Navigating a Sensitive Topic: How Do I Tell My Boss I Have Stomach Pain?

October 2, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a survey by Oshi Health, between 60% and 70% of U.S. adults experience at least one gastrointestinal symptom in a given week. This makes knowing how do I tell my boss I have stomach pain? a common and practical question for many professionals navigating health issues at work.

Quick Summary

Inform your boss of a stomach-related absence professionally and promptly by being brief and focusing on the work impact, not the personal details. Communicate using the appropriate channel, outline a clear plan for your duties, and know your privacy rights to ensure a smooth process for both you and your team.

Key Points

Act Promptly: Inform your manager as early as possible, ideally before your shift, so they can plan for your absence.
Be Brief: Use general, professional language like "stomach bug" or "feeling unwell" instead of providing graphic or unnecessary details.
Outline a Work Plan: Briefly mention how urgent tasks will be handled, demonstrating your responsibility and minimizing disruption for the team.
Maintain Privacy: Remember you have the right to medical privacy and are not obligated to share specific health information with your boss.
Use Appropriate Channels: Communicate via your workplace's standard method (email, text, or phone call) and follow any specific company sick leave procedures.
For Chronic Issues, Be Proactive: If you have a recurring condition, discuss potential accommodations with your manager or HR in advance to manage expectations effectively.
Don't Overcommit: Do not offer to work from home if you are too ill. Prioritize rest and recovery to ensure a faster return to full productivity.

Professional Communication for a Sick Day

When stomach pain strikes, communicating your absence to your boss can feel awkward or stressful. The key to a smooth process is to be professional, timely, and concise. Your goal is to inform your manager of your unavailability and provide a plan for your work, all while respecting your medical privacy. The communication channel you use—whether email, text, or a phone call—should align with your company's standard procedure. By handling it correctly, you can focus on recovering and return to work without unnecessary stress.

The Importance of Early Notification

One of the most important aspects of calling in sick is timing. Inform your manager as soon as possible, ideally before your shift begins. This allows them to make necessary adjustments to the day's schedule and reassign urgent tasks. For instance, if you wake up with severe discomfort, send your message immediately rather than waiting. If you know in advance (e.g., for a medical procedure), provide as much notice as you can. This courtesy is always appreciated and reflects your professionalism.

What to Say: Brevity and Discretion

Your boss does not need a detailed account of your symptoms. Oversharing can be unprofessional and make both parties uncomfortable. Instead, use general but clear phrases. This approach respects your privacy while still communicating the severity of your situation.

Here are some examples of discreet yet effective phrases to use:

"I've woken up feeling unwell with a stomach bug and will need to take a sick day to recover."
"I'm dealing with some unexpected gastrointestinal issues and won't be able to come in today."
"I'm not feeling well today and will need to take the day off."

If you are worried about your boss not understanding the need for rest, mentioning that it is contagious, if applicable, is a valid reason to stay home. However, simply stating that you are unwell is generally enough. For situations requiring you to be near a restroom, a phrase like, "I'm dealing with a stomach bug and need to stay close to home to manage it," is a professional way to communicate your limitation.

Creating a Work Plan for Your Absence

Demonstrating that you are responsible is crucial when you are sick. When you inform your manager, include a brief outline of how your work will be managed during your absence. This could involve delegating a task to a specific coworker or listing which projects are most urgent.

Elements to include in your work plan communication:

Urgent Task Handovers: Identify any critical deadlines or tasks that need immediate attention and who can cover them.
Status of Current Projects: Give a quick update on your current projects so your manager knows where things stand.
Accessibility: If you feel up to it, state if you will be intermittently checking emails for urgent issues, but be careful not to over-promise. It is perfectly acceptable to be completely offline while sick.
Estimated Return: Provide a realistic estimate of when you expect to return to work, and commit to providing an update if anything changes.

What to Do If Stomach Pain Continues

For chronic or recurring stomach pain, a different approach is necessary. Instead of last-minute notifications, consider a proactive, confidential conversation with your manager or HR department.

