If a return-to-office policy or a move to a distant office makes the job impractical, you can say so calmly without sounding like a complaint. State that the new arrangement does not work for you, confirm your last working day and offer a handover. If you would stay on remote or hybrid terms, ask before resigning.
Open them in Word or Google Docs, keep the one that fits and fill in your details.
Replace the text in square brackets with your details, and match the notice period in your appointment letter.
Subject: Resignation from the post of [Designation] Dear [Manager's name], Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as [Designation] at [Company name]. With the recent change in our work location to [New office location], I have realised that the daily commute and related arrangements will not be practical for me in the long term. I have given this decision a lot of thought, as I have valued my role and the team. In line with my notice period, my last working day will be [Last working day]. During this time, I will complete my ongoing tasks, share detailed handover notes and support whoever takes over my responsibilities. I understand the reasons behind the change and respect the company's decision. I am thankful for the learning, flexibility and support I have had here. Kindly initiate the full and final settlement and share my relieving and experience letters on my last working day. Yours sincerely, [Your name] [Designation]
Subject: Resignation – [Your name] Dear [Manager's name], Following the new work-from-office policy, I have decided to resign from my role as [Designation], as the arrangement does not suit my current personal commitments. My last working day will be [Last working day], as per my notice period. I will hand over my work fully before I leave and am happy to help the team through the transition in any way that is useful. Thank you for everything over my time here. I have enjoyed working with you and the team, and I hope our paths cross again. HR is in copy so that the exit process can begin. Please let me know if you need anything from me. Regards, [Your name] [Designation]
Subject: Request for remote or hybrid arrangement, or resignation Dear [Manager's name], I understand that from [Effective date] the team is expected to work from the [New office location] office [Number of days] days a week. Because of my family responsibilities and the distance involved, I will not be able to follow this schedule. I would like to continue in my role as [Designation] and request you to consider a remote or reduced-office arrangement for me. My work has so far been delivered remotely without issues, and I am willing to come in for important meetings, reviews or team events. If this is not possible, please treat this email as my resignation, with my last working day as [Last working day] as per my notice period. I will then make sure the handover is complete and well documented. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response. Regards, [Your name] [Designation]
Yes, as long as it is stated calmly. A line saying the new work arrangement does not suit your commitments is professional. Avoid criticising the decision itself; you can share detailed feedback in the exit interview if you wish.
Generally, the notice clause in your appointment letter still applies. Some companies agree to shorter notice or remote notice service in such situations, but that is their decision. Check your appointment letter and HR policy, and ask HR in writing if you want an exception.
If you would like to stay, yes. A clear, polite request explaining how you will deliver your work remotely gives the company a chance to keep you. Combining the request with a conditional resignation, as in the third sample, works when you have already decided what you will do if it is declined.