We’ve all been there – waking up feeling under the weather and knowing we can’t make it to work.
Whether it’s a nasty cold, a stubborn migraine, or something more serious, there are times when you simply need to stay home and rest.
But how do you let your boss and colleagues know without sounding like you’re just trying to play hooky?
Crafting the perfect “not feeling well” email can be tricky. You want to be honest about your situation, but also professional and considerate of your team’s needs.
To help you navigate this delicate task, we’ve compiled 20 email samples for various scenarios.
From the basic sick day request to more complex situations, these templates will ensure your message comes across loud and clear.
“Not Feeling Well” Email Samples
Here are the emails to help you communicate effectively when you’re under the weather:
1. The Basic Sick Day
Subject: Out Sick Today
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I woke up feeling quite ill this morning with a fever and sore throat. I don’t think I’m in any condition to come into the office today. I plan to rest up and hopefully kick this bug quickly. I’ll be sure to check my email periodically in case anything urgent comes up, but otherwise, I’ll aim to be back in action tomorrow.
Thank you for understanding,
[Your Name]
2. The 24-Hour Bug
Subject: Not Feeling Well – Taking a Sick Day
Good morning [Manager’s Name],
I seem to have caught that 24-hour stomach bug that’s been going around. I was up most of the night and am still feeling quite queasy. I think I should stay home today and rest so I can bounce back quickly. I’ll have my phone nearby if you need to reach me, but I’m hoping a day of rest will do the trick.
Best,
[Your Name]
3. The Migraine Strikes
Subject: Migraine – Working From Home Today
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I woke up with a severe migraine this morning. As you know, when these hit, it’s nearly impossible for me to function, let alone drive into the office. I’m going to take my medication and try to work from home today as much as I can. I may need to take some breaks to rest my eyes, but I’ll do my best to stay on top of any pressing matters.
Please let me know if you have any concerns,
[Your Name]
4. The Contagious Cold
Subject: Staying Home With a Cold
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’ve come down with a nasty cold and I’m worried it might be contagious. I’d hate to spread germs around the office, so I think it’s most considerate for me to stay home today. I have a bit of a fever and am pretty congested, but I should be able to tackle a few tasks from home in between naps. I’m hopeful that a day of rest will help me kick this quickly.
Thanks for your flexibility,
[Your Name]
5. The Suspected Food Poisoning
Subject: Out Sick – Possible Food Poisoning
Good morning [Manager’s Name],
I’m sorry for the short notice, but I woke up extremely ill and I suspect it might be food poisoning. I’ll spare you the gory details, but needless to say, I won’t be able to make it into the office today. I’m going to try to stay hydrated and rest. If this continues, I may need to see a doctor. I’ll keep you posted on my status.
Appreciate your understanding,
[Your Name]
6. The Reactive Seasonal Allergies
Subject: Severe Allergy Attack – Working From Home
Hi [Manager’s Name],
My seasonal allergies have come on with a vengeance this morning. My eyes are swollen, I’m sneezing non-stop, and I’m having trouble breathing. I took some medication but it hasn’t seemed to help much yet. I think it’s best for me to work from home today where I can manage my symptoms a bit better. I’ll stay on top of my emails and critical tasks, but please forgive me if I’m a bit slower to respond than usual.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
7. The Painful Period Cramps
Subject: Not Feeling Well Today
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I’m dealing with some extremely painful menstrual cramps today. I’m having trouble concentrating and the pain is making me feel quite nauseous. I think I should take the day off to rest and manage the pain. I’ll have my laptop with me and will do what I can, but I may not be as responsive as usual. I expect to be back in the office tomorrow.
Thank you for your understanding,
[Your Name]
8. The Dreaded Dentist Appointment
Subject: Dental Emergency – Out This Afternoon
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’ve been dealing with a terrible toothache and my dentist was able to squeeze me in for an emergency appointment this afternoon. I plan to come into the office this morning and work until my appointment at 1pm, but I’ll likely need to take the rest of the day off depending on what needs to be done. I’ll keep you in the loop and will work on anything urgent this morning before I leave.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
9. The Chronic Condition Flare-Up
Subject: Health Flare-Up – Working From Home
Hi [Manager’s Name],
As you know, I deal with [chronic condition] and I’m experiencing a bit of a flare-up today. My [symptoms] are making it very challenging for me to [specific challenge], so I think I should work from home. I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled for [date/time] to get things back under control, but in the meantime, I’ll do my best to keep things moving forward from home.
Please let me know if you have any concerns,
[Your Name]
10. The Stress-Induced Sick Day
Subject: Taking a Mental Health Day
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’ve been dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety lately, both personally and professionally, and it’s started to take a toll on my physical health. I woke up feeling exhausted, shaky, and nauseated. I think I need to take a mental health day to recharge and refocus. I know this is short notice, but I feel I must be at my best. I’ll be sure to get caught up on anything I miss.
