When you’re not feeling great, the last you want to do is worry about telling your work leaders or team. Writing a sick day message can seem like it’s easy, but you need to get it just right, being correct and clear. Here are some handy ideas and short cuts to help you do this with no trouble.

Your subject needs to quickly show what your message is. Make it to the point and tell them what they need to know, like “Sick Day: [Your Name].” Doing this makes sure they see your note fast and know what it’s about.

Start Nice and Thankful

Kick off with a kind “hello” and say thanks for their thoughtfulness. Try, “Hello [Boss/Team], I trust you’re good. I am sorry to say I’m sick today and have to take a sick day.”

Just Say A Bit

You don’t have to share all about your sickness, but give a quick reason for not coming in. Keep it right and simple. You can say, “I got signs like the flu and I need to rest so I can get well.”

If you can look at stuff for work if it really needs it, say so. But make it clear you might not get back right away because you’re sick.

Let them know you will tell them if anything changes with your health or if you need more days off. This shows you’re still in touch even when you’re not there.

If your work or a due date will get messed up because you’re not there, tell them you’re ready to help when you can get back. This keeps you in the loop with your work when times are hard.

Close your email kindly, with a “thanks” for their help and care. You might end with, “Thanks a lot for getting it and for your help. I’ll tell you how I’m doing. Take care, [Your Name].”

This note should tell you I’m feeling down today and need a sick day. I got signs like the flu and need to rest so I can get well.

Even though I won’t be at work, I’ll look at my emails from time to time for important stuff. But please know, I might not write back right away.

I’ll tell you how I’m doing and if I need more time off. If there’s anything big or a due date you’re worried about, let me know, and I’ll give a hand from my home.

Thanks a lot for getting it and for your help.

I value your kind thought

Writing a note for a sick day doesn’t have to be scary. If you use these ideas and the short cut as help, you can say you’re off the right way, staying correct and thoughtful. Keep your note short, packed with what they need to know, and kind for the person reading it.