“Woke up feeling terrible and knew there was no way I could make it to work but then I panicked. What do I even say in an email? How do I sound professional without oversharing?” If you’ve ever been too sick to function but still stressed about letting your team know, you’re not alone. Writing an out-of-office sick message while your head is pounding or you’re buried under a blanket isn’t easy.
This blog is here to take the pressure off. You’ll find clear, professional out-of-office sick message templates for every situation, from one-day flu to mental health leave and even remote work due to injury. Whether you need something short and simple or more detailed for your manager, we’ve got your back.
Out‑of‑Office Sick Message Samples to Manager
When you’re unwell, crafting the perfect message to your manager shouldn’t add to your stress. Below are ten thoughtfully written templates, clear, caring, and flexible, so you can quickly communicate your absence and maintain professionalism, even when you’re not feeling your best.
When you’re unwell, crafting the perfect message to your manager shouldn’t add to your stress. Below are ten thoughtfully written templates, clear, caring, and flexible, so you can quickly communicate your absence and maintain professionalism, even when you’re not feeling your best.
When you’re unwell, crafting the perfect message to your manager shouldn’t add to your stress. Below are ten thoughtfully written templates, clear, caring, and flexible, so you can quickly communicate your absence and maintain professionalism, even when you’re not feeling your best.
1. Basic Sick Leave (Short‑term)
Dear [Manager Name],
I’m unwell and will be out of the office from [start date] to [end date]. I’ll reply to urgent emails when I’m able. Please contact [Colleague] in my absence if needed.
Thank you for your understanding.
2. Extended Recovery Notice
Dear [Manager Name],
I wanted to inform you with this out-of-office sick message that I’ll be away due to illness for the foreseeable future. I’ll update you when I have a clearer return date and remain available by email for emergencies. Thank you for supporting me during this time.
3. Medical Leave with Documentation
Dear [Manager Name],
I’m writing this out-of-office sick message to let you know I’ve been diagnosed with [condition], and will need to rest until further notice. I’ve attached my doctor’s note. In my absence, I am briefed and ready to assist.
4. Indefinite Sick Leave
Dear [Manager Name],
This out-of-office sick message is to let you know that I’m unable to return to work at this moment due to health reasons. I’ll keep you posted as my situation evolves. Meanwhile, I will manage urgent tasks.
5.One‑Day Sick Leave
Dear [Manager Name],
I’m feeling unwell and will need today off to rest. I’ll catch up on important emails tomorrow. Please reach out to [Colleague] if anything urgent comes up. Thanks for your understanding.
6.Severe Illness with Remote Availability
Dear [Manager Name],
I’m sending this out-of-office sick message to let you know that I’m quite sick, but working from home as much as possible. My response times may be slower, and for urgent issues, you can connect with.
7.Partial Remote Work While Recovering
Dear [Manager Name],
In this out-of-office sick message, I wanted to let you know that although I won’t be in the office due to my illness, I will be checking emails periodically. can handle any immediate tasks you flag.
8.Short‑Term Sick Leave with Return Date
Dear [Manager Name],
I’m taking a brief sick leave starting [start date], with plans to return] will step in if anything needs attention. I appreciate your flexibility, and will reply promptly once back.
9.Mental Health Day off
Dear [Manager Name],
I need to take a personal health day today to rest and recover, my mind and body both need it. I’ll be back tomorrow feeling more centered and ready. Thanks for your understanding.
10.Sickness with Flexible Return
Dear [Manager Name],
I’m unwell and not sure when I’ll be back. I’ll stay in touch as my health improves. knows where things stand and can assist in my absence. Thank you for your flexibility during this time.
If You Are Taking a Mental Health Leave

Many people feel hesitant to request mental health leave, but it’s important to remember that mental wellness is just as vital as physical health. Below are ten thoughtful and professional out-of-office sick message templates to help you communicate your need for mental health leave clearly and compassionately.
11. Basic Mental Health Leave Notification
Dear [Supervisor’s/Manager’s Name],
I am writing this email to inform you that I won’t be able to come to the office till [date]. I have been feeling under the weather since yesterday and need to use my paid sick days. Meanwhile, I’ll ask to be the point of assistance and cover any pending tasks from my end. I’ll be able to do my job much better once I’m feeling mentally healthier. Thank you for understanding, and I appreciate your support.
Regards,
[Your Name]
12. Transparent Mental Health Leave Notice
Dear [Manager’s Name],
This out-of-office sick message is to let you know that I need to take some time off for mental health reasons. I expect to be away from the office until [date]. I have been informed to manage my workload during my absence. I appreciate your understanding as I focus on recovery.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
13. Professional and Honest Mental Health Absence
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am sending this out-of-office sick message to notify you that I am taking a mental health leave starting today. I will be away until [date] and will check emails occasionally for urgent matters. Please reach out to [Colleague] for anything requiring immediate attention. Thank you for your support during this time.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
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14. Mental Health Leave with Flexible Return Date
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m writing this out-of-office sick message to inform you that I am taking mental health leave effective immediately. I am unsure when I will return but will keep you updated regularly. [Colleague] has agreed to oversee my tasks and will be your point of contact in my absence. Thank you for your consideration.
Regards,
[Your Name]
15. Short-Term Mental Health Break
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I will be out of the office for a short mental health break starting [date] and plan to return on [date]. I appreciate your understanding and will ensure to follow up once I’m back. If urgent, please contact [Colleague].
