Professional Tips for What to Say When Calling in Sick Text
Waking up feeling unwell is never ideal, and letting your boss know can feel stressful. Whether it’s a minor illness or something more serious, sending a clear and professional message is important. If you’re unsure what to say when calling in sick text, the key is to keep it short, polite, and to the point.
A well-worded message helps maintain professionalism while ensuring your employer is informed. Whether you need a single day off or extended leave, knowing how to communicate properly can make the process smoother. Here’s how to craft the right message when you need to take a sick day.
Key Elements of a Professional Sick Leave Text
When calling in sick via text, it’s important to keep your message clear, concise, and professional. Your employer doesn’t need excessive details—just enough information to understand your situation and make necessary arrangements. A well-structured sick leave text ensures smooth communication while maintaining professionalism. Here are the key elements to include in your message:
1. Be Clear and Concise
Your message should be straightforward, informing your employer that you’re unwell and unable to work. Keep it short while covering essential details.
2. Mention the Date and Duration (If Known)
Specify whether you’re taking a single sick day or if you expect to be out longer. If you’re unsure, mention that you’ll provide updates.
3. Keep It Professional and Respectful
Even though it’s just a text, maintaining professionalism is important. Avoid slang, emojis, or overly casual language.
4. Offer a Point of Contact (If Necessary)
If your absence affects a team or project, you can briefly mention any arrangements or offer to delegate tasks.
5. Express Willingness to Provide Updates
If your illness lasts more than a day, let your manager know you’ll keep them updated on your condition.
6. Follow Any Workplace Policies
Some companies have specific protocols for calling in sick, such as requiring a follow-up call or notifying HR. Make sure to follow any established guidelines.
Simple and Professional Sick Leave Text Examples
When calling in sick via text, it’s important to be polite, clear, and professional while keeping your message concise. Your employer doesn’t need excessive details—just a straightforward update about your absence. Below are various examples of sick leave texts to fit different situations, ensuring you communicate effectively while maintaining workplace professionalism.
1. Short and Formal Sick Leave Texts
If you only need a day off and don’t expect a prolonged illness, a simple, direct message is best.
- “Good morning [Manager’s Name], I’m feeling unwell today and won’t be able to come in. Please let me know if you need anything from me. Thank you for understanding.”
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I woke up feeling sick and won’t be able to work today. I’ll keep you updated if my condition changes.”
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m not feeling well today and need to take a sick day. Please let me know if you need further details.”
2. Sick Leave Texts for Unexpected Absences
If you suddenly feel unwell and need to call in sick at short notice, keep your message polite and timely.
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m feeling very sick this morning and won’t be able to make it to work today. Apologies for the late notice.”
- “Good morning [Manager’s Name], I wanted to let you know as soon as possible that I am unwell and won’t be able to come in today.”
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I am feeling quite sick and won’t be able to work today. I’ll check in later if I need additional time off.”
3. Sick Leave Texts for Multiple Days Off
If you anticipate being out for more than one day, inform your employer and mention when you will follow up.
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I saw the doctor today, and I’ll need to take the next two days off to recover. I will keep you updated if I need additional time.”
- “Good morning [Manager’s Name], I am feeling quite unwell and may need to take a couple of days off. I’ll confirm tomorrow based on how I’m feeling.”
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I have a high fever and will need at least two days off to rest. I’ll provide an update by [date].”
4. Sick Leave Texts for Severe Illness or Medical Appointments
If you have a serious illness, surgery, or a medical procedure that requires extended leave, mention it professionally.
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I wanted to inform you that I have a medical procedure scheduled today and will need a few days off to recover. I will update you with a return date soon.”
- “Good morning [Manager’s Name], I have been feeling unwell and will be seeing my doctor today. I may need extended leave, and I’ll provide more details as soon as I have them.”
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I wanted to let you know that I’m experiencing a severe illness and will need some time off. I’ll provide an update once I know more about my recovery timeline.”
5. Sick Leave Texts for Mental Health Days
Taking a mental health day is just as valid as a physical sick day. Here’s how to phrase your message professionally.
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I need to take a personal day today as I’m not feeling my best. Please let me know if you need anything from me.”
- “Good morning [Manager’s Name], I am feeling mentally exhausted and need to take a sick day today. I will be back tomorrow.”
