Life throws curveballs at everyone. Sometimes your current schedule stops working because of family needs, health issues, transportation problems, or educational goals. Asking for a schedule change might feel scary, but with the right words, you can make your request clear and professional.
A well-written letter shows respect for your boss or organization while explaining why you need this change. The samples below cover many situations you might face. Each letter gives you words and ideas you can use for your own request.
Sample Letters of Request to Change Time Schedule
These fifteen sample letters will help you ask for schedule changes in a professional and effective way.
1. Basic Request for Schedule Change
Subject: Request to Change Work Schedule
April 6, 2025
Ms. Sarah Johnson
Human Resources Manager
ABC Company
123 Business Street
New York, NY 10001
Dear Ms. Johnson,
This letter serves as my formal request to change my current work schedule. I currently work Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but would like to request a change to 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, starting May 1, 2025.
This change would allow me to pick up my children from school and avoid costly after-school care fees. My job duties would remain fully covered during these hours, and I would still complete my full 40-hour work week.
Thank you for thinking about my request. I’m happy to talk about any questions or concerns you might have about this change.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Marketing Specialist
ABC Company
johnsmith@email.com
555-123-4567
2. Schedule Change Due to Educational Commitment
Subject: Schedule Modification Request for Educational Purposes
April 6, 2025
Mr. Robert Williams
Department Manager
XYZ Corporation
456 Corporate Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601
Dear Mr. Williams,
I am writing to ask for a temporary change to my work schedule. I have enrolled in an evening class at Chicago Community College that will help me gain skills directly related to my position as Technical Support Specialist.
The class runs for 12 weeks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, starting May 15, 2025. To attend these classes, I would need to adjust my Tuesday and Thursday schedule from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM to 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM.
This education will benefit our department as I’ll learn advanced troubleshooting techniques that apply directly to our new software systems. I promise to keep up with all my work responsibilities during this period.
Thank you for thinking about my request. I’m available to discuss any details or concerns you might have.
Respectfully,
Lisa Chen
Technical Support Specialist
XYZ Corporation
lisa.chen@email.com
555-987-6543
3. Permanent Schedule Change for Family Care
Subject: Request for Permanent Schedule Adjustment
April 6, 2025
Mrs. Patricia Moore
Store Manager
Retail Plus
789 Shopping Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90001
Dear Mrs. Moore,
I would like to request a permanent change to my work schedule due to family care responsibilities. My mother recently suffered a stroke and requires daily care. As her primary caregiver, I need to adjust my hours to make sure she receives proper attention.
My current schedule is 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday through Saturday. I would like to change to 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, starting as soon as possible.
During my three years at Retail Plus, I have shown strong commitment to my job. This new schedule would allow me to continue my work while caring for my mother. I understand this request might need adjustments, and I’m open to discussing options that work for the store’s needs.
Thank you for considering my situation. I look forward to your response.
Kind regards,
Michael Johnson
Sales Associate
Retail Plus
michael.j@email.com
555-222-3333
4. Temporary Schedule Change for Medical Reasons
Subject: Temporary Schedule Modification for Medical Treatment
April 6, 2025
Dr. James Wilson
Medical Director
City Hospital
101 Health Boulevard
Boston, MA 02101
Dear Dr. Wilson,
This letter is a request for a temporary schedule change due to medical treatment I need to undergo. Following my recent diagnosis, I will need weekly physical therapy sessions for the next two months.
My therapist can only schedule appointments on Wednesday afternoons. Therefore, I would like to adjust my Wednesday schedule from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM to 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM, from May 1 to June 30, 2025.
My treatment schedule has been attached for your review. I have already spoken with Nurse Martinez, who has agreed to cover the last hour of my shift if needed.
Thank you for your understanding during this time. The hospital has always supported staff health needs, and I greatly appreciate that support now.
Sincerely,
Emma Rodriguez
Registered Nurse
City Hospital
e.rodriguez@email.com
555-444-5555
5. Request for Flexible Working Hours
Subject: Request for Flexible Working Schedule
April 6, 2025
Mr. Thomas Lee
Project Manager
Tech Solutions Inc.
222 Innovation Way
Seattle, WA 98101
Dear Mr. Lee,
I am writing to request a change from fixed hours to flexible working hours. As a software developer, much of my work can be done independently as long as I meet project deadlines and attend team meetings.
I would like to propose a flexible schedule where I work my 40 hours per week with core hours from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily for team meetings and collaboration. The remaining hours would be completed between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM based on project needs and personal productivity patterns.
This flexibility would greatly improve my work-life balance while possibly increasing my productivity during my peak creative hours. I would track all hours worked and make sure I’m available for all scheduled meetings.
Thank you for considering this request. I’m happy to discuss how we can make this work for the team.
Best regards,
David Kim
Senior Software Developer
Tech Solutions Inc.
david.kim@email.com
555-888-9999
6. Schedule Change for Commuting Issues
Subject: Schedule Adjustment Request Due to Transportation Changes
April 6, 2025
Ms. Elizabeth Taylor
Office Manager
Financial Advisors Group
333 Money Street
Philadelphia, PA 19101
Dear Ms. Taylor,
I would like to request a schedule change due to recent public transportation schedule changes that affect my commute. The bus route I use to get to work has changed its schedule, with the earliest bus now arriving downtown at 8:45 AM.
