Sick Leave Email to Manager: 8 Professional Templates & Examples

Sick Leave Email to Manager: How to Write It Professionally

Waking up with a fever, a migraine, or an upset stomach is stressful enough. The last thing you want is to spend time wondering what to email your manager.

A professional sick leave email should be simple, respectful, and informative. It should let your manager know that you're unable to work, how long you expect to be away, and whether any urgent tasks have been handed over.

In this guide, you'll learn how to write a professional sick leave email and get ready-to-use templates that you can copy, customize, and send in just a few minutes.

Quick Sick Leave Email Template

If you're in a hurry, use this simple template.

Subject: Sick Leave Request

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm feeling unwell today and won't be able to attend work. I'd like to request sick leave for today so I can rest and recover.

I'll keep you updated if I need additional time off.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

How to Write a Professional Sick Leave Email

A good sick leave email doesn't need to be long. Most managers simply want clear information so they can plan for your absence.

Include these five things in your email:

1. Use a Clear Subject Line

Examples:

  • Sick Leave Request
  • Sick Leave for Today
  • Medical Leave Request
  • Unable to Attend Work Due to Illness

2. Explain That You're Unwell

Be direct and honest.

For example:

I'm feeling unwell today and won't be able to work.

There's no need to describe all of your symptoms unless your company asks for medical details.

3. Mention How Long You'll Be Away

If you know when you'll return, include it.

For example:

  • Today only
  • Two days
  • Until Monday
  • Until my doctor advises I can return

If you're unsure, simply let your manager know that you'll provide an update later.

4. Mention Any Important Work

If you have an urgent meeting or deadline, briefly explain how it will be handled.

Example:

I've shared today's project files with Sarah, who will cover the client meeting.

5. End Politely

Close your email professionally.

Examples include:

  • Thank you for your understanding.
  • I appreciate your support.
  • I'll keep you updated on my recovery.

8 Professional Sick Leave Email Templates

1. Simple Sick Leave Email

Subject: Sick Leave Request

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm writing to let you know that I'm feeling unwell today and won't be able to attend work. I'd like to request sick leave for today.

I'll keep you updated on my recovery and let you know if I need more time off.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

2. One-Day Sick Leave Email

Subject: Sick Leave for Today

Hi [Manager's Name],

Unfortunately, I woke up feeling unwell this morning and won't be able to work today.

I'm expecting to return tomorrow if my condition improves. I'll keep you informed if anything changes.

Thank you.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

3. Sick Leave Email Due to Fever

Subject: Sick Leave Due to Fever

Dear [Manager's Name],

I've developed a fever and am unable to work today. My doctor has advised me to rest until I recover.

I'll keep you updated regarding my return to work.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

4. Food Poisoning Sick Leave Email

Subject: Sick Leave Request

Hi [Manager's Name],

I'm experiencing food poisoning symptoms today and won't be able to attend work.

I apologize for the short notice and appreciate your understanding. I'll update you once I'm feeling better.

Thank you.

Best,

[Your Name]

Need a Personalized Sick Leave Email?

Every situation is different, and editing templates can take time.

With InstantMail, simply select your recipient, choose Sick Leave as the reason, pick your preferred tone and email length, and generate a professional sick leave email in just a few clicks.

It's a fast and easy way to create clear, professional workplace emails—no typing, no prompts, and no signup required.

5. Doctor's Appointment Sick Leave Email

Subject: Sick Leave and Doctor's Appointment

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm feeling unwell and have scheduled a doctor's appointment today. I'll need to take sick leave while I receive medical treatment.

I'll let you know if I require any additional time off after my appointment.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

6. Extended Sick Leave Email

Subject: Request for Extended Sick Leave

Dear [Manager's Name],

Following my doctor's advice, I need a few additional days to recover before returning to work.

I currently expect to return on [Date] and will keep you updated if my recovery takes longer than expected.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

7. Sick Leave Email While Working Remotely

Subject: Sick Leave Request

Hi [Manager's Name],

Although I work remotely, I'm feeling too unwell to perform my duties effectively today.

I'd like to take sick leave so I can recover properly and return to work at full capacity.

Thank you for your understanding.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

8. Formal Sick Leave Email with Medical Certificate

Subject: Sick Leave Request

Dear [Manager's Name],

I'm currently unwell and have consulted my doctor, who has advised me to take time off to recover.

As required by company policy, I'll submit my medical certificate as soon as it's available.

Please let me know if you need any additional information.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A professional sick leave email should be clear, concise, and respectful. Avoid these common mistakes to make a good impression.

Informing Your Manager Too Late

Send your email as soon as you know you won't be able to work. Early communication gives your manager time to adjust schedules and assign urgent tasks.

Sharing Too Much Medical Information

You don't need to explain every symptom or medical detail. A simple statement like "I'm feeling unwell and won't be able to work today" is usually enough.

Forgetting to Mention Your Leave Duration

If possible, tell your manager when you expect to return. This helps your team plan your workload.

Ignoring Important Work

If you're responsible for meetings or deadlines, briefly mention who will handle them or whether you've already completed urgent tasks.

Using an Unprofessional Tone

Avoid very casual messages like:

  • "Not coming today."
  • "I'm sick lol."

Keep your email polite and professional, even if you have a friendly relationship with your manager.

Tips for Writing a Better Sick Leave Email

Keep these simple tips in mind:

  • Send the email before your workday begins whenever possible.
  • Use a clear subject line.
  • Keep your message brief and professional.
  • Mention your expected return date if you know it.
  • Avoid unnecessary medical details.
  • Proofread your email before sending it.

Remember, your manager needs clear information—not a detailed explanation of your illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a sick leave email be?

Most sick leave emails are between 50 and 150 words. A short, professional email is usually the most effective.

Should I explain why I'm sick?

Not necessarily. In most workplaces, simply saying that you're unwell is enough unless your employer asks for additional information.

Should I attach a medical certificate?

Only if your company requires one or if your absence is longer than your workplace policy allows without documentation.

Can I send an email instead of calling my manager?

It depends on your company's policy. Some employers prefer a phone call, while others accept email or workplace messaging apps.

What if I don't know when I'll recover?

Simply mention that you're currently unsure and will update your manager once you know when you'll be able to return.

Final Thoughts

Getting sick is never convenient, but informing your manager doesn't have to be stressful.

A professional sick leave email should clearly explain that you're unable to work, mention your expected leave duration if known, and reassure your manager that any urgent work has been considered.

The templates in this guide are designed to save you time. Instead of wondering what to write, simply choose the template that best matches your situation, personalize it, and send it with confidence.

Good communication helps maintain trust with your employer and makes it easier for your team to manage your absence.

Save Time with InstantMail

Need a professional sick leave email in seconds?

InstantMail helps you generate workplace emails in just 4 simple clicks. Select your recipient, choose Sick Leave as the reason, pick your preferred tone and email length, and your email is ready to send.

Whether you need a sick leave email, work from home request, annual leave request, meeting request, resignation email, or salary hike request, InstantMail creates clear, professional emails in seconds.

No typing. No prompts. No signup. Just choose your options and generate your email instantly.

Have a favorite template from this guide? Bookmark this page so you can quickly find it whenever you need to request sick leave.

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