Things come up on short notice, leaving us scrambling to balance personal needs/responsibilities and professional responsibilities.

Calling out of work doesn’t need to be difficult, but if you give the wrong reason, it could leave your boss doubting you and could even get you fired in some states.

In this article, I explain 12 legitimate reasons to call out of work at the last minute, their pros and cons, how to communicate your absence to your boss/supervisor, and the necessary follow-ups, if any.

The whole idea is to ensure you keep your employers in the loop in the right way and avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Highlights

• Always check your company’s leave policies to ensure your excuse is valid and covered under these guidelines to avoid any potential issues.
• For excuses that may require verification, prepare the necessary documentation in advance to support your leave request smoothly.
• Where feasible, mitigate the impact of your absence by delegating essential tasks and providing colleagues with the information they need to cover for you effectively.

12 Valid Excuses to Call Out of Work

1. You’re sick.

Feeling ill is one of the best excuses for missing work, as your company/boss will not want you in the office if you’re sick and possibly contagious.

Pros

• Staying away from work while sick prevents the spread of disease to other co-workers.
• It gives you more time for recovery and ultimately helps you stay productive in the long term.
• Companies typically have policies for calling out sick, and your request will likely be granted.

Cons

• Calling out sick often means more responsibility for colleagues.
• Some workplaces don’t offer paid sick leave, so missing a day could mean lost wages.
• There’s also the potential for extra work when you eventually recover.

Irrespective of the potential cons, sickness is still one of the most legitimate excuses to get out of work. Putting yourself under extra pressure when you’re not feeling too well is not ideal.

According to a survey by Bamboo HR, almost 90% of employees work through sickness or feel guilty when calling out of work.

Rachel Suff, senior policy adviser at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), says:

“Remember, your health is paramount. Don’t feel guilty about calling in sick; a healthy you is a more productive you in the long run! “If you are really not well and your symptoms mean you are not going to be productive, it’s better to go off sick. You’re also not spreading germs around the workplace,”

What to say

“Hi, (Boss’s name). I am feeling under the weather and won’t make it in today. Hoping to be back tomorrow.”

“Hi [Boss’s Name],

I’m feeling unwell this morning with [brief description of symptoms, e.g., a severe headache, stomach issues]. I’ll be taking a sick day to recover. I plan to check my email periodically if anything urgent comes up. Thank you for your understanding.

Best,

[Your Name]”

“Hi [Boss’s Name],

“Hi [Boss’s Name],

I need to take an urgent sick day today due to unexpected health issues. I’m seeking medical advice and will keep you informed about my situation. Please let me know if there’s anything urgent that needs to be addressed, and I’ll do my best to coordinate remotely.

Thanks for your understanding,

[Your Name]”

Related Article: Use these sick-day email templates to request the day off hassle-free.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Some particularly strict/old-fashioned employers may want a doctor’s note as proof of illness when you return.
• The maximum number of paid sick leave days varies across organizations; be sure to understand yours.

2. You’re caring for a sick child or family member.

Caring for a sick child or family member might even be a better excuse to miss work than calling in sick because it is a sign of responsibility and shows you can balance work and personal obligations.

Pros

• It allows you to focus on helping your family member recover without work anxiety.
• Saves personal sick leave for when you’re ill.
• It could potentially strengthen your rapport with management through honest communication.

Cons

• Depending on your company’s policy, you might not get paid for sick leave used for family members.
• When used too often, it might bring about a perception of unreliability.
• You may return to an increased workload as work accumulates during your absence.

What to say

“I’m sorry, but my child is feeling ill, and there’s nobody else who can care for them on such short notice. I’ll need to take a day to handle this emergency and return to work tomorrow.“

“Hi [Boss’s name], it’s [Your Name]. Unfortunately, my child woke up sick this morning and there’s no one else available to stay home with them. I need to take a day to care for them. I apologize for any inconvenience, and I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Remember that family emergencies happen; most employers will understand and be sympathetic when you call in sick for medical reasons, whether personal or for a family member.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Provide enough information to justify your absence without oversharing private medical information about your family member.
• Verify whether additional documentation or specific steps are required upon your return.

