We’ve all been there – that moment when you wake up feeling less than stellar and know you can’t make it to work.
Figuring out what to say when you’re under the weather can be tricky, especially when you want to be clear and professional.
An out-of-office message is your digital handshake when you’re not physically present, and it’s important it makes the right impression.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of messages to help you navigate sick leave with ease and grace.
Simple & Direct Messages
Sometimes, the best approach is the most straightforward.
A clear and concise message leaves no room for ambiguity and helps colleagues and clients understand your situation quickly.
These options are perfect for when you need to get straight to the point without oversharing.
1. “I am currently out of the office due to illness and will respond to emails upon my return.” – This is a very standard and professional message that clearly states the reason for your absence and when you expect to be back.
2. “I am taking sick leave today and will have limited access to email.” – This lets people know you’re unwell and might not be checking messages frequently, setting expectations for response times.
3. “I am feeling unwell and will be out of the office on sick leave. I expect to return on [Date].” – Providing a return date is helpful for those who need to plan around your absence.
4. “Currently out of office due to illness. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This is crucial for ensuring critical tasks are handled while you’re away.
5. “I am on sick leave and will be unavailable until further notice.” – Use this when you’re unsure of your return date due to the nature of your illness.
6. “Taking a personal day to recover from illness. I’ll be back online soon.” – This is a slightly softer way to say you’re sick and need a break.
7. “I am experiencing a health issue and need to take time off to recover.” – This is a professional and private way to communicate your need for absence.
8. “Out of office due to sickness. I will monitor emails periodically if my condition allows.” – This indicates you might check in but shouldn’t be relied upon for immediate responses.
9. “I am unwell and have stepped away from my desk. I will respond as soon as I am able.” – This is a good option for shorter absences or if you’re feeling a bit better but still need to rest.
10. “On sick leave. Please expect a delay in my response.” – A simple and effective way to manage expectations regarding your reply time.
11. “I’m taking a sick day to rest and recuperate. Normal service will resume shortly.” – This conveys a sense of returning to your usual productivity soon.
12. “Due to illness, I am unable to attend to emails at this time.” – A direct statement that clearly communicates your current inability to respond.
13. “I am currently out of the office for health reasons. Please reach out to [Alternative Contact] for immediate assistance.” – Reinforces the importance of having a backup contact for urgent needs.
14. “Feeling under the weather and taking the day to recover. I’ll be back tomorrow.” – Perfect for a single-day absence where you know your return date.
15. “I am on sick leave and will be offline for the remainder of the day/week.” – Clearly defines the duration of your absence, whether it’s a partial or full day/week.
These direct messages are your go-to when clarity is key.
Warm & Empathetic Messages
When you’re feeling unwell, it’s nice to convey a sense of warmth, even in a professional setting.
These messages acknowledge that you’re human and need time to heal, while still being considerate of your colleagues.
They strike a balance between personal well-being and professional responsibility.
16. “I’m taking some time to rest and recover from illness. I’ll be back and ready to go as soon as I’m feeling better.” – This message is reassuring and emphasizes your commitment to returning with full energy.
17. “Sending this message from my sickbed! I’m feeling a bit under the weather and will be out of the office today. I’ll catch up on everything when I’m back.” – This adds a touch of lightheartedness while still being clear about your absence.
18. “I’m currently out of the office battling a bug. I’m focusing on getting better and will respond to your message upon my return.” – “Battling a bug” is a relatable phrase that many understand.
19. “I’m taking a much-needed sick day to focus on my health. Thank you for your understanding, and I’ll be back to normal soon.” – Expressing gratitude for understanding can foster a positive work environment.
20. “I’m feeling a bit rough and need to take some time to recuperate. I’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as I’m feeling up to it.” – “Feeling a bit rough” is an informal yet understandable way to describe feeling unwell.
21. “I’m out of the office today to recover from a minor ailment. I’ll do my best to check emails if I’m feeling up to it, but please expect delays.” – This balances the desire to be helpful with the reality of needing rest.
22. “I’m prioritizing my health today and will be out of the office. I look forward to reconnecting with you soon.” – This message frames your absence as a proactive step for your well-being.
23. “I’m currently out of office due to illness. I appreciate your patience and will respond to your message once I’m feeling better.” – A polite and appreciative message that acknowledges potential inconvenience.
24. “I’m taking a personal day to recover from feeling unwell. I’ll be back to tackle our projects with renewed energy soon!” – This shows enthusiasm for returning to work once you’ve recovered.
25. “I’m out of the office today, nursing a cold. I’ll be back to full strength and responding to emails tomorrow.” – Specificity about a common ailment can make the message more relatable.
26. “I’m experiencing some downtime due to illness. I’m focusing on getting back to 100% and will be in touch as soon as possible.” – “Downtime” is a gentle way to describe being out of commission.
27. “I’m out of the office today to rest and recharge my batteries due to illness. I’ll be back soon!” – A common and friendly idiom for needing rest and recovery.
