You know the feeling. Your alarm goes off and you just can’t. You’re exhausted, your head is pounding, and the thought of dragging yourself into the office feels like climbing Everest. We’ve all been there.
Sometimes you just need a mental health day, a chance to recharge those batteries. But how do you tell your boss without sounding like a total flake?
Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are 10 sick day email templates to help you get the day off without any drama.
1. The “I’m Contagious” Template
Subject: Out Sick – Flu
Hey [Boss’ Name],
I woke up with a high fever and I’m pretty sure it’s the flu. I don’t want to risk getting anyone else sick, so I’m going to stay home and rest up. I’ll be checking email periodically, but if anything urgent comes up, please let me know.
Thanks for understanding, [Your Name]
This one works like a charm. No one wants Patient Zero in the office spreading germs. Your boss will thank you for keeping your cooties contained.
2. The “Food Poisoning” Card
Subject: Not Feeling Well – Food Poisoning
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I’m not feeling well today. I think I got a bad case of food poisoning from that new sushi place. I’ve been up all night and I’m still not feeling great. I’m going to take the day to recover. I’ll do my best to check email, but I may be a little slower to respond than usual.
Best, [Your Name]
Food poisoning is the ultimate “get out of work free” card. No one is going to question it or ask for details. Just mentioning it is enough to make people wince in sympathy.
3. The “Migraine Attack” Approach
Subject: Migraine – Working from Home
Hey [Boss’ Name],
I woke up with a terrible migraine. I’m sensitive to light and sound right now, so I’m going to work from home today where I can control the environment a bit better. I’ll be online and reachable by email if anything comes up.
Thanks, [Your Name]
As a migraine sufferer myself, I can attest that this one is foolproof. Migraines are no joke, and most people understand that you need a dark, quiet space to ride it out. Just mentioning the word is enough to get you a pass for the day.
4. The “24-hour Bug” Excuse
Subject: Out Sick Today
Good morning [Boss’ Name],
I seem to have caught a 24-hour bug. I’ve been up all night with nausea and vomiting. I’m going to take the day to rest and recover. I’ll have my laptop with me, so I can check emails periodically, but I may be slower to respond than usual.
Appreciate your understanding, [Your Name]
This is a classic for a reason. It’s vague enough to cover a multitude of sins, but specific enough that no one will question it. Bonus points if you add a hint of TMI to really sell it.
5. The “Back Pain” Rationale
Subject: Working from Home – Back Pain
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I threw my back out last night and I’m having trouble moving around. I’m going to work from home today so I can alternate between ice and heat and take it easy. I’ll be online and available by email if you need me.
Thanks, [Your Name]
Back pain is a great excuse because it’s so common. Who hasn’t tweaked their back at some point? Your boss will totally get it.
6. The “Dentist Emergency” Justification
Subject: Out of Office – Dental Emergency
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I woke up with a terrible toothache and I was able to get a last-minute emergency appointment with my dentist. I’ll be out of the office for the day. I’ll have my phone with me, so if anything urgent comes up, please text or call.
Best, [Your Name]
Dental pain is the worst, and everyone knows it. No one is going to begrudge you a day off to get that sorted out. Plus, if you really sell it, you might even score some sympathy points.
7. The “Family Emergency” Plea
Subject: Family Emergency – Out of Office
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I got a call this morning that my grandmother is in the hospital. I’m heading to [City] to be with my family. I’ll be out of the office today and possibly tomorrow depending on how things go. I’ll do my best to check email when I can.
Thank you for your understanding, [Your Name]
Family emergencies are the ultimate trump card. No one is going to question you or ask for proof. Just be prepared for some follow-up questions and concerned inquiries when you return.
8. The “Waiting for the Plumber” Excuse
Subject: Working from Home – Plumbing Issue
Hey [Boss’ Name],
I have a plumbing emergency at home and I’m waiting for the plumber. I’m going to work from home today so I can be here when they arrive. I’ll be online and available by email and chat.
Thanks, [Your Name]
Home repairs are a pain, and everyone can relate. Your boss will totally understand you needing to be home to deal with it. Just be sure to have a good story ready in case they ask for details.
9. The “Car Trouble” Justification
Subject: Car Problems – Working Remotely
Good morning [Boss’ Name],
My car won’t start this morning and I’m waiting for a tow truck. I’m going to work remotely today while I get this sorted out. I’ll be reachable by email and on chat if you need me.
Best, [Your Name]
Car trouble is another relatable excuse that most people won’t question. It’s just one of those annoying life things that happen sometimes. Your boss will get it.
10. The “Mental Health Day” Template
Subject: Taking a Personal Day
Hi [Boss’ Name],
I’m feeling really burned out and need a day to recharge. I’m going to take a personal day today to rest and reset. I’ll be back in the office tomorrow feeling refreshed and ready to tackle that big project we have coming up.
Thanks for your understanding, [Your Name]
This one takes a bit more finesse, but if you have a good relationship with your boss, it can work wonders. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and sometimes you just need a day. Just don’t overuse this one or it loses its impact.
Tips for Crafting the Perfect Sick Day Email
Now that you have some templates to work with, here are a few tips to really sell your sick day story:
- Keep it brief. Your boss doesn’t need a novel. Just hit the highlights and keep it simple.
- Offer to work from home if you can. This shows that you’re still committed to getting things done, even if you can’t make it into the office.
- Be reachable. Make sure you’re available by email or phone in case anything urgent comes up. This shows that you’re still a team player.
- Give an estimated return date. This helps your team plan around your absence.
- Follow up. When you return to work, be sure to thank your boss for their understanding and catch up on anything you missed.
Remember, everyone needs a break sometimes. Don’t feel guilty about taking a sick day when you need it. Your health and well-being should always come first. And with these templates in your back pocket, you can take that day off without any stress. So go ahead, hit send on that email, and enjoy your day of rest. You’ve earned it!
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