A resignation letter due to health and stress lets an employee notify their employer of their plans to resign due to an illness or work-related pressure. The employee explains their inability to continue their job duties and their decision to resign. This document lets them focus on a smooth transition and facilitates a respectful resignation, allowing the employee to prioritize their health and leave on a professional note.
How to Write a Resignation Letter Due to Health & Stress
Discover the key steps to write a compassionate and professional resignation letter due to health and stress. Address your need to step away from work due to illness, burnout, or anxiety and maintain a positive connection with your employer.
1. Date of Letter
Include the date of your letter to establish the official submission date of your resignation and confirm that you adhered to your employer’s preferred notice period. This compliance may also keep the door open for a potential return, should your employer’s policies allow for reemployment in the future.
2. Address & Salutation
In your letter’s header, include the employer’s name and contact information and the company’s name. Begin the letter with a salutation such as “Dear Recipient’s Name.”
Include Your Contact Information
Include your name, email address, phone number, and mailing address at the top of your letter. These details help the employer confirm the letter’s sender and reach you if they need to follow up.
3. Resignation Statement
Be transparent with the recipient by clearly stating the letter’s purpose in your opening paragraph. Use a concise sentence, such as “This letter is my formal notice that I’m resigning from my position.”
State the amount of notice you’re providing. If you cannot give advance notice, state that your resignation is immediate.
Provide Notice If Possible
Provide notice, if possible, to show professional courtesy. The standard notice period is two weeks.
4. Reasons for Resigning
State your reasons for resigning. While you don’t owe your employer an explanation, it can help them understand your reasons for departing. If you cite workplace stress as a reason for your departure, remain objective. If you have personal health concerns that will prevent you from performing your work to a high standard, give a brief explanation.
5. Offer to Assist
If you provide enough notice, offer your assistance to the company. This gesture helps your team handle changes effortlessly after you leave. For example, you can offer to document your workflow processes for new hires to reference later. You can also volunteer to train newer employees or finish specific projects you’ve been working on.
Be as specific as possible in your next steps so your employer can see your efforts to assist with the transition process.
6. Expression of Gratitude
Express gratitude and appreciation for the professional experiences and opportunities your employer has given you. Doing so enables you to recognize the support you’ve received, maintain professionalism, and strengthen future relationships if you later return.
7. Closing Statement & Signature
Wish the company well and reiterate your gratitude for the experiences you’ve had. Finish the letter with a valediction like “Warm regards” and sign your name.
Examples of Resignation Letters Due to Health & Stress
Review three examples of resignation letters crafted to address health and stress to better navigate a challenging situation productively.
Example 1 – Immediate Resignation Letter Due to Work-Related Stress
Here’s an example of a letter from an employee who’s leaving a job immediately because of stress from their job:
Corey Smith
456 Montrose Lane
Brookside, NJ 07920
(973) 555-7890
[email protected]November 4, 2024
Elizabeth Parker
Director of Music Education
Brookside Music Academy
789 Melody Drive
Brookside, NJ 07920Dear Elizabeth Parker,
Please accept this letter as my notice of resignation from my position as Piano Instructor at Brookside Music Academy, effective immediately.
After much reflection, I’ve decided that I must step down due to the increasing demands of my role. The workload has become overwhelming, as I’m assigned a high volume of students without sufficient support staff to assist with essential tasks like communicating with parents regarding lesson plans and student progress. These factors have created a level of work-related stress, making it difficult for me to continue effectively in my role.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to teach at Brookside Music Academy and for the trust you have placed in me to help shape students’ musical journeys. It has been a privilege to work with such talented students, and I value the experiences I’ve had here.
Thank you for your understanding. I wish Brookside Music Academy continued success in fostering a love of music in young students.
