Effective Call in Sick Letter Sample: Tips and Examples

Are you feeling under the weather and in need of a sick day? It happens to the best of us. However, the thought of writing a call in sick letter may leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to write. Fear not! There are many call in sick letter samples available online that you can use as a guide. These samples provide a basic outline of what to include in your letter and are easy to edit as needed. Taking a sick day is a normal and necessary part of taking care of yourself. With the help of a well-written call in sick letter, you can ensure that your absence is properly communicated to your employer without any added stress or confusion. So why not take a few minutes now to find a sample letter and make sure you’re prepared for the next time sickness strikes?

The Best Structure for a Call-In Sick Letter Sample

If you’re feeling under the weather or have a legitimate reason to take a day off from work, it’s important to inform your employer through a call-in sick letter. However, not everyone is confident in writing such a letter. You want to ensure that it’s professional and gets your message across effectively. In this article, we will discuss the best structure for a call-in sick letter sample.

The first paragraph should start by letting your employer know that you won’t be able to go to work. Be straightforward and concise. You could include the date and the reason for your absence. You want to make sure that your employer knows that you won’t be able to come to work and why. This paragraph could look like this:

Dear [Manager’s Name], I’m writing to inform you that I won’t be able to come to work on [Date]. Unfortunately, I woke up feeling quite sick and it’s impossible for me to attend work today.

In the second paragraph, you could provide additional details about your situation. You don’t have to go into too much detail, but some clarity can help your manager better understand your situation. If you’re unwell, you could mention some of your symptoms. This paragraph could look like this:

I’ve been experiencing several symptoms like a headache, body aches, and a fever. I’m positive that it’s just a viral infection, but I’ll still be visiting my doctor this afternoon to be sure. I hope to return to work tomorrow, depending on how I feel and what my doctor recommends.

Finally, wrap up your letter on a polite note. You want to show your employer that you’re professional and responsible. Thank them for their understanding and let them know that you’ll be reachable in case of any questions or concerns. This paragraph could look like this:

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and I’ll do my best to make sure that my absence doesn’t create any difficulty for my colleagues or the company. Please let me know if there’s anything that you need from me or if there are any questions or concerns that I can address when I return.

In conclusion, your call-in sick letter should have a straightforward and polite structure. Start by informing your employer about your absence, provide some information about your situation, and end on a polite note. Remember to keep your letter concise and professional and avoid any unnecessary details. By following this structure, you can communicate your absence effectively and professionally.

7 Samples of Call in Sick Letter

Sample 1: Sick Child

Dear Manager,

I am writing to inform you that I have to call in sick today. My child is sick and needs my attention at home. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

I have informed my team about my absence, and I will make sure to catch up on any missed work as soon as possible. If there are any urgent matters that require my attention, please do not hesitate to contact me through email or phone.

Thank you for your understanding and support. I hope to be back at work soon.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 2: Migraine Headache

Dear Supervisor,

I am sorry to inform you that I won’t be able to come to work today due to a severe migraine headache. I have taken medication, but it hasn’t subsided yet, and it is difficult for me to focus on work in such condition.

I have already informed my colleagues about my absence, and I will make sure to complete my pending tasks as soon as possible. Please let me know if there are any urgent matters that require my immediate attention, and I can assist remotely today.

Thank you for your consideration and understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 3: Stomach Flu

Dear Manager,

I regret to inform you that I cannot come into work today due to a stomach flu. I am experiencing nausea, vomiting, and a high fever, and I don’t want to risk infecting my colleagues.

I have informally communicated my situation to my team and requested their assistance in completing any urgent tasks. I understand that this may cause some inconvenience, and I will make sure to catch up on any missed work as soon as I am fit to return to work.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 4: Car Trouble

Dear Supervisor,

I am writing to let you know that I won’t be able to come into work today due to a car breakdown. My car wouldn’t start this morning, and I had to call a tow truck to transport it to a mechanic’s shop.

I have informed my colleagues that I won’t be able to make it to the office today, and I will catch up on any missed work as soon as I am able to return to work. If there are any urgent matters that require my attention today, please do not hesitate to reach out to me via phone or email.

Thank you for understanding my situation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 5: Allergic Reaction

Dear Manager,

I regret to inform you that I won’t be able to make it to work today due to an allergic reaction. I woke up with an itchy rash and swollen eyes, and I believe I had an allergic reaction to something I ate last night.

