Not Feeling Well? Here’s What to Tell Your Boss (With Message Examples)

Wake up not feeling right and need a day off sick? Especially in the fast-paced working environments of today, being able to communicate effectively with your boss is a crucial skill. A good message can save your professional reputation and get things covered for when you are out.

So, today in this guide we will discuss some steps to write the best not feeling well message. Therefore, we give you several examples (i.e. scenarios) and provide some tips on how to handle this workplace dilemma in a professional manner at the same time. We have covered everything beginning from your message timing to the communication method you shall select.

Importance of a Good “Not Feeling Well” Message

Before we dive into examples and tips, it’s important to understand why a well-crafted “not feeling well” message matters:

1. It maintains professional relationships
2. It ensures your work is covered
3. It helps your team plan accordingly
4. It demonstrates responsibility and consideration

Timing Is Everything

The golden rule is to inform your boss as soon as possible. Ideally, this means sending your message before your workday begins or at least within the first hour of your usual start time.

Tip: If you’re feeling unwell the night before, consider sending a tentative message to your boss. For example:

Hi [Boss's Name],
I'm not feeling well this evening. If I don't improve by morning, I may need to take a sick day. I'll update you by 8 AM.
[Your Name]

Choosing the Right Communication Method

Most workplaces have a preferred method for calling in sick. This could be:

• Email
• Text message
• Phone call
• Company messaging platform (e.g., Slack)

If you’re unsure, email is usually a safe bet. It’s professional and gives you a written record of your communication.

Extensive “Not Feeling Well” Message Examples

Email Examples:

1. Standard Sick Day Email

Subject: Not Feeling Well - [Your Name] - [Date]

Dear [Boss's Name],

I'm not feeling well today and won't be able to come into the office or work remotely. I have a bad headache and fever. I expect to return to work tomorrow, but I'll keep you updated if anything changes.

I don't have any urgent deadlines today, but please let me know if anything critical comes up. I'll be checking my email periodically if there's anything that can't wait until my return.

Thank you for your understanding,
[Your Name]

2. Sick Day with Important Meeting

Subject: Sick Day - [Your Name] - [Date]

Hello [Boss's Name],

I've come down with a severe cold and won't be able to work today. I know I was scheduled to present at the team meeting this afternoon. Would it be possible to reschedule my part, or could [Colleague's Name] cover for me? I've shared all the necessary files on our team drive.

I anticipate being back in the office tomorrow, but I'll send an update by end of day if that changes.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

3. Multiple Day Illness

Subject: Extended Sick Leave - [Your Name]

Dear [Boss's Name],

I'm writing to inform you that I've been diagnosed with the flu and my doctor has advised me to rest for the next 3-4 days. I will therefore be out of the office until at least [Day, Date].

I've updated my out-of-office message and informed my team about any pressing tasks. [Colleague's Name] has agreed to cover my responsibilities for the [Client] project during my absence.

I'll check in again on [Day] to confirm my return date. If you need any critical information from me in the meantime, please don't hesitate to call me at [Your Phone Number].

Thank you for your understanding,
[Your Name]

4. Sudden Illness During Workday

Subject: Heading Home - Not Feeling Well

Hi [Boss's Name],

I'm not feeling well and need to head home for the day. I've suddenly developed severe nausea and dizziness and don't think I can continue working effectively.

I've briefed [Colleague's Name] on the status of the [Project Name] report due tomorrow. They'll ensure it's completed and submitted on time.

I hope to feel better and return tomorrow, but I'll send an update in the morning to confirm.

Thank you for your understanding,
[Your Name]

5. Remote Work Request Due to Minor Illness

Subject: Working from Home Today - Minor Cold

Dear [Boss's Name],

I've woken up with a minor cold today. While I don't feel well enough to come into the office, I believe I can manage my workload from home.

I'll be available via email and phone, and I'll join the team meeting at 2 PM via video conference.