My current work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. I would like to request a change to 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, effective April 15, 2025. This small adjustment would allow me to use public transportation reliably without being late for work.
I understand this half-hour shift might affect some morning processes. I have spoken with my colleague Sam Peters, who starts at 8:00 AM and has agreed to handle any urgent morning emails or calls until I arrive.
Thank you for your consideration. Please let me know if you need any additional information.
Respectfully,
Maria Garcia
Client Relations Specialist
Financial Advisors Group
m.garcia@email.com
555-777-1234
7. Schedule Change for Childcare Needs
Subject: Work Schedule Change Request for Childcare Arrangements
April 6, 2025
Mr. Daniel Brown
Department Supervisor
Marketing Experts LLC
444 Brand Boulevard
Miami, FL 33101
Dear Mr. Brown,
I am requesting a change to my work schedule due to a change in my childcare arrangements. My daycare provider has changed their hours and now closes at 5:00 PM instead of 6:00 PM.
My current work schedule is 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. I would like to request a change to 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM, beginning April 20, 2025. This would allow me to pick up my child before the daycare closes.
I have been with Marketing Experts for five years and value my role here greatly. This change would let me continue my full-time position while meeting my family responsibilities.
Thank you for considering my request. I’m available to discuss any concerns about this schedule change.
Kind regards,
Jennifer Adams
Social Media Coordinator
Marketing Experts LLC
j.adams@email.com
555-333-2222
8. Request to Work from Home on Specific Days
Subject: Request for Partial Remote Work Schedule
April 6, 2025
Mrs. Samantha Wright
Human Resources Director
Global Consulting Partners
555 Business Park
Atlanta, GA 30301
Dear Mrs. Wright,
I would like to request a modification to my current work schedule to include two days of remote work each week. Specifically, I am requesting to work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays while continuing to work in the office Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
My position as Research Analyst involves substantial independent work that can be done effectively remotely. During the pandemic, our team proved that remote work can maintain productivity levels while providing better work-life balance.
I have reliable high-speed internet and a dedicated home office space. I will be fully available by phone, email, and video conference during regular business hours on my remote days.
Thank you for considering this request. I believe this arrangement will benefit both my work quality and personal wellbeing.
Sincerely,
Ryan Thompson
Research Analyst
Global Consulting Partners
r.thompson@email.com
555-666-7777
9. Schedule Change for Religious Observance
Subject: Schedule Accommodation Request for Religious Observance
April 6, 2025
Ms. Olivia Martinez
Shift Supervisor
City Hospital Pharmacy
666 Health Avenue
Houston, TX 77001
Dear Ms. Martinez,
I am writing to request a permanent change to my Friday work schedule to accommodate my religious observance. As you may know, I observe the Sabbath, which begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday.
During standard time months, this does not conflict with my schedule. However, during daylight saving time when sundown occurs earlier, I need to leave by 4:00 PM on Fridays.
I propose working 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Fridays from March through November instead of my usual 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This would allow me to fulfill my religious obligations while still working a full shift.
Thank you for your consideration of this religious accommodation. I appreciate your support in helping me balance my work and faith commitments.
Respectfully,
Aaron Goldstein
Pharmacy Technician
City Hospital Pharmacy
a.goldstein@email.com
555-111-9876
10. Request for Compressed Work Week
Subject: Request for Compressed Work Week Schedule
April 6, 2025
Mr. Charles Robinson
Operations Manager
Quality Manufacturing Inc.
777 Factory Lane
Detroit, MI 48201
Dear Mr. Robinson,
I would like to request a change from a standard five-day work week to a compressed four-day work week. Instead of working 8 hours per day Monday through Friday, I propose working 10 hours per day Monday through Thursday.
This schedule would allow me to maintain my full 40-hour work week while providing an additional day for personal matters and family time. This change would reduce my commuting time and costs by 20% each week.
My position as Quality Inspector allows for this flexibility as the production line runs until 6:00 PM daily. I have spoken with my team members, and they support this change as it would provide extended quality control coverage into the evening hours.
Thank you for considering this request. I’m happy to discuss how we can test this arrangement with a trial period if needed.
Best regards,
Frank Miller
Quality Inspector
Quality Manufacturing Inc.
f.miller@email.com
555-222-3456
11. Request to Change Lunch Hour
Subject: Request to Modify Lunch Break Schedule
April 6, 2025
Mr. Gregory White
Floor Manager
Department Store
888 Retail Road
Denver, CO 80201
Dear Mr. White,
I am writing to request a change to my lunch break schedule. Currently, my lunch break is from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. I would like to change it to 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, effective April 15, 2025.
This change would allow me to attend a fitness class that runs from 1:15 PM to 1:45 PM at the gym across the street from our store. Regular exercise helps me stay healthy and energetic for my sales associate duties.
