If you need a day off, don’t wait until the morning of. In these situations, calling out last minute is the only option. When it comes to calling out of work, the timing can make a big difference. Other times, you know something is coming and can plan ahead. You don’t need a full report—just a short update to show you’re responsible.

Other Job Prospects

Her passions include mental health advocacy, travel, animals, and nature photography. In Writing and Philosophy from Grand Valley State University. For one-day call-outs, a brief thank-you when you return can maintain goodwill. When your home is literally falling apart, you need to deal with it ASAP. Burst pipes, gas leaks, broken windows, or electrical problems are all valid reasons to miss work. One veterinary study showed that pet owners often delay critical care because of work obligations, which can lead to worse outcomes for pets.

Self-care and work-life balance: How to take care of yourself

Plus, not taking the time off when you need it can reduce your job performance, keep you sick longer, and lead to burnout. Some employers are more strict than others, especially if they provide paid sick time off. They may ask you a lot of questions about your illness and even require a doctor’s note attesting to your sickness. This excuse for calling off work is similar to that of a family emergency.

Excuses to Avoid

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. 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.

Bereavement / Bereavement Leave

If you’re calling out every week or right before long weekends, it raises red flags. Stomach flu or food poisoning hit unexpectedly.Gastrointestinal issues are both contagious and unpleasant—calling out is the smart move. Sooner or later, everyone needs to miss a day of work. Or maybe you just can’t do it mentally that day. Whatever the reason, knowing how to call out — and having a good reason to do so — matters more than most people think. There are plenty of ways to spend a mental health day.

• I was just rear-ended on my way to work today.
• I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to come to work today, date, due to an urgent home repair situation.
• There are plenty of ways to spend a mental health day.
• But if your pet is seriously ill and needs your care, you shouldn’t feel bad about taking time off (even if it’s at the last minute).
• But if that’s not possible, don’t hesitate to take the day off.

For example, your employer might give you a certain number of paid sick days per year, but taking time off because your cat is sick might not qualify. As you can see, there are plenty of legitimate reasons and excuses you can use for missing work. Everyone goes through issues with colleagues at some point. Some personalities don’t mesh well even if your company focuses on collaboration and teamwork. Your differences could create an uncomfortable work environment, but that’s no excuse to call out from work. Of course, your health is the most important thing of all.

• This is one of the best excuses to miss work for a few hours too.
• There are many good excuses to call out of work; poor planning is not one of them.
• At BetterUp, we’ve studied a concept called Inner Work®.
• 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.
• Almost every boss will let you miss work on short notice if a family member died.
• While some managers might be more understanding about this reason than others, it’s valid.

Many professionals that maintain licenses such as accounting or healthcare have to attend these every year or two. Be sure to share with your supervisor what you learned at the conference when you return. My dog won’t eat or drink and I’m worried about his health.

You’re Hungover from the Company Party

Honesty is always the best policy when calling out of work. Be candid about the reason for your absence and avoid fabricating explanations or providing misleading information. No one will question you if you’ve injured yourself or if someone in your family has an injury. While you may not receive paid time off depending on where you live, some states require paid sick leave that can be used for this. Others still require that your employer allow you to take time off without reprimand.

It’s also not common to see the doctor for this so most people don’t ask for a doctor’s note. This may include a doctor’s appointment, a dentist appointment, medical appointment, or even things like a DMV (department of motor vehicles) appointment. Many of these places are only open during daytime business hours and every employer expects that people will need time off for these things. It’s rare anyone will question you; although some strict employers may require a doctor’s note or proof that you were there. If you’re calling out last minute every other Friday, your manager will notice. If you suddenly get sick before every holiday weekend, expect some questions.

Whether it’s a stomach bug, flu, migraine, or COVID symptoms, most bosses would rather you stay home than become Patient Zero in the office pandemic. 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. If you’re going to say that you’re sick, you don’t need to try to cough on the phone or sound miserable.

This isn’t being secretive—it’s being professional. You’ve had a traumatic event and need time to recover.Emotional shock, like being a witness to an accident, deserves mental space. You’re attending a funeral or memorial service.These are meaningful life events that can’t be missed or delayed. Your electricity or internet went out (for remote workers).Working remotely isn’t possible without essential utilities.

You’re Navigating a Family Emergency

Longer notice is always preferred when it’s possible. Giving your employer time to plan around your absence is professional. When possible, try to give at least one or two days of notice.

In 2024, taking a day for your mental wellbeing is becoming more accepted (though sadly, not everywhere). If your workplace is progressive about mental health, being honest might be your best approach. 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.

If you receive an official summons, be sure to promptly notify your employer and provide them with a copy. Your reasons to call out employer should give you the necessary time off to fulfill your civic duty. Prioritizing mental health is synonymous with investing in overall wellbeing, which can actually lead to increased productivity after returning to work.