The Ultimate Guide: What to Say When Calling in Sick with Diarrhea (Without Over-Sharing)

Calling in sick is never fun, but it’s a necessary part of life when your body decides to throw a curveball. And let’s be honest, dealing with diarrhea is one of the least pleasant reasons to have to do it. Navigating the call, or text, to your boss or manager while also feeling awful can be stressful. The good news is, with the right approach, you can communicate your need for a sick day effectively and professionally, without going into graphic details.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about calling in sick with diarrhea. We’ll cover:

• Why you need to call in sick when you have diarrhea.
• The best way to communicate your illness to your workplace.
• Specific phrases and templates you can use.
• What to avoid saying (and why).
• Managing the aftermath of your sick day.
• And, because we’re all human, how to handle any potential awkwardness.

Why Calling in Sick with Diarrhea is Necessary

Before we dive into the specifics of what to say, let’s be clear: calling in sick when you have diarrhea isn’t about being lazy; it’s a responsible decision. Here’s why:

1. Contagion: While not all diarrhea is contagious, many causes of acute diarrhea, such as viral and bacterial infections (like food poisoning), are highly contagious. Coming to work while sick could expose your coworkers to these pathogens, potentially leading to a ripple effect of illness throughout the workplace.
2. Your Own Well-Being: Diarrhea can be incredibly draining. It can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and an overall feeling of malaise. Trying to work through it not only impacts your productivity but can also worsen your symptoms, prolonging your illness.
3. Workplace Productivity: Let’s face it, trying to focus on work while constantly needing to run to the restroom is next to impossible. You won’t be at your best, and you risk making mistakes.
4. Professionalism: If your workplace requires you to interact with clients or customers, being visibly unwell and rushing to the bathroom doesn’t exactly project a professional image.

Prioritizing your health and the health of your coworkers is crucial. Calling in sick is the responsible choice.

Best Practices for Communicating Your Illness

How you communicate your need for a sick day can make a big difference. Here are some best practices to follow:

1. Notify Your Supervisor Promptly

As soon as you realize you won’t be able to make it to work, contact your supervisor or manager. Don’t wait until the last minute. This gives them time to adjust schedules and reassign tasks if needed.

2. Use the Appropriate Method of Communication

Check your company’s policy on calling in sick. Some workplaces prefer a phone call, while others are fine with an email or text message. Adhere to the preferred method. If you’re unsure, a phone call is usually the safest bet.

3. Keep it Brief and Professional

There’s no need to provide a detailed explanation of your symptoms. The goal is to convey that you’re unwell and won’t be able to work, not to give a medical lecture. Keep your message concise and to the point.

4. Be Clear About Your Absence

State clearly that you’re taking a sick day and that you won’t be able to come to work. Avoid vague wording or beating around the bush.

5. Provide a Timeframe (If Possible)

If you have a rough estimate of how long you’ll be out, share it. For instance, you might say, “I don’t expect to be in tomorrow, but I’ll keep you updated.” However, don’t feel pressured to commit to a specific date if you’re unsure. It’s better to be conservative and return when you’re fully recovered.

6. Mention Project/Task Updates (Optional)

If you have ongoing projects or tasks, and you’re able to, briefly mention them. Let your manager know if you’ve completed anything you can check off or if there are urgent things that need immediate attention. This shows consideration for your workload and colleagues.

7. Offer Contact Information (Optional)

Depending on your work culture, you might offer a contact number (or email address) if anything urgent comes up. However, this is entirely optional. Don’t feel obligated to be available while you’re recovering.

Specific Phrases and Templates You Can Use

Here are some specific phrases and templates you can use when calling in sick with diarrhea, adaptable for phone calls, emails, or text messages:

Phone Call Template:

Scenario 1: Direct and Concise

• “Hi [Manager’s Name], it’s [Your Name]. I’m calling to let you know that I won’t be able to come into work today. I’m feeling unwell.”

Scenario 2: With an Estimated Timeframe

• “Hi [Manager’s Name], it’s [Your Name]. I woke up this morning feeling sick, and I won’t be able to come in today. I’m not feeling well, and I don’t expect to be in tomorrow either, but I will keep you updated.”

Scenario 3: With Project Updates

• “Hi [Manager’s Name], it’s [Your Name]. I’m calling to let you know I’ve woken up feeling unwell, so I won’t be able to make it in today. I was able to finish [Task A] yesterday, and [Task B] is on hold pending [X], I’ll send over an email with the files. Please let me know if anything urgent arises today”

Email Template:

Subject: Sick Day – [Your Name]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you that I will be unable to come to work today due to illness. I am not feeling well, and I will be taking a sick day.

I will keep you updated on my condition. I will be checking my email periodically for anything urgent.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Subject: Sick Day – [Your Name] – Update on [Project]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to let you know I won’t be able to come to work today. Unfortunately, I woke up not feeling well.

I have completed [Task A], and [Task B] is on hold pending [X]. I will make sure to send [Relevant Files] before closing down for the day.

