Sick Day Email Templates: Quick and Effective Ways to Get a Day Off - Status.net (2024)

• How to Write a Sick Day Email Part 1
• Sick Day Email Template Part 2
• Sick Leave Email for Part-Time or Hourly Employees Part 3
• Sick Leave Email Template for Remote Workers Part 4
• Sick Day Email for Marketing and Data Professionals Part 5
• Sick Day Email for Human Resources and Administration Part 6
• Flu and High Fever: Sick Day Email Template Part 7
• Contagious Illnesses: Sick Day Email Template Part 8
• Sick Day Email Template: Medical Appointment Part 9
• Tips for Your Return to Work Part 10

Timing Your Sick Leave

Knowing when and how to time your sick leave is crucial. First, familiarize yourself with your company’s sick leave policies. This information can typically be found in the employee handbook or by contacting human resources.

Next, consider the severity of your symptoms and whether they may be contagious. If you have a minor cold, you might still be able to work from home. However, if you’re experiencing more severe symptoms or your illness is contagious, it’s best to take a day off to rest and recover.

When requesting sick leave, notify your supervisor or manager in a timely manner. This allows them to make necessary arrangements to cover your workload while you’re out. Keep in mind that your goal is to minimize the impact on your team while prioritizing your health.

Part 1How to Write a Sick Day Email

Choosing a Subject Line

The subject line is the first thing your employer will see when opening your sick day email, so it’s essential to make it clear and concise. Use phrases like “Sick Day Request” or just simply “Sick Day” followed by your name. This makes it easy for your manager to understand the email’s purpose at a glance.

Email Body Essentials

Begin your email by addressing your supervisor or manager by name, followed by a brief description of your illness. You don’t need to go into great detail, but mentioning that you have a fever or the flu provides context. Next, indicate the duration of your sick leave, whether it’s just for one day or if you’ll need more time. For example:

“Dear {Manager’s Name},

I hope this email finds you well. Unfortunately, I have come down with the flu and am unable to come into work today. I expect to be out for [duration].”

Make sure to include any pertinent information about tasks or deadlines that may be impacted by your absence. If possible, suggest solutions to ensure your responsibilities are covered. This shows your commitment to your role, even when you’re sick.

“During my absence, I have asked {coworker’s name} to help cover my tasks and responsibilities, and they have agreed. If anything urgent comes up, please do not hesitate to contact me.”

Lastly, provide your contact information in case your manager needs to reach you while you’re away.

Polishing Your Tone

Keep the tone of your sick day email professional, yet empathetic. You want to convey that you take your responsibilities seriously while still acknowledging that you don’t want to spread germs or be unproductive due to illness. It’s important to be honest and direct, but also remain polite and respectful.

For example:

“I apologize for any inconvenience my absence may cause and I appreciate your understanding during this time.”

When and Whom to Notify

Letting your manager or supervisor know about your absence as soon as possible is crucial. If you wake up feeling unwell, it’s best to call in sick before your workday starts to give ample time for your team to adjust their expectations and workload. Consider sending an email or a group message to your colleagues as a courtesy, informing them that you won’t be available for the day.

Providing a Point Person

While you’re out of the office, it’s important to designate a point person for any ongoing tasks or projects. This person should be able to provide updates and answer questions on your behalf during your absence. In your sick day email, make sure to include the name and contact information of this person, so your colleagues know who to reach out to if they have any questions or need assistance related to your work.

Knowing Company Policies and Guidelines

Paid and Unpaid Sick Leave

Familiarize yourself with your company’s policies on paid and unpaid sick leave. Check your employee handbook or consult your HR department to understand how many paid sick days you’re entitled to and under what conditions. If you’ve used up your paid sick days or your company doesn’t offer them, you may still be able to take unpaid leave for your illness. It’s important to know your rights and options in this situation.

Doctor’s Notes and Documentation

Your company may require a doctor’s note or other documentation to prove your illness before approving your sick day request. This can vary by company, so make sure you’re aware of your employer’s requirements. If a doctor’s note is required, ensure that you secure one from your healthcare provider before sending your sick day email.

Part 2Sick Day Email Template

Template 1

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will not be able to come to work today due to illness. I have been experiencing [describe symptoms] and feel that it would be best for me to stay home and rest.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and I will make sure to catch up on any missed work as soon as possible. I have already notified [colleague’s name] to let them know that I will not be in the office today.

Please let me know if there is anything urgent that needs to be taken care of while I am away. I will be checking my email periodically throughout the day and will respond as soon as possible.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 2 (Casual)

Hi [Manager’s Name],

Unfortunately, I’m feeling pretty under the weather today and won’t be able to come into work. I’ve got [describe symptoms] and I don’t want to risk getting anyone else sick.

