We’ve all been there: waking up feeling less than stellar, with the undeniable urge to stay under the covers. But before you can fully embrace the cozy comfort of a sick day, there’s that one crucial task – letting your boss know.
It’s not always easy to find the right words, especially when you’re feeling rough. You want to be clear, professional, and maybe even a little human about it.
That’s where a well-crafted text message can come in handy. It’s quick, efficient, and gets the job done without requiring a lengthy phone call.
So, whether you’re battling a head cold, a stomach bug, or just a general feeling of blah, here are some ideas to help you communicate your need for a sick day with grace and clarity.
Simple & Direct
Sometimes, the best approach is the most straightforward. When you’re not feeling well, you don’t need to overcomplicate your message.
A clear and concise notification ensures your boss understands the situation immediately. This respects their time and allows them to make necessary arrangements.
Keeping it brief also means you can send it quickly and get back to resting, which is your top priority when you’re sick.
1. “Hi [Boss’s name], I woke up feeling unwell and won’t be able to come into work today. I’ll keep you updated.” – This is a classic for a reason; it’s polite, informative, and sets the expectation for follow-up.
2. “Good morning [Boss’s name]. I’m experiencing [symptom, e.g., a fever] and need to take a sick day. I’ll check emails periodically if I’m able.” – Mentioning a specific symptom can add a touch of legitimacy without oversharing, and the offer to check emails shows dedication.
3. “Morning. Unfortunately, I’m not feeling well enough to work today. I’ve completed [urgent task] and will address other items upon my return.” – This is great if you’ve managed to get something done before feeling too ill, showing responsibility.
4. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’ve come down with something and need to rest today. I’ll let you know my status for tomorrow.” – This is a good way to signal that you’re unsure about your return date but will provide an update.
5. “Unable to make it in today due to illness. Will be back as soon as I’m feeling better.” – This is extremely brief and to the point, suitable for workplaces with a very casual communication style.
6. “Woke up with a migraine and need to take the day to recover. Apologies for any inconvenience.” – Specificity here can be helpful, especially if migraines are a known issue for you.
7. “Feeling under the weather and need to take a sick day. I’ll be offline for the most part but will monitor urgent messages.” – This balances the need for rest with a commitment to staying connected for critical matters.
8. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’ve woken up with a stomach bug and won’t be able to come in. I’ll keep you posted.” – Stomach bugs are often quite debilitating, so this is a clear and understandable reason.
9. “Unfortunately, I’m not feeling well and will need to use a sick day today. I’ll be back tomorrow if all goes well.” – This provides a hopeful outlook for your return while still taking the necessary day off.
10. “Morning. I’m experiencing flu-like symptoms and need to take the day to rest and avoid spreading anything. I’ll update you on my condition.” – This shows consideration for your colleagues’ health as well.
11. “I’ve woken up with a sore throat and cough and need to take a sick day. I’ll be resting up and hope to be back soon.” – Common symptoms that are easily understood and warrant a day of rest.
12. “Hi [Boss’s name], I won’t be able to make it to work today as I’m feeling quite unwell. I’ll be in touch about my availability tomorrow.” – A polite and professional way to state your absence and future availability.
13. “I’m experiencing severe fatigue and need to take a sick day to recover. I’ll be sure to check in if anything urgent arises.” – Fatigue can be a legitimate reason for absence, and this message acknowledges it.
14. “Morning. I’ve woken up with a headache and need to take a sick day. I’ll be resting and hope to feel better soon.” – A simple headache can sometimes be enough to impact productivity and well-being.
15. “I need to take a sick day today due to feeling unwell. I’ll be back at work once I’ve recovered.” – This is a concise and effective message that clearly communicates your absence.
These messages are great for when you need to get straight to the point without much fuss.
A Touch of Empathy (for Yourself & Others)
Sometimes, a sick day isn’t just about physical discomfort; it’s about mental and emotional well-being too. It’s okay to acknowledge that you need a break to recharge.
These messages show you’re considering the impact of your absence while also prioritizing your health. It’s about finding that balance between professional responsibility and personal care.
Adding a touch of empathy can make your message feel more human and relatable, even in a professional context.
16. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’m feeling quite run down and need to take a sick day to rest and recover. I apologize for any disruption this may cause.” – Acknowledging potential disruption shows consideration for the team’s workflow.
17. “Good morning. I’ve woken up feeling unwell and need to take the day to focus on getting better. I’ll be sure to check in later if I feel up to it.” – This offers a promise of an update without committing to working if you’re not able.
