Don’t fake sick right after you’ve had an altercation at work, or after you’ve done a lot of grumbling. You don’t want your boss to see your fake illness as an affront. Try to fake sick when someone else at work is or has recently been sick, or if it’s flu season. That way your boss won’t be too suspicious, since everyone is getting sick. Ultimately, though, call off whatever day you need. Don’t feel ashamed for needing a mental health day. Mental health days are as important as days we take to recover from being sick. [2] X Expert Source Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ. Career & Life Transition Coach Expert Interview. 15 December 2021.
Some bosses are receptive to mental health days, but unfortunately, taking a day off for mental health can still carry some stigma. If you think your boss will be receptive, be upfront about your need for a mental health day. If you want to take off multiple days, pick an appropriate illness. A migraine or a bad case of gastroenteritis can get you off for two or more days, as they can last for a long time. [4] X Research source Fake pink eye or strep throat if you need more days off. Whatever you choose, do your research thoroughly so that you can discuss the symptoms with clarity.
If you call early (or even in the middle of the night), you may be more likely to get your boss’s voicemail or to catch your boss when they’re off guard and therefore more likely to let you off with no questions asked.
Email and text are convenient mediums for calling off since no acting is involved. You can also email or text in the middle of the night, when your boss will likely be asleep. Talking on the phone gives you an opportunity to answer any questions your boss might have and perhaps even show off your acting skills. If you think you can pull off a fake illness over the phone, give your boss a call. If you call your boss after just waking up, your voice might be a bit husky, which will help you sound sicker.
Open with a friendly greeting, but don’t beat around the bush: try “Good morning, Li, I’ve got some bad news. . . " or “Hi Iman, I’m sorry to do this, but I’ve got to call off today. . . . " Give just enough information for your boss to believe you, such as saying “I was up all night” or “I’m having awful stomach problems. " Without being too obvious about it, make a point of showing how much you really hoped you would come to work: “I knew I should have said something at the end of the day yesterday, but I was hoping I would sleep this thing off. ” Make it clear that your day off is a necessity, not a request: “I hate to do this, but I can’t come in today. It’s just not possible. “[8] X Expert Source Brandy DeOrnellas, PCC, ESQ. Career & Life Transition Coach Expert Interview. 15 December 2021. Even if all you do is say, “I’m sick and can’t come in,” that’s usually good enough: most bosses won’t pry, unless you call off often. [9] X Research source
“I just can’t make it in today. But if it’s all right with you, I’d like to keep working remotely. " “I don’t know if I have it in me to work a full day. I’m going to go back to sleep, but I’ll check in around lunch time and see if I’m well enough to finish out the day remotely. " “I’d like to get some work done today, but I’m just too under the weather. I should be able to respond to texts or emails if you have any questions, though. " “I think it’s best if I just rest for a day or two, but I’ll be sure to update you with my progress. "
“Sarah knows what to do with the file on my desk. Otherwise, the rest of my assignments should be able to wait until I return. " “I already gave Ilya a heads-up that he’ll be doing the presentation alone, but I’ll make it up to him on our next assignment. " “Julia said she can take over my shift today. I’ll cover for her next week when I feel better. " “I was able to reschedule my morning interview, thankfully, and Trieu said she can take over my afternoon meeting. "
Consider mentioning you’ve called your doctor’s office and are waiting to hear back on an appointment time. During peak cold and flu seasons, it may be several days before they could squeeze you in for an office visit. If your employer demands a note after you get back, you can always say your appointment isn’t until later in the week. It gives you time to run to the doctor. “I’ve called my doctor and am waiting to hear back, but I’ll be sure to update you when I do. " “I think I’ve got the flu, based on my symptoms. The CDC recommends staying home for 4 or 5 days or until my fever breaks, so I don’t think I should go back to work until then. " “I shouldn’t need to see a doctor since it’s just a migraine: I get these every now and then, and I usually just need a day or two of rest. But I’ll keep you in the loop!”
If you’re willing to be disturbed during your fake sick day, you can say, “I’ll be in bed all day, so give me a call if you need me…” Only say you’re available if you think your boss will really be at a loss without you, and only if you really don’t mind being disturbed. A day off is supposed to be a day off. “Thanks for being so understanding, Martha!” “I hate to miss a day, but I’m grateful to have such a considerate boss. " “Hopefully, I’ll be over this bug and back to work in no time!” If you’re texting or emailing, end your message with a respectful signoff: consider “Thanks for understanding,” “Warmly,” or simply, “Best. ”
“Hi Mark, I’m feeling lousy today and have to stay home. I just wanted to let you know I won’t be able to have our meeting today. Are you able to reschedule for next week?” “Javier, are you able to cover my shift today? I’m so sorry to leave you in the lurch! I’ve come down with a bug and can’t make it in, but I’d be happy to cover a shift for you in the future. " “Good morning Sam, unfortunately I woke up with a migraine and won’t be in for the next day or so. Would you by any chance be able to tackle my meeting this afternoon? I’d really appreciate it!” “Hey Amadi, I know we had lunch plans today, but I’m out with the flu and won’t be able to make it. Rain check?”
Only spend your sick day with people you know won’t spill your secret, and try to stay out of places where you might accidentally be seen by someone from work.
If you want to look extra authentic, don’t get a lot of sleep the night before so that you show up to work looking haggard and exhausted. This bolsters your credibility for the next time you call in sick (and gives you an excuse to stay up late). Act a little more reserved that day. Don’t be extra friendly or chatty with your coworkers, and turn down invitations. Remember that you still need to save your strength.
Furthermore, getting called out for faking sick will also make your boss more suspicious the next time you’re actually sick. You don’t want to have to defend yourself for the rest of your time at work.
Be genuine with your appreciation: don’t gush too much, or you risk appearing phony. Just maintain a smile and engage in friendly chit-chat with your boss and your coworkers.
It’s okay to fake sick every once in a while, but if you get into the habit of slacking off in general, then your job may be in jeopardy. Remember that you deserve an occasional day off to unwind, rest up, and rejuvenate your mental health. After a day off, you can return to the workplace re-energized and ready to roll!