I’ve already let [colleague’s name] know that I won’t be in, and I’ll make sure to catch up on anything I miss when I’m feeling better.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and I’ll keep you updated on how I’m feeling.

Thanks for understanding.

Best,
[Your Name]

Template 3

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I regret to inform you that I am unable to come into work today due to illness. I have been experiencing [describe symptoms] and believe it is best for me to stay home and rest to avoid spreading any germs to my colleagues.

I have already notified [colleague’s name] to inform them of my absence and will ensure that any urgent matters are taken care of as soon as possible upon my return.

I understand that my absence may cause some inconvenience, and I apologize for any disruption this may cause to the team. I will make sure to catch up on any missed work as soon as possible.

Please let me know if there is anything that needs to be addressed in my absence, and I will do my best to assist remotely. I will also be available via email or phone if you need to reach me.

I apologize for any inconvenience my absence may cause and I appreciate your understanding during this time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Template 4

Subject: Sick Day Request for [Date]
Hi [Supervisor’s Name],

I’m feeling unwell today with a fever and sore throat, and in order to recover and avoid spreading germs, I’d like to request a sick day for [Date]. I’ve notified [Colleague’s Name] about my tasks, and they’ve agreed to cover for me during my absence.

Please let me know if you need any further information.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template 5

Subject: Sick Leave Notification – [Your Name]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

Unfortunately, I’m not feeling well and am unable to perform my duties today. Therefore, I’m requesting a sick day for [Date]. I’ve informed [Colleague’s Name] about my ongoing projects, and they will provide support while I’m out.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Adjusting for Different Job Types

Part-Time and Hourly Jobs

When you’re a part-time or hourly employee, it’s essential to be clear about your schedule and how your absence will affect your workload. In your sick day email, mention the specific hours or shifts you can’t cover and suggest potential solutions, such as a colleague who could cover for you. This shows you’re taking responsibility for your work and makes it easier for your manager to approve your time off.

Part 3Sick Leave Email Template for Part-Time or Hourly Employees

Subject: [Your Name] – Sick Day Request [Date]

Hi [Manager’s Name],

I’m feeling unwell and won’t be able to work my scheduled shift on [Date and Time]. I’ve already reached out to [Colleague’s Name] who is available and willing to cover for me. I’ll make sure to provide them with any necessary handover information.

Thank you for understanding, and I’ll keep you updated on my recovery.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Part 4Sick Leave Email Template for Remote Workers

As a remote worker, illness might not affect your ability to work the same way it would in an office setting. Nevertheless, if you’re too sick to perform your duties effectively, it’s important to let your manager know and request a sick day.

When requesting a day off, make sure to outline any tasks you had planned and suggest rescheduling or delegating them to a teammate. This helps demonstrate you’re mindful of your responsibilities.

Here’s a template for remote workers:

Subject: [Your Name] – Sick Day Request [Date]

Hi [Manager’s Name],

I’m not feeling well today and won’t be able to work at my full capacity. I’d like to request a sick day for [Date] to rest and recover.

I was scheduled to complete [Task(s)] today, and I’ll make sure to prioritize them when I return. Alternatively, if it’s urgent, please feel free to delegate the task to a colleague.

Thank you for your understanding. I’ll keep you updated on my condition.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Part 5Sick Day Email Template for Marketing and Data Professionals

When you’re in the marketing or data field, your sick day email should be concise, clear, and focused on your workload. Inform your team about any pending tasks and suggest possible solutions, while also informing your manager about your condition.

Subject: [Your Name] Sick Day – [Date]

Hi [Manager’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well. Unfortunately, I’m not feeling well today and won’t be able to come to work. It looks like I’ve caught a cold that’s been going around the office.

I’ve updated my project status for the week, and I’d like to suggest [Colleague’s Name] to cover any urgent tasks in my absence. Also, I’ll make sure to catch up on my emails and assignments as soon as I can.

Apologies for any inconvenience, and I appreciate your understanding.

Best, [Your Name]

Part 6Sick Day Email Template for Human Resources and Administration

If you’re in HR or an administrative position, it’s important to address any crucial tasks or meetings you may miss due to your absence, as well as offer alternative solutions for your team.

Example:

Subject: [Your Name] Sick Day – [Date]

Hello [Manager’s Name],

I hope this finds you well. Regrettably, I am not feeling well today and won’t be able to attend work. It appears that I’m dealing with stomach flu symptoms that need immediate attention.