Thank you,
[Your Name]
16. Mental Health Leave with Remote Support
Dear [Manager’s Name],
This out-of-office sick message is to inform you that I am taking mental health leave but will be available for urgent emails intermittently. I anticipate returning to full duties by [date]. For immediate help, please reach out to [Colleague]. Thanks for your patience and support.
Best,
[Your Name]
17. Mental Health Leave with Task Delegation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m sending this out-of-office sick message to let you know I’m taking mental health leave until. I have coordinated with [Colleague] to cover my responsibilities while I focus on recovery. Please contact them for urgent matters. I appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
18. Mental Health Leave without Specific Return Date
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I need to take some time off for mental health reasons and am unsure about my return date. I will keep you informed as my situation evolves. It will manage urgent tasks during my absence. Thank you for your understanding.
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
19. Brief Mental Health Day Notice
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I am taking a mental health day today to rest and recharge. I will be back tomorrow and ready to catch up. Please contact me.if something urgent comes up. Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
[Your Name]
20. Mental Health Leave with Appreciation
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I’m reaching out to inform you I am on mental health leave until I appreciate your support and patience as I work on my well-being. It will be the point of contact in the meantime. I look forward to returning refreshed.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sick Leave Out-of-Office Messages
21. Basic Sick Leave Notice
Hi,
I’m currently on sick leave and unable to respond to emails. I expect to return . For urgent matters, please contact me. Thanks for your patience.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
22. Clear Sick Leave Notification
Hi,
This is an out-of-office sick message to inform you that I am out on sick leave until. During my absence, I will handle any urgent requests. Please reach out to them if you need immediate assistance.
Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]
23. Professional Sick Leave Auto-Reply
Hello,
I am currently away on sick leave and won’t be available until [DATE]. Please contact me for any pressing issues. I will respond to all other emails when I return. Thanks for your understanding.
Regards,
[YOUR NAME]
24. Sick Leave with Contact Details
Hi there,
I am on sick leave and will not be able to check emails regularly. This out-of-office sick message is to notify you that [NAME] will be covering my duties and can assist you at [EMAIL/PHONE]. I appreciate your patience.
Best regards,
[YOUR NAME]
Also Read This : 40 Heart Touching Friendship Messages
25. Brief Sick Leave Message
Hi,
I’m currently out sick and expect to be back on [DATE]. If you need assistance before then, please reach out to [NAME]. I’ll reply as soon as I’m able.
Thanks,
[YOUR NAME]
26. Short-Term Absence Notification
Hi,
This out-of-office sick message is to inform you that I’m away today.For urgent matters, please contact me. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Thanks,
[YOUR NAME]
27. Quick Absence Reply
Hello,
I am out of the office for a short time today. Please direct urgent inquiries to at. I will respond to other emails upon my return.
Regards,
[YOUR NAME]
28. Temporary Absence Auto-Reply
Hi,
I am currently out for a short absence and unable to reply immediately. For immediate assistance, please contact me . Thanks for your understanding.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
29. Short Absence with Contact Info
Hi,
I’m away from the office today and will reply when I return. Please reach out for urgent help.
Regards,
[YOUR NAME]
30. Brief Out-of-Office for Short Leave
Hello,
I’m out of the office briefly today. For urgent matters, contact. I’ll reply to your email as soon as I can.
Thank you,
[YOUR NAME]
FAQ’s
What is a good out of office message for sick leave samples?
A good out-of-office message for sick leave should be clear, polite, and provide information about your absence and alternate contacts if possible. For example:
Hi,
I am currently on sick leave and unable to respond to emails. I expect to return on [DATE]. For urgent matters, please contact [COLLEAGUE’S NAME] at [EMAIL].
Thank you for your understanding.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
How do I write a message on sick leave today professionally?
Keep it brief and straightforward:
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I wanted to inform you that I am on sick leave today due to [illness/reason]. I will keep you updated on my condition.
Thank you for your understanding.
Regards,
[Your Name]
What should I say in an out sick message today?
If you’re informing colleagues or clients quickly:
Hi,
I am out sick today and may not be able to respond to emails promptly. For urgent requests, please contact [Colleague’s Name].
Thanks for your patience,
[Your Name]
What is the best out of office message for sick leave subject line?
Use a clear and direct subject line like:
- Out Sick Today
- Sick Leave Notification
- Out of Office Due to Illness
- Sick Leave from [Start Date] to [End Date]
How to write I am on sick leave today message for one day?
Hello,
I am on sick leave today and will be back tomorrow. I will respond to emails when I return.
Thanks for your understanding,
[Your Name]
Conclusion
Taking time off work due to illness is sometimes necessary, and having a clear out-of-office sick message helps set the right expectations. Whether it’s for a short-term illness, mental health leave, or an indefinite medical absence, these messages ensure your contacts know you’re unavailable and who they can reach instead.
Using a professional yet human tone in your out-of-office sick message shows responsibility and helps maintain trust with coworkers and clients. Just customize the right template, and focus on your recovery without any added stress.

Zarnab Naeem is a professional article writer and SEO expert, specializing in crafting content that ranks and resonates. With extensive experience in digital publishing, Zarnab combines creativity with strategy to deliver results. Passionate about quality, every piece is tailored for impact and engagement.