How to write an update email to your boss

To write an update email to your boss, include a clear title or subject line, use a professional greeting, and give an overview of your work in the body of the email. Here are some details on these steps and others you can take to write an update email to your boss:

• Include a clear title or subject line

It is very important that you make your subject line clear and concise. The recipient of the email should understand what the email is going to be about simply by reading the subject line. This also increases the chances that your boss will open the email in a timely fashion. Some examples of how to title a meeting cancelation email include:

• Project update

• Weekly progress report

• Specific assignment update

Clarity is the key with the subject line. No matter what, it should in some way state that you intend to update your boss on a project, assignment, or some other form of work, and it should not contain any extra information, aside from your name or job title.

• Use a professional greeting

Depending on your personal dynamic with your boss, and their preferences in terms of formality, you can either greet them casually with their first name or include their full name.

• Give an overview of your work in the body of the email

In your opening paragraph you should provide a concise overview of the work you have completed up to this point. You can also hone in on and highlight any relevant achievements, milestones, or setbacks. Don't go into too much detail regarding each item unless it is unusually complex and you know your boss will need further clarification and context.

• Outline current tasks and objectives you are working on

Next, you should start another paragraph or bullet point list going over what you are currently working on and the various stages those tasks are in, and any specific progress that you have made. This helps your boss to comprehend what you are presently doing and how it relates to the overall assignment or project.

• Setbacks and challenges section

Now forming another bullet point list or paragraph you can go over any current setbacks or difficulties you are facing concerning your work on the project or assignment. This is very important as it gives your boss the opportunity to give you guidance or offer you some support to help you overcome these obstacles.

• Plan of action for setbacks and challenges

Below this last section you should include your own plan of actions for any setbacks or issues you are currently facing.

Your conclusion paragraph should summarize all of the main points of your update email. You can encourage your boss to reach out if they have any questions. You can then close the email professionally with a proper sign-off like:

• Thank you

• Kind regards

• With appreciation

• Sincerely

Include your full name and official title beneath your sign-off.