Being late for work happens to almost everyone at some point, but the reasons you give can affect your job security. Bosses are usually more understanding if your excuse sounds genuine and appropriate for the situation. Knowing which excuses are reasonable can help you stay out of trouble and keep your boss’s trust.
This article shares seven excuses that are commonly accepted and less likely to get you in trouble at work. Each excuse is explained simply so readers can use them when needed.
1) Unexpected car trouble causing delays
Car trouble is a common and usually acceptable reason to be late for work. Flat tires, a dead battery, or the car not starting can happen with little warning and disrupt a morning schedule. Most managers understand that some car problems are out of the employee’s control as long as the excuse is honest and not overused.
When using this reason, it helps to let the boss know as soon as possible and give a short, direct explanation. RoboApply recommends using clear language and avoiding dramatic explanations. Mention what the problem was, what steps were taken, and your expected arrival time.
Here’s a complete example message to use:
Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m running late this morning because my car wouldn’t start due to a dead battery. I’ve called roadside assistance and am waiting for them to arrive. I’ll keep you updated and expect to be there as soon as possible. Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for understanding.
If car trouble happens often, it’s a good idea to look into public transit or carpool options. For more ideas on professional excuses, see tips on good excuses to miss work on short notice.
2) Public transportation delays or cancellations
Public transportation problems, like bus or train delays, are valid reasons many workers are late. Trains can get stuck, buses may run off schedule, and sometimes complete cancellations happen with little warning.
Employers usually understand that mass transit can be unpredictable. Telling your boss the truth and showing proof, like a service alert or screenshot, helps keep trust. If you use RoboApply’s email CRM feature, you can send your manager a quick professional message with all the details.
Here’s a complete example you can use:
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I wanted to let you know that my train was delayed this morning due to a service outage on the [train/bus line]. I’ve attached a screenshot of the official announcement. I will arrive as quickly as possible and make up the lost time if needed. Thank you for understanding.
Best,
[Your Name]
If public transit is a common issue, talk to HR about flexible work times or the option to work from home. RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard can help you compare jobs with better commute options if you want a more reliable routine.
If lateness happens more than once, always communicate early and clearly. This can help avoid trouble and keep your manager informed, which is better than leaving them guessing. For more advice on how to handle these situations, check out these acceptable excuses for being late due to public transportation issues.
3) Power outage affecting alarm clock
A power outage that happens overnight can make alarm clocks stop working, especially if they are plugged into the wall. If this happens, it’s normal to oversleep and be late for work. Most companies will see this as a real problem, not something made up, if it only happens rarely and you notify your manager quickly.
When letting your boss know, keep your message short and honest. Mention that the power went out, your alarm clock failed, and you overslept as a result. Communicate as soon as you can. It’s helpful to include how you plan to fix the issue, such as switching to a battery-powered backup alarm or using your phone in the future.
Example you can use:
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I wanted to let you know that there was a power outage at my house last night, which caused my alarm clock to reset and made me oversleep this morning. I apologize for being late. Moving forward, I will use my phone as a backup alarm to make sure this doesn’t happen again. Thank you for understanding.
For remote applicants or job seekers, RoboApply can help stay organized and manage job alerts so they never miss an important meeting, even during unexpected situations like a power outage. For future prevention, consider using your phone or a battery-operated alarm as backup. For more on acceptable work excuses, check this Monster Jobs list.
4) Family emergency requiring immediate attention
A family emergency is a valid and professional excuse for being late to work, especially when it requires fast action. Employers understand that emergencies happen and, by using this reason, an employee shows they put family first when facing sudden or serious issues. It’s important to be honest and direct, giving enough detail without oversharing personal information.
When reporting a family emergency, they should notify their supervisor as soon as possible. A quick call, text, or email with a simple explanation is usually best. If possible, estimated arrival times help managers plan.
Here is a full-length example message someone can use:
“Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m sorry, but I had a family emergency this morning and need to take care of it right away. I will be late but expect to arrive by [time]. If anything changes, I will update you as soon as I can. Thank you for understanding.”
A family emergency can include a sick child, an injured parent, car accidents, or sudden medical needs—these are all reasons employers usually accept without question. The situation should be real and significant to avoid future trust issues. For more reasons that are accepted, see this resource on family emergencies.
Tools like RoboApply help keep job search activities organized, so if a family emergency interrupts an interview or application deadline, users can track progress and follow up later using RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard and email CRM features.
5) Sudden illness requiring immediate care
A sudden illness that needs immediate medical attention is a clear and valid reason for being late to work. If someone wakes up with severe pain, breathing trouble, or other symptoms that can’t be ignored, it’s important to focus on health first. Most employers understand emergencies, especially when they get a quick, honest notification.
