and often accepted reasons for requesting a WFH day. Use these when you have a genuine need.

Unexpected Home Maintenance

Plumbing issues: A burst pipe or malfunctioning toilet is a strong contender. The disruption is significant, and it's difficult to focus on work amidst such chaos.
Unexpected repairs: A sudden power outage or HVAC failure necessitates staying home to oversee repairs.
Delivery requiring your signature: While seemingly minor, if you're expecting an important package (furniture, appliance, etc.) that needs your signature, it justifies a WFH request.

Personal Appointments & Errands

Doctor's appointment: A routine checkup or specialist visit is easily understood. Ensure the appointment is actually scheduled.
Important personal errands: If you have a time-sensitive task requiring your presence (e.g., picking up a prescription, attending to a family matter), it's a valid reason. Be mindful of how frequently you use this excuse.

Weather-Related Issues

Severe weather: Heavy snow, ice storms, or severe flooding make commuting dangerous and unreliable. Check your local news for confirmation.
Unexpected weather: A sudden downpour or unexpected road closure can impact your commute. Be prepared to provide evidence if questioned (e.g., a photo of flooded streets).

Strategic Excuses (Use Sparingly)

These excuses require more finesse and should be used judiciously to avoid raising suspicion.

Mental Health Day

While not always explicitly stated, suggesting you need a day for self-care is increasingly accepted. Frame it around needing to recharge and improve focus, rather than simply wanting a day off. The line between mental health and needing a "day off" can be blurry, but the former is more likely to be received positively.

Overwhelming Workload

Ironically, claiming you need to WFH because of a heavy workload can be effective. Explain that you need to focus without distractions to meet deadlines. This implicitly suggests you’re a responsible and dedicated employee.

Internet/Technology Issues (Use Carefully)

While a valid reason, avoid using this excuse repeatedly. If your internet consistently has issues, addressing the underlying problem is crucial. For a one-off, a sudden outage or malfunctioning computer can be used strategically.

Excuses to Avoid

Some excuses are less believable and could damage your credibility. Avoid these:

Vague excuses: "I don't feel well" is too general and can be interpreted as lacking responsibility. Be specific if you're genuinely unwell (e.g., "I woke up with a migraine and need to stay home to manage it").
Frequent requests: Repeated WFH requests without legitimate reasons can raise concerns about your commitment and work ethic.
Fabricated emergencies: Making up emergencies is risky and unethical. It can severely damage your professional reputation.

How to Ask for a Work From Home Day

Be professional and polite: Frame your request as a benefit to your productivity.
Provide a brief explanation: Keep your explanation concise and relevant.
Offer solutions: Suggest alternative arrangements if necessary (e.g., "I'll be available via email and phone throughout the day").
Follow up: Confirm your availability and let your boss know how the day went.

The Bottom Line: Honesty and Professionalism

Ultimately, the best excuse to work from home is one that's honest and presented professionally. While strategic framing can be helpful, building trust and maintaining a positive working relationship with your boss is more important in the long run. Establish a track record of reliability and productivity, and you'll have more leeway in requesting WFH days. Use these suggestions wisely and responsibly.