Simple Steps and Quick Tips for How To Call In Sick in Any Profession

To call in sick to work means you are informing your employer that you cannot perform your regular daily duties at your place of work because of a personal or family illness or another health-related issue. Calling in sick is a standard company practice among employed individuals who need to take time off from work or from being in the typical office atmosphere to care for their health issues. Sick leave can be either paid and unpaid time off, governed by some state laws and company policy.

This practice is common in most industries and establishes a positive company culture showing that the health of employees is important to employers. It humanizes the work experience and supports that physical and mental well-being and good health practices are conducive to quality work.

Paid sick leave, or earned sick time, are hours you can use to collect a salary or wage when you cannot work because of a health issue. The US Department of Labor informs on their website that there are no federal regulations for paid sick leave. However, some companies provide a set amount of hours to each employee while others allow the opportunity tor employees to accumulate paid sick leave hours.

Although each company’s policy is different when it comes to paid sick leave, one way some companies choose to support workers is to grant employees one hour of paid sick leave per every forty hours worked. Be sure you understand how your organization allocates paid sick leave.

On the other hand, unpaid sick leave is protected and required by federal law under the Family Medical Leave Act (FLMA). Eligible employees can take unpaid job-protected leave to care for an immediate family member or for their own medical reasons. Health insurance can continue under the same conditions as though the employee were still working. A maximum of twelve weeks, or three months, are permissible within a twelve-month period. Be sure to check for eligibility and qualifying conditions with your company and government agencies when requesting this type of leave.

Using the proper channels to call in sick when you are unavailable to work shows your immediate supervisor and company that you are a valuable employee who values their role and respects colleagues. No matter your industry, consider these guidelines for how to call in sick for work:

1. Know company policy on sick leave and understand the procedure. Some organizations will require that you contact the human resources department or submit an absence from duty form in advance when possible. You can often find this information in an employee handbook or by calling the human resources office or a risk management officer.
2. Decide on the best way to contact your immediate supervisor about your absence. Some managers check their email consistently while others can let things pile up. You will want to alert your supervisor right away, so consider their habits and the most immediate way to get a hold of them. Although it is not feasible or respectful to call someone in the middle of the night, you can consider an early morning phone call if you are feeling well enough, or a business email if possible. Just be certain the mode of contact you choose is professional and appropriate for their management style and will be seen quickly.
3. Make contact as soon as you are able. You should contact your immediate supervisor or manager as soon as you know you need to call in sick. This may mean making a very early morning phone call to the office or sending a quick e-mail with alerts to notify management you will be calling in sick.
4. Be brief and direct. What you say or write should provide enough information to show urgency in the matter and still keep your privacy. If your sick day is for a doctor’s appointment you can say that, without indicating whether you are seeing a specialist or the treatment being provided. Keep the language and tone of your message professional.
5. Let your team members know. Although you notify your supervisor, also consider communicating your absence with your colleagues who will be directly affected by your missing. They may have to complete some responsibilities you are normally in charge of and communicate with clients on your behalf. This simple act shows you respect their work and support while also maintaining high company culture standards.
6. Have a plan. If you can divide your responsibilities among coworkers, communicate important information to them about projects you are working on, and tell them about any procedures you follow, you can ease some stress or struggle they may experience while you’re on sick leave.
7. Inform others of your availability and best way to contact you. If there are any pressing questions or matters that need your attention, leave contact information and indicate how often you will be available for phone calls or emails. Although this is mostly needed for an extended absence, there may be an emergency that needs your expertise. It is a professional courtesy for your team members and shows leadership and responsibility on your part.
8. Submit all documents upon your return. Some companies may require you to submit additional documentation verifying your absence as a doctor’s note or other paperwork. For example, if you were in a car accident that required you to call in sick, they may ask for a police report.

The best way to call in sick in a professional manner is to give as much notice as possible and have your absence cause few disruptions to the workday for others. To show your professional nature, consider the following tips when calling in sick to work:

• Be considerate of others and their workload.
• Indicate whether you can complete some tasks from home.
• Provide a timeline of your expected return date.
• Say when you will complete outstanding work.
• Be grateful for the support.

Calling in sick when you need a personal day

Mental health and physical health are equally important and often related. When you are not feeling your best, either mentally or physically, the quality of work you produce can suffer. Most employers and companies are now supportive of mental health days or at least acknowledge that the level of stress an employee is under can affect work productivity. Although not all organizations support employee mental health days, there are steps leaders can take to help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work/life balance. If you find that you do need to request a mental health day, here are some suggestions to consider:

• Keep in mind your company policy on sick leave. If company culture is supportive, your request is more likely to be approved.
• You may have to request this time in advance. Because it is not an immediate an unavoidable illness, you may have to submit paperwork for your request.
• If there are a lot of deadlines, your absence may adversely impact your team. Be considerate of your timing. It is likely that colleagues are also experiencing stress if a large project is looming.
• Be mindful of the number of days you may have already missed. Asking for more time off if you have just returned from sick leave, vacation time, or other situation may not be viewed well. However, if you have been at work on a consistent basis and exhibit a strong work ethic, your request may be readily granted.
• Ask at an appropriate time, when the workload is a little lighter. Asking when projects are light, or after you have just completed your own, will be more effective.
• Be certain your job is the right fit for you. If you are having an increasingly hard time at work or managing stress from work, evaluate whether your job or company is the right fit for your needs.
• Be ready if your request is denied. It can be upsetting, but your company may not afford your absence. If your request is denied, have a plan for other ways to help you deal with work pressure.

Knowing your company supports your health and wellbeing gives peace of mind. Make sure you are appreciated at work and valued for your contributions. Share your opinions about your work environment. Tell us what your experience has been like working at your company.