I have checked the lunch schedule for our department, and this change would not leave the sales floor understaffed as Rachel takes her lunch from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Tyler from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Thank you for considering my request. Please let me know if this change would work for our department schedule.
Sincerely,
Sophia Rodriguez
Sales Associate
Department Store
s.rodriguez@email.com
555-444-3333
12. Schedule Change for Career Development Course
Subject: Request for Schedule Adjustment for Professional Development
April 6, 2025
Dr. Katherine Phillips
Principal
Lincoln High School
999 Education Boulevard
Portland, OR 97201
Dear Dr. Phillips,
I am writing to request a temporary adjustment to my teaching schedule for the upcoming fall semester. The local university is offering a specialized certification course in Advanced Placement teaching strategies that would enhance my ability to teach our AP English classes.
The course meets on Wednesdays from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM for 15 weeks starting September 3, 2025. To attend, I would need to leave school by 3:00 PM on Wednesdays instead of my usual departure time of 4:00 PM.
I have already spoken with Ms. Turner, who has agreed to supervise my usual Wednesday after-school study hall. I would make up the hour by arriving at 7:00 AM instead of 8:00 AM on those days to prepare materials and be available for student questions.
Thank you for considering this professional development opportunity. Our students would benefit greatly from the advanced teaching techniques I would learn.
Respectfully,
Mark Anderson
English Teacher
Lincoln High School
m.anderson@email.com
555-888-7777
13. Request for Job Sharing or Part-time Hours
Subject: Request for Reduced Hours Through Job Sharing
April 6, 2025
Ms. Nancy Turner
Department Director
Social Services Agency
111 Community Way
San Francisco, CA 94101
Dear Ms. Turner,
I am writing to request a change from my current full-time position to a part-time job sharing arrangement. As I begin pursuing my Master’s degree in Social Work this fall, I need to reduce my work hours while still contributing to our department.
I propose reducing my schedule from 40 hours per week to 20 hours per week, working Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday mornings from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. I have already spoken with my colleague, Janice Peters, who is interested in sharing this position by working Wednesday afternoons, Thursday, and Friday.
Between us, we would ensure full coverage of the case manager position with minimal disruption to client services. We would establish clear communication protocols for case handoffs and updates.
Thank you for considering this arrangement. I value my work here and hope to find a solution that allows me to continue serving our clients while advancing my education.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Lewis
Case Manager
Social Services Agency
r.lewis@email.com
555-999-8888
14. Schedule Change for Seasonal Adjustment
Subject: Request for Seasonal Work Schedule Adjustment
April 6, 2025
Mr. Victor Martinez
Construction Manager
Reliable Builders
222 Construction Plaza
Phoenix, AZ 85001
Dear Mr. Martinez,
I am writing to request a seasonal adjustment to my work schedule for the summer months. As you know, temperatures regularly exceed 110°F during July and August in Phoenix, making afternoon outdoor work dangerous.
I propose temporarily changing my schedule from 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM to 4:00 AM – 12:30 PM from June 1 to September 15, 2025. This would allow me to complete my full shift during the cooler morning hours, reducing heat exposure risk while maintaining productivity.
Several of my team members have expressed interest in a similar schedule change, which could benefit the entire crew’s safety and efficiency during the hottest months.
Thank you for considering this safety-focused request. I’m happy to discuss how we can coordinate this change across the team if you approve.
Kind regards,
Paul Jackson
Construction Foreman
Reliable Builders
p.jackson@email.com
555-777-6666
15. Request for Gradual Return to Full-time Hours
Subject: Request for Gradual Return to Full Schedule Following Medical Leave
April 6, 2025
Mrs. Heather Stevens
Regional Manager
National Bank
333 Finance Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Dear Mrs. Stevens,
As my approved medical leave concludes on April 30, 2025, I am writing to request a gradual return to my full-time schedule as recommended by my healthcare provider.
My doctor has advised a phased return to work over six weeks, gradually increasing my hours to prevent aggravating my condition. I propose the following schedule:
– May 1-15: 20 hours per week (9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
– May 16-31: 30 hours per week (9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
– June 1 onward: Return to full schedule of 40 hours per week (8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
I have attached my doctor’s recommendation for your review. This gradual return would allow me to resume my duties as Branch Manager safely while ensuring continuous service to our customers.
Thank you for your understanding and support during my recovery. I look forward to returning to work and resuming my full responsibilities.
Sincerely,
William Turner
Branch Manager
National Bank
w.turner@email.com
555-333-1111
Wrap-up: Sample Request Letters
The perfect letter for changing your schedule starts with understanding what you need and explaining it clearly. Your letter should show how your request helps both you and your workplace. Using the right format with all parts like date, greeting, and closing makes your request look professional.
When writing your letter, share enough details to make your case without going off-topic. Also mention any solutions you have already thought about. Being flexible about options shows you care about the workplace’s needs too.
These sample letters give you good starting points for your own schedule change request. Change the words and details to match your situation. With a clear, honest, and professional approach, you improve your chances of getting the schedule you need.v