You’ve decided that it’s best if you take a day to rest and recover. Remember that you can’t help it if you’re sick, so try not to feel guilty. A recent poll commissioned by the makers of BENYLIN® revealed that the vast majority (76%) of Canadian bosses would prefer employees to stay home when sick. And you’re doing your co-workers a favour. That way, you can’t pass on your cold or flu and have your colleagues feeling miserable too!


But concern over spreading germs and viruses isn’t the only reason your boss might prefer you stay at home if you are ill. The BENYLIN® poll results also indicated that an overwhelming majority (86%) of Canadian bosses agree their employees are more productive when they take a sick day to recover from illness.1


Still, it can be a little scary calling in to your boss. Here are a few pointers to help you out.


When you do pick up the phone, remember:


  • A simple statement of illness is all that is required. Save the gory details for your friends or doctor... if they even want to hear them.
  • Avoid a comprehensive diagnosis like "I've got the flu." Just describe general symptoms, such as congestion, coughing, fever, etc.
  • Find a quiet place to make the phone call
  • Call your boss-don’t use e-mail
  • Keep the message short and to the point


What kind of message should you leave? Well that depends on your relationship with your boss. Take a look at the following descriptions to find one that matches your boss.

Do you call your boss by surname Has your boss had a temporary moment and forgotten your name? Do you find yourself wondering if your boss actually exists?


THE FORMAL BOSS
Your boss is a conventional, work-oriented individual. You have little contact outside the workplace and maintain a professional relationship. If this is your boss, your message could be as follows:

 Hi [boss name], this is ____________________. It’s __________ o’clock, and I just got up but I’m not feeling well. The cold I’ve been fighting has really taken hold so I’m going to rest up today. I hope to be back at work tomorrow.
 


Does your boss take your recommendations on restaurants or movies? Are you able to carry on conversations with your boss where work isn’t the primary topic? Do you consider your boss more of a colleague?


THE FAMILIAR BOSS
You have a good relationship with your boss during the working hours. You can be a little more informal in the message but don’t forget that he or she is still your superior. If this is your boss, your message could be as follows:

 Hi [boss name], this is ____________________. Know that cold that’s going around? Well, I caught it. Hopefully I’ll see you tomorrow.
 


Do you socialize with your boss? Do you celebrate birthdays with your boss, reminiscing about the good old days? If you left your company, would you still keep in touch with your boss?


THE CASUAL BOSS
You and your boss are friends. While you might work together, you also socialize outside work and enjoy spending time together. If this is your boss, your message could be as follows:

 Hi [boss name], this is ____________________. I’m really sick so I’m just going to stay in bed today and recover. Hope you didn’t catch this because it’s brutal. See you tomorrow – hopefully.