Thank you for your support,
[Your Name]
11. The Ambiguous Illness
Subject: Not Feeling Well – Out of Office
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I’m not feeling well today and won’t be able to come into the office. I’m not quite sure what’s wrong, but I have a low-grade fever and am feeling extremely fatigued and achy. I’m going to rest up and monitor my symptoms. If things don’t improve, I may need to schedule a doctor’s appointment. I’ll touch base later today or tomorrow with an update.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
12. The Need for a COVID Test
Subject: Potential COVID Exposure – Getting Tested
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I found out last night that I was potentially exposed to COVID over the weekend. While I feel okay right now, I think I must get tested before coming back into the office. I have an appointment scheduled for [time] today. I’ll work from home while I await my results and will let you know as soon as I hear anything. I want to make sure we’re taking all necessary precautions.
Best,
[Your Name]
13. The Caregiving Emergency
Subject: Family Emergency – Need to Work From Home
Hi [Manager’s Name],
My [family member] has fallen ill and I need to stay home to care for them today. It’s nothing too serious, but they do need some assistance and monitoring. I’m going to work from home as much as I can in between caregiving duties. I may be a bit slower to respond to emails, but I’ll make sure to keep an eye out for anything urgent.
Thanks for your flexibility,
[Your Name]
14. The Post-Vaccine Recovery Day
Subject: Post-Vaccine Recovery Day
Dear [Manager’s Name],
As you know, I got my [first/second] [vaccine name] shot yesterday. While I’m thrilled to be getting vaccinated, I am experiencing some of the expected side effects today – low-grade fever, chills, and body aches. I’m going to take the day to rest and recover. I should be back to normal by tomorrow. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Best,
[Your Name]
15. The Unexpected Hospital Visit
Subject: Unexpected ER Visit – Out Today
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I had to make an unexpected trip to the ER last night due to [brief description of issue]. While everything is okay now, I’m feeling quite exhausted and sore from the ordeal. I think I should take the day off to rest and recover. I should be back in the office tomorrow, but I’ll let you know if anything changes. I’m sorry for the short notice.
Thank you,
[Your Name]
16. The Sick Child
Subject: Sick Child – Working From Home
Dear [Manager’s Name],
My [son/daughter] woke up with a high fever and is feeling quite ill. I need to stay home to care for [him/her] today. I’m going to try to work from home as much as I can in between taking care of [him/her], but please understand if I’m a bit less responsive than usual. I’m hoping this is just a 24-hour thing and that I’ll be back in the office tomorrow.
Thanks for understanding,
[Your Name]
17. The Recovering Introvert
Subject: Taking a Personal Day
Hi [Manager’s Name],
As an introvert, the past few weeks of constant meetings, presentations, and social engagements have left me feeling overwhelmed and mentally drained. I can feel it starting to affect my health and well-being. I think it’s wise for me to take a personal day to recharge my batteries. I’ll be back in the office tomorrow, refreshed and ready to tackle what’s ahead.
Best,
[Your Name]
18. The Grief-Related Absence
Subject: Bereavement Leave
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I received some sad news last night – my [relationship] passed away unexpectedly. I’m still in shock and am dealing with a wave of grief. I’m going to need to take some time off to process this loss and be with family. I expect I’ll be out for [number] days. I’ll do my best to check my email, but please understand if I’m not as responsive as usual.
Thank you for your support during this difficult time,
[Your Name]
19. The Mental Fatigue Day
Subject: Taking a Rest Day
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I’ve been burning the candle at both ends lately, working long hours to get [project] over the line. While I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made, I’m feeling the effects of the sustained effort. I’m mentally fatigued and can feel it starting to affect my productivity and decision-making. I think it’s wise for me to take a day off to rest and recharge. I’ll be back at it tomorrow with renewed energy.
Thanks,
[Your Name]
20. The Scheduled Procedure
Subject: Scheduled Procedure – Out of Office
Dear [Manager’s Name],
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I have a scheduled [procedure] happening today. I’ll be out of the office for the day and expect to return tomorrow. However, if there are any complications or if my doctor advises additional rest, I may need to extend my time off. I’ll be sure to keep you updated. I’ll have my phone with me, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if anything urgent arises.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Wrap-Up “Not Feeling Well” Emails
Health issues can arise unexpectedly, and when they do, it’s important to communicate clearly and professionally with your team.
These “not feeling well” email samples should give you a good starting point for crafting your messages.
Remember, the key is to be honest, provide the necessary details, and set expectations for your availability.
At the same time, don’t feel guilty about taking the time you need to rest and recover.
Your health should always be a top priority.
A day or two of rest can often prevent a more extended absence down the line.
Plus, your team would much prefer you come back recharged and at full capacity.
So the next time you’re not feeling your best, refer back to these samples, tailor them to your specific situation, and hit send with confidence.
Then, focus on getting the rest you need to bounce back strong.
Your work will be waiting for you when you’re ready.