It’s 6 AM Monday. You were waking up with a headache and that funny feeling in your stomach. “Must push,” you said to yourself; you need to go up because you have to follow up with that overdue project meeting. You tried to grab a bite of sandwich but couldn’t take it anymore, only to throw up in the bathroom and not sure if you have enough energy even to drive.
Oh no! What to tell your boss you’ve been vomiting? Hundreds of what-ifs scenarios are flying in your head now. Not to worry, this post got you covered.
Contents
Should I Calling Off Work When Vomiting?
If you can’t focus or do your job well because of your condition, it might be best if you stay home. Because not taking time off when you’re legitimately sick will often result in a more severe condition. If you’re not well, you can’t work as well. Not to mention to stop spreading the disease in the workplace, just in case.
So, calling off work after vomiting is probably the right thing to do, but for your consideration, let’s be a bit more analytical for this situation first.
What could be the cause of vomiting?
Vomiting is often a symptom of many different conditions, the most common being gastroenteritis, indigestion, or food poisoning. In pregnant women, vomiting is often a sign of morning sickness. Vomiting can be concerning if a person shows signs of severe dehydration.
Vomiting is expected for most people, but it can also be a sign of something more serious. Some of the most severe conditions that may cause nausea or vomiting include concussions, meningitis, intestinal blockage, appendicitis, and brain tumors.
Sometimes people who are pregnant will feel sick with violent vomiting episodes. This is termed “hyperemesis gravidarum,” and it can be hazardous for the mother. It’s essential to consider the needs of the mother as she can develop fluid and mineral imbalances.
Individuals who’ve recently had a head injury or are vomiting blood should go to ER right away, not only calling off work!
What to do to make me feel better?
When experiencing a vomiting episode, a person should drink water and other clear fluids to avoid dehydration. Eat small meals when you’re able to, consisting of plain foods like crackers.
There are several home cures to try for fundamental stomach problems. Consider eating small, light, & bland meals to start resolving your stomach woes.
Drink enough water to replenish everything you have lost from vomiting. Try to rest (hence the calling off work). Avoid doing anything too physical too soon afterward because this can make your nausea worse.
What if they still need me at work?
No emergency is as urgent as people’s health and life-threatening condition. Some supervisors may tell employees they need to come back to work. Your boss has the authority to require you to go to work at any time, and they can be irritated or write you up for not showing up. This is technically allowed, but you might be able to disregard their request. You can explain that you are ill and unable to come in.
What are the implications if I’m not showing up at work?
Your boss can choose not to pay you for hours they do not expect you to work. An example of this is when they do not want to pay for restaurant shifts if you leave early.
Many employers give paid time off (PTO) for illness. You should use this if you have it. That depends on the company’s sick time policy and your job status. Your employment status may determine what is available under the plan.
In some cases, you may choose to stay home when you’re feeling down. Some people might find that they have that sick time off work without any problems. If an employee refuses to come in when they have no PTO left, the company would have to have a legitimate reason. Policies around sick leave take precedence depending on your company’s setup.
Bosses should usually allow sick days, but it’s worth thinking about your needs and what you want to get out of the situation before taking a day off.
Your employer might require confirmation of sick leave if you are off work for fewer than seven days, this is called self-certification, and you should agree with the procedure and your employer. Make sure you are prepared for being asked to complete a form or send information about your absence. They are probably required during your absence.
What do I need to prepare before calling off work because of vomiting?
A manager may ask you for a doctor’s letter or proof of your need for time away. You do not require to show them anything until you come back to work. Any supervisor that pushes for more details is out of line.
To protect your general privacy, you can ask the doctor to give you a note that says: You were seen on a specific date.
Your employer may well have a specific protocol for who you need to tell when you’re off sick and how many days off you’re allowed. You should also be aware of whether or not they will pay your wages during that period.
Generally, people who work for x amount of month should get x amount of sick days. It’s wise to consult comply with company regulations and make sure your boss approves. Call your HR person if you’re not sure.
Get to know the protocol in advance for when you need an absence. Consider whether you can work from home on that day too. This may be a suitable alternative. However, you should never feel you must do this if you are not feeling alright.
Other things you might need to do:
- Set up email auto-response to let everybody knows you’re taking some days off
- Notify your co-workers of a possible workload re-arrangement. However, by right, this is your manager’s job.
What if I don’t have any sick leave left?
Don’t return to work if you feel pressured, even if you don’t have any sick leave. It’s your job to stay healthy for yourself and those around you!
Make sure you know your company’s sick leave policies. You’ll succeed better if you have the law with you whenever your boss abuses the sick leave policies. It’s rarely a good company decision to fire employees who had unprotected absences and followed company policy. A lawyer can review your situation and, if needed, even help you file a complaint with the labor board.
How to Tell Your Boss You’re Calling off Work from Vomiting?
Now let’s get down to the meat. After you know the possible outcomes, you will be better prepared to inform your boss.
Should I go by text, phone, or email?
This depends on the situation. Try to find out beforehand, what your boss’s favored method of contact is, and if there are set corporation guidelines, then be sure to regard these. If you are uncertain of the protocol, send an email and follow up with a telephone call. This way, you will have satisfied all bases and be sure that your message has been received.
Sending an email or text is usually the easiest option to show that you’re taking the day off. It also gives your boss time to arrange someone else for your scheduled work shifts. However, a call is more personal, and your boss may be more convinced of your need to take the day off if you call them up for a chat.
If your boss is easy-going, you might get away with text, but make sure to follow the company’s handbook if there’s any form to fill to record your sick leave.
Always give thought to the impact your absence will have on others. This is specifically important if you’re running late on a deadline. Cancel any meetings you may have and reschedule them for another day. This might require you another phone call or group text.
What exactly to say?
Tell them as early as you can, straight to the point, and no need to go into details to tell your boss of your vomiting. Inform your boss of your absence if you cannot commit to a specific number of days. Be mindful not to make it sound like you are trying to use your illness as an excuse for taking advantage of the system.
How to write a sick leave email?
Don’t get bogged down with details. Just give your boss a heads up about the issue and ask to take a sick day, or they can even let you work from home. You probably don’t want your boss to think that you’re lying about being sick. And they indeed don’t have time to listen to all of your sob stories or throwing up details.
How to text your boss?
You can use the below template:
“Hi, [your boss name], I’m not feeling good today, so I don’t think I will be capable of doing my job productively or efficiently” “I’ve been vomiting all morning and developed with [sickness] which require to use a sick leave today, I hope I’ll resume work tomorrow, will let you know the progress.”
Conclusion
Your well-being should be your topmost priority, but you also need to remember the implication of calling off work sick. Many managers have this stereotype of the employee calling off sick for non-medical reasons. The problem is, it can make it more difficult for those with actual medical conditions and illnesses to keep getting the support they need.
This should become less of a problem if you have an outstanding record as an employee and not abusing the system. You will be more than prepared to tell your boss if you’ve been sick from vomiting. Every business owner values honesty and integrity, and managers, in particular, should appreciate these qualities in themselves.
I have had to call off work due to repeated vomiting. I simply tell them I threw up all night and will try to be back the next day.