What to Do and Not Do When Calling in Sick

While not everyone calls in sick, the vast majority of people will need a sick day now and then. We all know someone who boasts on the job about having 10 or more years without missing a day of work. These heroes make it tough on the ordinary person with colds, allergies, aches, and pains. So, the day will come when phone call to the job to report that you are sick is needed.

Things To Do When Calling in Sick

1. Try to only call in sick when you are really too sick to work.

   Some employers like to call back a few hours later to check up on you. If someone in your house says that you are out shopping, this will negatively impact your career with this company.

2. If you are married, try to split up sick days for sick children with your spouse.

   Employers understand a day here and there when your child is sick enough to need parental care and maybe a doctor's visit. Most employers do not tolerate such calls on a weekly basis.

3. Be honest with the boss

   If you tell him or her that you are going to the doctor, go to the doctor. Most bosses do not take to well when after a three day absence, the employee goes to the doctor when they said they were staying home to go to the doctor on day 1.

4. If appropriate, have a list of things needing attention ready to tell whoever answers the phone and takes the message.

   This will keep people from being surprised by unhappy clients and users when work has not been completed due to your absence.

5. Be Available

   Try to be available to answer questions that may come up during your sick day.

Things Not to Do When Calling in Sick

1. Do not use a fake sick voice.

   If the conversation goes more than a few seconds, your boss will notice that your voice will become more stable and strong. This does not bode well for your credibility.

2. Do not call in sick when you are sick of work.

   This is the time to schedule a vacation day or two. If this is all used up and you still need a day off, use it to look for a new job because you will be needing it.

3. Do not use the same sickness on every call unless you have a chronic documented illness.

   Even then, learn to be sick some other way at least for the phone call.

4. Try to avoid calling in sick for minor things like a stiff neck or a sinus allergy.

   Showing up for work at less than full steam once in a while gives a sick call a chance of being believed.

5. Never call in sick with the television playing loudly in the background.

   This can give the illusion of a party or a crowd of friends. This is not the message that you want to send when you are sick.

6. Finally, use sick days wisely.

   If they are used only when necessary, you will not get into trouble very often for using them. If you use them without discretion, more than likely you will spend a lot of time in trouble for poor attendance. This could lead to many firings in your lifetime.