Resignation Letter Due to Health and Stress Reasons (Plus Tips and Examples)

There are different reasons people resign from a job. Sometimes it's because of health reasons such as anxiety or a stressful work environment. If you're facing stress-induced health problems and thinking of quitting your job, it's important to know how to write a resignation letter that explains your reasons professionally. In this article, we explore some examples of resignation letters due to health and stress reasons, learn how to write such resignation letters and find out how to tender a resignation while maintaining positive work relationships.

The letter models shown are for illustration purposes only, and may require additional formatting to meet accepted standards.

Examples of resignation letters due to health and stress

If you wish to learn how to structure your resignation letter due to health and stress reasons, remember to add or remove details from the examples according to your situation. It's essential to use a professional tone so that you leave on a positive note. Here are some examples of resignation letters you may use:

Resignation due to workplace stress

This is an example of a resignation letter that provides factual details on how a stressful work environment affects the employee's health:

January 27, 2022

Dear Mr. Ibrahim,

I'm writing to inform you that after careful consideration, I've decided to resign from my position. My last day of service is February 28, 2022.

As much as I'd like to continue to grow my career with XYZ Group, the stressful work environment is causing my health to deteriorate. With constant tight deadlines and a huge workload, the job demands are far more than what I can cope with.

I appreciate all the opportunities and guidance you've given me. I'll be available to facilitate a smooth transfer of my current duties.

Sincerely,
Andy Tan

Resignation due to medical advice

In this resignation letter example, the employee uses medical advice to support his reasons for resigning:

January 27, 2022

Dear Mr. Rajan,

This letter is to inform you that I've made the difficult decision to resign from my position. My last day of work is February 28, 2022.

Since the company restructure last year, I've been taking on more work than I can handle. While I'm glad that the company recognises my capabilities, my health has declined rapidly over the past few months due to work stress. After a series of medical checks, my doctor has advised that I stop work to have a good rest.

I'm grateful for all your help at work for the past 10 years. I'll assist in the transitioning of my job duties to my successor.

Sincerely,
Andy Tan

Resignation due to poor health

This resignation letter example cites poor health as the main reason for resignation:

January 27, 2022

Dear Ms. Lim,

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation, which will take effect from February 28, 2022.

Because of my declining health, I can no longer fulfil the work demands of my job role. Therefore, I've decided to stop working in the short term and focus on my recovery.

I'm thankful for the opportunities you've given me. I'll complete my notice period and assist in the transition of my job duties.

Sincerely,
Andy Tan

Related: How to Quit a Job the Right Way with Tips and FAQs

How to write a resignation letter due to health and stress

A resignation letter is a formal document that informs the employer of your decision to leave the company. Regardless of the reasons for resigning, resignation letters usually include information that will prepare employers for your departure. Here are the steps on how to write a resignation letter due to health and stress reasons:

1. State your intent to resign

Start your resignation letter by stating clearly your intention to resign. Here are some examples of what you can write:

• I'm writing to notify you of my intention to resign from my position.

• Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position.

• This letter serves to inform you that I've decided to resign from my position after careful consideration.

2. State your last day

Consider the required notice period and state your last day at work. If you're resigning immediately, be aware of the conditions stated in your employment contract. You can consider these examples:

• My last day of work is February 8, 2022.

• Because of a scheduled major operation this weekend, I can't serve the required notice and my last day will be February 8, 2022.

Related: How to Write an Immediate Resignation Letter (With Example)

3. Explain your reasons

You may choose to explain your health situation and provide reasons for your resignation. If you mention workplace stress, focus on the facts and maintain a neutral tone. Resignation letters aren't for complaints about your employer, supervisor or colleagues. Here are some examples of health and stress reasons you may use:

• Because of mounting workplace stress, my health has deteriorated significantly over the past half a year.

• The job demands of my current position are more than what I can manage and this is causing significant work stress to me.

• Because of my declining health, I can no longer fulfil the demands of the job.

4. Show gratitude

Include a sentence or two showing appreciation for your work opportunities. You may show gratitude to supervisors or colleagues. Doing this will help you maintain positive relationships even after you resign. You may use these examples:

• I'm thankful for all the work and training opportunities given to me.

• I appreciate your guidance and support throughout my time at the company.

• I'm grateful for the chance to collaborate with you and the team.

5. Describe your next steps

Describe how you intend to ensure a smooth transition of your job duties. Offer help to colleagues who are taking over your job duties or state that you're available to help train your successor. Some examples of what you can write are:

• I'll hand over my job duties to the team as soon as there's a transition plan.

• I'll finish my outstanding projects within the next two weeks.

• I'll gladly help to train my successor to ensure a smooth transition.

Related: How to Write a Resignation Letter for a Personal Reason

What to include in a resignation letter due to health and stress reasons

These are the elements to include in your resignation letter due to health and stress reasons:

• date

• address line

• statement of resignation

• last day of work

• reasons for resignation

• expression of appreciation

• follow-up actions

• closing and signature

Related: How to Write a Resignation Letter (With Template, Samples and Tips)

How to tender a resignation due to health and stress reasons

Tendering a resignation is a formal way to let your employer know of your intention to leave the company. You can do this by submitting a resignation letter and having a meeting with your supervisor. If you're resigning because of health and stress reasons, here are the steps you may take to tender your resignation:

1. Meet your supervisor

Before you finalise your decision to resign, it may be a good idea to have a discussion with your supervisor to explore if there are ways to manage your work stress. They may delegate part of your workload to other employees and suggest options such as reduced hours or part-time work. Having this discussion may allow your supervisor to better understand your situation.

Related: Should I Quit My Job? 10 Things to Consider Before Quitting

2. Submit your resignation letter

If you're resigning because of health and stress, you may choose to include the reasons in your resignation letter. Keep a professional tone and stay factual. If you decide not to attribute your resignation decision to work stress, you can mention that you're resigning because of personal reasons. You may also leave out your resignation reasons in the letter and mention that you prefer to discuss the reasons in a meeting instead.

3. Assist with the transition

It's likely that there's a notice period specified in your employment contract when you resign. Ensure that you provide the specific amount of notice unless you have urgent health reasons and require an immediate resignation. Employers may expect you to hand over your current projects to your colleagues or assist in training your successor. Doing your best to ensure a smooth transition reflects your professionalism and may help you maintain positive connections with your colleagues.

4. Complete the required processes

After you resign, your employer may ask you to complete some required processes or submit certain documentation. You may also meet with HR to go through an exit interview. You may mention how work stress has led you to resign and provide constructive criticism for them to improve. Do this tactfully and respectfully so that you leave on a positive note.