How to Send Status Updates to Your Boss Like a Pro
Stay on Track & In Their Good Books.
Want to look like you’ve got your sh*t together from day one? One of the best moves you can make is keeping your boss in the loop with regular status updates about your workload, what you’re working on, and what you’ve smashed. Whether you’re a junior in fashion, marketing, or e-commerce, or climbing the ladder, these updates help you stay organised, keep your team aligned, and set yourself up for performance reviews or promotion conversations.
Why Would I Send My Boss Status Updates?
Status updates aren’t just about telling your boss what you did (although that’s important). They’re a tool for:
Showing you’re on top of your workload and managing priorities
Keeping your boss in the loop without them having to chase you down
Helping your whole team stay aligned if you include your updates in your WIP (Work In Progress) reports
Creating a record of your achievements you can look back on for reviews or promotions
Pro tip: Your boss might not have the time to read every detail, or even skim your emails, but the fact you’re sending them proves you’re TYPE A AF and on top of your game.
When and How Often Should You Send Updates?
Timing and frequency are everything. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Start with weekly updates (W/E for week ending, or W/C for week commencing).
Pay attention to your boss’s reaction. If it feels like too much or they’re not engaging, pull back - you don’t need to keep this up your whole career.
Use these updates primarily to earn your boss’s trust and build a reputation for reliability. Once you’re in their good books, you can dial it down or switch to bi-weekly or project-based updates. Remember: Quality beats quantity. Keep updates focused and useful. Here is a template to get you started!
How to Write a Status Update Your Boss Will Actually Appreciate
Keep it brief and clear - bullet points work wonders
Use headers like W/C (Week Commencing) for what’s coming up, or W/E (Week Ending) for what you’ve completed
Highlight key wins, blockers, and priorities for next week
Send it towards the end of the day (preferably Friday just before clocking off), timing is everything
If you want, ask if they prefer weekly or bi-weekly updates, and tailor accordingly
How These Updates Help You and Your Team
Besides impressing your boss, these updates also:
Make your team’s WIP reports easier to compile
Give you a clear history of your work to reference later
Help identify issues early so they don’t blow up
Keep everyone accountable and aligned on goals
Bonus: Make It a Habit to Level Up Your Career
Regular updates show initiative and organisation - qualities managers love. Over time, this habit can boost your chances for raises, promotions, or new responsibilities because you’re constantly proving your value without needing to be asked.
Ready to Get Organised and Impress?
If you want templates, tips, and strategies to nail workplace communication, productivity, and career growth in fashion marketing and e-commerce, join the waitlist for business &PLEASURE here- your all-in-one guide to making your mark in the industry.