Not feeling your best and need to take a sick day? It can feel a bit awkward, especially if you don’t want to disrupt your team—but staying home when you’re unwell is important. The key is to keep things clear and professional so your absence doesn’t catch anyone off guard. Below, we’ll walk through what to think about, how to notify your manager, and how to handle things before and after your day off.
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Before you reach out to your manager, take a few minutes to assess your situation. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
Communication is key when you need time off. Here’s how to approach it:
Some companies prefer a phone call. Others are fine with a message on Slack or a quick email. If you’re not sure, stick with a direct call—it’s hard to misinterpret and shows respect for your team’s time.
As soon as it’s clear you won’t be able to make it to work, let your manager know. Early notice helps them reorganize any meetings or deadlines that might be affected.
If your work affects others—like ongoing projects or team deadlines—it’s a good idea to send a quick message to colleagues you’re collaborating with. This helps avoid confusion and keeps the workflow steady.
You don’t need to go into detail. Just let them know you’re unwell and won’t be working. If you’re comfortable sharing the reason (physical illness, mental health, etc.), that’s fine—but it’s not required.
After you return, follow up with your manager to see if you need to submit any documentation. It’s also a good chance to thank anyone who helped cover your tasks.
Spend some time catching up—check your inbox, connect with your team, and tackle any priorities that built up during your absence. It helps everything get back to normal faster.
Not sure how to phrase it? Here are a couple of simple, respectful messages you can use as a reference:
“Hi Mary, this is John. I’m not feeling well this morning and won’t be able to work today. Please let me know if you need anything while I’m out.”
“Hey Tamra, it’s Melissa. I’m dealing with a fever and nausea, so I’m going to take a sick day today. Let me know if you’d like me to check in on coverage options.”
Once you’ve informed your manager, there are a few things to take care of to keep things running smoothly in your absence:
As soon as you can. The earlier you notify your manager, the easier it is for them to make adjustments. Try to send a message before the start of your workday.
Keep it straightforward. Something like, “Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m not feeling well and won’t be in today. I’ll keep you posted if I need more time” works just fine.
Yes. Mental health is a legitimate reason to take a sick day. If you’re comfortable saying it, do so. But if not, “I’m not feeling well today and need to take a sick day” is more than enough.
Besides notifying your manager, let teammates know if your absence could delay shared work. Update your status if needed, and take care of yourself—your health comes first.
Sick days aren’t just allowed—they’re necessary. Being clear and courteous about taking one helps everyone, including you, stay on track.