3. You have a family emergency.

A family emergency is another valid reason to call out of work, even on short notice. The typical boss will quickly accept this excuse to miss work without much questioning or doubt. They may not even ask when you’ll be able to return and instead say, “Just let me know if you’re able to come in tomorrow.”

Pros

• Addressing a family emergency head-on reduces overall stress, leading to better focus when you return to work.
• It reinforces a positive work-life balance and family values.
• You usually won’t face many follow-up questions and won’t have to go into too much detail.

Cons

• Potential for missed opportunities or falling behind on tasks.
• Uncertainty about some employer’s reaction or understanding of the situation.

What to say

“Good morning, I have a family emergency that requires my immediate attention. I won’t be able to make it to work today. I apologize for any inconvenience and I’ll keep you updated.”

“Hi [Boss’s Name],

I need to request an emergency day off due to a significant family issue that has just arisen and needs my urgent attention. Specifically, [brief explanation if you’re comfortable, e.g., “a close relative has been hospitalized and requires my immediate presence”]. I anticipate returning to work by [expected return date]. I’ll make sure to keep you updated. Thank you for your support during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]”

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Manage expectations by letting them know your availability during your absence. Will you be reachable for urgent matters?
• Keep any relevant documentation or proof of the emergency, such as hospital records or legal documents, in case your employer requires verification.

4. Attending a funeral.

Calling out of work at the last minute to attend a funeral is generally considered a valid reason, as funerals often occur unexpectedly and require immediate attention.

Pros

• Funerals are generally accepted as a legitimate excuse, so you’re highly likely to get your absence approved.
• You don’t need to go into extensive details about the deceased or your relationship with them.
• Given the sensitivity of the situation, it is unlikely that an employer will question the legitimacy of the absence.

Cons

• Some organizations have strict bereavement leave policies, limiting the number of days off and specifying eligible relations, which may not fully accommodate your needs.
• The timing of the absence, such as during critical projects, may lead to negative views on legitimate absences like attending a funeral.

What to say

“Dear [Boss’ name],

I am writing to inform you that I have just received news of a family bereavement and need to take urgent leave to attend the funeral services. I will be out of the office starting today [insert date] and plan to return on [insert return date].

I have handed over my current tasks to [colleague’s name] and briefed them on the essential details to ensure continuity. Please let me know if there is anything specific you would like me to address before I leave.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time.

Warm regards,

[Your Name]”

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Last-minute notifications are sometimes unavoidable in these situations, but the sooner you can let them know, the better.
• Adhere to your company’s policies on bereavement leave. This might involve filling out specific forms or providing documentation, such as a funeral notice if required.

5. Childcare issues (sudden closure of a child’s school or daycare).

Calling out of work at the last minute due to sudden childcare issues, like a daycare closure, is generally considered a very understandable reason.

Pros

• Many employers recognize the importance of childcare and the challenges sudden closures create.
• If this is a rare occurrence and you have a good track record, your employer might be more forgiving of the short notice.
• You don’t have to go into extensive detail about the closure.

Cons

• Repeated emergencies of this nature can lead to a backlog of tasks that are challenging to manage.
• In client-facing or critical roles, sudden childcare-related absences can cause significant, hard-to-mitigate disruptions.

What to say

“Dear [Supervisor’s Name],

I wish to inform you that due to an unexpected closure of my child’s daycare, I need to take an urgent leave today to manage childcare. I have arranged for my tasks to be covered by [Colleague’s Name] and will ensure all critical duties are attended to remotely as much as possible.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this unexpected situation.

Best regards,

[Your Name]”

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Explore alternative childcare options with family, friends, or neighbors before calling out.
• Consider the criticality of your work tasks and deadlines. Can you work remotely while managing childcare for short bursts?

6. You need to care for a sick pet.

While not one of the best excuses to get out of work, there can be situations where your pet needs immediate attention. In situations like this, simply let your employer know that your pet isn’t feeling well and that you will need to go to an emergency vet appointment or stay with them while you give them medication.

