How do I call out of work? What do I say?
04/29/25 9:34pm
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If you are feeling sick and cannot come into work, it is best to communicate this to your employer as soon as possible. You can do this by sending a text message or an email. Be sure to include how long you anticipate being out sick, and if there is someone who can cover for you while you are gone.
Once your manager lets you know it’s fine, let them know what needs to be covered for you that day and when you think they can expect you back. Then, put an OOO message on your email, Slack, and any other internal communication tools you use.
Send an email or text to coworkers who may be able to cover for you for the day. Let them know you’re sick and may need them to fill in on a few things for you. Notify and reschedule any meetings that you were supposed to be a part of that day.
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Once your manager lets you know it’s fine, let them know what needs to be covered for you that day and when you think they can expect you back. Then, put an OOO message on your email, Slack, and any other internal communication tools you use.
Send an email or text to coworkers who may be able to cover for you for the day. Let them know you’re sick and may need them to fill in on a few things for you. Notify and reschedule any meetings that you were supposed to be a part of that day.
First, you should know what the policy is for the company to call out and be clear on that. Sometimes the policy is to physically call, while at other places people don't mind a text or an email.
Sometimes in the policy, it also specifies requirements. And so, if you're sick, understand how many days you have of sick time, for example.
I would just say something like, "Hey, I'd like to let you know that I won't be coming in today. I'm sick and I plan to use eight hours of sick time. I'm currently feeling like this is going to only be for a day. I'll probably be in tomorrow, but if you have any questions, let me know."
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Sometimes in the policy, it also specifies requirements. And so, if you're sick, understand how many days you have of sick time, for example.
I would just say something like, "Hey, I'd like to let you know that I won't be coming in today. I'm sick and I plan to use eight hours of sick time. I'm currently feeling like this is going to only be for a day. I'll probably be in tomorrow, but if you have any questions, let me know."
When you want to call out of work, follow your employer's protocol for taking sick time as soon as you can. When you talk to your employer, respectfully and professionally give them a brief reason why you can't come in.
You could say something like, "Hey, I'm sorry, but I woke up feeling sick this morning and I'm not able to come to work." Let them know if you've arranged for someone else to cover your shift or take over your responsibilities for the day—they'll appreciate it if you've already taken care of this.
Whether they're for good reason or excuses to get out of work, some common explanations for calling in are:
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You could say something like, "Hey, I'm sorry, but I woke up feeling sick this morning and I'm not able to come to work." Let them know if you've arranged for someone else to cover your shift or take over your responsibilities for the day—they'll appreciate it if you've already taken care of this.
Whether they're for good reason or excuses to get out of work, some common explanations for calling in are:
- Food poisoning or another sudden illness
- Caring for a family member or friend who's sick
- Taking care of an emergency
- Going to a doctor's appointment
- Taking a mental health day
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