How to Call In Sick With a Text

 When is it Okay to Call or Text In Sick?

Everyone get’s sick or has to miss work for one reason or another. Sometimes a slight cough or scratchy throat slowly get’s worse over the course of a few days. Other times it can hit all at once, and you wake up feeling like the world is spinning. In either case you now are faced with the need to take a sick day.

In case you thought you were alone in calling in sick, don’t worry you aren’t. In fact almost 8 Million workers in the US in January of 2022 alone missed work because of illness.

Ultimately that decision is up to you, however before you send that that call-in text, here are some things to consider first.

Calling in vs. Texting in to Work Sick

The term ‘calling in’ is the most common verbage for describing the situation of expressing the need to miss work to your boss. With that said, it isn’t the only way to communicate the need to miss a day of work, and in some situations it might not be best way either.

One of the first things to consider is your relationship with your boss. Would they prefer a phone call or text?

If you typically communicate with your boss via text message, then a text in to work sick message is likely a good choice. Text messages are typically read within minutes, and your boss will likely want to receive the news as soon as possible.

When to Send a Text In Sick Message

The best rule to follow here is as soon as possible. Communicating your situation to your boss as early as you can allows your boss more time to make any necessary adjustments or find coverage while you are absent.

What to Include in your Text In Sick Message

Clearly communicating the reason for your absence is a best practice to follow. If you

The Reason for Your Sick Day

In order to maintain a quality relationship with your place of work, it’s important to express the reason for your absence.

Although it may not be required by law or even by your workplace’s handbook or set of rules; clearly communicating the reason you won’t be at work is something your superiors and coworkers will appreciate.

When You Expect to Return to Work

Expessing how long you will be missing work is important for your coworkers and boss to be able to manage without you. Are you going to miss one day or will your absence be the whole week? Communicating openly about when you expected return to work is crucial to an effective message.

Your Name

This might seem silly at first, however having your name included in your text in sick message is important. Your boss might have a new phone, could misread the message as someone else calling in, etc. Adding your name is a very simple way to ensure you have communicated yourself clearly without the possiblity of confusion.

Text-In Examples

Casual Message:

Hey Phil, I am going to have to miss work today. I am feeling sick and don’t want to bring anything into work with me. I reached out to Robert and he said he would be able to handle the day with out me and to reach out to him if you need anything. I’ll keep you in the loop on how I’m feeling tomorrow. Thanks!

Juan

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Closing Summary

Everyone get’s sick at one ponit or another, and everyone who get’s sick needs a way of communicating that with their employer. At the end of the day, you will need to do what you can to make sure your message for calling in sick is carefully crafted. Clear communication is key when it comes to expressing the need for taking a sick day. A well written text message, under the appropriate setting is just as valuable as a phone call or email.