Waking up feeling terrible is the worst, isn’t it? Your head’s pounding, your throat’s scratchy, or maybe you’re just too exhausted to move. You know you need to call in sick, but your stomach churns at the thought—what if your boss thinks you’re faking it?
What to say when calling in sick can feel like a minefield, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right words, you can stay professional, keep your boss’s trust, and focus on getting better.
This guide will walk you through exactly how to handle that call, with practical tips and real-life examples to make it stress-free. Whether you’re nervous about sounding convincing or just want to avoid awkward moments, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how to nail this conversation so you can rest easy and recover.
Why Calling in Sick Feels So Hard
Calling in sick can feel like confessing to a crime, even when you’re genuinely unwell. You might worry about letting your team down or seeming unreliable. This anxiety often comes from wanting to prove you’re a hard worker. But here’s the truth: taking care of your health is professional. Being honest and clear is key.
Scenario: Sarah wakes up with a fever but hesitates to call her manager, fearing they’ll think she’s slacking. She calls anyway, keeping it simple.
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 my tasks are covered and will check emails later if I’m feeling better.”
What Not to Say: “Uh, I don’t know, I’m kinda sick, maybe I’ll come in later?” This sounds unsure and unprofessional.
Keep it brief, honest, and confident. Your boss will appreciate the clarity, and you’ll avoid unnecessary stress.
How to Sound Professional Without Overexplaining
You don’t need to share every symptom to justify your absence. Oversharing can make you seem uncertain or invite questions you don’t want to answer. Instead, stick to the basics—state you’re unwell, apologize briefly, and mention how you’ll handle your work.
Scenario: Mike has a stomach bug but doesn’t want to gross out his boss. He focuses on the essentials during his call.
What to Say: “Good morning, [Boss’s Name]. I’m under the weather today and need to take a sick day. I’ve notified [Coworker] to handle my urgent tasks, and I’ll be reachable if anything critical comes up.”
What Not to Say: “I was up all night vomiting, it’s awful, I don’t know what I ate!” This is TMI and unneeded.
A professional tone shows you’re responsible, even when sick. Mentioning a plan for your tasks reassures your boss you’re still thinking about work.
Timing Your Call: When to Reach Out
Timing matters when calling in sick. Call as early as possible, ideally before your workday starts, to give your team time to adjust. If you wait too long, it can seem like you’re not taking your absence seriously.
Scenario: Emma wakes up with a migraine at 6 a.m. She calls her supervisor right away instead of waiting until 9 a.m.
What to Say: “Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m unwell this morning and won’t be able to work today. I’ve asked [Coworker] to cover my meeting, and I’ll follow up on emails tomorrow.”
What Not to Say: Calling at noon and saying, “Hey, I’m not coming in, I’ve been feeling bad all day.” This looks irresponsible.
Early communication shows respect for your team’s schedule. If you’re too sick to call, a text or email is okay, but follow up with a call when you’re able.
What If You Work Remotely?
Remote work changes the game slightly. Since you’re not physically absent, you might feel pressured to log in despite being sick. But mental and physical health matter just as much when working from home. Be clear that you need to step away.
Scenario: Jake has the flu and can’t focus on his laptop. He notifies his manager instead of trying to push through.
What to Say: “Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m sick today and won’t be able to work remotely. I’ve shared my project updates with [Coworker], and I’ll be offline to rest.”
What Not to Say: “I’m sick, but I’ll try to join the Zoom call later.” This sets unclear expectations.
Being upfront about needing rest prevents burnout and shows you’re prioritizing quality work. Your team will appreciate the honesty.
Handling Follow-Up Questions Gracefully
Sometimes, bosses ask follow-up questions like, “How long will you be out?” or “What’s wrong?” You don’t need to share medical details, but stay polite and vague if you want privacy.
Scenario: Lisa’s boss asks for specifics about her illness, but she’s uncomfortable sharing.
What to Say: “Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m not feeling well and need today off. I’m hoping to be back tomorrow, but I’ll keep you updated if that changes.”
What Not to Say: “It’s personal, I don’t want to talk about it.” This can sound defensive.
A calm, concise response keeps the conversation professional. If pressed, say you’re seeing a doctor or resting to recover quickly, which usually satisfies curiosity.
What to Do If You’re Nervous About Calling
If you’re anxious about calling in sick, you’re not alone. The fear of sounding unconvincing can make your palms sweat. Practice what you’ll say to feel more confident. Write down a script and rehearse it.
Scenario: Tom’s new to his job and nervous about calling in sick. He practices his message before dialing.
What to Say: “Good morning, [Boss’s Name]. I’m unwell today and need to take a sick day. I’ve informed [Coworker] about my tasks, and I’ll check in tomorrow.”
What Not to Say: Stumbling through, “Um, I’m not sure, I think I’m sick, is that okay?” This sounds unprepared.
Rehearsing helps you sound calm and collected. Even a quick run-through in your head can make the call feel less daunting.
Final Thoughts on What to Say When Calling in Sick
Knowing what to say when calling in sick doesn’t have to keep you up at night. It’s all about being honest, brief, and professional.
Whether you’re battling the flu or need a mental health day, early communication and a clear plan for your tasks show you’re responsible.
Practice your message if you’re nervous, and don’t feel pressured to overshare. Your health comes first, and a well-handled call lets you focus on recovery without work stress.
Next time you’re under the weather, use these tips to make the conversation smooth and worry-free. You’ve got this!
