How to reply to your boss asking for a status update
Updated November 12, 2026
Give the update in the first line: on track, at risk, or blocked. Then add what is done, what is next, and when it will be finished. Name any problem with the fix you propose. Keep it short enough to read on a phone. Your boss wants to stop worrying, not read a diary.
- Reply
- Within 2 hours. A boss who asks for an update is often waiting on someone above them. A fast, clear answer shows you are in control of the work.
What your reply should say
- Open with the status in plain words: on track, at risk, or blocked.
- List what is finished and what is in progress, in one or two lines.
- State the new finish date, and any risk with your plan to handle it.
- Say what you need from them, if anything.
3 replies you can copy
Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].
1On track update
The work is going as planned.
Hi [Name], The [project] is on track. Done: [item]. In progress: [item], due [date]. Next: [item]. I expect to finish by [date]. I will tell you right away if anything changes. Let me know if you would like more detail on any part, and I can send a short written summary this afternoon. Thanks, [Your name]
2Flag a delay
You are behind and need to say so.
Hi [Name], Honest update: [project] is running about [time] behind. The cause is [short reason]. Done: [item]. Remaining: [item]. My plan is [action], which gets us to [new date]. I wanted you to hear this from me early. Let me know if you want a call. If you can help by approving or unblocking this, it would save me about [time]. I will keep going on the rest meanwhile. Thanks, [Your name]
3Ask for help
You are blocked and need something from them.
Hi [Name], Quick update: [project] is blocked on [specific thing]. Done: [item]. I cannot move [item] until [decision, access or input] arrives. Could you [specific ask] by [date]? Then I can finish by [date]. I want to keep you in the loop, so I will send another update on [day] unless you prefer a different rhythm. Thanks, [Your name]
Already late? Send this instead
For when you are a day late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.
Hi [Name], Sorry for the slow reply. Here is where [project] stands. Done: [item]. In progress: [item]. Next: [item]. I expect to finish by [date]. If you needed this sooner for a meeting, tell me and I will send a one-page summary. Thanks, [Your name]
Mistakes to avoid
- Writing a long story of everything you did. Lead with the status, then the facts.
- Hiding a delay until the deadline. Bad news gets worse the longer it waits.
- Giving no date. A finish date, even a rough one, answers the real question.
- Blaming others by name. State the blocker and what you need.
Questions people ask
How long should a status update be?
Aim for five to eight lines. Put the status first, then done, next, and the date. If your boss wants detail they will ask, and a link to a doc or tracker covers the rest. Keep the same format each time so your boss learns where to look.
What if I have bad news?
Say it in the first line, give the cause in one sentence, and bring a plan and a new date. Managers mind surprises far more than honest delays, so earlier is better. A link to a shared tracker or document lets them see more without a longer message.
More reply guides
How this page was made
Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.