Sincerely,
Corey Smith
Example 2 – Resignation Letter Due to Illness
Here’s an example of a health reasons resignation letter:
Lucille Johns
789 Riverbend Trail
Clearwater, WY 82003
(307) 555-6789
[email protected]November 4, 2024
Steven Lawson
Chief Park Ranger
Clearwater State Park
123 Wilderness Drive
Clearwater, WY 82003Dear Steven Lawson,
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from Park Ranger at Clearwater State Park, effective November 18, 2024.
After careful consideration, I’ve decided to step down from my position due to various health-related reasons. Some of my health issues include chronic hip and knee pain, which have made it difficult for me to perform my duties. Prioritizing my health is essential at this time, and I feel it is best to focus on my well-being.
I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences I’ve had at Clearwater State Park and for the opportunity to work alongside such a motivated team. I’ve learned so much under your guidance, and I’ll always value my time spent protecting and maintaining this beautiful area.
During the next two weeks, I’m fully committed to assisting with the handover of my responsibilities. If there’s any further help I can provide after my departure, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or (307) 555-6789.
Thank you once again for the support and opportunities. I wish you and the entire team at Clearwater State Park continued success.
Warm regards,
Lucille Johns
Example 3 – Resignation Letter Due to Mental Health Challenges
Here’s an example of a resignation letter from an employee choosing to resign to manage their mental health:
Patrick Kirtland
123 Oakwood Drive
Springfield, IL 62701
(217) 555-1234
[email protected]November 4, 2024
James Anderson
Operations Manager
Evergreen Memorial Services
456 Memorial Lane
Springfield, IL 62702Dear James Anderson,
I’m writing to formally submit my resignation from my role as Funeral Director at Evergreen Memorial Services, effective November 18, 2024.
After much consideration, I’ve decided to step down to focus on my mental health. Managing my anxiety and depression has become essential, and I need to focus on my stress management and recovery.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had at Evergreen Memorial Services. The experience, support, and mentorship I received here have been invaluable, and I’m deeply appreciative of my time with such a dedicated team.
I’m committed to a smooth transition and will ensure my responsibilities are appropriately handed over. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or (217) 555-1234 if I can assist in any way after my departure.
Thank you again for everything. I wish Evergreen Memorial Services continued success in the future.
Warm regards,
Patrick Kirtland
Tips for Writing Your Resignation Letter Due to Health & Stress
Here are some tips to follow when you write a letter to resign due to health and stress:
Do's
- Stay professional.
- Be positive or stay neutral.
- Offer to help with the transition (if possible).
- Be brief when providing your reasons for leaving.
- Proofread your letter before submitting it.
Sample Resignation Letter Due to Health & Stress
Download a sample resignation letter due to health and stress. Template available in PDF and Word formats:
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Quit My Job Because of Stress?
Your decision on whether to quit a job due to stress depends on the severity of its impact on your health and well-being. If job-related stress affects your mental and physical health and efforts to resolve it with HR or management intervention haven’t helped, resignation may be best.
However, consider options like taking time off, reducing your workload, and seeking additional support before finalizing your decision.
Is Stress a Valid Reason to Resign?
Yes, stress can be a valid reason to resign, particularly if it’s affecting your health, productivity, or quality of life. Because of the burnout and physical and mental health impacts stress can have, employers typically recognize it as a legitimate reason for resignation.
Can I Quit My Job Immediately Because of Stress?
Yes, you can technically quit most jobs immediately because of stress, as long as you didn’t commit to a legal contract that requires notice before your resignation.
Although you can quit immediately due to stress, you should provide notice if possible. Give as much notice as possible to maintain a positive professional relationship and qualify for benefits upon departure.
How Do I Resign Due to Unforeseen Health Issues?
If you need to resign due to a sudden decline in physical health, you can inform your supervisor (or your company’s HR department) and write a resignation letter.
In most cases, you don’t need to provide a doctor’s note. However, medical professionals may need to grant notes to employees who:
- take leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- intend to reapply at the same company in the future
- apply for disability benefits for insurance coverage
- be eligible for certain benefits under company policy