How to call in sick, with examples (2023)

Employees expect to be ready for work every workday, but sometimes health issues can disrupt these plans. In these cases, you must notify your manager or employer that you will be out of the office that day.

but communicate the needspare timeStopping work because you are sick can be scary. There are many reasons for this discomfort: you may feel insecure about the security of your job, feel self-blame, worry about increasing the workload of your colleagues, worry that work will pile up in your absence, or worry that your employer won I don't think you're sick.

However, according to the psychologicalinvestigation, calling in sick when you need to is an important form of recovery to maintain your health and performance.

7 reasons to call in sick

Calling, emailing or texting your boss to call in sick isn't limited to cold symptoms, although it's one of the main causes. In fact, there are many health reasons that can justify taking sick leave.

1You have contagious symptoms.

According to a survey of 2,000 American workers by career website Zippia, the number one reason employees call in sick is because they feel uncomfortable.

If you develop symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, fever or unusual rash, calling in sick (and seeing a doctor) can help you avoid spreading the disease to your colleagues.

2You have tested positive for COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that even asymptomatic people can be carriers of the virus. If you test positive for COVID-19 but have no symptoms, thenCDCSelf-isolation for five days is recommended.

If your job allows you to work remotely, that may be an option. However, if your occupation requires you to perform work on site, you may be required to call in sick to allow you to isolate yourself.

3You or a family member has a medical emergency.

When it comes to medical emergencies, the last thing you want to worry about is work. Taking time off to care for yourself or close family members is a compelling reason to take time off work so you can recharge without the stress of professional demands.

4You are recovering from a medical procedure.

Sick days are not only for unexpected illnesses, they are also for planned medical reasons. For example, you may need to request time off for a scheduled medical procedure and may need additional time for recovery.

5Your productivity can be affected by illness or injury.

avisMedical conditions can temporarily hamper your work performance. For example, if you suffer from chronic migraines and are sensitive to noise and light, even looking at a computer screen can be debilitating and affect your ability to work.

In this case, you may need to notify your boss that you will not be able to clock in that day.

6You are on family leave.

SoAct on family and sick leave, In many companies, your job is protected by twelve working weeks of unpaid leave. However, you must still tell your employer about your leave plans.

Eligible reasons include providing childcare after a child is born or for a child under one year old; caring for the health of a spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition; and more.

7You need a mental health day.

Employees and employers increasingly recognize that promoting mental health is an integral part of the workplace.

If you experience bouts of anxiety, depression, or emotional exhaustion, take time offseek professional help.

Regardless of the reason for your sick leave, you are not obliged to pass on your private health data to your manager.

how to report sick

regardless of youwrite a concise emailor the depth of your sick leave request depends on how much sick leave you need and your medical conditions. Regardless of the length of the email or sick leave, please include the following information:

• Reason for your withdrawal:A general explanation of your reason for taking sick leave (eg feeling unwell, on maternity leave or for "private medical reasons"). You are not required to share information about your medical history or condition.
• You have days off:Your best estimate of days away.
• Regardless of whether sick leave is paid or unpaid:Clearly state whether you want sick leave (if your company offers it), PTO or unpaid sick leave.
• How available is it: Indicate if you can answer questions while you're away, or if your team expects you to be completely unreachable. If the former, please describe the best way to contact you while you are on vacation.
• Your pending items: If you have an urgent task to solve, let your manager or employer know about your ongoing projects or tasks. You can also share if you need their help delegating tasks to other teammates.
• Medical certificate, if applicable:Some employers require a medical certificate for short- or long-term sick leave. Be prepared to attach a doctor's note to your sick email if necessary.

After notifying interested parties of your absence,write notice of absenceFor incoming email and messaging platforms such as Slack. This prevents potential communication and workflow bottlenecks while you are away.

Always refer to your employee handbook to update your knowledge of your employer's sick leave agreement. Does it indicate anything specific?communication channelRequest a PTO.

Depending on the reason, here are some ways to write a sick email or message to your boss.

4 examples of how to take a sick day

Simple sick emails using PTO

Hi [Human Resources Manager/Contact Name],

I am sending you an email/message to let you know that I am out of the office today [date]. I am currently on [reason for sick leave] and would like to use my sick PTO to compensate for my absence. If you have an urgent question, you can contact me via 【Message】. During my recovery I will be available intermittently.

[your name]

Simple sick email for unpaid time off

Hi [Human Resources Manager/Contact Name],

This email is to inform you that I will be on unpaid sick leave today [date]. I have [reason for sick leave]. If you have an urgent question, you can contact me via 【Message】. During my recovery I will be available intermittently.

[your name]

call in sick when you have symptoms

Hi [Human Resources Manager/Contact Name],

I feel sick and have symptoms. [date], I am not at work today and am calling in sick. I will monitor my symptoms and keep you posted on my return to work. If you have any questions, please send me an email and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

[your name]

Communicate extended sick leave of one week or more

Hi [Human Resources Manager/Contact Name],

This email is to inform you that I am on sick leave with pay from [date] to [date]. I am going through [reason for sick leave] and need this time to focus on my health and recovery. Attached is a copy of my doctor's statement that I am on sick leave.

I currently have [tasks/meetings/projects] in my queue. I will reschedule the date [task(s) XYZ] returns to work. However, during my absence, I would appreciate your help with the following urgent questions:

• 【Task 1】 Briefly share the status and how your manager can help you further.
• 【Assignment 2】Briefly share the status and how your manager can help you further.
• 【Task 3】 Briefly share the status and how your manager can help you further.

During my vacation, I try to check my email periodically. Please do not expect an immediate response. Thank you for your patience and understanding during my recovery.

[your name]

sick leave as soon as possible

Notifying your employer that you are on sick leave is the best way to show responsibility for your health, your work and your equipment. can feel uncomfortablestoryYour manager won't be in the office, but early communication can help them prepare for when you're gone.

Communicating key messages to your boss in a sick email helps you keep your day-to-day business running and also gives you time for some much-needed therapy.