Pros

• The excuse could appeal to your employer’s empathy.
• Your dedication to your pet might be viewed favorably, especially in organizations with pet-friendly policies.

Cons

• Unlike human family members, some organizations may not recognize pets in their family leave policies.
• Frequent absences, especially for pet emergencies, might be flagged during performance reviews.

What to say

“I will be unable to come to work today, [date], due to a sudden and urgent situation with my pet. They require immediate veterinary care.

I apologize for any inconvenience this causes. I will be checking emails periodically and can be reached at [phone number] for critical issues. I expect to be back in the office tomorrow, [date].

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]”

“Dear [Boss’s Name],

Due to an urgent health issue with my pet, I am requesting to take the day off today. This will allow me to monitor and care for them. I apologize for the short notice and inconvenience.

Best,

[Your Name]”

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Before using this excuse to call out of work, you should weigh the urgency of your pet’s situation against work demands.
• Explore other options, like checking if a trusted friend or family member can check on your pet and provide basic care while you’re at work.

7. You have a last-minute dentist or doctor’s appointment.

Next on our list of acceptable excuses to call out of work is a last-minute dentist or doctor’s appointment.

Pros

• Missing work to attend a last-minute doctor’s appointment can address potential health issues early on.
• It could also mean less downtime in the long term when you miss work to attend a last-minute doctor’s appointment.

Cons

• Your boss may ask why they were not informed sooner.
• There’s also the risk of perceived unreliability or lack of foresight from management’s perspective.

What to say

“Hi [Boss’ name],

There’s something I want to get looked at urgently and my doctor/dentist had a last-minute cancellation and offered me an appointment today. Apologies for the short notice I hope to be back to work tomorrow.”

“Hi [Boss’s name], it’s [Your Name]. An unexpected health issue came up and I need to see a doctor/dentist right away. I won’t be able to make it into work today. I apologize for the short notice and will keep you updated.”

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• You may need to provide a doctor/dentist’s note to back up your excuse.
• Always check your company’s policy on sick leave and doctor’s appointments.
• Be professional and apologetic, but you don’t need to disclose the specific details of your appointment.

8. You’re having car trouble.

If you rely on your car to get to work and it is unavailable due to mechanical issues, you can inform your boss of the situation and get the day off. However, you may face follow-up questions like, “Can you take a bus? We really need you here today.” Thus, this excuse is only legitimate if there are no alternative means of getting to work.

Pros

• Unaddressed car issues could be potentially dangerous; missing work to fix them prevents further complications.
• If remote work is not already applicable in your workplace, it could be a chance to demonstrate its feasibility and productivity.

Cons

• Frequent car troubles could raise questions about your planning and management skills.

What to say

“Dear [Boss’s Name],

I wanted to inform you that I am experiencing unexpected car trouble this morning and will not be able to make it to the office today. I am currently arranging for repairs. Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]”

“Dear [Boss’s name],

I will be unable to come to work today, [date], due to unexpected car trouble. My car broke down this morning and I’m currently waiting to hear back from a mechanic about repairs.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I will be checking emails periodically throughout the day and can be reached at [phone number] if urgent.

Best,

[Your Name]”

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Depending on your work situation, you may be allowed to work from home for the day or the rest of the week.
• If remote work isn’t applicable, your employer would expect you to explore alternative transportation options, such as public transport or ride-sharing services, for subsequent days.

9. You have a household problem.

A household problem that requires you to remain home is one of the most straightforward and valid excuses to call out of work.

Pros

• Taking a day off to get things fixed at home prevents small issues from turning into costly repairs.
• You’re less likely to be distracted at work when you are not worrying about unresolved household problems.

Cons

• Some employers may view the issue as not serious enough, questioning the employee’s commitment.

