Sick Day Email Sample: How to Write a Professional Message for Taking a Day Off

As much as we all hate to admit it, sometimes we just can’t make it into work. Maybe we’re dealing with a nagging cold, or maybe we’re just feeling run down and need a mental health day. Whatever the reason may be, sending a sick day email is a crucial step in the process. Not only does it show respect for your employer, but it also helps to keep everyone on the same page. Whether you’re new to the workforce or just looking for some tips, you’ll find plenty of examples to inspire and edit as needed. So sit back, relax, and take a look at some of the best sick day emails out there.

The Best Structure for a Sick Day Email Sample

Sending out a sick day email can feel daunting, especially if you’re not feeling your best. However, taking a few moments to craft an effective message can make all the difference. When it comes to the structure of your email, there are a few key components to consider:

1. Greeting

Start your email off on the right foot with a warm, professional greeting. Depending on your workplace culture, something like “Hi team,” “Good morning everyone,” or “Dear [Manager’s Name]” can all work well.

2. Brief explanation of your absence

Be upfront about why you’re taking a sick day. Keep this section short and to-the-point, but make sure to convey that you’re not feeling well and need some time to recover.

3. Anticipated length of absence

If you know how long you’ll be out for, make sure to communicate this in your email. This can help your colleagues plan around your absence and also make it clear that you’re taking your recovery seriously.

4. Work coverage plan

It’s important to make sure that your work doesn’t fall behind while you’re out sick. Briefly outline what work you’ve completed before taking your sick day, and who will be covering your responsibilities while you’re away. This can help ensure that your team is able to continue moving forward without delay.

5. Gratitude and closing

Wrap up your email with a sincere thank-you for understanding and a clear indication of how you can be reached in case of emergency. Something like “Thank you all for your understanding. I’ll be reachable via email if anything urgent comes up. Take care,” can create a positive end to your message.

Following these key components can help you craft a clear, professional sick day email that communicates your needs while making sure your colleagues feel supported. Remember, taking a sick day is an important act of self-care – make sure you take the time you need to recover fully!

Sick Day Email Samples

Sick Day Email for Flu

Dear Manager,

I am writing to let you know that I will not be able to come into work today because I have come down with the flu. I woke up this morning feeling extremely unwell with a high fever, cough, and congestion. As my symptoms match those of influenza, I feel it is best to stay at home and avoid spreading any germs to my colleagues.

I have notified my team members of my absence and have arranged to complete any urgent tasks from home. I hope to be back at work as soon as possible, but until then, I will keep you updated on my recovery and availability to return to the office.

Thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sick Day Email for Migraine

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a sick day today due to a severe migraine. I have been experiencing intense pain and sensitivity to light and noise which would compromise my ability to carry out my duties effectively in the workplace

I have notified my team leader of my absence and have ensured that any pressing tasks have been delegated. I hope to recover soon and resume my work as soon as possible. If there are any upcoming projects or deadlines that I should be aware of, please let me know so I can plan accordingly.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sick Day Email for Stomach Bug

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I am unable to come to work today due to a severe stomach bug. I have been experiencing severe diarrhea and vomiting since last night, and I feel unable to leave the house to come into the office.

I have notified my team members of my absence and arranged to complete any urgent tasks from home. In the meantime, I will rest and focus on my recovery in line with doctor’s recommendations. I will keep you updated on my recovery and availability to return to the office.

Thank you for understanding and your concern.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

Sick Day Email for Sprained Ankle

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to request a sick day today as I have unfortunately sprained my ankle last night. I am experiencing severe pain, and the doctor has advised that I avoid putting weight on it until the swelling goes down. Therefore, I will not be able to come into the office.

I have notified my supervisor of my absence and made arrangements to catch up on any urgent work. I am hoping for a swift recovery and will keep you updated on my progress.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Sick Day Email due to a Dental Procedure

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inform you that I will not be coming to work today as I have a dental procedure scheduled around my working hours. Unfortunately, the dentist needed to move the appointment up by a day due to the booking changes.

I have alerted my team leader to my absence and made arrangements to ensure that all urgent tasks are being covered. I plan to return to the office as soon as possible and resume all assigned duties. If there are any critical deadlines or upcoming projects at work, please let me know so I can plan accordingly.

Thank you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sick Day Email for Head Cold

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you regarding my leave of absence today. I am unfortunately suffering from a head cold that has left me with a severe headache and fever.

