How to Request Remote Work for One Day

A one-day WFH request should be quick and simple — just give a brief reason, confirm you'll be available, and make it easy for your manager to say yes. Copy this template:

Original Message

Can I work from home on Thursday? I just need to be home that day.

Professional Version

Hi [Manager's Name],

I'd like to request to work from home this [day], [date].

I have [brief reason — a delivery/contractor/appointment/etc.] that requires me to be at home that day. I'll be fully available during normal hours, with all meetings attended remotely as usual.

My work for the day will include [what you'll be working on], and there's no in-person activity that would be affected.

Please let me know if this works.

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Polite Version

Hi [Name],

Would it be okay if I worked from home on [day, date]? I have [brief reason] and being at home that day would make a big difference.

I'll be available all day as normal and there's nothing in-person scheduled that I'd need to rearrange.

Let me know if that's all right — happy to chat if easier!

Thanks,
[Your Name]

Firm Version

Hi [Name],

Please can I work remotely on [day, date] due to [brief reason]? I'll be fully available and all meetings can be attended via [Zoom/Teams].

Thanks,
[Your Name]

When to Use This Template

When you have a home appointment, delivery, or situation that requires you to be present
When you need a focused day without office interruptions for a specific deadline
In a workplace where hybrid work isn't standard and one-off requests need approval

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Over-explaining or over-justifying: A brief, confident reason is enough. Lengthy explanations signal that you feel guilty — which creates doubt.

Asking more than a day or two in advance without confirming: For a one-day request, two days' notice is usually fine. Asking two weeks ahead for a one-day WFH can seem like you're treating it as more significant than it is.