How to Call Out of Work (Even When You're Not Actually Sick)

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Take a much-needed day off without making your boss suspicious
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We all need an occasional unscheduled day off for leisure, or just to help maintain our sanity. Calling in sick every once in a while, whether you’re actually ill or not, can give you a much-needed break from the ol’ grind. That’s why we talked to career coach Brandy DeOrnellas and employee relations expert Jeffrey Fermin about how to call in sick, how to follow through and stick to your story, and what a good reason for calling out looks like.

How to Call In Sick

  • Keep the conversation short and don’t overexplain things. It’s okay to just say you’re not feeling well and leave it at that.
  • Inform any team members or coworkers who rely on your presence that you won’t be able to come in today.
  • Follow your company’s protocols by emailing or calling your boss to let them know that you won’t be coming to work as soon as possible
Section 1 of 3:

Calling Out of Work

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  1. If possible, avoid calling out on days when important things are happening, like meetings or progress reports, which can be pretty suspicious, not to mention inconvenient for your coworkers. Instead, call in sick on a random, uneventful day in the middle of the week. Ultimately, though, DeOrnellas says to take a mental health day on whatever day you need; your mental health comes first. [1]
    • Don’t fake sick right after you’ve had an altercation at work, or after you’ve done a lot of grumbling. You don’t want your boss to see your fake illness as an insult.
    • Faking sick after a coworker was just sick, or during flu season, can be especially convincing.
    • Also, calling off on a Friday or Monday might make them think you just want a long weekend.
  2. You'll almost certainly be caught if you say you have a rare flesh-eating virus. Stick to what you know and what your boss won't suspect, like a cold, food poisoning, a migraine, or a general stomach illness. [2] Whatever you choose, make sure you know the symptoms well, just in case your boss asks you about them.
    • If you think your boss will be receptive and you're comfortable doing so, be upfront about your need for a mental health day. Usually, honesty is the best policy.
    • If you want to take off multiple days, pick an appropriate illness. Faking a migraine or a bad case of gastroenteritis can get you off for 2 or more days, as they can last for a long time. [3]
    • Fake pink eye or strep throat if you need more days off. But beware, it’s harder to fake an illness that has visible symptoms!
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  3. Don’t wait until after you’re already supposed to be at work to let your boss know you’re not going to be there. Contact them the evening prior or early in the morning of the day you want off. [4] First thing in the morning is often most convincing, since it’ll look like the illness was unexpected.
    • Avoid calling in the middle of the night or super early in the morning, since that might just irritate your boss.
    • If you call early, you may also be more likely to get your boss’s voicemail or to catch your boss when they're off guard and therefore more likely to let you off with no questions asked.
  4. Different work cultures and policies allow for more casual forms of communication, so use whatever form of communication your job prefers. While most employees call off over the phone, some companies are receptive to or even encourage text or email. Call off via text or email if you don't want to speak to your boss directly, and call them on the phone if you want to chat with them about your sick day, what you'll be missing, and when they might expect you back.
    • Email and text are convenient mediums for calling off since no acting is involved. You can also email or text in the middle of the night, when your boss will likely be asleep.
    • Talking on the phone gives you an opportunity to answer any questions your boss might have and perhaps even show off your acting skills.
    • If you call your boss after just waking up, your voice might be a bit husky, which will help you sound sicker.
  5. DeOrnellas says to “share as much or as little information with your employer as you like,” but that it’s best to keep things brief. [5] Whether you're calling off over the phone, email, or text, don't get too detailed––just say that you're not feeling well and won't be coming in. If you're talking to your boss on the phone, be sure to act a little sick : sniffle or cough, and talk a little more slowly or softly to show that you don’t have your full strength.
    • Open with a friendly greeting, but don't beat around the bush: try "Good morning, Li, I've got some bad news..." or "Hi Iman, I'm sorry to do this, but I've got to call off today...."
    • Give just enough information for your boss to believe you, such as saying "I was up all night" or "I'm having awful stomach problems."
    • Without being too obvious, express how much you really hoped you would come to work: "I should have said something at the end of the day yesterday, but I was hoping I would sleep this thing off.”
    EXPERT TIP

    Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.

    Career & Life Transition Coach
    Brandy DeOrnellas is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in life and career aspirations and transitions. She also serves company founders and small business owners. She is a former attorney with more than three years of experience as a coach. Brandy holds a JD from Harvard Law School. She also holds a BA in Social Welfare and a BA in Political Science from The University of California, Berkeley. In addition to her formal education, she has multiple coaching certifications, including a Professional Coaching Certification from The University of California, Davis, and a Relationship Coach Certification from Prepare/Enrich. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation.
    Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.
    Career & Life Transition Coach

    Frame your conversation with your employer not as a request, but as a statement. You can say: “I have a personal emergency and I am going to be unable to be at work for the rest of this week.”