18. “Morning [Boss’s name]. I’m dealing with a bit of a bug and need to take a sick day to avoid spreading it. Hope everyone has a healthy day!” – This message shows you’re thinking of your colleagues’ well-being too.
19. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’m not feeling well enough to work today and will be taking a sick day. I’ve asked [colleague’s name] to cover [specific task] for me.” – This is excellent if you’ve proactively arranged coverage, demonstrating responsibility.
20. “Unfortunately, I’ve woken up feeling quite ill and need to take the day to rest. I’ll be back as soon as I’m feeling up to it.” – This conveys that your absence is due to a genuine need for recovery.
21. “Morning. I’m experiencing [symptom] and need to take a sick day. I’ll be offline for most of the day but will respond to urgent matters if possible.” – This sets clear boundaries while still offering limited availability for critical issues.
22. “Hi [Boss’s name], I need to take a sick day today. I’m hoping a day of rest will help me bounce back quickly. I’ll keep you updated.” – This expresses a positive outlook and commitment to returning soon.
23. “Feeling under the weather and need to take a sick day. I’ve already briefed [colleague’s name] on my urgent tasks.” – Similar to item 19, this shows proactive planning and team support.
24. “Good morning. I’m not feeling well and will be taking a sick day to focus on recovery. I appreciate your understanding.” – A simple expression of gratitude for understanding can go a long way.
25. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’m experiencing [specific ailment] and need to take the day off to recover. I’ll be sure to check my messages periodically if I’m able.” – This offers a bit more detail and a conditional offer of availability.
26. “Morning. I’ve woken up feeling unwell and need to take a sick day. I’ll be sure to check in with updates as I have them.” – This reassures your boss that you’ll provide information about your condition.
27. “Unable to come in today due to illness. I’ll be resting and hope to be back to normal tomorrow.” – This expresses a clear intention to return as soon as possible.
28. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’m not feeling well and need to take a sick day. I’ve forwarded any urgent emails to [colleague’s name].” – This shows you’ve thought about continuity of work even while sick.
29. “Good morning. I’ve woken up with a sore throat and need to take a sick day to rest. I’ll be sure to keep you informed.” – A common ailment that’s easily understood and warrants a day of rest.
30. “Feeling under the weather and need to take a sick day. I’ll be offline for the most part but will respond to anything critical if I can.” – This balances the need for rest with a commitment to address truly urgent matters.
These messages strike a good balance between professionalism and acknowledging your need for self-care.
Humorous & Lighthearted
If your workplace culture allows for it, a touch of humor can lighten the mood. It can show your personality and make the message feel less like a formal notification.
However, it’s crucial to know your audience. What one boss finds funny, another might find unprofessional, so gauge this carefully.
When in doubt, it’s always safer to lean towards a more professional tone. But if you’re sure it will be well-received, a little wit can make your sick day announcement memorable.
31. “Hi [Boss’s name], my body has officially decided to go on strike today. I’ll be taking a sick day to negotiate terms with my immune system.” – This is a playful way to announce your absence, implying your body needs a break.
32. “Morning. I’ve been diagnosed with a severe case of ‘can’t even.’ Taking a sick day to recover from this highly contagious condition.” – This uses a bit of hyperbole and humor to explain your need for rest.
33. “Good morning! My alarm clock and I had a disagreement. I won, and the outcome is a sick day for me. I’ll be back when I’m feeling less rebellious.” – This lighthearted message personifies your struggle to get out of bed.
34. “Hi [Boss’s name], I seem to have caught the dreaded ‘couch potato’ virus. Taking a sick day to quarantine myself with snacks and Netflix.” – This is a relatable and humorous way to describe needing a day of rest and leisure.
35. “Morning. My brain has decided to go on vacation without me today. I’ll be taking a sick day to try and retrieve it.” – This witty message explains a feeling of mental fog or exhaustion.
36. “Unfortunately, I’ve been hit by a rogue sneeze and need to take a sick day to recover. Pray for my sinuses!” – This is a silly and memorable way to announce a common cold symptom.
37. “Hi [Boss’s name], my immune system is currently staging a protest. I’ll be taking a sick day to mediate the situation.” – This personifies your body’s response to illness in a humorous way.
38. “Good morning. I’ve been informed by my body that it requires an unscheduled ‘do not disturb’ day. Sick day commencing now.” – This playfully frames your need for rest as an official directive from your body.
39. “Morning. I’m experiencing a critical system error and need to take a sick day for rebooting. Will attempt to reconnect tomorrow.” – This tech-themed analogy is great for a more modern or tech-oriented workplace.
