How to call in sick without compromising your job
According to a 2007 report by Mercer Human Resources Consulting, the average worker takes about five sick days a year, despite being offered eight or nine on average.
What’s the catch? Well, likely most employees don’t need nearly two weeks of sick days, though what’s also probable is workers, legitimately under the weather, don’t quite know how to call in sick without alienating their bosses.
Indeed, guilt often runs as high as fevers when it comes to missing work, though many HR sources say it shouldn’t – in fact, in many cases you might be doing the office a favour by staying away when you’re sick.
How do you call in sick without compromising your job? Here’s a few ways to try.
Certainly, tips for how best to call in sick litter the web, though Health.com has an intriguing set of guidelines that cover all the bases.
*Bing: How to tell if you’re sick enough to miss work
Try the site’s below methods that get to the point, reach the right people and make sure your bosses don’t think you’re faking:
1) Be sure to apologize for missing work. Tip no. 1.
2) Speak to a boss or supervisor directly. Don’t send an email, and contact them as early in the day as possible.
3) Be brief. Spare the details of coughing up blood or having spent all night on the toilet.
4) Keep the fake coughs to a minimum. You shouldn’t need to oversell that you’re sick.
5) Be wary of Mondays and Fridays. The more days immediately before or after weekends you report to be sick, the more suspicious your bosses are likely to get.
You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t need a day here or there to recharge – of the surveyed workers in Mercer’s poll, 30 per cent said they had used a sick day to relax, 22 per cent used one to catch up on sleep and 34 per cent admitted they just didn’t want go into the office – though keep in mind you don’t need the theatrics.
Of the 3,300 employers surveyed by Mercer, most admitted they didn’t even question why an employee missed a day of work. Remember this when you’re acting like Ferris Bueller and putting on a show when reporting your workplace absence.
Posted by: John | Apr 23, 2021 11:00:30 PM
Can't relate to this article. I have never had a sick day. I don't recall ever being sick, not even a sniffle in the last 50 years.
Posted by: sd | Apr 24, 2021 2:28:41 PM
In the last 20 years I've rarely called in sick. In fact, more often than not I'd go to work ill instead of calling in. That is until 2 years ago when I developed severe chronic IBS. I still go to work ill most of the time, but when a really bad attack occurs I can't even move let alone sit at a desk all day.
Posted by: Raybo | Apr 24, 2021 4:52:45 PM
wow.... wayyyyy too much info...
....but what you do seem to do is read and waste your company time..
keep up the bad work
Posted by: GH | Apr 24, 2021 6:51:14 PM
Visit www.greasyhooks.com after you call in sick for the best deals online.
Posted by: Ricky | Apr 25, 2021 12:28:05 PM
I don't remembered that I ever called in sick but did slept in a couple times when I forgot to set the alarm. Got to work late through.
Posted by: DrVex007 | Apr 28, 2021 3:28:43 AM
Being someone who receives those sick calls, I would say that tip #1 is a good one and tip #5 is also a good one. When employees call in sick, I don't even think about it other than to hope they feel better. Everyone gets sick. EVERYONE! So to take your 5 days a year is completely Valid. Sometimes more than 5 days is also completely Valid. BUT, calling in sick on long weekends is Never looked upon favourably. Do people get sick on Long weekends, sure they do, BUT more than once per year is suspicious. Also, call in sick EARLY. This is a tip missied in the article. If you are sick, it didn't occur 5 minutes before your shift. You really screw over your workplace when you call in last minute. Also, in SOME cases, a text message is good too. I always appreciate my staff when they text me to let me know so I can plan to replace them for the day, providing that they ALSO call in sick the traditional way.
Ultimately it is entirely about respect. If you respect the need for me (as your manager) to have ample time to replace you for the day, I will respect your need to be away for the day.
Don;t play the "iI'll wait to see how I feel game". Although noble in your intentions, every minute that ticks by means that I'll have a more difficult time filing the void. Remember, you are valuable, so to lose you for the day is going to affect the business, but if we work together, you can get the time you need and I can try to ease the loss of your contributions.
If you think that there is guilt when an employee calls in sick, do a study on managers. If a manager calls in sick it always causes the flood gates to open and then people call in sick in droves. The leader cannot show weakness.
Having said all of this, take this tip with you too. Promotions are scarce for those who miss too much work too often.