Steps for managing chronic conditions:

Schedule a Private Meeting: Request a brief, one-on-one discussion to address a health matter confidentially.
Explain the Impact, Not the Details: Frame the conversation around how your condition affects your work. Explain that you have a health condition that may occasionally require accommodations, such as flexible hours or working from home.
Discuss Possible Accommodations: Work with your manager to explore flexible work arrangements, accessible restrooms, or a long-term plan for managing flair-ups.
Familiarize Yourself with Policies: Understand your company's policies on extended leave, including options like FMLA if applicable.

Comparison of Communication Approaches

When informing your boss about stomach pain, the manner of communication can significantly impact their perception. Below is a comparison of two communication styles to illustrate the difference.


Feature	Oversharing (Less Professional)	Professional Communication (Recommended)
Reason for Absence	"I was up all night with horrible cramps and diarrhea. It's a stomach bug and it's really bad."	"I've come down with a stomach bug and won't be able to make it in today."
Details Provided	Excessively detailed descriptions of physical symptoms.	Concise, general statement about being unwell.
Work Plan	"I'll try to get to my emails if I feel better later."	"I've briefed [Colleague's Name] on the urgent tasks, and I'll catch up on emails once I'm back."
Tone	Apologetic or dramatic, focusing on personal discomfort.	Professional and direct, focusing on the work and timing.
Impact	May be perceived as unprofessional or over-excused.	Demonstrates responsibility and respect for your manager's time.

Sample Messages for Your Boss

Here are some templates you can adapt based on your preferred communication method and relationship with your boss:

Email Template

Subject: Sick Day - [Your Name]

Hi [Manager's Name],

I am writing to let you know that I am feeling unwell today with a stomach bug and will need to take a sick day to recover. I anticipate being back in the office tomorrow.

For urgent matters, I have asked [Coworker's Name] to cover for me. I will check my email periodically for any pressing issues. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Best, [Your Name]

Text Message Template

Hi [Manager's Name], just wanted to let you know I woke up feeling sick today and will be taking a sick day. I'll keep you updated on my status and hope to be back tomorrow.

Phone Call Guidance

Keep it brief and professional. Say something like, "Good morning, [Manager's Name]. I'm calling to let you know I woke up feeling very unwell today and won't be able to come into work." Avoid lengthy descriptions of your symptoms unless necessary. Follow up with your plan for urgent work and your expected return time.

Conclusion

Effectively telling your boss you have stomach pain comes down to a few key principles: timeliness, clarity, and professionalism. By providing early notification and offering a brief, discreet explanation, you can manage your absence with respect for both your health and your professional responsibilities. Focus on the work plan and your estimated return, rather than your symptoms. This approach minimizes workplace disruption and ensures you can take the necessary time to recover without added stress or pressure. A transparent, proactive approach for chronic conditions can also set clear expectations and secure necessary accommodations, fostering a more understanding and supportive work environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best way is to send a concise message via your company's standard communication channel (email, text, or messaging app) as soon as possible. State that you are unwell and will be taking a sick day to recover.

No, it is not necessary or professional to share graphic details. A general, polite phrase like "stomach bug," "gastrointestinal issues," or simply "not feeling well" is sufficient and respects your medical privacy.

Your message should state that you are unwell and will be absent, your expected return time (if known), and a brief mention of any urgent tasks that need covering during your absence. This helps manage the workload.

Inform your manager as soon as possible, stating that you need to go home due to illness. Brief them on any immediate task handovers and send a follow-up message if necessary. Your health and ability to focus should be the priority.

You can politely decline by stating it is a private medical matter. For extended absences, your company might require a doctor's note, but this typically does not need to include a specific diagnosis.

Only offer if you are genuinely well enough to work effectively. If you need to rest, state that you are taking a sick day to recover fully. Attempting to work while severely ill (presenteeism) can be counterproductive.

For ongoing issues, it's best to have a proactive, confidential conversation with your manager or HR. Focus on how the condition affects your work and discuss possible accommodations, rather than sharing intimate details.