To text in sick, be professional, clear, and concise: state you're unwell, won't be in, and mention your expected return or if you'll update later, offering handover info if needed, using templates like "Hi [Manager's Name], I'm feeling unwell and need to take a sick day today. I'll keep you updated if I need more time off. Thanks!".
You should say: "Good morning [Manager's Name], I'm feeling sick today and won't be able to work. Please let me know if you need anything from me." Maintaining professionalism ensures that your absence is taken seriously and doesn't come across as an excuse.
When calling in sick to work, be concise and honest, stating something like, "I'm not feeling well and need to take a sick day," while offering limited personal details to maintain professionalism and respect for your workplace.
I'm not feeling well enough to come to the office, and I don't want to risk passing anything on to anyone else. I'm going to take a sick day today to recover. Hopefully, I will be able to come back to work tomorrow. I will let [team member] know too, and I will forward any information they need while I'm off.
Phone call
Below's a sample of how to phone in sick: “I'm so sorry but I've come down with the flu, and feel absolutely dreadful. I don't want to pass anything on to anyone, so I will rest at home today, and then see how I feel tomorrow. I'll keep you informed of how I am in the morning.
Example 1: General illness
"Hi [Boss's Name], I woke up feeling very ill today and think it's best I take a sick day to recover. I will keep you updated on my condition. Thank you for understanding."
15 Good Excuses to Call Out of Work (And How to Communicate With Your Boss)
Example: Sick Day Text Message for Calling Sick. Texting in sick is quick and convenient, but it still needs to be clear and professional. Your manager should know who you are, that you're taking a sick day, and whether you'll follow up later. The goal is to keep it short, respectful, and easy to understand.
Hi [Manager Name], I've had an unexpected family emergency and will need to take the day off today to tend to it. I've contacted [Name] who will be able to cover my shift today in my absence. I hope to be in tomorrow as planned. If anything changes, I will contact you immediately.
The most believable excuses are short, specific, and tied to legitimate responsibilities or unavoidable situations. Examples include sudden illness, a medical appointment that couldn't be scheduled outside work hours, urgent family needs, or car/transportation issues.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, I won't be able to come to the office today. I'll be reachable and working remotely to handle any urgent matters. 6. I have a family emergency and need to stay home today.
Calling in sick can induce anxiety for workers who wonder when to call, what to say and how to say it. They may question whether they are truly sick enough to take the day off or worry that missing work will reflect poorly on them.
Example 1: Short and sweet
Unfortunately, I am unable to come in to work today, as I have a fever and need to take a sick day. I will be checking my emails and responding to anything urgent. I can also be reached on my cell phone at 888-888-8888. Thank you for understanding.
Be sure to familiarise yourself with any policies your organisation has in place for taking a sick day, including the best method of communication. If you're unsure, consider the ways you would contact your supervisor in an emergency. This method might be through a text message, phone call, email or online chat system.
It's easier for prospects to read and reply to texts than it is to get them to take phone calls or reply to emails. That's why your sales teams will have a higher chance of getting a reply via text than any other medium. On average, it takes 90 seconds to respond to a text – and 90 minutes to respond to an email!
I'm not fine
Examples of quiet firing may include:
Excluding an employee from key meetings and projects. Giving an employee less desirable duties. Having an employee report to an office that is further away. Providing other subtle hints that an employee's presence is no longer valued.
We've covered a range of valid reasons for calling in sick, from common ailments like the cold or flu and migraines, to unexpected events such as family emergencies, childcare issues, or transportation breakdowns.
Example 1: General illness
"Hi [Boss's Name], I woke up feeling very ill today and think it's best I take a sick day to recover. I will keep you updated on my condition. Thank you for understanding."
The "3-day rule" in texting and dating generally suggests waiting three days to contact someone after getting their number or a first date to avoid seeming too eager or desperate, but many modern daters find it outdated, preferring to text when genuinely interested to show confidence and avoid "playing games". While some still use it as a way to gauge interest or create space, others see waiting too long as a sign of disinterest, with opinions varying on whether it's helpful or an old-fashioned tactic.
It is normal to fall ill, and there is no need to apologize for it or provide an explanation for using a sick day. While it is acceptable to extend an apology for the inconvenience, there is no need to feel guilty using your sick days.
Yes, if your attendance policy includes it as an option. Many companies allow text call-offs because they create a time-stamped record. We highly recommend employers to set up an employee handbook which outlines company policy on communication channel and call-off arrangements.
Yes. If you are extremely sleep deprived to the point that you can't function safely or effectively, it's a valid reason to take a sick day. Being awake for 20+ hours impairs you similar to alcohol intoxication.
Sometimes it's absolutely enough to tell your boss: “I'm dealing with a family emergency and can't come in today.” Depending on expectations and your relationship, you may want to give a few other details so they know what's going on and how long you may be out.
5 acceptable reasons to miss work