Reporting absence at the last minute is usually not recommended. Unfortunately, due to emergencies, some employees do not have the option to make a phone call, send a formal email, or talk it out with their manager in person several days ahead.
In that case, texting is the only choice left. Check out my examples of calling out sick texts that will easily get approval from your manager.
In this article:
How to Text Your Boss Can’t Come In – 12 Examples
Some common, acceptable reasons for last-minute reports via texting are sickness, transportation issues, home/family emergencies, unexpected bereavement leaves, or mental health problems.
Adjust your tone depending on your relationship with your current employer. If you feel uncomfortable disclosing your problem, just say you are sick instead.
1. If You Are Are Sick:
Consider this template to text your boss you’re sick if you are quite close with him (Informal):
Suppose the relationship between the two of you is more distant. Then, this example of a not feeling well message to your boss will work better (Formal):
In both call-in-sick message examples, you should find a replacement before texting your boss. Otherwise, they might not be very supportive, especially if you are just an hourly employee.
2. If You Have An Urgent Family Emergency:
Informal:
Formal:
3. If You Have To Be Absent Until Next Week
Long-term Sickness:
Bereavement Leave:
Since your absence is quite long, informal texts are not recommended – regardless of your relationship with your boss. The company might also ask for additional details or evidence, such as your travel time, doctor’s note, etc., so prepare the necessary proof before sending your text.
On another note, most companies and organizations have a 3-day (100% paid) bereavement leave policy. Extra days (starting from day 4) are either unpaid or counted against your remaining sick leave credits.
4. Mental Health Problems
Informal:
Formal:
On another note, some bosses might not consider mental health problems a good excuse to call off work via a last-minute text. When working at UNI Global, many employees shared with me that they felt uncomfortable bringing up these matters with someone they were not close to. In that case, you can choose to say you are sick instead.
5. Home Emergency
Informal:
Formal:
6. Transportation Issues
Informal:
Formal:
Extra Tips to Tell Your Boss You’re Sick Via Text
1. Keep Your Text Short
Your boss does not need a full account of your life story or a play-by-play of your illness. Plus, oversharing might make things rather awkward.
So, remember to keep everything short and sweet; just give him a simple heads-up that you are unwell and will not be at work. Skip the unnecessary details to focus on what is the most important: how the illness might affect your workday.
2. Keep Your Text Clear
Always remember to be straightforward with your sick text message to avoid confusion about your absence and help your boss understand the situation immediately. Do not beat around the bush or be vague on purpose.
3. Be Honest
It’s important to inform your manager of your sickness, but there is no need to stretch the truth. Exaggerating your symptoms or making up stories might raise suspicion when you return to the office.
4. Mention Your Work Plan
If possible, brief your manager on how you will manage your workload during the absence; highlight any urgent issue requiring immediate attention or suggest how to handle pending tasks when you return. Your boss will appreciate your dedication and commitment to the job despite challenges.
Can You Call In Sick 3 Days in A Row?
As far as I know, some companies allow this but note that certain limits might apply. For instance, employees can only take up three sick days in a row without a doctor’s note; starting from day four, they must provide proof to excuse their absence.
Unsure of your company policy? Then, check your employee handbook or contact your human resources department.
Conclusion
Texting your call-out-of-work excuses at the last minute might sound unprofessional, but most managers will still let it slide if they can see your effort in making up for your absence. Avoid using an informal, casual tone if you two are not close, and remember to sidestep all the unnecessary details by keeping your text simple, short, and clear-cut.
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