Waking up feeling terrible is the worst, especially when you know you can’t make it to work.
Your stomach churns, your head aches, or maybe you’re just too exhausted to function.
Calling in sick can feel nerve-wracking—what do you say to sound professional yet honest?
Knowing how to call in sick: what to say can make this awkward moment easier and keep your boss in the loop without oversharing.
This guide will walk you through practical tips, real-life scenarios, and exact phrases to use (or avoid) to ensure you handle it smoothly.
Whether it’s a sore throat or a mental health day, we’ve got you covered with clear, respectful ways to communicate. Let’s dive into making that call stress-free! 😊
Why Calling in Sick Feels So Hard
Calling in sick can feel like walking a tightrope. You want to be honest but not reveal too much. Many worry about seeming unreliable or facing judgment. Preparation is key to sounding calm and professional.
For example, Sarah woke up with a fever but hesitated to call her manager, fearing they’d think she was slacking. Instead, she prepared a short script: “Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m unwell today and won’t be able to come to work. I’ll ensure all my tasks are managed remotely and will be reachable if needed.” This kept it brief and professional.
What to say: Keep it simple, like, “I’m under the weather and need to take a sick day.”
What not to say: Avoid vague excuses like, “I just can’t make it today,” as it sounds unprofessional.
When to Make the Call or Send a Message
Timing matters when calling in sick. Notify your employer as early as possible, ideally before your shift starts. This shows respect for their schedule. If you work remotely, an email or text might suffice, but check your company’s policy.
Take Jake, who realized at 6 a.m. he had a stomach bug. He texted his supervisor: “Good morning, I’m dealing with a stomach issue and won’t be able to work today. I’ll follow up on my projects by noon.” His early notice gave his team time to adjust.
What to say: “Hi [Name], I’m sick today and need to rest. I’ll update you on my work soon.”
What not to say: Don’t wait until midday to inform them, like, “Sorry, I forgot to tell you I’m sick.”
How to Keep It Professional Yet Honest
Being professional doesn’t mean hiding the truth—it means balancing honesty with workplace boundaries. Share enough to explain your absence without diving into personal details. Most bosses don’t need to know your symptoms in depth.
Consider Maria, who needed a mental health day. She called her manager and said: “Hi, I’m not feeling well today and need to take a sick day to recover. I’ll ensure my tasks are covered.” This was honest without oversharing.
What to say: “I’m not feeling well and need to take today off to recover. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
What not to say: Avoid oversharing, like, “I’ve been throwing up all night and feel awful.”
Handling Follow-Up Questions Gracefully
Sometimes, bosses ask follow-up questions like, “What’s wrong?” or “When will you be back?” Stay calm and stick to the basics. You’re not obligated to share medical details, but a polite response keeps the conversation smooth.
For instance, Tom’s manager asked for details when he called in sick. He replied: “It’s a minor bug, and I expect to be back tomorrow after some rest.” This answered the question without inviting more probing.
What to say: “It’s a small health issue, and I should be back soon after rest.”
What not to say: Don’t snap, “It’s personal, okay?” as it can seem defensive or rude.
What If You Need More Than One Day?
If you’re too sick to return the next day, update your employer promptly. Let them know your status and how you’ll manage your work. This shows you’re responsible, even when unwell.
Lisa, for example, had the flu and called her boss after two days: “Hi, I’m still recovering from the flu and need one more day. I’ve delegated my urgent tasks to [Coworker].” This kept her team informed.
What to say: “I’m still unwell and need another day to recover. I’ve arranged for [Coworker] to cover my tasks.”
What not to say: Don’t ghost your boss or say, “I don’t know when I’ll be back,” as it creates uncertainty.
How to Handle Remote Work or Deadlines
If you work from home or have pressing deadlines, explain how you’ll manage your responsibilities. Offer to delegate tasks or check in later if possible. This reassures your boss you’re still committed.
For example, Alex, a remote worker, emailed: “Hi, I’m sick today and won’t be able to work. I’ve asked [Coworker] to handle my report, and I’ll check emails later if I feel better.” This showed he had a plan.
What to say: “I’m unwell today, but I’ve asked [Coworker] to cover my tasks. I’ll check in if I improve.”
What not to say: Don’t promise to work if you’re too sick, like, “I’ll still finish the project today.”
Conclusion
Navigating how to call in sick: what to say doesn’t have to be stressful.
By preparing a short, honest message and notifying your employer early, you can maintain professionalism while prioritizing your health.
Whether it’s a quick call, text, or email, keep it simple, avoid oversharing, and plan for your work’s continuity.
Practice these tips, and you’ll feel confident handling sick days without awkwardness.
Rest up, take care of yourself, and you’ll be back to your best in no time!
