Texting your manager when you are sick is faster than email — but it needs to be professional. A sick text should be short, direct, and cover three things: that you are unwell, that you will not be in, and when they can expect an update. The templates below give you the right wording for every platform — from a standard SMS to a Slack or Teams message.

Key Takeaways

  • A sick text should include that you are unwell, that you will not be in, and a rough update timeline — keep it to 1–3 sentences.
  • Follow up with an email if your workplace requires written absence records — a text alone may not be enough for payroll or HR tracking.
  • Text your manager, not your colleagues —的通知 should go to the person responsible for scheduling and coverage.
  • Do not over-explain — “I’m unwell and can’t come in today” is sufficient. You do not owe your manager a diagnosis.
  • Send the text as early as possible — ideally before your shift starts or before your team’s morning meeting.
  • Some employers do not accept text messages for absence notification — check your employee handbook for the required notification method.

Template 1: The Standard Sick Text

Use this for a straightforward same-day absence.

Hi [Manager], it's [Your Name]. I'm not feeling well this morning and won't be able to come in today. I'll update you later about tomorrow. Thanks.

Template 2: Sick Text with Coverage Mention

When you want to show you have thought about coverage before texting.

Hi [Manager], it's [Your Name]. I'm unwell and can't come in today. I've let [Colleague] know about the [Meeting] at [time] — they can cover it. I'll update you tomorrow morning.

Template 3: Sick Text for a Half Day

When you are unwell in the morning but expect to recover by afternoon.

Hi [Manager], it's [Your Name]. I'm feeling unwell this morning and will be a few hours late. I expect to be in by [time]. I'll let you know if that changes.

Template 4: Sick Text with不确定的 Return Date

When you are not sure when you will be back.

Hi [Manager], it's [Your Name]. I woke up quite unwell and won't be in today. I'm not sure about tomorrow yet — I'll update you by end of day. [Colleague] is aware of my current tasks.

Template 5: Sick Text on a Weekend (for Monday Absence)

When you know on Sunday evening that you will not be able to come in on Monday.

Hi [Manager], it's [Your Name]. Just letting you know I'm unwell and won't be able to come in tomorrow. I'll update you in the morning about the rest of the week. Sorry for the late notice.

Template 6: Texting via Slack or Microsoft Teams

Many modern workplaces use messaging platforms instead of SMS. The tone can be slightly more casual, but the structure is the same.

Hey [Manager] 👋 — I'm not feeling well today and need to take a sick day. I've flagged my morning meetings to [Colleague]. I'll check in later about tomorrow.

Platform-specific tips:

  • Slack: Use a direct message to your manager, not the team channel. Set your status to “Out sick” if your team uses status indicators.
  • Teams: Send a chat message to your manager. Update your status to “Away” with a sick note.
  • WhatsApp: Acceptable in many workplaces, but follow up with an email if your employer requires written records.

Template 7: Texting When You Are the Only Person Who Can Do Your Job

When you have no one to cover and need to flag the impact.

Hi [Manager], it's [Your Name]. I'm unwell and can't come in today. I know I'm the only one who can [specific task] — I'm sorry for the disruption. I'll try to be online briefly this afternoon to handle it remotely if I'm feeling better.

What to Say (and What Not to Say)

Say Do Not Say
“I’m unwell” / “I’m not feeling well” Detailed description of your symptoms
“I won’t be in today” “I might come in later” (without a firm time)
“I’ll update you [specific time]” Nothing about when you will update them
“[Colleague] can cover [specific task]” Nothing about coverage — leaving the team in the dark
“Sorry for the short notice” (if applicable) Excessive apologies — one is enough

Text vs Email vs Call: When to Use Each

Method Best For Watch Out For
Text/SMS Same-day absence, quick notification May not count as formal absence notification
Email Multi-day leave, formal absence records Slower — may not be read immediately
Call Very early morning, critical roles, escalation No written record — follow up with email/text
Slack/Teams Modern workplaces, quick team notification Set your status to “Out sick” so colleagues know
Leave management system Any absence — creates automatic record Best option if your employer uses one

Can Your Employer Require a Phone Call?

Some employers’ absence policies require a phone call rather than a text. This is particularly common in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail — industries where real-time coverage is critical.

In the UK, ACAS guidance recommends employers set clear absence notification procedures, including the method (call, text, or app) and the timeframe. If your employer’s policy requires a phone call and you only text, you may be subject to disciplinary action for failure to follow procedure.

In the US, employers can set their own absence notification rules as long as they are applied consistently. Check your employee handbook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my employer fire me for texting in sick?

It depends on your employer’s absence notification policy. If the policy requires a phone call and you only text, you could face disciplinary action for not following procedure — not for being sick. If your employer does not have a specific notification method in their policy, texting is generally acceptable.

Should I text my manager or HR?

Text your direct manager first. HR is typically involved for extended absence (multi-day or medical leave), not same-day sick notifications. Your manager is responsible for scheduling and coverage — HR handles absence records and leave entitlements.

What if I don’t have my manager’s phone number?

Use whatever communication channel your workplace normally uses — email, Slack, Teams, or a leave management app. If you have no way to contact your manager, call the general office line or another supervisor who can pass on the message.

Is texting in sick unprofessional?

No. Many modern workplaces accept text-based absence notifications, especially for same-day absence. The key is to be professional in your wording — keep it brief, direct, and include the information your manager needs.

Can I text my colleagues instead of my manager?

No. Always notify your direct manager or the designated person in your absence policy. Notifying colleagues does not count as official absence notification in most workplaces.

Never Lose Track of Who Is Out

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