How to Call in "Sick"
What's the point of having sick days if you never use them? Everyone needs a little me-time every once in a while. And if you're caught, just say you really were sick of work.
Up next in Office Survival Guide (57 videos)
Between crazy bosses and creepy coworkers, it's a wonder you get any work done at all. Here's a little help.
You Will Need
- A good but simple excuse
- A phone
- And a plan for the day
Steps
-
Step 1
Pick a day
Decide what day you want off. Try to pick a day where you’ll get out of something unpleasant.
-
Monday and Friday are particularly conspicuous; the three-day weekend is a dead giveaway.
-
Step 2
Decide what to do
Think about how to spend your day off. Forget going to a tanning or beauty salon. If you show up the next day with a tan or a perm, you’ll be busted.
-
Step 3
Decide on malady
Decide on a reasonable malady, and keep it simple. 'I’ve got a bug' is easier to remember than a long, involved tale of exotic food poisoning. And remember: you’ll have to be 'better' in 24 hours.
-
Step 4
Rehearse your story
Rehearse what you will say when you call in. Repeat your story until you’re satisfied you have struck the right mix of fact and fiction.
-
Step 5
Call before office hours
Make the call before office hours so you get your supervisor’s voicemail, which can’t talk back or ask probing questions.
-
Play an alibi tape you recorded when you really were sick—and silence any background noise—to leave a convincingly pitiful message.
-
Step 6
Prepare to return
After spending a glorious day doing whatever you like, prepare to return to work. Rehearse your response to inquiries about your health and other questions that might catch you off guard.
-
If you’re a woman, return to work without a stitch of makeup. This will convince any doubters that you truly were sick. If you’re a man, stay unusually quiet all day.
-
Step 7
Find out what you missed
Once you’re back, make a show of finding out everything that happened the day before, so you can catch up on whatever work you missed. You’re so dedicated!
-
According to a recent absenteeism survey, 43% of workers admitted to falsely calling in sick at least once in the previous year.