When this happens, the best approach is to contact the manager or HR as soon as possible. A short message or call before the shift starts shows responsibility and respect for work rules. If medical paperwork is available, it can help confirm the issue.
For example:
Hi [Supervisor’s Name],
I am very sorry, but I experienced a sudden illness this morning and had to get urgent care. I am currently at the doctor’s office and will keep you updated on when I can return. Please let me know if you need any paperwork from my visit. Thank you for understanding.
Employers usually want to know the basics—what happened and roughly when the person expects to return. Being brief and direct avoids confusion and builds trust. Sudden health issues and emergencies are acceptable reasons if explained clearly and promptly.
If managing job applications or resumes while out sick, RoboApply’s Chrome auto-apply extension and tracking dashboard allow users to apply for jobs and monitor progress with minimal effort, even when unwell.
6) Traffic accident causing significant backup
A traffic accident on the way to work is a common reason for being late and is usually understandable to most employers. Accidents can block roads or cause long backups, delaying everyone in the area. This excuse works best if there are local news updates or traffic reports to verify the situation.
If using this reason, it helps to give honest details about the delay. Tell your employer where the backup happened and how it affected your route. Being specific shows you are not just making up an excuse.
Here’s a realistic example you could use:
“Hi, I wanted to let you know that I’m running late due to a major traffic accident on the main highway into the city. Traffic has been stopped for over 40 minutes, and emergency crews are on the scene. I’ll keep you updated with my estimated arrival time as soon as possible.”
If you want to avoid surprise lateness and keep good records, RoboApply’s email CRM tool can help with professional communication. It makes sending quick, clear updates about emergencies easy, and helps you stay organized for future reference. For added credibility, consider sharing a link to a local traffic report if asked.
7) Childcare issues due to caregiver cancellation
Childcare problems can make anyone late for work, especially if a babysitter or daycare cancels at the last moment. When this happens, letting your manager know as soon as possible shows responsibility. Most workplaces understand that sudden childcare issues are usually out of your control.
Here is a full example you can use to tell your boss:
“Hi [Manager Name], my childcare provider canceled this morning at the last minute, and I need to find safe arrangements for my child before coming in. I apologize for the delay and expect to arrive by [time]. Please let me know if you need me to catch up on anything I miss.”
If you need to manage your schedule or plan ahead more smoothly, tools like RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard can help. This feature keeps all your calendar commitments organized, making it easier to communicate future time-off requests. Always give as much notice as you can and offer to make up any missed work to show you remain committed.
Many employers see childcare emergencies as a reasonable excuse for being late, as long as you communicate quickly and clearly. Being upfront helps maintain trust with your workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Employers in 2025 expect clear communication and reasonable explanations for delays. Using practical, truthful excuses helps workers keep their jobs while maintaining trust.
What reasons for being late to work are generally acceptable by employers in 2025?
Acceptable reasons include sudden car trouble, public transit issues, a power outage that affected an alarm, family emergencies, or sudden illness. These excuses are widely recognized as valid by managers, according to advice from Monster Jobs and Indeed.
How can I explain unexpected delays when working from home without jeopardizing my job?
Remote employees can mention power outages, internet disruptions, or urgent family matters as credible causes for lateness. Using RoboApply’s email CRM can speed up transparent communication, making it easier to notify supervisors about delays quickly and professionally.
What are credible last-minute excuses for a sudden delay in arriving at work?
Credible last-minute excuses include unexplained traffic jams, vehicle breakdowns, sudden illness, or a family emergency that needed immediate attention. These are commonly accepted by employers if clearly explained and communicated promptly, as suggested by Fairygodboss.
What constitutes a valid and non-disciplinary explanation for tardiness at work?
A valid explanation is a real, unforeseen event that makes being on time impossible, like a medical issue or a broken-down car. RoboApply’s tools can help document communication to supervisors for record-keeping, lowering the risk of being disciplined.
Can unforeseen personal circumstances be used as a legitimate excuse for late arrival at the office?
Yes, circumstances such as a sudden family illness, emergency childcare needs, or other urgent personal matters are considered legitimate by most workplaces. Giving honest, prompt updates through efficient tools like RoboApply’s job tracking dashboard can help maintain professionalism.
How to communicate effectively to your supervisor when you are significantly late for work?
Employees should notify their supervisor as soon as possible by call, text, or email. Being specific and honest about the delay is important. RoboApply’s email CRM allows users to send clear, professional updates quickly, which can improve trust between staff and management.
