Think for a moment about the meaning of the word 'excuse'. An excuse isn't the same thing as a reason. Rather, it is generally something made up to fit the circumstances.

In other words, reasons for calling in sick would be a severe illness, an accident, or a death in the family. Excuses would underlay the idea that you simply don't want to go in to work. That doesn't mean that there aren't times when there may not be therapeutic value in staying home, only that an excuse is a negative way of approaching it.

If you need an excuse for calling it, it would be suggested here that you probably shouldn't call in. Calling in when you aren't ill or have a good reason doesn't help the employer, nor does it help you.

Every year, millions of dollars in productivity is lost because of workers calling in sick. Most employers understand very well that this is going to be happening. They also understand that in many cases, the call in is quite legitimate, but that in other cases it definitely is not.

What are some legitimate reasons to call in? This has already been covered. But what about if you really need to get out for a day, or in the case when a treasured pet has died, or when you and your mate have had a severe fight and you want to make it right? These are all legitimate reasons. Some employers may not accept the reason, but a growing number do because they realize that the happier you are, the more work production they'll get out of you. It benefits them to allow you the time off, in this situation.

However they also deserve the benefit of the doubt. Don't assume that they won't give you the time off for one of these reasons. Being level with the employer tends to make them much more apt to be level and more accommodating with you. If you seldom ask for the time off, in fact, they might just surprise you.

Brown bottle flu, also known as a hangover, is not legitimate, though. Neither are just not feeling like working, a great show on TV that you've been dying to see, a simple verbal altercation with a significant other or making up after such an altercation, or a beautiful sunny day that makes you think of many things you'd like to do, none of which have any connection to work.

If you do have a legitimate reason for calling in, simply explain factually why you can't work. Don't embellish the information, and don't get so graphic that the employer ends up getting nauseated, too. For instance, telling the employer that you are sick to your stomach, can't keep anything down, and are running a fever, is acceptable. The employer doesn't really need to know exactly what you mean by not being able to keep food down, nor exactly what your temperature is and when you first got sick. In the first case, they have a pretty good idea of what you mean, and in the second, the additional information doesn't help them.

The big point is that these are reasons for calling in sick, not excuses for doing so.

Sticking to the facts does two things. First, it shows you to be a responsible and good employee who can be counted on. Second, you need never remember a lie that you crafted, just to make sure that you don't inadvertently change it or tell the truth.

Instead of giving an excuse for calling in sick, give the reason that you are.

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Best excuses for calling in sick?
We want to hear your view. Write now!