Why do we feel guilty about needing time off? "The feeling of guilt we experience in these situations is because we are conditioned as a society to view doing anything to prioritise our own well-being as selfish," suggests Brummell.
I woke up this morning with a fever and a sore throat, so I won't be able to come to work today. Please call me at home if you need anything, and I expect to be back at work tomorrow.
Make it clear that your day off is a necessity, not a request: "I hate to do this, but I can't come in today. It's just not possible." Even if all you do is say, “I'm sick and can't come in,” that's usually good enough: most bosses won't pry, unless you call off often.
It's better to simply say you won't be in and leave it at that. It is good form to explain why you won't be coming in, but you don't necessarily have to share any specifics of your illness. Providing lengthy explanations as to why you can't come to work also might give the impression you are exaggerating or lying.
The next time you wake up ill, the best practice is to call in immediately and request a sick day. It is up to you whether you choose to disclose brief details upfront. If your employer asks, you should provide general details, unless your illness is protected by the ADA.
All you need to say is that you're sick and won't be in. How to say it: “I'm sick today and will need to stay home.” “I'm under the weather and will be taking a sick day today.”
The best last-minute excuses to miss work include personal illness, family emergency, doctor's appointments, child care, mental health challenges, death of a loved one, and household problems. In fact, any unforeseen circumstance that requires your attention is among the best last-minute excuses to miss work.
Doctor appointments are also other reasons to use sick days at work. Should you say sorry when you call in sick? Yes, you should apologize for any inconvenience caused by your calling in sick. This will demonstrate to your team and your boss that you are appreciative and you are responsible.
According to one Winnipeg psychologist, this anxiety to call in sick is likely related to social anxiety. “Many people who experience this may likely also experience other fears of letting people down or confrontation or general fear of negative evaluation,” said director of Clinic Psychology Manitoba Dr.
Don't worry. In most cases, your boss is thinking more about how they're affected, or how your absence affects the business overall. Calling in sick is never easy, whether you're running a company or just starting your career. You likely feel that being out, even for one day, will mean letting someone down.
Some people stop everything at the first signs of a serious cold, stomach bug, or other illness. That might seem extreme, but it is a good idea to call in sick and take a pause to rest and regroup before you become seriously ill, especially those who are working in-person.
Anxiety, stress, or depression leave from work may require multiple days off, which is where FMLA may come in handy. This may be enough time to seek more intensive treatment if needed or time to relax and seek support. However, if you are thinking “can I get a sick note for anxiety”, the answer is yes.
Communicating a sick day when you're symptomatic
I'm feeling ill and experiencing symptoms. I won't make it into work today, [date], and am taking a paid sick day. I'll monitor my symptoms and keep you apprised of my return to work. Please email me if you have any questions, and I'll respond as soon as I can.
Breathe through your mouth and cough often to pretend to have the flu. Common symptoms of the flu include runny or stuffy nose, cough, chills, achiness, and fatigue. Avoid breathing through your nose so you sound stuffy when you talk. Keep tissues nearby so you can blow your nose frequently to make it more believable.
Be honest about your reason.
Most likely, they will want to help and provide any resources they can. Your manager should understand that you are a human being who has a life outside of work. Everyone needs a day off from time to time, even at the last minute, so you should feel able to be transparent about your reason.
If you have an unexpected illness and have to give short notice that you won't be in, be sure to text your boss immediately and do your best to provide a solution to your absence. If you are a salaried employee with no major deadlines, this shouldn't be too much of an issue.
Provide as much notice as possible that you won't be attending work. If you can tell your boss that you will be taking a sick day the night before, or even as you are leaving the office, then do so. Otherwise, call, email or text first thing in the morning.
Anytime you need to call out you should give your supervisor as much notice as possible before your shift begins, when possible you should contact your employer at least 2 hours before your shift so that they can plan and prepare for your absence.
The ADA and FMLA do not specify which medical conditions count as disabilities. There is no comprehensive list of mental illnesses that qualify for sick leave. You can call in sick for any mental health reason, diagnosed or not, including: anxiety disorders.
As long as you're staying home and not, say, taking a long weekend in Mexico and calling in sick in lieu of taking a vacation day, you have no reason to feel guilty. Everybody has under-the-weather days, including your boss.
Don't be afraid to make the call
If you know that your ability to work will be hampered by illness, or that you might pass something on to colleagues and co-workers, have no hesitation in calling in sick.