40. “Hi [Boss’s name], I seem to have misplaced my energy and motivation. Taking a sick day to search for them. Wish me luck!” – This is a lighthearted way to express feeling drained and needing a break.
41. “Woke up feeling like a deflated balloon. Taking a sick day to re-inflate. Will be back to full capacity soon!” – This uses a simple, relatable metaphor for feeling low on energy.
42. “Good morning. My body is demanding a mandatory ‘chill’ day. I’m complying and taking a sick day. Hopefully, it’ll be back to work mode tomorrow.” – This frames the sick day as a necessary act of compliance with your body’s needs.
43. “Morning. I’ve been struck by a sudden and severe case of ‘need to nap.’ Taking a sick day to address this critical issue.” – This humorously highlights the overwhelming urge to sleep when unwell.
44. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’m currently running on fumes and need to take a sick day to refuel. Will be back with a full tank tomorrow.” – This uses a car analogy to express exhaustion and the need for recovery.
45. “Unfortunately, my internal battery is at 1% and requires a full recharge. Taking a sick day to get back to 100%.” – This is another modern, tech-inspired analogy for needing rest.
These humorous messages can be a great way to convey your absence if your workplace culture is relaxed and appreciative of lightheartedness.
Formal & Professional
In more traditional or formal work environments, or when you’re unsure of your boss’s preferences, sticking to a formal tone is usually the safest bet.
These messages prioritize clarity, professionalism, and a clear statement of your absence without unnecessary details.
They ensure that your communication is taken seriously and maintains a respectful distance appropriate for a professional relationship.
46. “Dear [Boss’s name], please accept this message as notification that I will be unable to report to work today, [Date], due to illness.” – This is a very formal and direct opening, suitable for highly professional settings.
47. “Good morning, [Boss’s name]. I am writing to inform you that I am unwell and will need to take a sick day today.” – This is a polite and standard formal opening for a sick day notification.
48. “Esteemed [Boss’s name], I must regretfully inform you that I am not feeling well and will be taking a sick day today. I will provide an update on my return status as soon as possible.” – The use of “esteemed” and “regretfully” adds a layer of formality and politeness.
49. “Subject: Sick Day Notification – [Your Name]. Good morning, [Boss’s name]. I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a sick day today due to unforeseen illness.” – Including a clear subject line is crucial for formal email or text communication.
50. “Hi [Boss’s name], I wish to inform you that I am experiencing symptoms of illness and will be unable to come to the office today. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.” – This message is professional, explains the situation briefly, and offers an apology.
51. “Dear [Boss’s name], I am unable to report for duty today, [Date], as I am feeling unwell. I have completed [Task Name] and will address outstanding matters upon my return.” – This shows responsibility by mentioning completed tasks and future intentions.
52. “Good morning, [Boss’s name]. This message is to notify you that I will be taking a sick day today due to illness. I will monitor my emails periodically if my condition permits.” – This offers limited availability for urgent matters while still prioritizing rest.
53. “To [Boss’s name], I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a sick day today, [Date], as I am feeling unwell. I will keep you updated on my recovery.” – This is a concise and professional way to communicate your absence and promise updates.
54. “Dear [Boss’s name], I must take a sick day today due to illness. I have informed [Colleague’s Name] of my urgent tasks and will be available for critical queries if needed.” – This demonstrates proactive steps taken to ensure work continuity.
55. “Good morning, [Boss’s name]. I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a sick day today. I anticipate returning to work tomorrow, health permitting.” – This provides a specific expected return date, which can be helpful for planning.
56. “Hi [Boss’s name], please be advised that I will be taking a sick day today, [Date], due to illness. I will respond to urgent communications as my health allows.” – “Please be advised” adds a formal tone to the notification.
57. “Dear [Boss’s name], I am unable to work today because I am feeling unwell. I will update you on my status for tomorrow.” – This is a straightforward and professional message that clearly states the reason and follow-up plan.
58. “Good morning, [Boss’s name]. I am writing to formally request a sick day for today, [Date], due to illness. I will return to my duties as soon as I am medically able.” – “Formally request” and “medically able” enhance the professional tone.
59. “To [Boss’s name], I wish to inform you that I will be taking a sick day today due to illness. I will do my best to check emails periodically for urgent matters.” – This is a polite and professional way to offer limited availability.
60. “Dear [Boss’s name], I am writing to notify you that I am unwell and will be taking a sick day. I will provide an update on my return to work by the end of the day.” – This sets a clear expectation for when you will provide further information.