I’ve gone through my schedule, and there’s a meeting with the benefits provider at 2 PM, which I’ve informed [Colleague’s Name] about. They’ve agreed to step in for me. Additionally, I have prepared the files and documents needed for the day, which can be accessed through our shared drive.

I apologize for any inconvenience caused and will keep you updated on my recovery status.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards, [Your Name]

Part 7Flu and High Fever: Sick Day Email Template

When you’ve come down with the flu or have a high fever, it’s important to stay home and recover: your body needs rest to fight off the illness, and you don’t want to risk spreading the flu to your coworkers. Send your supervisor a quick email letting them know about your symptoms, and ask for the day off to recover. A template you can use:

Subject: Sick Day – [Your Name]

Hi [Supervisor’s Name],

I’m not feeling well today and have come down with what seems like the flu, including a high fever. In order to recover and minimize the risk of spreading the illness to others, I’d like to request a sick day today.

I will ensure that my tasks are covered and will check my email periodically in case anything urgent comes up.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best,
[Your Name]

Part 8Contagious Illnesses: Sick Day Email Template

If you have a contagious illness, such as a stomach bug or pink eye, it’s crucial to stay away from the workplace to avoid infecting your colleagues. Inform your supervisor about your sickness and ask for a sick day. Here’s a template that can help:

Subject: Sick Day – [Your Name]

Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

Unfortunately, I woke up this morning with [symptoms of your contagious illness]. Since this may be contagious, I believe it’s best for me to take a sick day and focus on recovery to avoid spreading the illness at the office.

I’ll make sure my tasks are covered and will monitor my emails in case of any urgent situations.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Part 9Sick Day Email Template: Personal Illness or Appointment

Sometimes, you may need to take a sick day for a personal illness or medical appointment that isn’t contagious or severe. In these cases, it’s still essential to inform your supervisor and request time off. Here’s a sample email template:

Subject: Sick Day – [Your Name]

Hi [Supervisor’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well. Unfortunately, I am dealing with a non-contagious personal illness/medical appointment today and would like to request a sick day to address the issue and take care of myself.

I have made arrangements to cover my responsibilities and will be available through email if anything requires my immediate attention.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Part 10Tips for Your Return to Work

Catching Up on Missed Tasks

When you return to work after a sick day, one of your priorities should be catching up on any tasks you missed. Start by reviewing your to-do list and emails to identify what needs your attention. Don’t hesitate to ask your colleagues for updates on any ongoing projects or assignments you may have missed.

To stay organized, create a list of tasks you need to catch up on and prioritize them based on importance and deadlines. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This will help you stay focused and increase your productivity.

Making up for Lost Time

After taking a sick day, it’s normal to feel some pressure to make up for lost time. However, keep in mind that your health should always come first. Don’t push yourself too hard; work at a steady pace and take breaks when needed.

Consider discussing your workload with your manager and see if any upcoming deadlines can be adjusted to give you more time to catch up. If possible, delegate some tasks to teammates or ask for their help in completing tasks more efficiently.

Maintain open communication with your team members to ensure everyone is on the same page. This will also help you manage expectations regarding your attendance and productivity during your period of catch-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What elements should I include in my sick day email?

When writing a sick day email, make sure to include these key elements:

• A clear subject line, such as “Sick Day Request” or “Sick Leave Notification.”
• The date(s) you’ll be taking off.
• A brief explanation of your health situation, without going into too much detail.
• Offer assistance for covering any urgent tasks or finding a replacement for planned meetings or assignments.
• Your contact information in case of any questions or updates.

How can I clearly communicate the reason for taking a sick day in my email?

To clearly communicate the reason for taking a sick day in your email, keep it short and straightforward. Explain that you’re unwell and provide a general idea of your symptoms or condition without oversharing. Focus on how your health might impact your work performance and avoid making excuses.

Any tips for writing a simple yet effective sick day email?

Here are some tips for writing a simple yet effective sick day email:

• Keep the message concise and to the point.
• Use a clear subject line.
• Be honest about your health situation, but maintain a level of professionalism.
• Offer solutions for handling your workload and minimizing disruptions to your team.
• Proofread your email for errors and clarity before sending it.

How should I handle sick day emails when working from home?

When working from home, the process for requesting a sick day remains similar. It’s essential to notify your supervisor and colleagues about your situation and provide them with any necessary updates on your tasks. Be clear about your availability and how your illness may impact your work during the day.

Can I request a mental health day off through a sick day email?

Yes, you can request a mental health day off through a sick day email. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. In your email, be clear that you’re taking a day off for mental health reasons, and follow the same guidelines as you would for other sick day emails.