Whether it's COVID-19, the flu, or any other illness, it's inevitable in today’s world that you'll face days when you wake up feeling under the weather, and you’ll need to call out.
Taking that sick time might feel optional, but it’s actually anything but. Time off for illness is crucial for your wellbeing and the health of those around you. When you're unwell, your body needs rest to recover, and pushing through sickness can prolong your illness or worsen your condition. By taking sick time, you prevent the spread of contagious diseases to your coworkers or customers, maintaining a healthier workplace. Additionally, it allows you to focus on your health without the stress of work responsibilities, leading to a quicker and more complete recovery. Using your sick time demonstrates responsibility and respect for your colleagues' health and your own.
Now that your apprehension has been assuaged, let’s get to the communication aspect. Sharing the news with your boss about your situation is important in maintaining your professionalism and ensuring any work that needs to be finalized is covered by someone on your team. It’s also needed if your condition is contagious and your peers might need to test or be notified.
Thankfully, you can keep the communication short and sweet and be back to sleeping in no time. Here are 15 text message examples to help you navigate emergency sick days with professionalism and clarity, tailored to different scenarios. (If you prefer emails, use these sick day email examples to craft your message.)
15 text message examples to send your boss when illness strikes
Example 1: General illness
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I woke up feeling very ill today and think it’s best I take a sick day to recover. I will keep you updated on my condition. Thank you for understanding."
Example 2: Flu symptoms
"Good morning, [Boss’s Name]. I’ve come down with the flu and am feeling quite weak. I need to rest and avoid spreading it to others. I hope to be back in a couple of days."
Example 3: COVID-19 exposure
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I was informed that I’ve been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19. I’m going to get tested and quarantine until I receive the results. I’ll keep you posted."
Example 4: COVID-19 positive
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I just tested positive for COVID-19. I will need to quarantine and follow my doctor's advice. I’ll update you on my recovery progress. Thanks for your understanding."
Example 5: Childcare issues due to illness
"Good morning, [Boss’s Name]. My child is very sick today, and I need to stay home to take care of them. I apologize for any inconvenience and will be available for urgent matters via phone or email."
Example 6: Severe headache/migraine
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m experiencing a severe migraine and am unable to work today. I’ll monitor my condition and hope to be back tomorrow. Sorry for the short notice."
Example 7: Stomach bug
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I’ve caught a stomach bug and am feeling very unwell. I need to take the day to rest and recover. I’ll keep you updated on my status."
Example 8: Scheduled medical appointment
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I have a medical appointment today due to feeling unwell. I might need to take the day off depending on the outcome. I’ll let you know as soon as I can."
Example 9: Allergic reaction
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m experiencing a severe allergic reaction and need to see a doctor immediately. I’ll be off today to get it under control. Thanks for understanding."
Example 10: Mental health day
"Good morning, [Boss’s Name]. I’m feeling mentally overwhelmed and need to take a day off to focus on my mental health. I’ll be back tomorrow, feeling better. Thank you."
Example 11: Post-surgery recovery
"Hi [Boss’s Name], my recovery from surgery is taking longer than expected. I need an additional day to rest. I’ll be available via email for any urgent matters."
Example 12: Chronic illness flare-up
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m experiencing a flare-up of my chronic illness and need to take the day off to manage it. I appreciate your understanding and support."
Example 13: Seeking medical advice
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m not feeling well and need to seek medical advice today. Depending on the doctor’s recommendations, I might need to take the day off. I’ll keep you informed."
Example 14: Back pain
"Good morning, [Boss’s Name]. I woke up with severe back pain and can’t move comfortably. I need to rest today and hope to be back tomorrow. Thank you for your understanding."
Example 15: Cold/minor illness
"Hi [Boss’s Name], I’ve caught a bad cold and think it’s best to rest and prevent it from spreading. I’ll be back once I feel better. Apologies for the inconvenience."
Taking a sick day when you're unwell is not only essential for your health but also shows consideration for your colleagues by preventing the spread of illness. These examples provide a clear and professional way to communicate with your boss, ensuring that you're transparent about your situation while respecting workplace protocols. Remember to keep your messages concise, honest, and respectful to maintain a positive and professional relationship with your employer.
