5 mistakes to avoid when calling in sick at work
By Cynthia Lodite, September 18, 2026Getting sick on a workday can be stressful, especially when you know your absence could affect your team. You may also worry about how your manager will react or whether your colleagues will have to take on extra work.
However, when you are genuinely unwell, taking time to recover is important. How you communicate your absence can also make a difference.
Here are five mistakes to avoid when calling in sick at work.
1. Waiting until the last minute
One of the biggest mistakes is informing your employer only after you were supposed to report to work.
If you know early in the morning that you are too unwell to work, let your supervisor know as soon as possible. This gives the team time to adjust schedules, redistribute urgent tasks or make other arrangements.
You do not need to write a long explanation. A simple message saying that you are unwell and unable to report to work can be enough, depending on your workplace policy.
2. Giving too much personal information
When calling in sick, you may feel pressured to explain every detail about your illness. However, your employer may only need to know that you are unwell and unable to work.
Sharing unnecessary medical or personal details can make the conversation uncomfortable and may expose information you would rather keep private.
Follow your workplace’s sick-leave procedure and provide any documentation that is officially required.
3. Making up an illness
It can be tempting to invent a medical problem when you simply need time away from work. This can create bigger problems if your employer later asks for documentation or notices inconsistencies in your story.
If you are genuinely sick, be honest about your situation. If you need time off for another reason, use the appropriate type of leave instead of pretending to be ill.
4. Ignoring workplace procedures
Different employers have different rules for reporting sickness. Some may require you to call your supervisor, while others may allow a text message, email or HR notification.
Ignoring these procedures can create confusion and may affect how your absence is recorded.
Know your company’s sick-leave policy and follow the required process whenever you are unable to work.
5. Continuing to work as though nothing happened
Calling in sick but then spending the day responding to every work message can defeat the purpose of taking time to recover.
Unless your role or workplace policy requires otherwise, give yourself reasonable time away from work to rest and recover. If you are well enough to handle an urgent matter, you can communicate what is necessary, but you do not have to turn your sick day into another full workday.
Taking sick leave is not something employees should feel ashamed about when they genuinely need time to recover. Clear communication, honesty and following workplace procedures can make the process easier for both the employee and the employer.