Sick young woman sitting on sofa blowing her nose at home in the sitting room. Photo of sneezing woman in paper tissue. Picture showing woman sneezing on tissue on couch in the living-room

How to Call in Sick When Working Remotely

When you’re working remotely, there are a few things to remember when calling in sick. While you may not have a boss breathing down your neck, you still need to be professional and courteous. Here are a few tips on how to call in sick when working remotely.

Assess your symptoms

If you’re feeling ill and working remotely, the best thing to do is assess your symptoms. Determine whether you have common symptoms of an illness, like coughing, sneezing, fever, or other medical concerns. If you think you might be sick, it’s best, to be honest with your employer and take a sick day. This shows accountability for your health, your job, and your team.

Consider your company’s policy

When working remotely, it is important to consider your company’s policy. Some companies have a formal policy, while others do not. If unsure, check with your human resources office or employee handbook or talk to your supervisor. It is also important to be clear about whether you are taking a day off or just working from home.

Notify your manager as soon as possible

If you cannot come to work one day, you must notify your manager as soon as possible. This way, they can make the necessary arrangements and avoid any disruptions. Additionally, if your absences are frequent, it interferes with your supervisor’s ability to do their job effectively. As a result, you may be subject to disciplinary action.

Be honest about your symptoms

Determine whether you have common symptoms of an illness, like coughing, sneezing, fever, or other medical concerns. Reach your supervisor with the request and explain how you feel. It might not be easy, but it is best to be honest, and transparent with your boss.

Sharing the facts about your illness will help your boss better understand the situation and make appropriate accommodations. Be vague if you must, but be honest. Let your employer know as soon as possible that you need to take the day off so they can make arrangements.

Working Remotely