How to Call Out of Work

Some businesses call them sick days and others deem them personal days. Whichever name your company assigns to paid days off of work, you need to know that you have the right to use them! Sure, you may have a ton of assignments left to do and somehow you never feel you have enough time in a week, but taking advantage of sick days is necessary for any employee. Learn some simple steps in how to call out of work properly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. First of all, if you feel you're at your wits end at work, it may be time to take a day off. You can never truly plan when you need a day off, but decide at least a few days in advance whether or not you plan to work.

2. Depending on your company's attendance policy, give some notice. If your boss likes knowing who will be in the office on any given day, write them an email or tell them in person that you're taking the next day off.

3. Learn your company's policies. Some companies require employees taking sick days to bring in medical paperwork proving they had seen a doctor and were recommended time off work.

4. Plan around your work. If you have an important meeting or assignment due on the day you decide to take off, it can be a red flag to your boss that you weren't prepared or didn't care.

5. Make sure you notify human resources or your supervisor that you won't be in. In order to avoid any disciplinary action, be sure your notice was documented in a voicemail or email.

6. Enjoy your day off! Too often people use their personal days to run errands or do housework. Relax and do something fun on your day off. You, after all, earned it.

Tips & Warnings

• Always come up with a good excuse as to why you're not going to be in that day.
• Never overdo the coughing and sneezing when you come back to work (if you claimed you were sick, that is. It's blatantly obvious you're trying to justify taking a day off.)