15 Good Reasons to Call Out of Work and Maintain Trust

Therefore, it’s best you tell your employee to take the day and return to work with a doctor’s note to prove that their illness is not contagious. Let’s look at some ridiculous excuses people make to get a sick day off work so they can just stay home and chill or get more sleep for the day. If there is one aspect of your work situation that you have complete control over it’s your reputation.

An employee’s coffee was too hot and they couldn’t leave until it cooled off. An employee said that someone glued her doors and windows shut so she couldn’t leave the house to come to work. An employee’s wife found out he was cheating, and he had to spend the day retrieving his belongings from the dumpster. Regular veterinary appointments are also essential for the health of your pet.

Remote Interview Email Templates

If too much time is taken off at once or happens frequently, you might need to provide a doctor’s certificate or come to an arrangement with the company. All states except Oregon do not regulate paid bereavement leave. Typically, close family members are granted three days of bereavement leave. If employees wish to take unpaid leave, they can take a few weeks of leave.

Health-Related Absences

Knowing when and how to call out of work is part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. By clearly communicating valid reasons and handling your responsibilities professionally, you can take time off without guilt. Review your employee handbook for guidelines on taking time off. Some companies require specific documentation or procedures, like logging sick days in HR software. Working while unwell is not only unproductive but can also endanger your coworkers’ health. Common illnesses like the flu or severe migraines are legitimate reasons to call out.

• Instead of breaking a window you need to call a locksmith to get you back into your house.
• Whether you’re looking for good excuses to miss work on short notice or compelling call in sick excuses, knowing how to deliver a believable explanation is essential.
• These unforeseen circumstances can range from severe weather conditions that make commuting dangerous to a sudden breakdown of your vehicle or even a burglary at your home.
• You can also let your boss know that you’ll need to take a test.

Family Matters: Dealing With Personal and Family Emergencies

Since having a leg fracture is an inconvenience, it is reasonable to report this as one of your reasons to call out of work. Sick leave for mental illnesses does not have a comprehensive list. It is okay to take time off for mental health reasons, such as anxiety disorders, whether or not they are diagnosed.

Family Emergency

If you’re feeling unclear about how time off works at your company, be sure to check in with your HR department. Checking in with your HR department when you have a valid question is a great way to lay down some friendship groundwork. Unless you’re working in a very toxic work environment, the chances that your boss will flat out  refuse to let you take some time off is slim to none. A more realistic concern is making sure you’re not damaging your reputation or professional future by the way  you take off work. If you are unable to communicate your excuses or feelings properly, Mindset Coaching Services by Positive Realist can help you. Suggest ways to catch up on tasks later or offer to check in remotely if it’s doable.

It prevents employers from penalizing employees for mental health breaks. In some workplaces, taking a mental health day is as easy as getting sick. The key is to handle these situations responsibly and professionally. Being honest about your reasons and communicating them effectively to your employer can maintain a healthy working relationship even when you need to take time off.

They are short-handed today as some of the other volunteers called in sick. You got called at the last minute to help out for a holiday-related event. This is a valid excuse as this is a very important school function for your daughter.

Typically, we aren’t able to predict reasons why we may need to miss work. Not feeling well, needing to take care of a sick child, or even an ill-timed doctor’s appointment are all valid reasons to call out of work. Just try to give your employer as much notice as possible and discuss how you can make up for the time lost. Severe weather conditions can make travel unsafe and may require employees to stay home.

If you have no electricity in your home, your boss probably won’t expect you to work. That’s true even if you can otherwise get internet, such as if you have an unlimited mobile data plan and can use your phone as a hotspot. While only a few states require paid leave, a lot of private employers – even those not covered by the FMLA – provide a certain amount of paid maternity leave voluntarily. If you get robbed on the way to work, it’s one circumstance that many bosses will give you some leeway to miss work. For example, you might need some time to cancel your credit cards, or you may not have your phone or work computer to do your work properly.

• By calling out of work for valid reasons, you can maintain your well-being and productivity.
• My wife and I have worked remotely together for almost a decade.
• So I lost my car during the holidays and no one believed me 🥺#StrangeReasonsToCallOutSick pic.twitter.com/xuRncCcw53
• Whether you’re a Server, a Pastry Chef or a Restaurant Manager, there will inevitably be times when unexpected events or challenges arise, making it difficult to attend work.
• If you receive an official summons, be sure to promptly notify your employer and provide them with a copy.

Work is Being Done on Your House

Please let me know if any urgent matters need to be addressed before I leave. I can be reached at provide contact information in case of an emergency or if you need to contact me. Most companies have bereavement leaves as a separate section in the leave policy. However, if your company reasons to call out of work has no such policy, communicate with your HR about your situation and tell them how long you’ll be gone. Please let me know if there are any additional steps I need to take or if any documentation is required to support my sick leave request.

Remember, the key lies in maintaining transparency and professionalism, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances. Life is unpredictable, and unexpected situations can arise, often at the least convenient times. These unforeseen circumstances can range from severe weather conditions that make commuting dangerous to a sudden breakdown of your vehicle or even a burglary at your home.

The Impact of Overworking on Health

Employers usually understand and respect the need for an employee to attend to urgent family matters, especially when managed professionally. However, remember that it’s not just about absence; it’s about managing that absence responsibly and professionally. Demands on your time continue to rise, and sometimes, you just need a day off—whether it’s for personal health, a pressing family issue, or much-needed mental recovery. Whatever the reason, having bulletproof excuses to get out of work can save your sanity and your reputation.

You’re sick, so copy and paste these sick day email templates and get back to bed. When not Contessa-ing, you can find Lauren spending time with her family in Redondo Beach, CA where she lives with her husband and daughter. Other Redditors have recalled the funniest excuses people had for calling out of work, and someone should really teach a class on best practices here. Collaborate with us to provide your employees an engaging and rewarding experience. Remember that your work does not obligate you to prioritize your duties over your personal health and choices.