How to Call Out Sick from Work – Tips for Writing an Email and Texting Your Employer

Introduction

Calling out sick from work can be a stressful experience. It’s important to handle the situation correctly in order to maintain a good relationship with your employer. Knowing the best way to communicate your absence is key to ensuring that your needs are met and that your employer understands your situation.

By following these guidelines, you can make sure that your message is clear, concise, and professional. Here are some tips on how to call out sick from work using both email and text.

Create an Email Template for Calling Out Sick

The first step in calling out sick is to create an email or text template that you can use each time you need to contact your employer. This will help to ensure that your message is polite and professional, as well as consistent each time you send it.

When creating an email template, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind:

• Be brief and to the point – don’t include too much unnecessary detail.
• Include your name and contact information.
• Explain why you are unable to come into work.
• Provide an estimated return date (if possible).
• Thank your employer for their understanding.

Here are some examples of email templates that you can use when calling out sick:

Dear [Employer Name],

I am writing to inform you that I am unable to come into work today due to [illness/injury]. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. I expect to return to work on [date].

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

or

Dear [Employer Name],

I am writing to let you know that I am unable to come into work today due to [illness/injury]. I understand that this may cause disruption to your plans and apologize for any inconvenience.

I anticipate returning to work on [date], but will keep you updated if my return date changes. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Develop a Plan for Communicating With Your Employer

Once you have created an email template, you need to decide how and when to contact your employer. The timing of your message is important, as you want to give your employer enough notice so that they can plan accordingly.

It is generally best to send your email or text as soon as possible after you realize you won’t be able to make it into work. This will give your employer enough time to arrange for someone else to cover your shift or to adjust their plans.

You should also consider what information to include in your message. Depending on the situation, you may want to provide more detail than what is included in the email template. For example, if you are calling out due to illness, it may be helpful to provide the type of illness and any other relevant information.

Know the Company Policy on Calling Out Sick

Before sending your email or text, it is important to research the company policy regarding calling out sick. This will help you to understand the expectations of your employer and ensure that you are following the proper protocol.

It is also important to be aware of any related regulations or laws. For example, in the United States, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) guarantees certain employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for certain medical conditions. Understanding the details of this law can help you to make sure that you are taking the necessary steps to protect your rights.

Make Sure to Provide Enough Information

When communicating with your employer, it is important to be honest and detailed. This will help to ensure that your employer has all the necessary information to make informed decisions about your absence.

For example, if you are calling out due to illness, you should provide as much information as possible about the illness. This could include the type of illness, any symptoms you are experiencing, and how long you anticipate being away from work.

It is also important to be honest about why you are unable to come into work. While it is understandable that you may want to avoid discussing personal issues, it is important to provide enough information so that your employer can understand the situation.

Follow Up with a Text After You’ve Called Out

After you have sent your email or text, it is important to follow up with your employer. This will show that you are taking the situation seriously and that you value your employer’s time.

When following up, it is best to wait at least a day before sending your message. This will give your employer enough time to process your email or text and respond if necessary. When sending your follow up message, make sure to be polite and professional.

For example, you could say: “I just wanted to check in and make sure you received my email/text about being unable to come into work today. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is anything else I can do to help. Thank you.”

Consider What You Can Do to Make Up Lost Work Time

Finally, it is important to discuss with your employer what you can do to make up lost time. This could include working extra hours or taking on additional projects. It is important to be proactive and to show your employer that you are willing to do whatever it takes to make up for the lost time.

If you are unable to make up the lost time, you should discuss with your employer what other options are available. This could include taking unpaid leave or taking on a reduced workload until you are able to return to full-time work.

Conclusion

Calling out sick from work can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your message is clear, concise, and professional. Remember to create an email template, follow company policy, provide enough information, and follow up with a text after you’ve called out.

Finally, make sure to consider what you can do to make up lost work time. This will show your employer that you are committed to your job and that you take the situation seriously.