Resignation Letter Due to Health and Stress: With Examples

Updated 26 May 2023

If you're suffering from mental or physical health issues and finding it difficult to meet the expectations of your job, you may want to resign. Writing a resignation letter can be a healthy step to take, and it's a professional courtesy to the business you're working for, allowing them to take action to fill your position. Knowing how to write this type of letter can make the situation easier and help you leave an employer with a positive relationship. In this article, we explain what a resignation letter due to health and stress is, outline what information to include and offer some examples.

What is a resignation letter due to health and stress?

A resignation letter due to health and stress is a professional document that outlines your decision to resign from your current position because of mental or physical health-related issues.

Typically, you hand this document in after you've already indicated to management or human resources (HR) that you intend to resign. As a professional courtesy, it's advisable to warn your manager informally before you hand in your letter of resignation, giving them time to prepare the appropriate formal documentation.

Why is it important to write a letter of resignation?

When you make the decision to resign from your job, the professional course of action is to inform management or HR as soon as possible so that they can organise a replacement for you and prepare your documentation as soon as possible. It also allows the organisation to effectively manage and communicate your payroll, tax and superannuation information.

Your employment contract or award may specify the amount of notice you should provide your employer ahead of your last day at work. If not, do your best to give as much notice as possible to minimise the impact of your workload on colleagues while the employer finds a replacement.

How to write a resignation letter when resigning from stress

Prior to writing your letter of resignation, consult with HR or your manager about what specific steps to take, if any, before tendering your formal resignation. For example, a small business might require you to speak directly with the owner first so that they can have a clear idea of your situation. After checking this, you can begin to write your letter. Here's a look at what steps to take to include key information in your resignation letter:

1. Write down the time and date

Make sure you include the time and date of writing the resignation letter. This helps you and management keep precise track of your remaining length of employment after handing in your letter. Include this information at the top of the page, except in an email, which records timestamps automatically.

2. Address the recipient by their name

Begin the letter with a formal recognition of the recipient. Include an introductory greeting, such as Dear or Hello, followed by the recipient's name. If you're working for a large corporation, address the recipient by their full title, such as Ms or Mr, followed by their surname. If you're working for a small business alongside the owner or employer, you can simply use their first name.

3. Include your formal statement of resignation

In the first line of your letter, clearly outline your intent to resign from the company. You can include the title of the position you hold, but this is optional. Keep the message of your message intent clear, straightforward and simple.

4. Clearly state your final day of work

Make sure to clearly indicate your final day of work. Most employers require a minimum of two weeks' notice, but this can vary. Be sure to find out what the requirement is during your informal conversation with management or your employer prior to writing the letter, then include the specific date in your letter.

5. Express your gratitude

Make sure to highlight your gratitude to the company for working there. Maintaining a good relationship with your former employer after you leave can be an advantage for future employment. You can then use the business or company as a reference and they are more likely to speak positively of your time working there.

6. List any important information

There may be certain ways you can help management ease the transition of your departure. Discuss these during your informal meeting and outline them in your resignation letter. For example, if you work in a kitchen, you might spend your final weeks helping search for and train new staff.

7. Include a closing note and signature

End the letter with a farewell. You could use phrases such as Sincerely or Yours faithfully, followed by your full name. You can also add your signature, but this is optional, depending on the business.

Template resignation letter

Here's a resignation letter template, with specifics left blank, that you can use to write your own letter:

[Time and date]

Dear Mr/Ms [your supervisor's last name],

This is my formal letter of resignation from [company name]. My final day of employment is going to be [final day of work], [number of weeks] weeks from today's date. I would like to express my gratitude for the support you have given me during my employment at the company, and I am thankful for the invaluable experiences I have gained. It has been my absolute pleasure to work for you and with the team at [company name].

If there is anything I can do to help ease my departure from this position, please do not hesitate to ask me. I wish you all the very best.

Kindest regards,

[Your full name]

Examples of resignation letters due to health and stress

Here are two examples of resignation letters due to health and stress-related issues:

Example 1

This is a sample resignation letter for an employee who works for a large corporation and suffers from the stress of their role:

10/7/2022

Dear Miss Bartrop,

I am writing to inform you of my resignation from Beyond the Blue Stone, effective Thursday, 22 July. As discussed with you on 7 July, I have been struggling to meet the demands of my role, and this has given me a great deal of stress that I have been unable to resolve. I am therefore resigning to focus on my mental health.

Thank you for all your help and the opportunities you have given me during my time with the company, and thank you for understanding my situation. If there is anything I can do to help make this transition easier, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Kindest regards,

Daniel Bryce

Example 2

This is a sample resignation letter due to stress and health-related issues where the employee has a more personal relationship with the business owner or management:

8/7/2022

Dear Paul,

I regret to tender my resignation as at 20 January due to mental health issues. I have come to love working for you and Louise at Les Bean café, but I'm struggling to meet the demands of the high-energy work environment and the constant, often stressful, customer interaction. Thank you for everything you have done to help me grow as a barista and as a person. If there's anything more I can do to help you out, please don't hesitate to ask.

Sincerely,

Jamie Brown