28. “I’m feeling a bit under the weather and need to take today to focus on my recovery. Thank you for your understanding.” – A simple, kind, and professional message for a short absence.
29. “I’m out of the office due to illness and am focusing on getting better. I’ll respond to your message once I’m back and feeling well.” – This emphasizes that your priority is recovery before returning to work tasks.
30. “I’m taking a sick day to rest and recover. I’ll be back in the office tomorrow with a fresh perspective!” – This cheerful closing reinforces a positive outlook upon return.
These messages ensure your absence is handled with kindness and consideration.
Messages for Longer Absences
When illness requires you to be away for an extended period, your out-of-office message needs to provide more comprehensive information.
It’s important to set clear expectations about your availability and to delegate responsibilities effectively.
These templates are designed to offer clarity and continuity during longer sick leaves.
31. “I am currently on extended sick leave and will be out of the office until approximately [Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This provides a clear timeframe and a designated point of contact for urgent issues.
32. “I am out of the office on medical leave and will have very limited access to email. Please direct all inquiries to [Colleague’s Name] or [Department Contact].” – This emphasizes limited availability and directs people to the appropriate channels.
33. “I am currently on an extended sick leave to focus on my recovery. I anticipate returning on [Date], but will provide updates if this changes. In the meantime, please contact [Colleague’s Name] for assistance.” – This offers a projected return date while acknowledging potential changes and providing an alternative.
34. “Due to a health condition, I will be out of the office for an extended period. My team will be handling my responsibilities. Please reach out to [Team Lead’s Name] for any work-related questions.” – This clearly indicates that your workload is being managed by others.
35. “I am on sick leave and will be away from work for the foreseeable future. I will update my out-of-office message with my return date when it is known.” – Use this when the duration of your absence is completely uncertain.
36. “I am currently on medical leave. For immediate assistance regarding [Specific Project/Task], please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email]. For all other inquiries, please reach out to [General Department Email].” – This is useful for directing different types of queries to specific individuals or teams.
37. “I am out of the office on sick leave and will not be checking emails regularly. Please allow for a significant delay in response. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name].” – This manages expectations for very slow response times.
38. “I am taking a period of medical leave to recover. I will be focusing on my health and will respond to messages upon my return. Please contact [Colleague’s Name] for any urgent needs.” – This reiterates the focus on recovery and provides a clear alternative contact.
39. “I am currently out of the office on sick leave for an extended period. My colleagues are aware of my ongoing projects. Please direct your inquiry to the most relevant team member.” – This empowers colleagues to handle your responsibilities without naming specific contacts for every scenario.
40. “I am on sick leave and will be unavailable for the next [Number] weeks. I will respond to emails upon my return on [Date].” – A precise timeframe is helpful for planning purposes.
41. “I am out of the office on medical leave. During my absence, please direct all urgent requests to [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email]. Non-urgent matters will be addressed upon my return.” – This clearly distinguishes between urgent and non-urgent matters.
42. “I am taking a period of sick leave. My access to email will be sporadic. For immediate support, please contact [Colleague’s Name].” – “Sporadic” indicates unpredictable and infrequent access.
43. “I am currently out of the office due to illness and will be for an extended period. Please refer to [Team Member’s Name] for any questions related to [Specific Area].” – This is helpful if certain responsibilities are clearly assigned to specific individuals.
44. “I am on sick leave and focusing on my recovery. I appreciate your patience and will respond to your message as soon as I am able.” – A simple yet effective message for an indeterminate longer absence.
45. “I am out of the office on medical leave. Please direct all urgent queries to [Colleague’s Name] or [Another Colleague’s Name] for assistance.” – Providing multiple contacts can be beneficial for larger teams or complex projects.
These messages ensure that operations continue smoothly in your absence.
Creative & Whimsical Messages
Sometimes, a touch of creativity can make a dry out-of-office message more engaging.
These options inject a bit of personality while still conveying the necessary information about your absence.
They’re perfect for workplaces with a more relaxed or informal culture.
46. “I’ve temporarily traded my keyboard for a cozy blanket and some much-needed rest. I’m out of the office due to illness and will respond when I’m feeling 100%.” – This paints a picture of comfortable recovery.
47. “My body has declared a ‘no-fly zone’ due to illness. I’m grounded and out of the office, but will be back in action soon!” – A playful metaphor for being unable to work.
48. “Currently undergoing a ‘reboot’ due to a system error (aka illness). I’ll be back online once the updates are complete.” – A tech-themed message for a humorous touch.
49. “I’m on a quest to defeat the ‘germ monster’ and am out of the office today. Wish me luck, and I’ll be back to conquer my inbox soon.” – This frames your recovery as an adventure.
50. “My brain is on ‘do not disturb’ mode due to illness. I’m out of the office and will respond when my mental bandwidth is restored.” – A relatable message for feeling mentally drained.
51. “I’ve been temporarily abducted by the ‘sick day’ aliens. They’re returning me to Earth on [Date]. Until then, please contact [Colleague’s Name].” – A humorous, sci-fi-inspired message.
