How to Tell Your Employer You’re Sick (Templates)

How to tell your employer you’re sick: what to say, with email templates

The short answer

Tell your employer as soon as you can that you’re unwell and can’t work, and how long you expect to be away. The notice rules cover the leave itself, not your diagnosis. Keep it short, say whether you’ll provide a medical certificate if asked, and follow your workplace’s usual process, such as calling your manager before your shift.

What you need to tell your employer

Under the Fair Work Act, you need to give your employer notice that you’re taking sick or carer’s leave as soon as possible. That can be after your leave has started. You should also say how long you expect to be away.

The notice is about the leave, not your diagnosis. A simple message such as “I’m unwell and can’t work today” covers it; if your employer later asks for evidence, a certificate usually gives a general reason only.

Before you send anything

Check your workplace’s process. Many workplaces want a phone call to your manager before your shift starts.
Be clear about dates. Say whether it’s today only or a few days.
Mention evidence. Say you can provide a medical certificate if needed.
Hand over urgent work. A line about anything time-sensitive helps your team.

Sick leave email template (one day)

Subject: Sick leave today, [your name]

Hi [manager’s name],

I’m unwell and won’t be able to work today, [date]. I expect to be back tomorrow and will let you know if that changes. I can provide a medical certificate if you need one.

[Optional: one line about urgent work and who can cover it.]

Thanks, [Your name]

Sick leave email template (several days)

Subject: Sick leave from [start date] to [end date], [your name]

Hi [manager’s name],

I’m unwell and unable to work from [start date] to [end date]. I’ll provide a medical certificate covering these dates. I’ll update you if anything changes.

Thanks, [Your name]

Text message template

Hi [name], I’m unwell and can’t come in today. I expect to be back [day]. I can send a medical certificate if needed.

Carer’s leave message template

Hi [manager’s name], [family member] is unwell and I need to take carer’s leave today to look after them. I expect to be back [day] and can provide evidence if you need it.

If your employer asks for more

Your employer can ask for evidence, even for a single day, and it must convince a reasonable person that you genuinely needed the leave. A medical certificate or statutory declaration are examples. The Fair Work Ombudsman says it isn’t reasonable for an employer to attend your medical appointment (unless you ask) or contact your doctor for more information.

If you’re unwell now and need a certificate, you can request an online assessment. For more on the rules, read when you legally need a medical certificate for work.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to tell my employer what illness I have?

The notice rules ask you to tell your employer you’re taking leave and how long you expect to be away. If they ask for evidence, it needs to convince a reasonable person you were genuinely unwell; a medical certificate usually gives a general reason rather than private medical details.

Can I tell my employer I’m sick by text or email?

The law requires notice as soon as possible but doesn’t set the method. Many workplaces have a preferred process, such as a phone call before your shift, so follow it where you can.

Can I take sick leave for stress or mental health?

Yes. The Fair Work Ombudsman says paid sick leave can be taken when you can’t work because of a personal illness or injury, which can include stress-related illness.

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Your award, agreement or workplace policy may set different requirements. See our editorial policy.