The Best Reasons To Call In Sick & How To Ask

Introduction

We've all had those days when the alarm clock sounds and our bodies feel anything but ready to face the day. The question then becomes — is it okay to call in sick? Let's delve into suitable reasons to call in sick as well as how to call in sick and approach your employer with professionalism and empathy.

Legitimate personal leave reasons 

Whether you’re employed full-time, part-time or as a casual worker, there are plenty of valid excuses to get out of work. According to the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), any permanent full-time or part-time employee is entitled to paid sick or carer’s leave to care for themselves or a member of their immediate family or household who is sick, injured or suffering from an unexpected emergency. 

Permanent employees have up to 18 days of paid personal leave annually, which accumulates year by year. Casual employees, however, are not entitled to most types of paid leave but may take a certain number of unpaid leave days, depending on the reason.

If you have exhausted your personal leave, AHPRA allows employees to access their annual leave or to take unpaid leave to care for a family or household member.

Let’s look at some examples of valid or good excuses to miss work on short notice as per the AHPRA regulations:

1. Illness or injury

When you’re unwell, sometimes pushing through the workday can do more harm than good. Here are some illnesses that can affect your ability to work where a personal leave of absence may be necessary:

• Flu and cold — Symptoms like fever, cough and sore throat can easily spread to colleagues, making it one of the best excuses not to go to work — and for a valid reason.

• Gastrointestinal illnesses — Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea can disrupt your workday and pose a health risk to others.

• Respiratory infections — Conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia require rest and medical attention.

2. Caring for an immediate family or household member

If your immediate family or household member is unwell or requires immediate assistance due to an emergency, you may be able to utilise personal leave to look after them. These include if your immediate family or household member:

• Contracts or develops a personal illness and requires care

• Sustains a personal injury and requires care

3. Attending medical appointments 

Sometimes, health matters require appointments with doctors, specialists or therapists during work hours, whether for yourself or to attend with an immediate family or household member. These appointments are valid reasons to take personal leave - you should notify your employer well in advance when you first become aware of the appointment. These include: 

• Doctor's visits — Routine check-ups or urgent appointments may conflict with work hours.

• Therapy sessions — Mental health appointments are essential for overall well-being and can be a valid reason to miss work.

• Dental emergency — Whether you’ve fallen and chipped a tooth or are experiencing terrible tooth pain, an emergency dental appointment is a more than valid reason to call in sick.

What to say when calling in sick

We understand that even though you may have a valid reason to call in sick, you might feel as though you’re letting the team down. But sometimes, you have to put yourself first. That said, it’s all in the delivery to maintain professionalism when arranging a sick day. Here are some easy steps on how to tell your boss you’re sick:

1. Notify your employer promptly

Inform your supervisor or HR department as soon as you realise you won't be able to make it to work. If possible, notify them before your work day starts via email, phone or the company’s preferred communication method. 

2. Provide necessary documentation

A medical certificate is required for most workplaces to validate your sick day. Schedule a consultation with a registered health practitioner to obtain this document promptly. Some companies allow a statutory declaration or require no documentation for shorter absences.

3. Be honest but concise

While you don’t need to get into the nitty-gritty details of your absence, you can keep it short and sweet in your delivery, such as “I am feeling unwell and will need to take a sick day today.”

Remember, taking a sick day is not a sign of weakness but a wise decision. By prioritising your health, you'll be better equipped to return to work refreshed and productive.

Need a medical certificate?

If your illness requires a medical certificate, consider using Medical Certificates Australia. Our online platform connects you with experienced doctors registered with the AHPRA. Simply provide your medical information, and a doctor will review your details, conduct an online consultation, and issue a valid medical certificate.