  6. DeOrnellas says that it can help your case if you’re still available even when you’re out sick. [6] Offer to work from home, or at least be on call if your boss or coworkers have questions for you about work you’re missing or anything else, which can make it a little less suspicious. When you reach out to your boss to let them know about your “condition,” clearly communicate your availability.
    • "I just can't make it in today. But if it's alright with you, I'd like to keep working remotely."
    • "I don't know if I have it in me to work a full day. I'm going to go back to sleep, but I'll check in around lunchtime and see if I'm well enough to finish out the day remotely."
    • "I'd like to get some work done today, but I'm just too under the weather. I should be able to respond to texts or emails if you have any questions, though."
    • "I think it's best if I just rest for a day or two, but I'll be sure to update you on my progress."
  7. Fermin recommends coordinating with coworkers to make sure your absence isn’t a burden. [7] If you’ve got projects to work on that day or meetings scheduled, let your boss know you’ve made arrangements to accommodate your day off. This will alleviate any stress on their end, as well as make you seem dedicated to your job.
    • "Sarah knows what to do with the file on my desk. Otherwise, the rest of my assignments should be able to wait until I return."
    • "I already gave Ilya a heads-up that he'll be doing the presentation alone, but I'll make it up to him on our next assignment."
    • "Julia said she can take over my shift today. I'll cover for her next week when I feel better."
    • "I was able to reschedule my morning interview, thankfully, and Trieu said she can take over my afternoon meeting."
  8. Many bosses will respect your privacy, but they are legally allowed to ask questions about your condition as it pertains to your work. [8] For instance, your boss might wonder how contagious you are or ask if you've tried everything possible to make yourself feel well enough to come in. The best policy is to preemptively say that you think you're contagious, and that you've tried every remedy you can to no avail.
    • Consider mentioning you've called your doctor's office and are waiting to hear back on an appointment time. During peak cold and flu seasons, it may be several days before they can squeeze you in for an office visit.
    • If your employer demands a note after you get back, you can always say your appointment isn't until later in the week. It gives you time to run to the doctor.
    • "I think I've got the flu, based on my symptoms. The CDC recommends staying home for 4 or 5 days or until my fever breaks, so I don't think I should go back to work until then."
    • "I shouldn't need to see a doctor since it's just a migraine: I get these every now and then, and I usually just need a day or two of rest. But I'll keep you in the loop!"
  9. When you finish talking to your boss or writing your email, try to leave a positive impression. DeOrnellas recommends you “express gratitude” for your boss’ understanding. [9] Say that you’ll do your best to recover to come to work the next day, you’re grateful for the flexibility, and you’ll keep them updated on your progress. Make your boss feel like you’re truly sorry to take a day off to put them in a better mood going forward. [10]
    • If you’re willing to be disturbed during your fake sick day, you can say, “I’ll be in bed all day, so give me a call if you need me…”
    • Only say you’re available if you think your boss will really be at a loss without you, and only if you really don’t mind being disturbed. A day off is supposed to be a day off.
    • "Thanks for being so understanding, Martha!"
    • "I hate to miss a day, but I'm grateful to have such a considerate boss."
    • "Hopefully, I'll be over this bug and back to work in no time!"
  10. Fermin suggests notifying any relevant coworkers, so your sick day doesn’t derail their work days. [11] For instance, if a colleague is collaborating on a project with you, shoot them an email to let them know you’re sick. You deserve a day off now and again, but try to make your absence as seamless for your colleagues as you can.
    • "Hi Mark, I'm feeling lousy today and have to stay home. I just wanted to let you know I won't be able to have our meeting today. Are you able to reschedule for next week?"
    • "Javier, are you able to cover my shift today? I'm so sorry to leave you in the lurch! I've come down with a bug and can't make it in, but I'd be happy to cover a shift for you in the future."
    • "Good morning Sam, unfortunately, I woke up with a migraine and won't be in for the next day or so. Would you by any chance be able to tackle my meeting this afternoon? I'd really appreciate it!"
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Section 2 of 3:

Avoiding Suspicion If You Weren't Really Sick

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  1. Stay off of any social media sites that you might be tempted to visit on your "sick day." That way, your boss won't stumble over photos of you hiking in the middle of your supposedly debilitating illness or tweets that raise suspicions of good health. [12]
    • Only spend your sick day with people you know won’t spill your secret, and try to stay out of places where you might accidentally be seen by someone from work.
  2. Don't walk into work after your sick day looking perfectly healthy. Make it seem like you're still getting over your illness. Blow your nose a few times or cough softly, but downplay it to be more authentic, saying something like, “I’m not feeling so bad anymore, really,” or, “I just need one more good night’s sleep and I’ll be just fine.” [13]
    • If you want to look extra authentic, stay up late the night before so that you show up to work looking haggard and exhausted. This bolsters your credibility for the next time you call in sick.
    • Act a little more reserved that day. Don’t be extra friendly or chatty with your coworkers, and turn down social invitations. Remember that you still need to save your strength.
  3. DeOrnellas reminds us that you can share as little info as you like. [14] You may think that you’re close with your coworkers and that they would never rat you out, but be careful about announcing that you were pretending to be sick, especially if any of your coworkers had to pick up your slack while you were out. If just one coworker repeats what you’ve said and it gets back to your boss, then not only will you get in trouble, but you’ll never be able to fake sick again.
    • Furthermore, getting called out for faking sick will also make your boss more suspicious the next time you’re actually sick. You don’t want to have to defend yourself for the rest of your time at work.
  4. DeOrnellas recommends thinking up ways to show your gratitude. [15] After calling in sick, be extra nice to your boss when you come back to the office. You don’t have to mention the illness, but maintain a good attitude and send positive vibes your boss’s way. Impress your boss , and don’t leave a shadow of a doubt in your boss’s mind that you might have been playing hooky.
    • Be genuine with your appreciation: don’t gush too much, or you risk appearing phony. Just maintain a smile and engage in friendly chit-chat with your boss and your coworkers.
    • “Thanks for being so flexible. I feel much better, and I’m glad to be back!”
    • “Can I grab you a coffee or anything? It’s the least I could do for inconveniencing you yesterday.”
  5. When you return to work from faking sick, put your best foot forward. Fermin says that now is a good time to clock extra hours or go the extra mile. [16] Get to work on time, contribute to meetings, respond to emails promptly, and do anything else you can to ensure that you’re making a good impression. Calling off work can exasperate your boss, but performing well on your return will alleviate any frustration they may feel.
    • It’s okay to fake sick every once in a while, but if you get into the habit of slacking off in general, then your job may be in jeopardy.
    • Remember that you deserve an occasional day off to unwind, rest up, and rejuvenate your mental health. After a day off, you can return to the workplace re-energized and ready to roll!
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Section 3 of 3:

Good Reasons to Call Out From Work

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  1. DeOrnellas says that mental health days “are just as important as days we take to recover from being sick.” [17] If you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or just plain exhausted, don’t hesitate to call in sick. Otherwise, you might burn out altogether, and that’s a much more serious problem than just skipping a day of work.
    • Try to gauge whether or not your workplace is open to the idea of mental health days before you call in. If they’re not, there’s nothing wrong with just telling them that you’re sick.
  2. Showing up to work while sick, whether it’s a bad cold, stomach bug, the flu, or even a migraine, means that you won’t be working your best, and will probably make mistakes. You could also be contagious and get other people sick, which could ruin other people’s weeks. If you’re ever in doubt about whether or not you’re “sick enough” to call out, you probably are. [18]
    • Some symptoms are bigger red flags than others. Definitely call out if you have a fever, are vomiting or have diarrhea, a headache that makes it hard to focus, cold symptoms, or any other symptoms that may be distracting to yourself and others.
  3. Emergencies happen when you least expect them, but that doesn’t mean you can ignore them. Your car might break down, someone you love may be in the hospital, or something important or upsetting might happen to your child. When these things come up, you can’t afford to not address them, and any reasonable boss would agree.
    • Ask yourself if it’s something your boss will be understanding of. Usually, giving them an honest description of the emergency is enough to earn a day off.
    • If you can, alert your workplace that you won’t be in. Sometimes, though, you’ll just have to focus all your attention on the emergency, and explain yourself afterward.
  4. Sometimes, life just demands your attention. New parents need a day to handle their kids. [19] You have an important doctor’s appointment, or you’re taking your dog to the vet. A good friend is in desperate need of a ride to the airport. There are countless things that can be more important than work, and there’s no shame in prioritizing them every once in a while.
    • Again, your boss may not agree, but that’s not really their business. If they’re not flexible enough to accommodate a personal emergency, tell them you’re sick—and contagious.
  5. Situations like snowstorms, hurricanes, and delayed or out-of-commission buses can prevent you from going to work. Every now and then, something happens that just makes it seem like you weren’t meant to be at work that day, and that’s okay! If it’s truly out of your control, your boss and coworkers will understand. If they don’t, it’s probably not a very healthy work environment.
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  • Question
    What should I do if I can't work because of my mental health?
    Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.
    Career & Life Transition Coach
    Brandy DeOrnellas is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in life and career aspirations and transitions. She also serves company founders and small business owners. She is a former attorney with more than three years of experience as a coach. Brandy holds a JD from Harvard Law School. She also holds a BA in Social Welfare and a BA in Political Science from The University of California, Berkeley. In addition to her formal education, she has multiple coaching certifications, including a Professional Coaching Certification from The University of California, Davis, and a Relationship Coach Certification from Prepare/Enrich. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation.
    Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.
    Career & Life Transition Coach
    Expert Answer
    If you don’t feel comfortable providing details, you can say something as simple as: “I won’t be able to come into the office today as I need to take a day for my health. I’ll see you on Tuesday morning.”
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  • Question
    Is it OK to take a day off for mental health?
    Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.
    Career & Life Transition Coach
    Brandy DeOrnellas is a Professional Certified Coach specializing in life and career aspirations and transitions. She also serves company founders and small business owners. She is a former attorney with more than three years of experience as a coach. Brandy holds a JD from Harvard Law School. She also holds a BA in Social Welfare and a BA in Political Science from The University of California, Berkeley. In addition to her formal education, she has multiple coaching certifications, including a Professional Coaching Certification from The University of California, Davis, and a Relationship Coach Certification from Prepare/Enrich. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation.
    Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.
    Career & Life Transition Coach
    Expert Answer
    Yes, it is. Taking a day off for your mental health is just as justified as taking a day off for your physical well-being. Just be sincere and make sure your boss understands that this is not a request or a vanity thing, but something that you truly need.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      • A lot of workplaces now ask that you get a health form from your doctor saying you were sick. Make sure that you know your own company policies before lying about a sickness.
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      • It’s okay to call in sick as a remote worker! Though it may feel harder to justify, work takes effort, and your recovery needs all the energy you can spare.
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      • If you decide to fake illness in the afternoon, don't tell your boss that your lunch gave you food poisoning or an upset stomach. It normally takes around 24 hours for food poisoning to kick in.
      • If you're going to call in sick, make yourself sound sick when you call the boss, but don't overdo it. If you pretend like you're super sick your boss may pick up on the fact that you're acting.
      • If you're going to call in sick repeatedly, don't always do it on the same day of the week. People will eventually notice you're always taking the same day off.
      • Pro tip, hang upside down then talk to your boss on the phone. Your voice will naturally sound a little "off" and give the impression that you're sick.
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      References

      1. ↑ Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.. Career & Life Transition Coach. Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/turns-out-theres-a-super-specific-way-to-fake-sick-for-work-so-your-boss-never-suspects/65-1ee57acc-7bfb-443d-ba07-b268ae6020e2
      3. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/headache/how-a-migraine-happens
      4. ↑ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/talking-to-your-employer-about-illness
      5. ↑ Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.. Career & Life Transition Coach. Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
      6. ↑ Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.. Career & Life Transition Coach. Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
      7. ↑ Jeffrey Fermin. Employee Relations Expert. Expert Interview. 11 July 2022.
      8. ↑ https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla/how-to-talk-to-your-employer-about-leave
      9. ↑ Jeffrey Fermin. Employee Relations Expert. Expert Interview. 11 July 2022.
      1. ↑ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364661321001200
      2. ↑ Jeffrey Fermin. Employee Relations Expert. Expert Interview. 11 July 2022.
      3. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/shame-nation/201711/calling-out-sick-work-why-you-may-want-unplug-too
      4. ↑ https://www.acas.org.uk/sick-leave
      5. ↑ Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.. Career & Life Transition Coach. Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
      6. ↑ Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.. Career & Life Transition Coach. Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
      7. ↑ Jeffrey Fermin. Employee Relations Expert. Expert Interview. 11 July 2022.
      8. ↑ Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ.. Career & Life Transition Coach. Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-new-employee-experience/202205/the-stigma-of-taking-a-sick-day
      10. ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/04/parents-take-your-sick-days

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To call in sick when you just need a day off, call your boss early in the morning as you are more likely to get their voicemail, which means you won’t have to field any questions. Also, your voice may sound rough after waking up, adding authenticity to your claim. If you talk to your boss on the phone, sniffle or cough a little, and be prepared to answer a few questions, like when you'll be back or if you're seeing a doctor. Finally, end your conversation by promising to return as soon as possible and being available to help out with anything you can from home. If you want to learn how to act at work the following day, keep reading the article!

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