I expect to be back in tomorrow, but I will keep you updated on my condition. I will also check my email periodically for anything urgent.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Text Message Template:

Template 1: Quick and to the point

• “Hi [Manager’s Name], it’s [Your Name]. I’m feeling unwell and won’t be able to come into work today.”

Template 2: with timeframe update

• “Hi [Manager’s Name], it’s [Your Name]. I woke up feeling sick this morning and won’t be able to come to work today. I expect to be back tomorrow but I will keep you updated.

Remember to adapt these templates to your specific workplace culture and your relationship with your manager.

What to Avoid Saying (and Why)

While honesty is generally good, there are certain things you should avoid saying when calling in sick with diarrhea. Oversharing details, or making certain statements, can create awkwardness and even raise unnecessary concerns. Here’s what to steer clear of:

1. Graphic Details: There is absolutely no need to describe the specifics of your digestive distress. Keep it brief. Your manager doesn’t need to know the color, consistency, or frequency of your bowel movements.
2. Too Much Information (TMI): Avoid going into detail about how you think you got sick. Whether it was the suspect taco you ate or a case of stomach flu going around, that’s more information than your manager needs.
3. Excessive Guilt or Apologies: While it’s polite to express thanks for your manager’s understanding, avoid excessive apologies or acting overly guilty. You have a legitimate reason to call in sick, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed about it. For example, saying “I’m so so so sorry” could imply that you’re shirking responsibility when that is not true.
4. Over-promising (If you’re not sure): Don’t make promises you can’t keep, such as promising you will be back in tomorrow if you’re still feeling unwell. It’s better to be honest about your uncertainty and stay consistent in your communication.
5. Demanding Instead of Requesting: Phrases like “I won’t be coming in today” could seem more like a declaration, which may not go over well depending on your work culture, rather use a simple request “I won’t be able to come in today”
6. Saying “I am not feeling well”: While the phrase in itself isn’t bad, it’s too vague, if you can provide more information, for instance, “I’m having some digestive issues” or “I woke up feeling sick, it’s best to include that information.
7. Vague “maybe”: Try to avoid vague wording such as “I may not be able to come in today” this leaves your supervisor in a weird spot. Make a firm decision, or offer a specific update. For example, “I won’t be able to make it in today”, “I expect to be back in tomorrow”, “I don’t expect to be back in tomorrow”.

The key is to be concise, professional, and respectful, while avoiding unnecessary details.

Managing the Aftermath of Your Sick Day

Once you’ve called in sick, your primary focus should be on resting and recovering. However, there are a few steps you can take to manage the aftermath of your sick day:

1. Rest and Hydrate

Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids, such as water, electrolyte drinks, or clear broth. Avoid sugary drinks or caffeine, as they can worsen your symptoms. Focus on getting adequate rest so your body can heal.

2. Update Your Manager on Your Condition

If you indicated that you might be back at work tomorrow but aren’t improving, contact your supervisor and keep them updated. A simple message saying, “Hi [Manager’s Name], I’m still not feeling well this morning, and I won’t be able to make it in today, I’ll keep you updated on my condition”.

3. Catch Up on Missed Work

When you return to work, make an effort to catch up on anything you missed. Check your emails, ask colleagues for updates, and prioritize any urgent tasks. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor for assistance or to request adjustments to your workload.

4. Preventative Measures

Think about why you were sick, and implement preventative measures, if you suspect you got sick from something you ate, be mindful of food safety. Similarly, be mindful of germ safety. Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with those who are sick.

5. Focus on Your Well-Being

Your health should always be your priority. Don’t feel pressured to return to work until you’re fully recovered. It’s better to take an extra day to recuperate than to come back too soon and risk a relapse or spread your illness.

How to Handle Awkwardness

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things can feel a bit awkward when returning to work after a sick day, especially when the issue was something uncomfortable like diarrhea. Here’s how to manage that potential awkwardness:

1. Keep it Professional: When you return, avoid going into detail about your illness with coworkers. Focus on your work and normal work-related conversation. If anyone asks how you are, a simple “I’m better now, thanks!” should suffice.
2. Don’t Over-Apologize: You were sick, and you did what was responsible by staying home. Don’t apologize repeatedly for something you couldn’t control.
3. Focus on Productivity: Once back in the swing of things, let your work speak for itself. Be proactive, efficient, and demonstrate your value to the team.
4. Be Consistent in Your Communication: Continue to communicate professionally when you need a day off. The more confident you are in communicating, the less awkward your sick days will be.
5. Light-hearted Humor: If you feel comfortable with your coworkers and a light-hearted approach is appropriate, you could make a very brief, subtle joke to break the tension. For example, if someone mentions the “stomach bug going around,” you could make a quick joke about being glad it’s behind you. However, tread carefully when using humor, and only if appropriate for your work culture.

Conclusion

Calling in sick with diarrhea doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. By following these guidelines, you can communicate your illness effectively and professionally, without over-sharing. Remember that your health and the health of your colleagues are the priority. Focus on getting rest, and don’t be afraid to reach out to your supervisor when you need a day off.

By being prepared, concise, and proactive, you can handle these situations with grace and professionalism. And, as always, take care of yourself!