When writing or sharing your request over the phone, be honest and keep it brief. For example, “I'm not feeling well today, so it's best I stay home. I'll let you know if I'm better tomorrow,” is an acceptable way to call in sick.
Following is another example of what to say to a supervisor if you're calling in physically ill, but want to share fewer details: "I'm feeling very ill, so I think it's best if I take the day off from work. I appreciate your flexibility and I plan to be back tomorrow."
I started feeling unwell yesterday evening, and I feel even worse this morning. 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.
“Hey boss, I appreciate your continual concern,” MacDonald's suggested message for taking a sick day read. “I am sick today and will not be able to work. I will keep you updated as the day comes to an end on my intentions for tomorrow.”
“I'm really not feeling well today, so I don't think I will be able to do my job productively or efficiently. I will need to take the day off, but I will catch up on what I've missed tomorrow.” “I've come down with [sickness] and need to use a sick day today, but I'll be back at work tomorrow.
“Hi [Manager Name], so sorry for the last-minute text message, but I've had an unexpected illness come up, and I will have to take a sick day tomorrow. I've contacted [Name], who will be able to cover my shift in my absence. I hope to be better and able to work the following day, and will confirm with you tomorrow.
The best last-minute excuses to miss work include personal illness, family emergency, doctor's appointments, child care, mental health challenges, death of a loved one, and household problems. In fact, any unforeseen circumstance that requires your attention is among the best last-minute excuses to miss work.
If your company uses emails or phone calls to communicate when you are outside of the office, just follow the crowd; do the same. But if they have not decided on that yet, use common sense. If your boss is also your friend, and you communicated with them through text before, then it is totally fine to text in sick.
The best thing to do is respectfully and briefly inform your supervisor of why you need to take time off. You don't need to go into detail, legally there are federal limitations to what an employer can ask when you call out sick, unless you're covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Well, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act and HIPAA, you don't have to tell anyone why you're taking sick time. That means you can use sick days to focus on your mental health — because it's just as important as your physical health.
Yes, you should apologize for calling in sick.
This doesn't mean that you should apologize for being sick and taking a day to rest -- it means apologizing for any inconvenience your absence may cause.
While we refer to the practice as calling in sick, sending a text or an email is perfectly acceptable in many work environments. "When it comes to the best mode of communication for delivering such a message, consider your relationship with your boss," Augustine says.
Anytime you need to call out you should give your supervisor as much notice as possible before your shift begins, when possible you should contact your employer at least 2 hours before your shift so that they can plan and prepare for your absence.
Most managers disapprove of employees texting them in contexts that fall outside of casual communication. For example, only a third of the managers Vejby interviewed found it acceptable for staff to report in sick by text.
A family emergency can include your child getting sick, a car accident, an elderly family member's injury, an unexpected surgery, the death of a loved one, or any other urgent family matter.
Emergency: Some urgent, non-medical reasons to call out of work may include an emergency home repair, like a flood or fire, or a death in the family. Personal: If your employer offers you personal days to use throughout the year, you can usually take them without having to give a specific reason.
Put it in writing. Even last-minute time-off requests should be submitted in writing. It helps to have your request in writing so that HR can keep track of your time off, so that your boss can have your responsibilities covered, and so that you have a record of the request in case you need receipts later.
When informing your boss about your sick leave, keep things to the point without over-explaining your illness and symptoms. Instead, briefly explain why you're taking a sick leave (e.g. contagious illness such as flu and cold, stomach flu or family issues) and state your approximation of the period you'll be away.
Keep To The Facts
I am calling to say I won't be making it to work today as I am unwell. I expect to be back (insert date) but I will keep you well informed of my recovery” will suffice. Whatever your reason for needing some sick leave, do not feel guilty.
This is a great example of using your sick time to when you're not feeling well mentally or emotionally. If you are not able to give 100% of your effort at work, it is perfectly okay to take a sick day to stay home and rejuvenate yourself!
Communicating a sick day when you're symptomatic
I'm feeling ill and experiencing symptoms. I won't make it into work today, [date], and am taking a paid sick day. I'll monitor my symptoms and keep you apprised of my return to work. Please email me if you have any questions, and I'll respond as soon as I can.
“In general, if you have a fever, cough or fatigue, you should stay home,” says Kevin Hur, MD, a rhinology specialist at Keck Medicine of USC. Here Dr. Hur outlines five signs that you should call in sick and stay home to rest.