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m not feeling well and need to take a day to rest. I’ll check in with you tomorrow regarding my return.”
6. Sick Leave Texts When Working Remotely
If you work from home but are too unwell to perform your duties, let your employer know.
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m not feeling well today and won’t be able to work remotely. I will check in if I feel better later.”
- “Good morning [Manager’s Name], I’m unwell and need to rest today, so I won’t be available for work. Let me know if you need anything urgent.”
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m too sick to work today and need to take the day off. I will update you tomorrow morning if I am still unwell.”
7. Sick Leave Texts with Offer to Delegate Work
If your absence might affect work tasks, you can include a brief note about delegating responsibilities.
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m feeling sick and won’t be able to come in today. I’ve informed [Coworker’s Name] about my tasks, and they will handle them while I’m out.”
- “Good morning [Manager’s Name], I am unwell today and need to take the day off. I’ve sent my project notes to [Coworker’s Name] so there won’t be any delays.”
- “Hi [Manager’s Name], I wanted to let you know that I’m feeling sick and won’t be working today. I’ve briefed [Coworker’s Name] on my workload and will check in once I’m back.”
What Not to Say in a Sick Leave Text
A poorly worded sick leave text can come across as unprofessional, vague, or even dishonest. To avoid unnecessary confusion or concerns, here are some key mistakes to avoid when calling in sick via text.
1. Avoid Oversharing or Giving Too Many Details
Your employer does not need a detailed explanation of your symptoms or personal health history. Keeping your message brief and professional is always best.
Bad Example:
“Hey, I have a terrible headache, a fever of 101°F, and I’ve been vomiting all morning. I also think I might have a stomach virus from something I ate last night. It’s been a nightmare, and I haven’t slept at all!”
✅ Better Alternative:
“Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m not feeling well today and won’t be able to come in. I’ll keep you updated if anything changes.”
2. Don’t Be Too Vague or Unclear
Avoid being too short or unclear about your situation, as it may cause confusion for your employer.
Bad Example:
“Hey, I can’t come in today. Bye.”
✅ Better Alternative:
“Good morning [Manager’s Name], I’m feeling unwell and need to take a sick day today. Let me know if you need anything from me.”
3. Avoid Sounding Dishonest or Making Excuses
Even if you need a mental health day or personal time, be honest without making unnecessary excuses that might sound insincere.
Bad Example:
“Hey, I think I might be getting sick, and I really need some rest… plus, my dog is acting weird, and I should probably stay home to watch him.”
✅ Better Alternative:
“Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m not feeling well and need to take the day off to rest. Please let me know if you need anything from me.”
4. Don’t Make It Sound Like a Casual Day Off
Even if your workplace is relaxed, calling in sick should still be treated as a professional matter. Avoid making it seem like a personal day for fun.
Bad Example:
“Hey, I’m feeling kind of off today, so I’m just going to take a break. I’ll be back when I feel like it.”
✅ Better Alternative:
“Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m not feeling well and won’t be able to work today. I’ll keep you updated if I need additional time off.”
5. Don’t Joke About Being Sick
Even if you have a good relationship with your boss, joking about calling in sick can make it seem like you’re not taking your job seriously.
Bad Example:
“Hey, I think I caught the ‘lazy flu’ today, so I’m gonna have to call in sick. Hope the office survives without me!”
✅ Better Alternative:
“Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m feeling unwell today and won’t be able to come in. Please let me know if you need any updates from me.”
6. Avoid Waiting Until the Last Minute to Inform Your Employer
Unless it’s an emergency, try not to notify your boss too late, as this may cause disruptions at work.
Bad Example (Sent an hour after the shift starts):
“Oops, sorry, I forgot to tell you earlier—I’m not coming in today. Hope that’s okay!”
✅ Better Alternative:
“Good morning [Manager’s Name], I’m feeling unwell and won’t be able to make it to work today. I wanted to let you know as soon as possible.”
7. Don’t Forget to Follow Workplace Policies
Every company has different rules for sick leave. Some may require notifying HR, providing a doctor’s note, or completing official leave forms. Failing to follow these guidelines could cause complications.
Bad Example:
“Hey, I won’t be in today. I’ll see you when I’m better!”
✅ Better Alternative:
“Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m feeling unwell and need to take a sick day. I’ll also notify HR as per company policy. Please let me know if you need anything from me.”
