What Is a Believable Excuse for Missing Work?
At some point in our professional careers we’ll have needed to miss work at some for one reason or another. This may require us to send our employer a calling out of work text.
While it is important to prioritize your work responsibilities, there are times when you need to prioritize your physical and mental health as well.
When this happens, we need to contact our employers to inform them we can’t get to work. Sometimes, we need to figure out accommodations to pass the workload on or reschedule appointments.
Reasons to Miss Work
Sickness
Sickness is one of the most common reasons we need to miss work, and it can be hard to know what to say when you call in sick. Illnesses can occur at any time, and can range from minor ailments lasting twenty-four hours or less, to severe injuries that keeps us off work for months on end.
Physical Injury
Accidents happen, and they can result in physical injury. If you have suffered an accident, you may need time off of work to recover. If you are physically unable to operate anything from machinery to your computer, you need to request time off from work.
If your injuries impact your ability to safely do your job, you will need to be in contact with your employer regarding accommodations.
Medical Operations
When you are suffering from a longer term ailment, such as a debilitating disease or a persistent physical injury, you may need surgery to get better.
Surgery can require you to be off work for the operation itself, preparations and appointments prior to the surgery, and the recovery time. It can be unsafe or difficult to try and work during these processes.
Depending on your employer, you may need to provide a doctor’s note to justify your absence. Your employer may also suggest you work from home where you are comfortable to recover and can still work.
Be sure to read the terms of your contract to know your rights and options.
Family Emergencies
Family emergencies may include the death or illness of a family member or having to attend to a sick child. In such circumstances, employees may request leave.
Transport Issues
There are times when you may experience vehicle troubles on your way to work, which could be due to unexpected bad weather or faulty mechanics.
While this may only delay you for a few hours, sometimes issues can cause you to miss the entirety of your shift. Public transport problems, such as lateness or cancellations, can also result in needing to take time off work.
Weather-Related Issues
Unpredictable weather conditions cause many people to arrive late to work or call out entirely. Snowstorms, hurricanes, or flooding can lead to difficulties getting to work.
Wrapping Up
There are a great deal of reasons why you might not be able to attend work, and it can happen to anybody at any time.
There are plenty of examples of how to call out of work at the last minute, but what is most important is that your excuse should be genuine.
By communicating professionally and developing a plan to make up the work, you can maintain a supportive work environment.
Title: What Is a Believable Excuse for Missing Work?
Category: Career Resources
Co-Author: Becky is a contributor for theJub. She’s a writing and talent acquisition specialist who loves to apply her skills through creative writing and editing.