As my symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and congestion, I wouldn’t want to put any of my colleagues at risk of falling ill as there is a chance it could be contagious. So, as a preventative measure, I have chosen to remain home today to mitigate any risks to my team. It is my hope to gain some rest and make a quick recovery.

Please let me know if there is anything urgent I need to take care of or if there are any shifts in the current schedule that I should be aware of.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Sick Day Email for COVID-19

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to let you know that I will not be coming into the office as I have tested positive for COVID-19. I have been feeling unwell for a few days and developing symptoms consistent with the virus. I took the test yesterday and received the result this morning.

As per the protocol and recommended guidelines, I will be self-isolating for at least the next two weeks to protect the team at the office from any potential spread. Now, I have informed my team leader to ensure that any urgent tasks are covered and completed. If you need any additional support during my absence, please let me know, and I will work to provide assistance remotely.

Please let me know if there are any critical deadlines or upcoming projects while I am out.

Thank you for your understanding, support and cooperation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Tips for Writing a Sick Day Email Sample

If you’re feeling under the weather, it’s important to take the time off you need to get better. However, before you take that time off, you need to let your team know that you won’t be able to work. Writing a sick day email sample can be tricky, but if you follow these tips, you’ll be able to communicate clearly and professionally:

  • Be clear about why you’re taking the day off.
  • Explain the circumstances surrounding your request for time off. For example, if you’re experiencing flu-like symptoms, tell your team that you’re staying home to avoid spreading the illness to others.
  • Provide an estimate of when you’ll be able to return to work. Your team will appreciate having a timeline for when they can expect you back, as it helps them plan their own workloads.
  • Describe how your work will be covered while you’re out of the office. Will someone be taking over your duties, or will they be put on hold until you return?
  • Offer to be available for urgent matters. If there’s anything urgent that comes up while you’re out, make it clear that you can be reached and will be available to help if needed.

It’s also important to be strategic about how you communicate your absence to your team. Here are a few pointers:

  • Use a clear subject line. Make it obvious that you’re writing to let your team know you’re taking the day off. Something like “Sick Day Request” or “Out of Office” will do the trick.
  • Address your message to the appropriate people. Make sure that everyone who needs to know about your absence is included in your email.
  • Keep your email brief and to the point. Your team doesn’t need to know all the gory details of what’s ailing you – just give them the important information and let them get back to work.
  • Be considerate about timing. If you’re able, try to give your team as much notice as possible that you’ll be absent. That way, they have time to adjust their plans and make sure that everything will still get done in your absence.

Finally, remember that it’s okay to take time off when you’re sick. Rest and recovery are important, not just for your own health but for the health of your team as well. By following these tips for writing a sick day email sample, you’ll be able to take time off with confidence and communicate your absence effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sick Day Email Sample


What should I include in my sick day email?

In your sick day email, you should include your name, the date of your absence, the reason why you are absent, and when you expect to return to work or your online classes. You can also mention if there’s any work that you need to complete while you’re away.

Is it necessary to send a sick day email?

Yes, it is necessary to send a sick day email to your employer or professor if you cannot attend work or classes due to illness. It is a professional way of notifying them of your absence and keeping them informed about the situation.

When should I send my sick day email?

You should send your sick day email as soon as possible, preferably before the start of your work or classes. This will give your employer or professor time to arrange for a replacement or make necessary adjustments to their schedule.

Can I use a sick day email for personal reasons?

No, a sick day email is intended for notifying your employer or professor of your absence due to illness. If you need to take a day off for personal reasons, you should follow your company’s or school’s protocol for requesting time off.

How should I address my sick day email?

You should address your sick day email to your employer or professor, or whoever is in charge of your attendance or schedule. Use a professional tone, and be clear and concise in your message.

Can I call in sick instead of sending a sick day email?

You can call in sick and notify your employer or professor of your absence, but it is advisable to follow up with a sick day email to document your absence and provide more details about your illness.

What if I need to take multiple days off due to illness?

If you need to take multiple days off due to illness, you should send a sick day email for each day of your absence, providing relevant details about your condition and when you expect to return to work or your online classes. You may also need to provide a doctor’s note if your employer or professor requests one.

Sending Sick Day Emails Made Easy

With the samples we’ve provided, you can now say goodbye to the stress of composing a sick day email. We hope our examples have inspired you to create your own version that is both honest and professional. Remember, while it’s essential to take the day off and prioritize your health, it’s just as crucial to inform your colleagues of your absence. Thank you for reading our article, and we hope to see you again soon for more helpful tips and guides. Take care and stay healthy!