Sickday excuses

Excuses to skip work

Be careful when using any of these excuses – a recent survey found than around 27% of bosses have fired employees for absenteeism.

If you do need to call in sick keep it simple. If you have flu just say flu don’t go into all the symptoms. Don’t say you are off with an illness that you don’t know the symptoms of as your boss may test you on this when you return to work. Stick to the main illnesses such as the cold, food poisoning, a bug or diarrhoea and you can’t go far wrong.

Death in the family.

This can be very difficult – your work colleagues will ask you questions that you may not be able to answer. You may find that if you state it is someone close then the firm will want to send someone to the funeral as a supportive gesture. Keep it to a distant but close relation like an uncle or aunt. Remember that work colleagues may look at the obituaries from time to time so this is not always the best way to get time off work.
Remember that you only have a possible two grannies or granddads!

Need to meet a client.

This should work as long as you are actually meeting the client and is therefore not an excuse to take time off but an excuse to perhaps stay longer than anticipated.

I have cramps/ female problems.

No male in their right mind will challenge this one. Male bosses will not ask questions however it is best not to try this out on a female boss as she may want to know too much information which you will not know!

I am working from home.

You could be able to arrange this, as long as you have the facilities to do this. This could in fact be the start of something more permanent and it is up to you to speak to your bosses and lay out the pros and cons for the company if you want to work from home. Some jobs this may be cost effective but others it may not be practical.

I have a doctor’s/dentist/hospital appointment.

This should get a half day at least. There may even be a chance to get additional time off however don’t use it too often or you will get found out! Always have the name of your doctor/dentist to hand just incase someone asks you. Don’t make up a major illness or major dental work as at least someone will want to ask you questions about it.

The clue to all of the above excuses is to keep everything simple. Don’t make up elaborate stories and fairy tales as the more you need to remember means the more you are likely to trip yourself up with should anyone ask you questions.

You have the right to a private life but if thinking up an excuse to ask for time off from work then make sure that only the briefest of details are given and only give answers when asked. With some bosses honesty is the best policy and this is often the safest and wisest option for all concerned.