What to say

“Dear [Boss’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to come to work today, [date], due to an urgent home repair situation. I woke up this morning to discover a leak in my water pipes, and a plumber needs immediate access to my property to assess and fix the damage. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Best regards,

[Your Name]”

“Hi [Boss’s Name],

I want to inform you that I will need to take a half day off today, [date], to receive an important delivery that requires a signature. Unfortunately, the delivery window is only available during work hours today.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I have completed [mention completed tasks] and will delegate [mention tasks delegated] to [colleague’s name] to ensure they are covered in my absence. 

Kind regards,

[Your Name]“

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• You should be prepared to explain how the situation was unforeseen and that you reached out to inform them as soon as you could.
• To avoid the perception of triviality, be sure to communicate the severity of the issue and why staying back to fix it is important.

10. Mental health day.

A mental health day is a day employees are allowed to take time off for self-care and mental well-being. I’ve had horrible jobs myself, and I understand having a feeling of panic in the morning when you’re simply overwhelmed and want to call out.

Pros

• It demonstrates self-awareness and proactive self-care, which is needed for long-term productivity.
• This could potentially foster a more open and supportive workplace culture around mental health.

Cons

• Risk of stigma or misunderstanding from management regarding the need for mental health days.
• Many companies have no formal policy for mental health days.

What to say

“Hi John,

I am writing to request a personal day off to attend to my mental health. I have been feeling increasingly overwhelmed and need some time to recharge and ensure I can continue to perform at my best. I apologize for the short notice. I plan to take today off and return tomorrow feeling more refreshed. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Best regards,

[Your Name],”

“Hi Luke,

I will be unable to come to work today, [date], to prioritize my mental health. I’m feeling burnt out and need a day to recharge and refocus.

I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I have completed [mention completed tasks] and will ensure [mention loose ends] are covered before the end of the day, if possible. I will be checking emails periodically and can be reached at [phone number] for urgent matters.

I expect to be back in the office tomorrow, [date], feeling refreshed and ready to contribute.

Thank you for your understanding.
Kind regards,

[Your Name]”

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• More and more companies are accepting the idea of a mental health day without a specific reason or emergency.
• Although this excuse is best if requested one or two days in advance, you can still request a mental health day on short notice.

11. You have a religious holiday/event.

If your employers don’t recognize your particular religious holiday, don’t shy away from bringing it up, as it is another valid excuse to call out of work.

Pros

• Many countries have employment laws that protect employees’ right to observe religious holidays.
• Most organizations list diversity as a priority; hence, it will likely be granted.

Cons

• A lack of understanding/appreciation of certain religious practices may be a constraint.

What to say

“Tomorrow is a big day for followers of my religion. To celebrate, there is an event that I’ve just been told I must attend. I know this is very short notice, but I hope you appreciate that my presence is important for my family and me.”

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• Your employers are probably bound by HR policies to respect and accommodate each person’s religious beliefs.
• If you can, you should inform them beforehand rather than at the last minute.

12. Unsafe weather conditions.

In unsafe weather conditions, you should prioritize your safety and communicate the situation to your employer. They will most likely understand the situation because no employer expects you to brave hazardous weather to come to work.

Pros

• Taking a safety-first approach reduces the risk of accidents or injuries from attempting to commute in hazardous conditions.
• You’re unlikely to face any questions as hazardous weather conditions are typically unforeseen and beyond your control.

Cons

• Weather impacts may vary across different places, which may cause differing perceptions of the need for weather-related absences.

What to say

“I may be unable to come to work safely today, [date], due to the [mention weather condition, e.g., heavy snowfall] in the forecast.

I am concerned about the potential hazards during my commute and while traveling throughout the day.

If the weather worsens or road conditions become unsafe, I won’t be able to make it into the office. I’ll check in again later this morning with an update on my ability to come in or work remotely.”

“Dear [Boss’s Name],

Due to the severe weather conditions forecast for today, including [mention specific conditions, e.g., heavy snowfall, ice, flooding], I am concerned about the safety risks associated with commuting. If possible, I would like to request to work from home to ensure my safety and maintain productivity. I am fully prepared to handle all my tasks remotely and can be reached at any time via email and phone.

