Thank Someone For Helping In Your Absence • Example Letters, Guides and Samples

Guides

A brief letter thanking someone for service in your absence is a courteous way of showing appreciation and maintaining goodwill.

How to write this appreciation letter:

  1. State your appreciation.
  2. Compliment your reader on his or her performance.
  3. Close on a positive note. Perhaps offer to repay the favor.

Example Letter #1

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Thank you so much for covering my shift for me while I was visiting the Springfield offices. I was especially concerned about the largest shipment of the year arriving when I was away, but you handled it perfectly. I returned to find everything in good order. When the opportunity arises, I will be more than happy to return the favor.

Example Letter #2

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Thank you for your week of working double time on my behalf. I couldn't have taken my trip if you hadn't taken up the slack. You even straightened the files that have been neglected for some time. Be sure to let me know when you are ready for your big vacation. I will be first in line to cover your desk.

Example Letter #3

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It is no secret that you are the one responsible for keeping my clients happy while I was recovering. I had so much to think about after my accident that I will be forever grateful to you for taking work off my worry list. Imagine my pleasure when I heard the excellent things my clients had to say about you when I returned.

Example Letter #4

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When I returned to work after a month's illness, I was greatly relieved to discover that each of my accounts had received adequate attention--thanks to you. I really appreciate your handling my work and satisfying each of my client's supply needs during my absence.

Your effort on my behalf will serve as a good example for me to emulate if you or another member of our team is out. Thanks again!

Write Your Letter Step-by-Step

1 State your appreciation.

Sample Sentences for Step 1
  • Thanks for covering for me while I was in Springfield.
  • Thanks for going the extra mile while I was away this past week.
  • I am told you were the good-hearted soul who kept my desk from overflowing during my sick leave.
  • I appreciate your capable management of the office while I was away.
  • Thanks for so adequately filling my shoes while I was on maternity leave.
  • It was reassuring to know that the office was in your capable hands when I was in the hospital.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
  • am most appreciative
  • am told you were the good-hearted soul who
  • appreciate your efforts
  • appreciate your willingness to
  • during my absence
  • during my illness
  • for all you have done
  • for covering for me
  • for holding the fort
  • going the extra mile
  • have brought peace and reassurance
  • how much I appreciate
  • how helpful you have been
  • just want to say
  • on my behalf
  • please accept my heartfelt gratitude
  • so grateful for
  • thank you so much for
  • thank you for
  • want you to know
  • was so pleased
  • while I have been away
  • will not forget
  • would like to acknowledge

2 Compliment your reader on his or her performance.

Sample Sentences for Step 2
  • I have received many positive comments from our clients concerning your willingness to handle their problems in my absence.
  • Your willingness to work overtime and your consistent efficiency have been invaluable in handling the extra workload.
  • Instead of the chaos I expected on my return, I was able to start with an organized desk.
  • I was so pleased to learn that despite my absence you did not miss a single deadline.
  • If it hadn't been for your persistence and expertise, we never would have landed the Doe account.
  • Knowing that my work was left in your capable hands has made my recovery worry-free.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
  • couldn't have handled it better
  • despite my absence
  • did things just the way I would have
  • did a great job
  • for your persistence and expertise
  • found everything in good order
  • go out on a limb
  • have been invaluable
  • how very helpful you have been
  • if it hadn't been for your
  • in your capable hands
  • kept my desk from overflowing
  • kept things ticking along
  • kept up with the work load
  • received many compliments
  • received a lot of positive feedback
  • received positive comments about
  • want you to know
  • was so pleased to learn that
  • were right on target
  • willingness to go the extra mile
  • with your usual efficiency

3 Close on a positive note. Perhaps offer to repay the favor.

Sample Sentences for Step 3
  • Thank you for helping me keep our client's goodwill. Let me know if I can ever return the favor.
  • In the future, should any other emergencies arise, I will have no reservations about leaving things entirely in your capable hands.
  • You handled everything as I would have done myself. Please accept my sincere gratitude.
  • I know who to call if I need a replacement again.
  • Thanks for your "can do" attitude. Without having to worry about office developments, my recovery was quick and stress-free.
  • It would be happy to return the favor.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
  • a chance to return the favor
  • accept my sincere gratitude
  • for covering for me
  • for doing such a great job
  • happy to reciprocate
  • if I need a replacement again
  • if I can ever return the favor
  • in the future
  • just the way I would have
  • let me know if I can
  • please call on me if
  • please accept my thanks
  • please feel free to
  • should other emergencies arise
  • thank you for
  • thanks again for
  • to call on me
  • will not forget
  • will have no reservations about
  • will certainly call if I need
  • would like to
  • would be glad to