Taking sick leave is a fact of life for every worker. At some point, you’ll need to write that email telling your boss you can’t make it in. But what should you say? How much detail about your health should you share? And how do you handle your work responsibilities?
The right sick leave email strikes a balance. It gives clear information about your absence without oversharing personal health details.
These 15 email templates will help you handle any sick leave situation professionally, from a single sick day to longer medical absences. Each template shows you exactly what to write, helping you communicate effectively while focusing on getting better.
Email Samples on Sick Leave
These email samples cover many different sick leave situations. Feel free to adjust them to fit your own needs.
1. One-Day Illness Email
Subject: Sick Leave Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to let you know that I’m feeling unwell today and need to take a sick day. I have a bad cold with a fever, and think it’s best to rest and avoid spreading germs to my coworkers.
I expect to return to work tomorrow. During my absence, I’ve asked [Coworker’s Name] to handle any urgent matters related to [Project/Task]. You can reach me by email if anything critical comes up that only I can address.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Department] [Your Contact Information]
2. Multi-Day Illness Email
Subject: Sick Leave for Several Days – [Your Name]
Hello [Manager’s Name],
I need to take sick leave for the next three days. My doctor diagnosed me with the flu yesterday evening and advised me to stay home until my symptoms clear up and I’m no longer contagious.
I plan to return to work on Monday, May 5th. I’ve updated our team calendar and set an out-of-office reply for my emails. [Coworker’s Name] has agreed to cover my shifts/responsibilities while I’m away.
I’ll check my emails once daily if possible, but may be resting most of the time. Please contact [Coworker’s Name] at [contact info] for any urgent matters.
Thanks for your understanding during this time.
Regards,
[Your Full Name] [Your Job Title] [Company Name] [Your Phone Number]
3. Last-Minute Morning Sick Call
Subject: Sick Today – Unable to Come In
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I woke up this morning with a high fever and bad headache. I won’t be able to make it to work today. I’ve tried some medicine and hope to rest so I can get better quickly.
I had a meeting scheduled with the marketing team at 2 PM. I’ve emailed them to reschedule for next week.
I’ll keep you updated on how I’m feeling later today, and let you know about tomorrow as soon as possible.
Sorry for the short notice.
Thanks,
[Your Name] [Position] [Department] [Mobile Number]
4. Extended Sick Leave Request
Subject: Extended Sick Leave Request – [Your Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to request extended sick leave starting tomorrow, April 15th. My doctor has diagnosed me with [brief mention of condition if comfortable sharing] and recommends I take two weeks off for proper recovery.
I’ve attached my doctor’s note confirming this recommendation. My expected return date is April 29th, though I’ll update you if anything changes based on my recovery progress.
To help with the transition: – I’ve completed all urgent tasks for this week – I’ve briefed [Colleague’s Name] on the status of [Project Name] – I’ve prepared handover notes for my current projects (attached)
While away, I’ll be mostly focusing on recovery, but can be reached by phone for truly urgent matters that can’t wait until my return.
Thank you for your support during this time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Title] [Department] [Contact Details] [Employee ID Number]
5. Sick Leave with Remote Work Offer
Subject: Partial Sick Leave – Available for Remote Tasks
Hello [Manager’s Name],
I’m not feeling well enough to come to the office today. I have a mild cold but no fever. While I can’t make the commute, I feel well enough to handle some work remotely if needed.
I can attend the team meeting via video call and complete the report that’s due tomorrow. Please let me know if there are other priority tasks I should focus on from home today.
I plan to take medicine and rest between tasks, and expect to return to the office tomorrow.
Thank you,
[Your Name] [Job Title] [Email Address] [Phone Number]
6. Sick Leave for Medical Appointment
Subject: Sick Leave for Medical Appointment – Half Day
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to request sick leave for the morning of Tuesday, April 20th. I have a medical appointment at 9:00 AM that may take a couple of hours, including travel time.
I expect to be back in the office around 1:00 PM after the appointment. I’ve rescheduled my morning meetings and will make sure all urgent tasks are completed before I leave tomorrow.
[Colleague’s Name] will cover any urgent requests that come up during my absence.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name] [Position] [Contact Information] [Employee Number]
7. Sick Child Email
Subject: Working from Home – Sick Child
Dear [Manager’s Name],
My son woke up with a high fever this morning and needs to stay home from school. I need to care for him today as my partner is out of town.
I plan to work from home and will be available by email and phone. I’ve already informed my team that our 10 AM meeting will be held via conference call instead.
I’ve arranged all my tasks so there should be no disruption to my work schedule, but wanted to let you know about my situation. I hope to be back in the office tomorrow, depending on how my son is feeling.
Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards,
[Your Name] [Title] [Department] [Mobile Number] [Email Address]
8. Contagious Illness Email
Subject: Sick Leave – Contagious Illness
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I need to take sick leave today as I’ve been diagnosed with strep throat. My doctor says I’m contagious and should stay home until I’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
I plan to return to work on Thursday when I’m no longer contagious. I’ve notified my team and have asked [Colleague’s Name] to present my part of the project update at tomorrow’s meeting.
