Calling in sick can be quite uncomfortable.
You’re probably worried that your boss will fire you for having the audacity to get the flu or a stomach bug that prevents you from coming to work.
You may be scared that taking time off to care for yourself would cause you to lose your work since your absence will make you appear irresponsible.
People get sick; it’s a fact. We’re all just people, and life happens. Sometimes you need to take a day off to rest. And, to be honest, if you’re unwell, no one in their right mind wants you spreading contagious germs around the office.
The chances of your supervisor refusing your request to stay home sick are close to none (unless, of course, they have a valid reason for needing you at the office or you have a history of, ahem, Similarly, the chances of your supervisor penalising you for catching a cold or eating poor sushi for dinner last night are slim—most people understand because they’ve been there.
Tell Your Boss You are Sick Text Messages
Texting while sick isn’t allowed at every office, but if your boss allows it, keep your message brief and to the point. To assist you in drafting your message, we’ve offered several examples, ranging from brief messages when you need one day off to what you ought to say when you need a few days off.
1. “Hello, [Boss’s Name], I’m sorry to inform you that I’m feeling ill and will be unable to report to work today. I’ll keep you posted on how things are going.”
2. “Hello [Boss’s Name], I’m afraid I won’t be able to come into work today since I’m not feeling well.” I’ve asked [coworker] to cover for me.”
3. “Good morning, [Boss’s Name], I hope everything is okay with you.” I’m sorry to inform you that I’m ill and will be unable to report to work today. “Is there any chance we could catch up on a call later today?”
4. “[Name of Boss], I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to come into work today due to illness. I’ll keep you updated and get back to you as soon as possible.”
5. “Hello, [Boss’s Name], I’ve woken up feeling nauseous; I won’t be able to make it in; I’ll let you know what my doctor says.”
If You Need One Day Off
6. I have (name of the illness.) optional and will be out for the rest of the week. (Name of coworker) will cover for me today and tomorrow, and I’ll be back on Monday.”
7. I’m unwell with (the flu/cold/etc.), and my doctor has advised me to take a few days off. I will return to work on (weekday you intend to return).”
8. “I’m going to miss work today and tomorrow.” My doctor diagnosed me with (the flu, a cold, etc.).
9. “I’m quite sick and need to rest for a few days.” I hope to be well enough to return on (weekday you intend to return).”
10. “Due to sudden sickness, I won’t be able to make it in today or tomorrow.”
If you need a number of days off:
11.”I’m sick today and won’t be able to make it.” I’m hoping to be able to come in tomorrow, but I may need to take an extra day. I’ll keep you informed.”
12. “I have a fever and fear I may be sick, so I need to take a sick day today.” “I’m hoping I’ll be able to come in tomorrow, but I’ll check in later to let you know.”
13. “My doctor advised me to take a sick day today and possibly tomorrow.” I’m not feeling well enough to go to work, and I don’t want to make anyone else sick.”
14. “I need to take a sick day or several days off.” My body started to feel unwell yesterday, and I am feeling even worse today. “I’ll keep you updated if I feel good enough to come in tomorrow.”
If you don’t know how much time you’ll need:
15. “I’m not going to be able to come in today because I’m unwell. Although I hope to be well enough to come in tomorrow, I might have to stay another day. I will update you.
16. “I need to take today off because I have a fever and think I may be becoming sick. Though I’ll check back later to let you know, I hope to be well enough to come in tomorrow.
17. I need to take today and possibly tomorrow off due to being sick. I don’t feel good enough to work and don’t want to spread my illness to others.
I should possibly take a few days off or take a sick day.18. I got sick yesterday, and now I feel worse. If I feel good enough to come in tomorrow, I’ll let you know and keep you updated.
19. “For health reasons, I need to take a few days off. I intend to return to work on (the day of the week you plan to return). I’ll keep you informed.
If you’re uncertain of how long you’ll need and intend to see a doctor,
20. “I won’t be able to make it today since I’m unwell and heading to the doctor. I might have to skip the rest of the week. I’ll call after I get back from my appointment.
21. “I’m going to the doctor because I’m feeling unwell and am concerned that I could be becoming sick. I won’t be able to come in, but (coworker’s name) is available to cover for me.”
22. I won’t be able to arrive today because I’m feeling under the weather. Tomorrow, hopefully, I’ll be back at work. I’m visiting a doctor. I will update you.
23. I need to take a day off. I’ve scheduled an appointment with the doctor cause I don’t feel well. I will let you know if it turns out to be a 24-hour bug, but I hope not.
24. “I’m sorry, but I’m unable to make it today. I’ve scheduled a visit with my doctor because I think I have (the flu, a cold, etc.). If I need to take more sick days, I’ll let you know when I check in later.
I hope this article has given you the confidence to inform your boss or employer of your illness by text message. However, if your boss doesn’t respond to your message, keep in mind to follow up in case it wasn’t delivered.
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