Sick leave text templates, ready to paste in WhatsApp

A good sick leave message on WhatsApp has four parts: you're unwell, you won't work today, who or what covers your urgent work, and when you'll update your boss. You don't need to describe your symptoms. Send it before your work day starts. Most people should use the neutral version below.

This page is the copy-and-paste version. For the full guide, with email versions, which tone to pick and what to do after you send it, read how to write a sick leave message to your boss.

The messages

Copy a message, then replace the parts in [square brackets] with your own details.

Formal

For a new manager, a senior manager, or a company where people write formally.

Good morning [Name]. I'm sorry for the short notice, but I'm unwell today and won't be able to come in. I've asked [Colleague] to cover the [task], and I'll check my email at midday in case anything urgent comes up. I'll let you know tomorrow morning how I'm feeling.

Neutral

For most bosses and most workplaces.

Hi [Name], I woke up with a fever and I'm not well enough to work today. I'm going to rest and see a doctor if it doesn't get better. [Colleague] can cover the [task]. I'll update you tomorrow morning.

Casual

For a boss who already writes to you like a friend.

Hi [Name], I'm sick today, sorry! Taking the day to rest. I'll look at my phone at lunch in case anything urgent comes up.

Why this works

• The first sentence says it all. Your boss reads the preview on the lock screen. "I'm unwell today and won't be able to come in" fits in that preview.
• "Won't be able to" sounds like you can't, not like you won't. "I will not come to work" sounds like a choice. "I won't be able to come in" says you have no choice.
• It solves your boss's real problem. Their first question is "what about today's work?". Naming who covers it answers that before they ask.
• It sets the next contact. "I'll update you tomorrow morning" means your boss doesn't need to chase you.

Common mistakes

"I am sick since yesterday." Many languages use the present tense with since (estoy enfermo desde ayer, je suis malade depuis hier). English uses the present perfect.

• ✗ I am sick since yesterday.
• ✓ I've been sick since yesterday.

"I am suffering from fever." This is common in Indian English sick leave letters, and it's understood in Indian offices. In a WhatsApp message to an international team it sounds dramatic. Most native speakers write "I have a fever" (US and UK) or "I've got a temperature" (UK).

• ✗ I am suffering from fever, kindly grant me leave for today.
• ✓ I have a fever, so I won't be able to work today.

Too much detail, or too many sorries. You don't owe your boss a medical report. "I've had diarrhoea all night and I vomited twice" is too much for a work chat. One "sorry" is polite. Three sound like you did something wrong.

What to leave out

• Your symptoms in detail. "A fever", "a stomach bug" or just "unwell" is enough.
• "Please reply." Your boss will reply when they see it.
• Promises you might not keep, like "I'll be back tomorrow for sure". Say "I'll update you tomorrow" instead.
• The word "leave" on its own, in a chat. "Can I take leave today?" sounds like a form. "I'm not well enough to work today" sounds like a person.

Day two: still sick

If you're still sick the next morning, send a short update in the same chat:

Hi [Name], I'm still not well today, so I'll stay home again. I'm seeing a doctor this afternoon and I'll ask for a doctor's note. I'll let you know about tomorrow by the end of the day.

In the UK people often say "sick note" or "fit note"; in the US, "doctor's note". If your company needs a call or a form, the message doesn't replace it.

Need an email instead of a text? The guide on how to write a sick leave message to your boss has email versions too. If you're only running late, use the running late templates.