All my current tasks are up to date, and I’ve shared access to the files needed for ongoing projects with the team.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
[Your Name] [Position] [Department] [Work Email] [Cell Phone]
9. Mental Health Day Request
Subject: Taking a Sick Day – Personal Health
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to let you know that I need to take today as a sick day. I’ve been dealing with some personal stress that has affected my sleep and focus. I believe taking a day to rest will help me return as my productive self tomorrow.
I’ve already informed my team and rescheduled my commitments for today. [Colleague’s Name] will handle any urgent matters that may arise.
Thank you for your understanding. I’ll be back in the office tomorrow refreshed and ready to work.
Best regards,
[Your Name] [Your Title] [Your Team/Department] [Contact Information]
10. Follow-up After Sick Leave
Subject: Return to Work After Sick Leave
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I wanted to confirm that I’ll be returning to work tomorrow after my sick leave. I’m feeling much better and am no longer contagious.
During my absence, I kept track of emails and noticed several matters that need attention. I plan to focus on the following priorities when I return:
1. Completing the quarterly report 2. Following up on client requests from [Client Name] 3. Scheduling the team meeting that was postponed
Please let me know if you would like me to focus on anything else upon my return. Thank you for your understanding during my absence.
Regards,
[Your Name] [Your Position] [Your Department] [Your Contact Information]
11. Sick Leave During Remote Work
Subject: Sick Day While Working Remotely
Hello [Manager’s Name],
Even though we’re currently working remotely, I need to take a sick day today. I have a migraine that makes looking at screens very painful, and I need to rest in a dark room.
I’ve let the team know through our messaging platform. The [Project Name] deadline is still on track as I completed most of it yesterday. [Colleague’s Name] has the information needed to answer any questions about my part of the project.
I hope to be back online tomorrow. I’ll send you an update by the end of the day.
Thank you,
[Your Name] [Job Title] [Team/Department] [Phone Number]
12. Partial Day Sick Leave
Subject: Leaving Early Due to Illness
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I need to leave the office early today as I’ve started feeling unwell. I’ve developed a headache and slight fever in the past hour and think it’s best if I go home to rest.
I’ve completed the most urgent tasks for today, including the client proposal and team schedule. [Colleague’s Name] is aware of my early departure and can help with any urgent matters that may come up.
I hope to be back tomorrow, but will send you an update in the morning about how I’m feeling.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name] [Your Title] [Department] [Contact Details]
13. Sick Leave During Busy Period
Subject: Sick Leave Request During [Project/Event Name]
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I regret to inform you that I need to take sick leave today despite our busy preparation for [Project/Event]. I came down with a stomach bug overnight and am unable to come to the office.
I understand the timing is not ideal, and I’ve taken steps to minimize disruption:
– I’ve updated the presentation slides and shared them with the team – I’ve briefed [Colleague’s Name] on my talking points for the client meeting – I’ve sent the vendor contracts to legal as planned
I’ve also created a detailed list of my remaining tasks with notes (attached) so the team can proceed in my absence. I hope to return tomorrow if my condition permits.
Please call me if there are any questions only I can answer.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
[Your Name] [Position] [Team/Department] [Mobile Number]
14. Sick Leave with Limited Connectivity
Subject: Sick Leave and Limited Availability
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I need to take sick leave for today and tomorrow. I have a severe case of food poisoning and will be mostly resting per doctor’s orders.
Please note that I will have very limited access to email or phone during this time as I’ll be resting and recovering. I may not be able to respond until I return to work on Thursday.
I’ve asked [Colleague’s Name] to handle the client meeting scheduled for tomorrow and have shared all the necessary files with them. The monthly report is already complete and saved in our shared drive.
Thank you for your understanding during this time.
Best regards,
[Your Name] [Your Title] [Department] [Employee ID]
15. Returning to Work with Limitations
Subject: Returning from Sick Leave with Doctor’s Restrictions
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’ll be returning to work tomorrow after my sick leave. My doctor has cleared me to return but with some temporary limitations for the next week:
– I should avoid standing for long periods – I need to take a 10-minute break every two hours – I cannot lift anything over 10 pounds
I’ve attached my doctor’s note with these recommendations. These limitations shouldn’t affect most of my duties, but I wanted to inform you in advance. The doctor expects these restrictions to be lifted after my follow-up appointment next Friday.
Thank you for your support during my recovery. I’m looking forward to getting back to work and catching up with the team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Position] [Department] [Contact Information] [Employee ID Number]
Wrapping Up: Sick Leave Emails
Writing a sick leave email doesn’t have to be stressful. The key points to include are clear dates, basic health information, and work handover details. Your manager needs just enough information to plan for your absence without too many personal details.
Keep your message simple and direct. Send it as soon as you know you’ll be absent. Always follow your company’s sick leave policy about timing and required documents like doctor’s notes.
With these 15 examples as guides, you can write an appropriate sick leave email for any situation. Just pick the one closest to your needs, change the details, and send it off so you can focus on getting better.