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How to text your boss to say that you can’t come into work 📱 (with examples!)

how to text your boss to say that you can't come into work

How to text your boss to say that you can’t come into work 📱 (with examples!)

Introduction 👋

Taking an unexpected day off work can be very stressful – especially when it comes to explaining your absence to your manager. 🤒

Whilst a lot of workplaces expect employees to phone in when they’re going to be absent from work, you might be lucky enough to only have to send your manager a text message to take the day off. 📱

Today we’re explaining how to text your boss to say that you can’t come in for work, and giving examples of what you can say to avoid upsetting your manager in the process. 💬

Why text might not be the best option 📱

Text messages might not be the best way to tell your boss that you can’t come into work for two main reasons:

1. Appearing too informal 🧢

Firstly, text messages can come across as informal and might make it look like you don’t take work seriously. 🃏

Text messages generally don’t appear as formal as emails or phone calls, which might come across better. 🧑‍💼

2. Absence policies at work 📜

On top of this, lots of workplaces have specific rules called “absence policies” that outline exactly how you should tell your manager about being off work. 📝

Absence policies at work often set rules that people have to contact their manager in a more formal way than a text message, like a phone call or an email, to ensure that your absence is properly recorded and documented.

Following the set rules and procedures for your workplace can help you to appear professional. 🧑‍💼

You can usually find out your workplace’s absence policy by asking your manager, or checking the HR/Human resource portal for your employer.

In summary, while texting can be quick and convenient, it might not always be the most appropriate or professional method for notifying your boss that you’re not going to work. 📱

How to text your boss to say that you can’t come into work 📱

1. Be clear and straight to the point 🎯

When you need to inform your boss that you can’t make it to work, keep your message short and to the point. 📏

They might have to rush to arrange cover for you, so it’s important to make the message quick easy to understand so they can get started.

Make sure to include the most information like the reason for your absence and when you expect to return.

Example:
“Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m feeling unwell today and won’t be able to come into work. I’ll keep you updated on how I’m feeling and will let you know if I’ll need more time. Thanks for understanding.”

2. Provide a reason 🤷‍♀️

While you don’t need to go into great detail, giving a brief reason for your absence helps your boss understand the situation better. Make sure to keep it professional and try to avoid oversharing.

Example:
“Hi [Boss’s Name], I have a family emergency and won’t be able to make it to work today. I’ll keep you posted on any changes. Sorry for the short notice.”

3. Mention any important work tasks ✅

If you have important tasks that need attention, mention them in your text and offer to provide updates or ask someone to cover them them if necessary. This shows that you’re still responsible and concerned about your work. 😇

Example:
“Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m having car trouble this morning and won’t be able to get to work. I’ve emailed [Colleague’s Name] about the project, and they have the files. I’ll be available by phone if needed.”

4. Be professional and polite 🧑‍💼

Even though you’re sending a text, maintain a professional tone. A polite message shows respect and helps keep a good relationship with your boss.

Example:
“Hi [Boss’s Name], I’m feeling under the weather today and won’t be able to come in. I’ll check in later to see if I need to extend my absence. Thank you for your understanding.”

5. Make sure that your social media posts are appropriate 🤫

Once you’ve told your boss that you’re off work it’s important to consider what your boss would think of any posts you put on social media afterwards. 🤔

Would they be happy to see you out shopping if you’re meant to be off sick? 🛍️

Probably not, so it’s important to be careful with what you post until you’re back at work to avoid getting into trouble.

6. Follow up 📆

After sending your initial text, follow up with a phone call or email if needed. 📧

This is particularly important if your time off work extends beyond a single day or if you need to provide more details.

Example:
“Hi [Boss’s Name], just a quick follow-up to let you know I’m still not feeling well and might need to take another day off. I’ll update you again tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.”

Conclusion 👍

So that’s it!

To text your boss to text your boss to say that you can’t come into work, you should:

  1. Be clear and straight to the point 🎯
  2. Provide a reason 🤷‍♀️
  3. Mention any important work tasks ✅
  4. Be professional and polite 🧑‍💼
  5. Make sure that your social media posts are appropriate 🤫
  6. Follow up 📆

Hopefully this article has helped you to understand better how to text your boss to say that you can’t come into work.

If you know any friends or family members who might benefit from learning about how to text your boss to say that you can’t come into work, share this post with them!

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