This could be anything from a sick relative in a different city to an urgent property issue that needs resolving. For example, suppose there’s a severe snowstorm forecasted for your area that’s expected to make roads unsafe. In this case, it would be prudent to stay home and avoid the potential dangers of attempting to commute to work. Be sure to inform your employer as soon as possible about your circumstances.

You just found out in the morning that your friend who you saw the previous night tested positive for COVID. So you have definitely been exposed and run the risk of testing positive in the near future. So what are some good excuses to miss work if you’ve just woken up and dread the thought of working? An easier way to let your boss know is by using a call out of work text rather than actually having to talk to him directly. As an on-site worker if you call out of work, you simply don’t have the ability to do your job at home. So, once you get the OK from your supervisor you are in the clear and have the day off.

Over a billion people worldwide are affected by them each year (NIH)and they’re very serious for many people. Few people will question you about this, especially given how many others have suffered from one themselves. I have a temporary crown on my tooth and it came off this morning. I’m going to need to take the day off and go to the dentist to have this fixed as soon as possible.

Excuses to Get Out of Work

That said, try to get things fixed or come up with another source of transportation as soon as possible. Some bosses understand the struggle and how debilitating a lack of proper transportation can be. But others will grow impatient if you take longer than a few days to address the issue. Car troubles happen, and not everyone lives in an area where they can take public transit to work.

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If you have children, there will inevitably be times when they’re sick and unable to attend school or daycare. While it may feel uncomfortable to take time off work for a job interview, it’s a legitimate reason to miss work. Interviews often fall within working hours and can’t always be scheduled outside of these times. For instance, if your child is performing in a school play that takes place during your work hours, you would likely want to attend. Inform your employer in advance about the event and request time off.

Attending a marriage or civil ceremony, either your own or of a close friend or family member, is a valid reason to miss work. These events often require travel and preparation time, and are generally understood to be important personal commitments. Attending a funeral, particularly of a close friend or family member, is a legitimate and common reason to miss work. It provides closure and allows one to pay their final respects. Bereavement leave is often provided by employers to accommodate such circumstances.

When Excuses Turn Counterproductive

You’ve been a witness to an accident where you were behind the scene of the accident in your car going to work. You saw who caused the accident and have been asked by the insurance company of one of the parties to testify in court. You checked the morning news and there is no way you will be able to commute into work today. There are major accidents on the highway and that has clogged up the back roads for commuting into work. It makes sense to not even attempt to drive into work today. This excuse might not work for you if you live in an area where there is adequate public transportation though.

In such scenarios, keep open communication with your employer, inform them of the situation, and give them an reasons to call into work estimated time of your unavailability. If possible, try to make up for the lost work time later or work remotely if your situation allows. This article is set up as a comprehensive list, offering 35 different reasons why you might need to miss work.

Top Excuses for Calling Into Work You Can Use Today

If there are any urgent matters, please feel free to contact me via phone or email. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and sometimes you may need to take a day off to take care of your psychological wellbeing. Overworking, chronic stress, or personal issues can contribute to deteriorating mental health. Recognizing the need to recharge and taking time off can prevent burnout and more serious mental health issues down the line. Navigating the need for time off work can sometimes feel challenging, but there are plenty of legitimate reasons that may require you to miss work on short notice.

Family Commitments: A Universal Understanding

If your employer doubts your excuse to miss work, respond with professionalism. If appropriate, offer additional information, such as a doctor’s note for a medical reason. Transparency and communication are essential in such situations. Family commitments, like a child’s school event or caring for a sick relative, are relatable excuses. Increasingly, taking a day off for mental health is becoming a valid excuse to miss work. For example, if your PTO policy says that all time off requests need to be submitted to HR, don’t submit yours to your direct manager.

• Alternatively, claiming a stomach bug can sound credible, especially when you mention nausea or digestive issues.
• Yes, taking a mental health day is increasingly being recognized as a valid excuse to miss work.
• When a close family member is severely ill, they may need your care and support.
• It could be an unexpected illness, or you could have to provide more extensive care after surgery.
• Employers are typically understanding of such circumstances and legally obliged to reasonably accommodate religious practices.

If you’re dealing with back pain or an allergy flare-up, these can also serve as believable reasons for missing work. Respiratory issues, like a viral infection, can further convince your employer that you need to rest. When illness strikes, having a believable excuse ready can save you from unwanted scrutiny. It’s crucial to communicate effectively and maintain professionalism while discussing your absence, as this approach nurtures trust with your employer. For example, if your child is graduating and the ceremony falls on a weekday during your working hours, you’ll want to be there. Notify your employer well in advance and request the necessary time off.

• If car trouble comes up unexpectedly, keep it brief and straightforward.
• Balancing work and family life can be challenging, and most employers will understand these occasional unavoidable circumstances.
• Most employers understand the importance of these milestones and will accommodate your request.
• For example, if your child is graduating and the ceremony falls on a weekday during your working hours, you’ll want to be there.
• Addressing your physical health is a legitimate reason to miss work.

This is a valid excuse as this is a very important school function for your daughter. This is an acceptable excuse to call out of work as it falls under work-life balance which is a policy your company supports. You want to ensure that the emergency spans the whole day or more than one day if you are a remote worker. The problem as a remote employee is that you need to have a good enough excuse to not even log into your work computer and actually do work. So the excuse needs to last for the full day unless you are only looking for a valid reason to leave work early.

As an employee of a New York employer, it’s a good idea to know what your employer’s policies are regarding paid, or unpaid, time off. This way, you know how to present your reasoning when requesting to take days (or weeks) off from work. Employers are often understanding when their employees miss time at work due to an unexpected emergency or accident occurs. On the other hand, they might not be so sympathetic when staff members start taking random time off, especially if it occurs on a routine basis.

From health-related concerns to sudden family obligations, knowing what works every time can help you navigate these situations with confidence. Below, explore tried-and-true excuses that keep your credibility intact while prioritizing your well-being and responsibilities. For example, if there’s a fire at your home, you will need to attend to the situation immediately. Notify your employer about the crisis as soon as you can and provide them with an estimate of when you’ll be able to return to work. Many employers will be understanding and supportive in these situations.