We all have some days when we feel too sick to show up at work and continue routine job tasks. In that scenario, it's common to wonder 'How to Call in Sick at work". No need to wonder anymore because I have created an ultimate guide that you can follow to call in sick. Whether you want to take some time off due to sickness or only because you are in a mood to take a break, this post will tell you how to do that professionally. Because when you don't follow the protocol as per the company's guidelines, it might become a reason for your job dismissal. That's not what you want. Do you? It's time to know all the details of a call on a sick day at your work.

Know All About Protocol

Every company has some set rules and guidelines about getting sick leave. Once you become an employee, don't forget to get a complete understanding of those protocols. It's good to check your employee handbook to find out what's required from your side. 

Paid Vs. Non-Paid Sick Leave

Some companies follow fair employment policies where employees will get paid only when they work. They don't get paid for vacations and sick leave. On the flip side, some companies pay for sick leave as well. Employees are allowed to take seven days of sick leave in one year. So, you must check with your company's policy and figure out whether you will be paid for your sick day or not.

How to Inform your Boss?

Some companies require you to write a formal sick leave application to become a record for the HR department. While in other cases, companies don't mention any set format. So, when it comes to informing your boss, you will follow company's guidelines and formal practices by other employees. 

If other employees are writing only text, you will do the same—no need to deviate from this rule.

If you don't find any guidelines or policy?

In that scenario, you will follow a simple professional procedure for calling in a sick day.

Step No.1 Immediately Inform your Boss

As soon as you decide that you won't go to work, you will contact your boss. Now the next thing you will wonder is about the communication method. 

You can call your boss if you believe that your boss won't like to get your sick day information in a text or email.

The Preferred method of communication in almost every other company is an email. You call in sick to work in an email. 

In case you have been working for more than two years, you develop a good relationship with your boss, so call in sick at work with a text message.

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Step No.2 Inform your Colleagues or Team

If you call in sick and there is an important project with a tight deadline, you need to inform your team. You can't just take a break without informing your colleagues, it's unethical. You can call your team on skype or send them a message in the group. If you feel not very sick and can attend a call or message, you should tell your team that they can reach out via call or message( only when they need it the most or it is an emergency).

Step No.3 Follow up

If you call in sick for one day, then generally, a follow-up isn't required. However, when you extend your sick leave for one week, it's crucial to provide a doctor's note. You will get that note from your family doctor or hospital doctor. The HR department will keep that note in their records for reference of your sick leave reason. 

What Important Information to Add in your Sick Leave Message?

When you craft a sick leave email or message, you need to provide some preliminary information in it. A reason for a sick day is an essential requirement. The next thing to add to that information is your availability. You will tell your boss when you are planning to resume your work duties. It's essential to share clear information on how many days you are taking this break. If you think you are not too sick to attend an important call, you will tell your boss or colleagues/team that they can contact you via email or call.

What Your Boss can Ask You?

When you make a sick leave call, then your boss will ask about the reason. You can give a quick reason, but no need to get into details. If there is a medical condition, you won't need to reveal it to your boss. You are not liable to provide him all that information. 

Your employer may ask you how many days you won't be available for work; he may ask you out of your health concern or because he needs to hire a replacement. You must provide him a clear idea of how many days you won't be available for the work.

In case you want to extend your sick medical leave, you will have to complete some paperwork. There is a form that the HR department will give you. You will fill it out and submit alongside the doctor's notice. Your medical information will be kept confidential by the HR department. Therefore, you won't need to disclose them to your supervisors or colleagues at all. 
 

Can Your Employer Fire you for a Call-in Sick day?

Yes, your employer can fire you for taking a sick day unless you are protected by the American Disability Act or Family and Medical Leave act. A one-day leave is not a big issue; you can get it. However, when you go for leave for one week and then extend it, your employer would consider it a problem.  You need to understand that your employer will have to find your replacement. 

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Your off-days increase the work burden on other teammates and colleagues. There might be an important project with a deadline, and if you don't appear for work for more than a week, it won't be delivered on time. The productivity level will decrease, and that's what your employer doesn't want. Therefore, he would be under a lot of pressure. There is a chance that an employer would fire you for calling in a sick day. 

What are the best reasons to Give For calling in a Sick Day?

Most employees are not sick, but they want to give a reason that looks genuine and valid. In that case, you should consider giving the following reasons. 

• Back Pain
• Flu
• Depression
• Family emergency
• Home Emergency
• Car Trouble
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Common Cold
• Injury due to an accident
• or an Elective surgery

In some cases, like the common cold, stress or anxiety are those reasons that offer you a solid ground for taking a break from work. In that scenario, your employer shouldn't ask for a doctor's note because these conditions don't need general treatment. When an employer asks for a doctor's note, he puts an extra burden on the employee who has to go to the doctor and ask him to write a note. Besides, it will show your employee that you don't trust them, and they can't take a day off to put their mind and body at rest—no need to be a nosy employer. 

How to Call in Sick when you are Sick?