These formal messages are designed to be clear, respectful, and appropriate for any professional setting.
Specific Scenarios & Follow-ups
Sometimes, a simple “I’m sick” isn’t enough. You might need to provide a bit more context, delegate tasks, or set expectations for your return.
These messages are for those situations where you need to communicate more specific information to ensure smooth operations during your absence.
Being proactive with details can prevent confusion and show your commitment to your responsibilities, even when you’re not at your best.
61. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’ve woken up with a severe migraine and will be taking a sick day. I’ve asked [Colleague’s Name] to handle the [Specific Project] client call this morning. I’ll be offline for most of the day.” – This message provides a specific reason and delegates a crucial task, setting clear boundaries.
62. “Good morning. I’m experiencing food poisoning and will need to take a sick day. I’ve already completed the [Urgent Report] and saved it to the shared drive. I’ll be resting and will update you later.” – This offers a clear reason and reassures your boss that critical work is done.
63. “Morning [Boss’s name]. I’ve woken up with a fever and will be taking a sick day. I’ve forwarded all urgent emails to [Colleague’s Name] and will be completely offline today to focus on recovery.” – This message clearly states the need for complete rest and outlines the delegation of responsibilities.
64. “Hi [Boss’s name], I need to take a sick day today due to a sudden illness. I’ve set up my out-of-office reply and will be checking messages only for emergencies. I’ll let you know my status for tomorrow by [Time].” – This message sets expectations for your availability and provides a timeline for updates.
65. “Good morning. I’ve woken up with a terrible cough and sore throat and need to take a sick day. I’ve asked [Colleague’s Name] to cover my [Specific Duty]. I hope to be back tomorrow.” – This message addresses a common ailment and proactively arranges for coverage of a specific duty.
66. “Morning. I’m dealing with a family emergency that requires my attention, so I need to take a sick day. I’ll be mostly unreachable today but will update you when I can.” – While not strictly illness, this covers a situation where you need to be absent and unavailable.
67. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’m experiencing a flare-up of a chronic condition and need to take a sick day to manage it. I’ll be resting and will provide an update on my return to work later today.” – This is for situations where you manage ongoing health issues and need to take time off.
68. “Good morning. I’ve woken up feeling quite ill and will be taking a sick day. I’ve passed on my critical tasks for today to [Colleague’s Name]. I’ll be offline and focusing on recovery.” – This clearly communicates that you’ll be entirely unavailable and have arranged for task handover.
69. “Morning [Boss’s name]. I need to take a sick day due to [specific, brief symptom, e.g., a severe allergic reaction]. I’ve asked [Colleague’s Name] to monitor my inbox for urgent requests. I’ll update you on my condition this afternoon.” – This provides a specific reason and a timeline for further communication.
70. “Hi [Boss’s name], I’m taking a sick day today due to feeling unwell. I’ve updated the team’s shared calendar with my absence. I’ll be back tomorrow if I’m feeling better.” – This shows you’re communicating your absence to the wider team and setting a potential return date.
71. “Good morning. I’ve woken up with a stomach bug and need to take a sick day. I’ve set my out-of-office reply and will be completely offline to recover. I’ll provide an update on my return tomorrow.” – This clearly indicates a need for complete rest and sets expectations for when you’ll next communicate.
72. “Morning. I’m feeling unwell and need to take a sick day. I’ve completed the draft of the [Project Name] proposal and saved it in the shared folder. I’ll be back tomorrow if all goes well.” – This highlights a completed task and sets a hopeful return date.
73. “Hi [Boss’s name], I need to take a sick day today due to illness. I’ve asked [Colleague’s Name] to handle any urgent client inquiries. I’ll be resting and will update you later.” – This specifically addresses client inquiries, showing you’ve considered external communication.
74. “Good morning. I’ve woken up with a headache and need to take a sick day. I’ve put a note on our project board indicating my absence. I’ll be back tomorrow if I’m feeling better.” – This shows you’re using a project management tool to communicate your absence.
75. “Morning. I’m not feeling well and will be taking a sick day. I’ve completed my essential tasks for today and will address remaining items upon my return. I’ll keep you informed.” – This message assures your boss that critical work is done and you’ll provide updates.
These messages are tailored for situations that require more than just a simple notification, ensuring your responsibilities are managed effectively.
Remember, the goal is to communicate clearly and professionally while prioritizing your health.
Choose the message that best fits your situation and your workplace culture.
Taking a sick day is essential for your well-being, and a good text message can make the process smoother for everyone involved.