Sick day email
A sick day email works best when it's short and sent early. You don't owe anyone your symptoms — just say you're unwell, whether you're fully offline or reachable for anything urgent, and who's covering what. Send it before the day starts so your team can plan around you. Add a line below about anything time-sensitive and get a note you can fire off from bed.
What to include in a sick day email
- ✓ A clear line that you are unwell and taking the day off
- ✓ Whether you will be reachable at all or fully offline
- ✓ Who can cover anything urgent while you are out
- ✓ When you expect to be back or will check in next
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✕ Over-sharing symptoms the reader does not need to know
- ✕ Sending it late, after the workday has already started
- ✕ Promising to stay available when you should be resting
Questions about sick day email
What should I say in a sick day email? +
Keep it to three things: that you're unwell and taking the day, whether you'll be reachable at all, and who can cover anything urgent. You don't need to describe your symptoms in any detail.
How early should I send a sick day email? +
As early as you can — ideally before your workday officially starts. The earlier it lands, the easier it is for your manager to reassign anything time-sensitive.
Do I have to give a reason for my sick day? +
No. 'I'm unwell and won't be able to work today' is enough for most workplaces. Share more only if you're comfortable or your company's policy specifically asks for it.
Should I check email while I'm off sick? +
Only if you said you would. It's healthier to fully disconnect; if you're worried about something urgent, name a backup in your email so you can rest without checking in.