How to Call in Sick to Work

Calling in sick is a part of work life, get to know what to do here.

Calling in sick

Employers understand that you might get sick sometimes and you may need time off work. However, it's essential to handle it professionally and follow your workplace policies and procedures to make sure you understand the process involved and maintain a good working relationship with your employer and work colleagues.

  1. Phone call – If your company rules say when you are sick you have to call a number or a person you must follow the rules
  2. Be direct and honest – You don't need to share personal medical information with your supervisor or colleagues but be clear about how long you will need off so they can organise a replacement.
  3. Being a reliable employee is important, if you are frequently calling in sick with late notice it can potentially jeopardise your relationship with your supervisors or colleagues, and they will not be obliged to give you any more shifts if you are a casual employee.

Find out more

Find out more

  • That depends on your contract of employment (e.g.: if you are part-time or casual), typically if you are a casual you don’t get sick leave although this is starting to change, in Victoria there are some casual jobs where you get sick leave, Find out more info here
  • Leave entitlements are dependent on your contract, like sick leave if you are a casual, you are unlikely to get annual leave.
  • It’s best to check your contract to see what the business expects but the earlier the better, especially if you work in a small team giving them more notice that you won’t be able to make it, gives them more opportunity to call someone else in.
  • There isn’t a maximum, but most companies will only allow for 10 days of sick pay in a full-time contract. If you are part-time it will be a percentage of the 10 days depending on how many days, you work.
  • Most of the time for one day off you won’t need one, when you are taking multiple days off in a row your employer may ask for one. You will need to check your business policies to confirm.
  • Hi, I'm sorry I can’t come to work today / or tomorrow as I am not feeling well but will be fine for my next shift on **** Morning ***, I am not feeling well today so I won't be able to come in to work today. My next shift is on *** which I should be fine for.

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