Thank you for considering my request.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]”

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER

• If feasible, offer to work from home or reschedule your duties for when conditions improve.
• Your employer is legally obligated to prioritize your safety. Don’t hesitate to voice concerns if you feel unsafe commuting in severe weather conditions.

Dawn D. Boyer, CEO of D. Boyer Consulting, says there should be no reason for an employee to lose their job because they couldn’t make it to work due to unsafe weather conditions “unless the employee consistently uses it as an excuse to avoid coming to work and has run out of PTO, and/or there are other mitigating factors.”

Best Practices for Notifying Employers You’ll Be Missing Work

Unexpected absences happen, but keeping your employers informed the right way is important. Here are five best practices to ensure a smooth process whenever you need to call out of work.

• Communicating with the employer as soon as possible: The earlier you can communicate your absence to your supervisor, the better they can adjust tasks and schedules. This helps minimize disruption in workflow.
• Adhering to the company’s protocols: Many companies have established procedures for calling out of work. You should follow these procedures to ensure everything is documented properly and avoid confusion.
• Suggesting potential solutions to minimize disruption caused by your absence: If you can, offer suggestions to minimize the impact of your absence. This might take the form of creating a handover document to bring the person covering for you up to speed.
• Staying in touch and giving updates: Depending on the circumstances surrounding your absence, it might be helpful to check in from time to time. This is especially important if you’re out for an extended period. Doing this shows your commitment to work and keeps your employer informed.

Does Calling Out of Work on Short Notice Leave a Negative Impression?

Everyone misses work from time to time, and it’s not necessarily a bad sign that you need to take an unexpected day off. However, if you fail to inform your employer early enough and cause difficulties such as scheduling issues, then it could leave your boss upset. You shouldn’t feel bad about telling your employer you need a day off for any of the reasons above, but give them as much notice as possible. Also, avoid making it a frequent habit to call out.

Can You Get Fired for Calling in Sick?

In many states, work is considered to be done “at-will,” which means an employer can technically fire you for calling in sick. However, each state provides different rights to employees. No matter where you live, it’s unlikely that an employer will fire you for taking one sick day or calling out of work occasionally.

How Often Can You Call Out of Work?

It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to how often you can call out of work.

Here are some considerations to have in mind:

• Employer policy: Understand your company’s sick leave policy and procedures for absences.
• Job requirements: Consider how crucial your physical presence is for your role. If essential, have a backup plan.
• Work flexibility: Explore possibilities of remote work if your job allows it.
• Communication: Be honest and open with your manager about your needs.
• Build trust: Consistent good work helps establish trust for occasional absences.

What Not to Say When You Call in Sick

To wrap up, here are a couple of mistakes to avoid and bad reasons for calling out of work.

First, you never want to say anything that suggests you failed to plan ahead or that you didn’t let them know promptly. Don’t give a reason that sounds like it’s something you would have known about days before.

The other big mistake to avoid is overexplaining. You don’t need to share every detail when you explain why you can’t come to your job for one day.

If you say you have a sick child, you don’t need to share every symptom as proof that they’re not feeling well.

If you’re going to say that you’re sick, you don’t need to try to cough on the phone or sound miserable. Just be clear and direct, give the general excuse/reason that you’re going to use to miss work, and then stop talking and see how your boss responds.

When you call out of work, it’s often better to say less.

Bad Planning

There are many good excuses to call out of work; poor planning is not one of them. Poor planning is not a quality any boss wants to see in their employee. Of course, some emergencies are understandable, but reasons like missing the bus or forgetting to set the alarm aren’t likely to go down well, especially when it happens too often.

Forgot You Had A Shift

Forgetting you had a shift is surely not one of the good excuses to miss work on short notice. Everyone makes mistakes. But forgetting that you had to go to work or had a shift to attend points, once again, to bad planning. Your best bet, in this case, would be to apologize profusely.

Work Conflicts

Conflicts with coworkers can be hard to deal with. However, your employer will likely have little patience for you if you miss work due to an interpersonal conflict. Talking things through with your employer or coworker might be a better solution.

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This post was previously published on CareerSidekick.

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