Calling in sick can feel awkward because you worry about appearing unreliable, oversharing, or making your manager’s day harder. Many people freeze trying to find the right balance between being honest and keeping things professional.

Simple wording removes the guesswork for both you and the person receiving the message. Clear, concise texts reduce follow-up questions and help you focus on resting or getting care.

This article gives short, practical phrases you can use when texting to call in sick, explains why the wording works, points out what to avoid, and offers quick tips for handling the moment with confidence.

Why This Moment Matters

When you tell your workplace you’re unwell, you trigger a small but important social exchange: your health affects team plans, and your employer needs enough information to respond responsibly. How you communicate shapes trust and sets expectations for coverage and follow-up.

A clear, respectful text reduces confusion and prevents unnecessary interruptions while you recover. Being straightforward also protects boundaries — it lets you rest without repeatedly defending your absence.

Communicating well in this moment keeps work moving and preserves professional relationships, which is why having a few ready-made, simple lines can be useful.

Useful Things to Say

Simple Responses

• “Hi [Name], I’m not feeling well today and won’t be able to come in.”
  A direct, factual statement that tells them the essential information without extra detail.
• “I’m unwell and need to take a sick day today.”
  Short and professional; suitable for supervisors who prefer minimal explanation.
• “Feeling too ill to work today — I won’t be in.”
  Plain language that makes your status and plans clear.
• “I need to stay home today due to illness. I’ll update you if anything changes.”
  Adds a brief note about follow-up while keeping the message concise.

Supportive Responses

• “I’m out sick today. I’ve alerted [Colleague] about the [project/task] and shared the file.”
  Shows responsibility and reduces the need for your manager to arrange coverage.
• “I’m not well today. If anything urgent comes up, please text me and I’ll respond when I can.”
  Balances rest with availability for true emergencies, setting a clear boundary.
• “I’m taking a sick day. I’ve moved my meetings to [date] and updated my calendar.”
  Practical and helpful, this reassures your team that you handled scheduling.
• “I’m unwell and won’t be able to work today; I’ve sent the necessary notes to [name].”
  Shows communication and continuity without requiring more input from your manager.

Empathetic Responses

• “I’m not feeling well today and I’m sorry for any inconvenience.”
  Acknowledges the impact on others while still prioritizing your health.
• “I need to take a sick day — I know this may affect the team and I appreciate your understanding.”
  Validates the team’s needs and expresses gratitude, which can ease tension.
• “I’m under the weather today and will check email later if I’m able.”
  Sets realistic expectations while showing you care about outstanding items.
• “I’m sick today and regret missing the meeting; I’ll follow up on notes as soon as I can.”
  Combines empathy with a plan for catching up, which reassures your manager.

Light, Warm Responses

• “Hi [Name], I’m feeling off today and need to rest — I’ll be back as soon as I’m up to it.”
  Gentle and human while still communicating the necessary facts.
• “I’m taking a sick day to rest and recover; thanks for understanding.”
  Warmth and appreciation can soften the message without oversharing.
• “Not feeling well today — I’ll touch base tomorrow with an update. Take care.”
  Friendly yet concise, useful when you have a cordial relationship with your supervisor.
• “I need to stay home and rest today. I appreciate your support.”
  A brief, kind tone that keeps the focus on recovery and mutual respect.

What Not to Say

• Don’t give graphic or highly personal medical details; they aren’t necessary and can make recipients uncomfortable.
• Avoid jokes or sarcastic lines about faking illness, which can undermine your credibility.
• Don’t leave your message vague (e.g., “Not feeling great”) without stating whether you’ll be working remotely or entirely offline.
• Avoid admitting you attended a risky social event before getting sick, as that can create friction.
• Don’t promise immediate availability if you don’t intend to check messages, since that can lead to unmet expectations.
• Avoid blaming coworkers or workplace conditions for your illness in the initial message.

Helpful Tips for Handling the Moment

• Keep your tone calm and professional; clear language builds trust.
• Notify as early as possible so your team can make arrangements.
• If your manager calls, speak briefly and honestly; if you need to hang up, suggest a time to follow up.
• Use plain text rather than humor or passive-aggressive phrasing to avoid misinterpretation.
• Offer a brief plan for coverage if possible, but don’t overcommit to work while you’re sick.
• Respect your own boundaries: rest takes priority and you aren’t obligated to provide medical proof unless company policy requires it.

Final Thought

You don’t need the perfect sentence to call in sick — clarity, respect, and a simple plan are what matter. Using straightforward wording helps you set boundaries and keeps your workplace functioning while you focus on getting better.

Let us know in the comments if this has helped or if you’ve got suggestions we can include

About the Author

Helen Bach is a relationship expert and writer who helps people find the right words when it matters most. She studied English and English Literature at the University of Michigan, where she developed a passion for how language shapes love, conflict, and connection.

At whattosaywhen.net, Helen writes clear, down-to-earth advice on what to say in real-life situations—from first dates and tough conversations to breakups and makeups. Her goal is simple: to make talking about feelings less awkward and a lot more honest.