Please let me know if you have any concerns about this arrangement.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Text Message Examples:

1. Brief Text Message

Hi [Boss's Name], I'm down with a bad stomach bug today and won't be able to work. I expect to be back tomorrow. I'll keep you updated if anything changes. Thanks for your understanding.

2. Text Message with Work Handover

Good morning [Boss's Name]. I've woken up with a migraine and can't make it to work today. I've asked [Colleague] to handle the client call at 2 PM. Will likely return tomorrow. Please text if you need anything urgent.

3. Late Night/Early Morning Text

[Boss's Name], I'm very sorry for the late/early message. I've been up all night with a fever and won't be able to come in today. I'll send a proper email update once the pharmacy opens and I can get some medicine. 

4. Text for Recurring Health Issue

Hi [Boss's Name]. Unfortunately, my [chronic condition] is flaring up badly today. I need to take a sick day to manage it. I've briefed [Colleague] on my urgent tasks. I'll likely return tomorrow, but will update you by EOD. 

5. Text with Uncertainty

Morning [Boss's Name]. Feeling quite unwell today - might be the flu. Taking a sick day and will update you tomorrow on my condition. [Colleague] is handling my urgent matters.

Voicemail Examples:

1. Standard Voicemail

"Hello [Boss's Name], this is [Your Name]. I'm calling to let you know that I'm not feeling well and won't be able to come into the office today. I expect to return tomorrow, but I'll send an update if that changes. I've informed my team and delegated my urgent tasks. If you need to reach me, please send a text or email. Thank you for your understanding."

2. Voicemail for Sudden Illness

"Hi [Boss's Name], it's [Your Name]. I'm calling to inform you that I've fallen ill quite suddenly and need to take a sick day. I've asked [Colleague] to cover my afternoon client meeting. I'll email the team with more details shortly. I apologize for the short notice and hope to be back tomorrow. Thanks for your understanding."

Additional Tips for Handling Sick Days

1. Be Prepared: Keep your boss’s contact information easily accessible at home.
2. Know Your Company’s Policy: Familiarize yourself with your company’s sick leave policy.
3. Use Sick Days Wisely: If you’re genuinely ill, take the time you need to recover.
4. Set Boundaries: While it’s good to be available for urgent matters, don’t feel obligated to work while you’re sick.
5. Plan Ahead: Try to have a backup plan for important deadlines or meetings.
6. Be Consistent: If you’re too sick to work, avoid posting on social media or engaging in activities that might suggest you’re not actually unwell.
7. Consider Remote Work: If you’re feeling under the weather but still able to work, ask if working from home is an option.

Follow-Up and Return to Work

When you return to work, it’s courteous to check in with your boss and team. Here’s a sample “return to work” email:

Subject: Back in the Office - [Your Name]

Dear [Boss's Name],

I'm feeling much better and have returned to the office today. Thank you for your understanding during my absence.

I've caught up on my emails and am in the process of updating myself on the progress of my projects. I'll be touching base with my team members to ensure nothing has fallen through the cracks.

If there's anything urgent I should be aware of or prioritize, please let me know.

Thank you again for your support,
[Your Name]

What to Include in Your Sick Leave Message

A good message should be brief but informative. Include:

1. Clear statement that you’re not feeling well
2. Explicit mention that you won’t be working today
3. Brief explanation of your condition (optional)
4. Mention of any urgent work that needs to be covered
5. When you expect to return to work (if known)
6. How to contact you if absolutely necessary

Conclusion

Sending a message to your boss that you will not be able to come due feeling “unwell/ill” need not worry about. So, by following these guidelines and examples you can be sure your message will be submitted in a professional manner without compromising the relationship with your coworkers when you are not feeling well.

Always put your health first. Caring for yourself means coming back to work rejuvenated and prepared to perform at your best potential. If you do feel the need to take illness leave, just remember this is a way of working smarter not harder– your body (and team) thank you later.