Taking a sick day is sometimes necessary, but informing your employer can be daunting.
Crafting the right email can help you convey professionalism while being straightforward about your situation.
In this guide, you’ll find five samples of sick day emails that strike different tones, from formal to casual, to help you communicate effectively.
Sample 1: Short and Simple
Subject: Sick Day Notification
Hi [Manager's Name],
I am writing to inform you that I am feeling unwell and will not be able to come to work today. I will keep you updated on my progress and hope to return soon.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best,
[Your Name]Sample 2: Detailed Information
Subject: Sick Leave Request
Dear [Manager's Name],
I hope this message finds you well. Unfortunately, I woke up feeling ill today and will be unable to perform my duties. I plan to see a doctor and will keep you updated on my condition.
In my absence, I have briefed [Colleague's Name] about my current projects, and they have kindly agreed to cover any urgent matters.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]Sample 3: Informing for Multiple Days
Subject: Sick Leave Notification
Hi [Manager's Name],
I wanted to let you know that I am not feeling well and will need to take sick leave starting today. I anticipate needing [number] days to recover. I will check my emails intermittently, but my responses may be delayed.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]Sample 4: Requesting Flexibility
Subject: Sick Day Update
Dear [Manager's Name],
I’m reaching out to inform you that I am feeling under the weather and unable to come to work today. I will do my best to remain available remotely if urgent matters arise, but my focus will be on recovery.
Please let me know if you need anything from me during this time.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]Sample 5: Casual Tone
Subject: Taking a Sick Day
Hey [Manager's Name],
Just a heads up—I'm feeling pretty sick today and need to take a sick day. I’ll be out of pocket, but I’ll catch up on everything as soon as I’m back.
Thanks for understanding!
Cheers,
[Your Name]How to Write a Professional Sick Day Email
- Be Direct: Start with the purpose of your email – notifying your employer that you are unwell.
- Add Details: Briefly explain your condition and, if applicable, how long you anticipate being away.
- Offer Solutions: Suggest how any urgent tasks will be handled in your absence.
- Sign Off Professionally: Use an appropriate closing that matches the tone of your email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need to provide a doctor’s note?
A1: It depends on your company’s policy. If you’re taking more than a couple of days off, it’s wise to check if a doctor’s note is necessary.
Q2: Can I send a text instead of an email?
A2: While texting can be quicker, an email is usually more professional, especially for formal workplaces.
Q3: What if I don’t know how long I’ll be sick?
A3: It’s okay to mention that you’re unsure but will keep your employer updated as your situation evolves.
Q4: Should I apologize for taking sick leave?
A4: It’s not required, but expressing understanding for any inconvenience can be courteous.
Conclusion
Crafting a clear and respectful sick day email is essential for maintaining professionalism while prioritizing your health. The samples provided can serve as templates to guide you in communicating effectively with your employer.
Comments
John D.:
“These samples are really helpful! I feel more confident about messaging my boss.”
Admin Reply: “Thanks for your feedback, John! We’re glad you found the samples useful.”
Sara L.:
“I especially like the casual tone of Sample 5. It fits better with my workplace culture.”
Admin Reply: “Thanks for sharing, Sara! It’s great to know you found a sample that resonates with your style.”
Mark T.:
“I always struggled with how to word these emails. You’ve made it so much easier!”
Admin Reply: “Thanks, Mark! We’re happy to help simplify the process for you.”
Emily R.:
“Do you have samples for different scenarios? Like notifying coworkers?”
Admin Reply: “Thanks for your question, Emily! We can definitely provide samples for notifying coworkers about a sick day. Here’s a quick template you can use:
Sample: Notifying Coworkers
Subject: Out Sick Today
Hi Team,
I wanted to let you know that I am unwell and will be unavailable today. Please reach out to [Colleague's Name] if you need immediate assistance on any projects.
I appreciate your understanding and will catch up on everything once I'm back.
Take care,
[Your Name]Feel free to adjust the wording to fit your style!”