by Nayab Naseer

Created on: March 05, 2009

Calling in sick is an easy way to take the day off. No matter what the work pressure, or the urgency of the situation, no boss worth his salt would want you to come to work when you are physically not able, if you have some injuries, if someone in your family is seriously ill and needs attention or if you have been affected by some contagious disease.

Sick leaves are a privilege, which if abused can backfire on your career. If you reason is genuine and you have certificates or bills to back up your claims, you need not worry. If you are using this sick leave as an excuse to take a day off, it is best not to over-do it, and even when you do it, try to stick to the truth as far as possible. Stretching the truth and white lies are two different things.

DO's

1. Do call in sick! Inform your direct supervisor well in advance that you will not be coming in. If your direct supervisor is not reachable by phone, call up the office and notify whoever is in charge. It could be the shift leader, HR Manager of anyone responsible. In such a scenario, make sure you also call up your supervisor later.

2. Do call in yourselves. Never leave it to your spouse or mother to call in sick for you.

3. Do state the reason for your sickness, but unless the reason is genuine, it is a good idea not to be too specific over the phone.

4. Do apologize for the inconvenience caused. If required, and if you do not have any sick leave balances to your credit, offer to make up for the lost time.

5. Do inform your supervisor of any critical work that needs attention, any deadlines, or any appointments you have scheduled that would either need to be changed or done by someone else.

6. Do leave your contact number for people in office to reach you when you are away sick

7. If you take extended medical leave, or call in sick citing hospitalization or accidents, do claim insurance

8. Do take the trouble to gain understanding of the illness that you claim. For instance if you claim headache, you should be able to answer the symptoms, possible cures and medications taken to cure headaches.

9. If the company requires medical certificates, do provide the same within the stipulated period

10. Do take care to ensure you keep track of the follow-up requirements. For instance, if you claim the doctor has asked you to come for a follow-up check up after two weeks, make sure your boss knows you have gone for that check-up.

DON'T's

1. Do not call in sick and give a reason that you cannot substantiate later either by medical

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