I have alerted my colleagues about my absence, and I will complete any pending work as soon as I am back at work. If there are any critical issues that require my attention today, I can be available remotely to address them.

Thank you for your consideration and understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sample 6: Dental Emergency

Dear Supervisor,

I am writing to inform you that I cannot come into work today due to a dental emergency. I woke up this morning with severe tooth pain, and I had to schedule an emergency dentist appointment to get it treated.

I have already informed my team about my absence, and I will make sure to catch up on any missed work as soon as possible. If there are any urgent matters that require my attention, please let me know, and I can address them remotely.

Thank you for your consideration and support.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sample 7: Family Emergency

Dear Manager,

I am writing to inform you that there has been a family emergency, and I cannot come into work today. I need to attend to this emergency personally, and I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

I have alerted my colleagues about my situation, and I will catch up on any missed work as soon as possible. If there are any critical matters that require my attention today, please do not hesitate to contact me via phone or email.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Call-in Sick Letter

When you’re feeling too sick to go to work, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time writing a call-in sick letter. However, it’s important to inform your manager of your absence, so it’s crucial to write an effective sick leave letter. Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing a call-in sick letter:

  • Be clear and concise: Your sick leave letter should be simple and to the point. Clearly state that you will not be coming to work and for how long you expect to be absent. Keep in mind that your manager might have to share this information with other colleagues, so make sure that anyone reading the letter can easily understand it.
  • Mention your symptoms: It’s important to mention the symptoms you are experiencing in your sick leave letter. This will give your manager an idea of how sick you are and how long you will need to recover. You don’t need to go into great detail, but mention the main symptoms you’re experiencing.
  • Provide contact information: Make sure you provide a phone number where your manager can reach you in case they need to get in touch with you while you’re off work. You should also provide an email address or other contact information if you have it.
  • Express gratitude: It’s always a good idea to thank your manager for their understanding in your sick leave letter. This shows that you appreciate their compassion and are grateful for their support. It also helps to maintain a positive relationship with your employer.
  • Follow your company’s procedure: Make sure you follow your company’s sick leave procedure. Some companies require you to call in sick instead of sending a letter, and others may require you to provide a doctor’s note. Make sure you know what your company requires and follow their guidelines.
  • Proofread your letter: Before sending your sick leave letter, make sure you proofread it for errors and typos. A well-written letter will show your professionalism and attention to detail.

By following these tips, you can write an effective call-in sick letter that will help you inform your manager of your absence while maintaining a positive relationship with your employer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Call in Sick Letter Sample


What is a call in sick letter?

A call in sick letter is a formal letter that an employee writes to their employer to inform them that they will not be able to attend work due to illness or a personal emergency.

When should I write a call in sick letter?

You should write a call in sick letter as soon as possible after determining that you will not be able to attend work due to illness or a personal emergency. It is usually required that you inform your employer about your absence before the start of your shift.

What should I include in my call in sick letter?

Your call in sick letter should include your name, the date of the letter, the date(s) of your absence, the reason for your absence, and any other relevant information that your employer may need to know. You can also include your contact information so that your employer can get in touch with you if necessary.

Should I provide proof of illness for my call in sick letter?

It depends on your employer’s policy. Some employers may request a doctor’s note or other documentation to support your absence. You should check your employer’s sick leave policy to see if there are any requirements for documentation.

Can I use sick leave for a personal emergency?

It depends on your employer’s policy. Some employers may allow you to use sick leave for personal emergencies, while others may have a separate leave policy for such situations. You should check your employer’s leave policy to see what options are available to you.

Can my employer discipline me for taking sick leave?

No. Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees for using sick leave, as long as the employee qualifies for the leave under the employer’s policy and complies with the policy’s requirements. However, employers may discipline employees for abusing sick leave or failing to comply with sick leave policies.

What should I do if my employer denies my request for sick leave?

If your request for sick leave is denied and you believe that it was unfairly denied, you should consult with your HR department or a labor lawyer to discuss your options. Make sure to keep a record of your request and any correspondence with your employer regarding your absence.

Until next time…

Thanks for taking the time to read our call in sick letter sample! We hope that it has been helpful and informative, and that you’re feeling confident the next time you need to take a day off. Remember to always be truthful and professional in your communication with your employer, and to adhere to any relevant policies or procedures. We wish you all the best in your job and career, and hope to see you back on our site again soon for even more useful tips and advice. Take care, and stay well.