It could be something as simple as running out of gas on the highway as you’re commuting to the office. Or, it can be as dramatic as the family emergencies we listed earlier. Regardless, it’s important to know when to call out so that you can take care of yourself and maintain a good work-life balance. Maybe you’re moving to a new apartment or juggling home renovations on top of your work schedule. Or maybe you’ve hit a bout of challenges and need to take a mental health day.
This could require taking them to doctor’s appointments, providing emotional support, or assisting with their care at home. For example, you may be involved in a legal dispute and are required to appear in court on a particular day. Make sure to inform your employer about the requirement as soon as you receive the court notice. Provide them with the date and the expected duration of your absence so they can plan accordingly. As soon as you know that you won’t be able to work, give your boss a phone call or send them a message.
Home Emergency
Communicate the situation to your employer promptly and keep them updated on when you’ll be able to return to work. Many employers offer family sick leave for situations like this. When a close family member reasons to call out of work is severely ill, they may need your care and support.
Excuses to miss work when working remotely
I’m sorry if this causes an inconvenience, but I need to take the day off and take care of this. Needing to get out of work and informing your employer about it can be a tricky process. At times, you might not feel entirely comfortable sharing the truth.
- I’m going to take it easy and see if I can get it to go away.
- You’re not a robot and can suffer from sudden emergencies and family issues just as much as the next person.
- Important family events such as weddings or graduations warrant time off with proper notice.
- I need to take the day off and take her to the doctor today.
Last-Minute Appointment with Your Doctor
Everyone misses work from time to time, and it’s not necessarily a bad sign that you need to take an unexpected day off. However, if you fail to inform your employer early enough and cause difficulties such as scheduling issues, then it could leave your boss upset. You shouldn’t feel bad about telling your employer you need a day off for any of the reasons above, but give them as much notice as possible. Childcare can sometimes present unforeseen issues that require immediate attention.
You need a mental health day.
In many cases, remote work may be possible while you wait for repairs to be completed. Court appearances, whether they are directly related to you or involve a family member, usually can’t be rescheduled. These appearances could be for a variety of legal matters and failing to attend can have severe consequences. Mikayla Balk is a content writer focusing on emotional wellness and mental health.
For example, if your child wakes up with a fever and you can’t send them to school, you’ll need to take the day off to care for them. Many employers have policies in place to support parents in these circumstances. 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.
