Know When It's Time to Call In Sick
While a sinus infection itself isn't contagious, it often follows a viral illness like a cold or flu, which are highly contagious. Staying home when you are unwell serves two purposes: it allows your body the necessary rest to recover more quickly, and it protects your coworkers from any lingering viruses. Your manager will appreciate your consideration for the health and productivity of the team. Assess your symptoms honestly; if the sinus pressure, fatigue, and pain make it difficult to focus and be productive, staying home is the responsible choice.
Choose the Right Communication Method
Timing and method are key when notifying your boss. It is best to do so as early as possible to give them maximum time to adjust workloads. Consider your company culture and standard procedures. Some workplaces prefer an email, others a phone call, and some even accept a text message. For most professional settings, an email is the standard, as it creates a paper trail and gives your boss the message first thing in the morning.
Communicating via Email
- Subject Line: Keep it clear and direct. For example: "Sick Day - [Your Name]" or "Not Feeling Well Today."
- Body: Keep the message brief and to the point. State that you won't be in and indicate your illness is the reason, without oversharing unnecessary details. Mention your plans for covering urgent tasks.
- Example Email:
Subject: Sick Day – [Your Name]
Hi [Manager's Name], I am writing to inform you that I will be taking a sick day today, [Date], as I am not feeling well enough to come into the office. I have a sinus infection and need to rest to recover fully.
I have informed [Colleague's Name] about [Urgent Task] and believe they are prepared to handle it in my absence. I will also have my out-of-office message on. I will check my email periodically for urgent matters but will otherwise focus on getting better.
I expect to be back in the office tomorrow, but will keep you updated if anything changes. Thank you for your understanding.
Best, [Your Name]
Communicating via Phone Call or Text
If a phone call is preferred, keep the conversation brief and to the point. You can say, "Hi, [Manager's Name]. I'm calling to let you know I won't be in today. I've come down with a sinus infection and need to take a sick day to recover." For a text, use a similar, concise message if company culture allows it.
What to Say (and What to Avoid)
When calling in sick, less is more. There is no need to provide vivid descriptions of your symptoms. A simple statement like "I am unwell today" or mentioning the general condition is sufficient. Oversharing can be unprofessional and may lead your manager to question your honesty, even if you are telling the truth. You are not obligated to disclose detailed medical information. Instead, focus on the impact of your absence and the plan for your work.
Plan for a Smooth Absence
One of the most professional ways to handle a sick day is to have a plan for your work. Before notifying your boss, identify any urgent tasks or meetings that require attention. Notify a trusted colleague about these priorities and let your boss know you've done so. This demonstrates responsibility and minimizes disruption. For remote workers, set your status to "away" on internal communication platforms and have an out-of-office email message ready.
Compare Good vs. Bad Sick Day Communication
| Aspect | Good Communication | Bad Communication |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | Notifies boss early in the morning, or the night before if possible. | Texts 5 minutes before shift or waits for boss to ask where you are. |
| Detail Level | Brief and to the point; e.g., "I am feeling unwell today and will be taking a sick day." | Shares every symptom in graphic detail. |
| Workload | Proactively addresses urgent tasks and informs a colleague. | Leaves team in the dark about critical responsibilities. |
| Tone | Professional, respectful, and reassuring. | Overly apologetic or makes excuses. |
| Privacy | Respects personal medical privacy. | Overshares private health information. |
Follow Up and Legal Considerations
Upon your return, it's a good practice to briefly thank your team for their support during your absence. For longer illnesses, remember to follow your company's policy, which may require a doctor's note after a certain number of days. In the U.S., the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) can protect your job for extended medical leave, though this is for serious health conditions and typically only applies to larger companies. However, you are generally not required to disclose your diagnosis under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) unless you are requesting accommodations.
For more detailed information about your rights as an employee regarding health matters, you can review resources like those provided by the U.S. Department of Labor: U.S. Department of Labor on Sick Leave.
Conclusion
Telling your boss you have a sinus infection, or any other illness, is about clear, concise, and timely communication. The key is to be professional, set expectations, and demonstrate that you are a responsible team member, even when under the weather. This approach ensures you get the necessary rest for a speedy recovery while keeping workplace disruptions to a minimum.