52. “I’m currently in ‘hibernation mode’ to recover from illness. I’ll emerge refreshed and ready to work on [Date].” – This implies a deep need for rest and rejuvenation.
53. “My immune system is staging a protest, so I’m out of the office today. I’ll be back to negotiate a peace treaty with germs soon.” – A creative way to describe fighting off an illness.
54. “I’m currently out of the office, practicing the art of ‘strategic napping’ to combat illness. I’ll be back with renewed vigor!” – This makes rest sound like a deliberate and effective strategy.
55. “I’ve temporarily misplaced my ‘get-up-and-go’ due to illness. I’m out of the office and will find it again soon!” – A lighthearted way to say you lack energy.
56. “My office is currently a ‘no-sick-person zone’ – meaning I’m not in it! I’m out today and will be back when I’m feeling better.” – A playful twist on a common phrase.
57. “I’m out of the office, channeling my inner superhero to fight off this illness. My cape is in the wash, and I’ll be back to save the day soon.” – This adds a fun, heroic element to your absence.
58. “I’m currently out of the office, enjoying an unscheduled ‘wellness retreat’. I’ll return with tales of recovery and a full inbox.” – This frames your sick leave positively as a form of self-care.
59. “My computer is taking a break, and so am I! I’m out of the office due to illness and will be back to ‘byte’ into my work soon.” – A punny, tech-related message.
60. “I’m currently out of the office, undergoing a mandatory ‘rest and recharge’ cycle. I’ll be back with full power on [Date].” – This uses technical jargon in a relatable way.
These messages bring a smile to faces while communicating your need for rest.
Messages with Specific Instructions
For complex roles or when specific tasks need to be managed, your out-of-office message can include detailed instructions.
This ensures that critical functions continue without interruption and that your colleagues know exactly where to turn.
These messages go beyond a simple notification to provide practical guidance.
61. “I am out of the office due to illness until [Date]. For urgent requests regarding Project X, please contact [Colleague A] at [Email A]. For inquiries about Client Y, please reach out to [Colleague B] at [Email B].” – This is highly effective for delegating specific responsibilities.
62. “I am on sick leave and will not be able to respond to emails. If your request is time-sensitive and requires immediate attention, please call [Phone Number] and ask for the duty manager.” – Provides a direct phone contact for urgent matters.
63. “I am out of the office due to illness. Please find below contact information for your immediate needs: [List of contacts and their specialties/responsibilities].” – A clear, bulleted or listed format is easy to digest.
64. “I am taking sick leave today. All new support requests should be submitted through our ticketing system at [Link to Ticketing System] to ensure prompt attention.” – Directs people to a formal system for tracking requests.
65. “I am out of the office on sick leave. While I recover, please direct all sales inquiries to [Sales Contact] and all customer service issues to [Support Contact].” – Clearly separates different types of client interactions.
66. “I am unwell and out of the office. For any critical issues that cannot wait for my return, please forward your email to [Colleague’s Name] with ‘URGENT’ in the subject line.” – This creates a clear flag for colleagues to prioritize emails.
67. “I am on sick leave and will have limited access to email. Please note that responses may be delayed. For immediate assistance, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email].” – A standard but effective way to handle potential delays.
68. “I am out of the office due to illness. I will be back on [Date]. In my absence, [Colleague’s Name] will be covering my responsibilities. Please reach out to them for any urgent matters.” – Clearly designates a temporary replacement.
69. “I am currently taking sick leave. Please be advised that I will not be able to approve any requests until my return on [Date]. Kindly seek approval from [Approver’s Name] in the interim.” – Important for roles that involve approvals or sign-offs.
70. “I am out of the office due to illness. For matters related to the upcoming conference, please contact [Conference Coordinator] at [Coordinator’s Email].” – Specific delegation for a particular event or project.
71. “I am on sick leave and focusing on recovery. If you require assistance with [Specific Task A], please contact [Person A]. For [Specific Task B], please contact [Person B].” – Breaks down your duties and assigns them to different people.
72. “I am out of the office due to illness. Please understand that my response time will be significantly delayed. For urgent matters, please refer to our FAQ page here: [Link to FAQ].” – Offers self-service resources for common questions.
73. “I am taking sick leave today and will be back on [Date]. Please CC [Colleague’s Name] on all urgent emails sent to me so they are aware of the situation.” – Ensures a colleague is kept in the loop on urgent communications.
74. “I am out of the office on sick leave. For any urgent issues that require immediate attention, please escalate to [Manager’s Name] at [Manager’s Email].” – Provides a clear escalation path if needed.
75. “I am unwell and out of the office. While I recover, please direct all project-related questions to [Project Lead’s Name] and all administrative queries to [Admin Contact].” – Differentiates between project work and administrative tasks.
These detailed messages ensure that your absence causes minimal disruption.
Remember, taking care of yourself is paramount.
Your health comes first, and a well-crafted out-of-office message can help you achieve that peace of mind.
We hope this extensive list provides you with the perfect words for your next sick leave.
Feel better soon!