Waking up feeling like you’ve been hit by a truck is the worst, especially when you know work is waiting.
Deciding to call out sick can feel nerve-wracking—what to say when calling out sick might make you second-guess yourself.
Will your boss think you’re faking it? Will your team be upset? We’ve all been there, unsure how to explain why we can’t make it without sounding unprofessional.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to say (and what not to say) to keep things smooth and stress-free.
Whether you’re battling a cold, a stomach bug, or just need a mental health day, these tips will help you communicate clearly, stay professional, and focus on feeling better.
Let’s dive into how to handle that call with confidence!
Why Calling Out Sick Feels So Stressful
Calling in sick can feel like walking on eggshells. You might worry about letting your team down or sounding unconvincing. This stress often comes from not knowing what to say when calling out sick to sound professional yet honest. The key is to keep it simple and direct. Don’t overexplain or make excuses—your health comes first, and most employers respect that.
Real-life scenario: Sarah woke up with a fever but hesitated to call her boss, fearing she’d sound unreliable. She called, mumbled through an apology, and confused her manager.
What to say: “Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m not feeling well today and won’t be able to come to work. I’ll ensure [specific task] is covered and will be reachable if needed.”
What not to say: “I’m so sorry, I think I ate something bad, or maybe it’s just stress, I don’t know…” Keep it short and professional to avoid doubt.
How to Decide If You Should Call Out
Not sure if you’re really sick enough to stay home? If you’re contagious, too unwell to focus, or need a mental health break, it’s okay to prioritize yourself. Knowing what to say when calling out sick starts with being honest about your condition. Employers appreciate when you’re upfront and don’t risk spreading illness or underperforming.
Real-life scenario: Mike had a sore throat but went to work anyway, spreading his cold to half the office. A quick call could’ve saved everyone trouble.
What to say: “Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m under the weather with a sore throat and won’t be able to come in today. I’ll follow up on [task] tomorrow.”
What not to say: “I’m kinda tired, so I might not make it.” Vague reasons can make you seem uncommitted, so be clear about your health.
Best Ways to Communicate When Calling Out
The way you deliver your message matters. Calling is often better than texting or emailing because it shows respect and urgency. If you’re nervous about what to say when calling out sick, practice your message beforehand. Be polite, concise, and clear about when you’ll return or how you’ll handle work tasks.
Real-life scenario: Emma emailed her boss at noon about not coming in, causing confusion since her shift had already started. A morning call would’ve been better.
What to say: “Good morning, [Boss’s Name]. I’m unwell today and won’t be able to work. I’ve asked [Coworker] to cover [task], and I’ll check in tomorrow.”
What not to say: “Hey, I’m not coming in, okay?” Casual texts can seem unprofessional, so stick to a phone call or formal email if required.
Handling Follow-Up Questions Gracefully
Sometimes, bosses ask for details about your illness. You don’t need to share personal medical info, but you should stay calm and professional. Knowing what to say when calling out sick includes preparing for questions without feeling pressured to overshare.
Real-life scenario: John’s boss asked why he was out, and he nervously rambled about his symptoms, making the call awkward.
What to say: “I’m dealing with a health issue that needs rest today. I’ll keep you updated on my recovery and return plan.”
What not to say: “It’s, uh, a stomach thing, maybe food poisoning, I don’t know…” Avoid vague or overly detailed responses to keep the conversation smooth.
Planning for Your Work Responsibilities
When you call out, show you’ve thought about your work. Mention how you’ll handle tasks or who’s covering for you. This builds trust and shows you’re still a team player, even when sick. What to say when calling out sick should include a quick plan to ease your boss’s worries.
Real-life scenario: Lisa called out but didn’t mention her urgent project, leaving her team scrambling. A heads-up could’ve helped.
What to say: “Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m sick and can’t come in today. I’ve shared [task] details with [Coworker] to keep things on track.”
What not to say: “I’m out today, sorry!” Skipping details about your work can frustrate your team, so always offer a solution.
When to Follow Up After Calling Out
After calling out, check in with your boss or team to show you’re responsible. This could be a quick email or call about your recovery or return date. Knowing what to say when calling out sick includes follow-up to maintain good communication.
Real-life scenario: Tom called out but didn’t update his boss the next day, leaving everyone unsure if he’d return.
What to say: “Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m feeling better and plan to return tomorrow. Let me know if there’s anything I need to catch up on.”
What not to say: Nothing—silence after calling out can make you seem unreliable, so always follow up.
Conclusion
Calling out sick doesn’t have to be a headache. By knowing what to say when calling out sick, you can keep things professional, reduce stress, and focus on getting better.
Be honest, concise, and thoughtful about your work responsibilities.
A quick, clear call or email, paired with a plan for your tasks, shows your boss you’re still committed, even from your sickbed.
Practice these tips, and you’ll handle those tough calls with ease. Rest up, take care of yourself, and you’ll be back to your best in no time!