When you feel bad and think that it would be impossible for you to continue working at the office, you need to write a formal call in a sick note and send it to your employer. Here is what you will write in the email.

Hello Sir,

I have been feeling down due to the common cold and flu since last evening, and my condition has become a lot worse this morning. I won't be able to come to work today. I don't want to spread germs around. I will stay at home today and will get back to work tomorrow.

I will also inform my team members about my sick day. I have already shared all information regarding the project with them. I will be available through email and call. Thank you for your understanding. 

How to Call in Sick when you are not Sick?

When you are not sick but not in a mood to go to the office, you shouldn't make a call. Maybe your employer is smart enough to catch you lying during the call. Email or text is a preferred method. 

Here is what you will write. 

Dear Manager,

I have been feeling unwell since last night due to depression. I won't focus on my work at all. Therefore I decided to take a day off and resume my mental energy. I have also informed my colleagues that I won't be there today. However, they can approach me through email or call in case of an emergency. Thank you for your understanding.

Four important Points to Note:

1. Share a Concise Statement: You don't need to explain many things; keep your statement short and straightforward. Don't add too much detail.
2. Pick the Best Time to Takeoff: Many employees make a mistake when selecting a day for time off. They either choose Friday or Monday. Your employer would doubt you if you choose either day because many employees tend to take off days on Monday or Friday only to prolong their weekend. You won't have to repeat the same mistake. Try to choose a better day for call in sick to work.
3. Don't tell anyone that you are lying: No matter how friendly you are with your colleagues, you should never mention this lie during this conversation. It would be best if you were extra careful. If you tell others that you were okay but don't want to come to work, this vital information can be used against you. So, you better keep this lie secret.
4. Stay Away from Social Media- You need to take a day off from your social media as well. If your employers and colleagues would get any hint of your health on social media, it might cost your career. Therefore, you should make sure that you don't update any post on any social media.

How to Call in Sick When You Want to Take Care of Your Child?

If you have a sick child at home, your boss would understand that. An employee can take a day off for a sick child or parent. Again, share details in an email and don't go with a call option. Here is what you will write in call in a sick email:

Dear Sir,

My son isn't feeling well due to a stomach ache. He is not going to school, so I have to stay at home and look after him. I will be available for contact via email or call throughout the day. I'm sorry that I won't be available for today's meetings. I have asked my teammate to reschedule it for the upcoming Monday. Sorry for the Inconvenience. I will appreciate your understanding on this matter.

How to Call in Sick when you are Taking time off due to mental stress?

Your boss will understand the fact that you are feeling anxious or under stress. You can take a day off to feel relaxed so that you can continue working.

Hello Sir,

My anxiety level has been very high for the last two days. I don't think that I could maintain my focus at work. Therefore I am taking a day off to refresh my mental energy. I will get back to work by tomorrow. I would appreciate your understanding on this matter. Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,

Your name

How to Write Call in Sick Day Email for One Week?

Okay, if you are very sick and taking medical treatment. You don't need to call in sick for just one day, but you will require to take off day for at least one week. In that scenario, you would have to add a doctor's note with your email.

Hello Sir,

I have been feeling sick due to my kidney problem since the last day. I had to go to an emergency room last day where my doctor diagnosed me Kidney problem due to a few stones. I won't be able to come to today's meeting. My doctor recommended kidney surgery, so I will have to take one week off from work. 

I am also approaching my teammates, who will take care of today's meeting and deliver the project on time as I have assigned my role to my responsible team members. I will be available through email and phone this week.

I will resume work after one week. Till then, my team will take care of all official matters.

I would appreciate your understanding on this matter. I have attached doctor's note on my current medical condition for your reference.

Thank you. 

What Would You Do After Call in Sick?

1. As you have sent an email to your boss, now you can enjoy your off day. Some people feel bad or guilty after they call in sick to work. Keep in mind that you are a human being who needs an off day to resume his work. It's okay to spend some time away from work and do what you like to do. Even when you are feeling sick or not, you have the right to take a break from work. Enjoy that time.
2. As you have asked your teammate to contact you, you can respond to their inquiries if they connect with you. One thing that you shouldn't do during a call is fake coughing. You might want to point out that you are sick and try to give that proof, but there is no need to do any kind of acting. 
3. Go back to work with extra energy because tons of work is pending due to your off days. Your boss will admire your energy and passion for work. Please don't go to work with low power as it won't look good at all. Be ready to work for extra hours to complete your undone project and assignment.

Wrap Up

Next time you call in sick to work, you won't have to think about reasons and templates as I have shared all calls in unhealthy email examples. You can make the most from these examples and create your template. Again, you won't need to provide too much detail. Try to keep the email short and straightforward. If you are taking off a day at work while not feeling sick, avoid the call at any cost and don't do any sort of acting to prove that you are sick (it won't be helpful at all). You don't need to give a doctor's note all the time. A fit note is a requirement only when you take one week off. Never tell your colleagues that you are lying to your employer about the off day reason as it would backfire.