List of Reasons For Taking Sick Leave(13 Reasons)

This article will look at 13 reasons that are good enough to take a sick leave from work. It will also describe these reasons and explain to the readers why they are sufficient to skip work on a particular day. Furthermore the article will touch upon the reasons why individuals should be cautious when taking a sick leave.

What Are The Reasons To Take  A Sick Leave?

Here are 13 reasons to take a sick leave from work:

• Family Emergency
• You Feel Sick
• Religious Commitments
• Doctor’s Appointment
• Significant Family Events
• Nearing Burn Out
• Bad Weather
• Accident Related Injury/Sickness
• No Babysitter
• Car Problems
• Back Pains
• Upset Stomach
• Pet Got Lost

Let’s take a look at each of the reasons described above!

Family Emergency

Family always comes first and this is something everyone understands – even your boss! If your child had an accident or needs you at their school then it is probably a good idea to leave work early and ensure everything is alright. In some cases you may not have children but you are a caregiver and hence need to go home early sometimes – you may have a sick parent or your wife may be experiencing complications during pregnancy. 

It is best to discuss early arrangements with your boss and co workers so that you are given most of your work during the early hours of the day. This is important and should be done so that if you need to take the day off then you already know what you have to do in your free time at home.

You Feel Sick

If you feel sick then it is probably the best reason to take a sick leave. Oftentimes feeling sick is the first symptom of something much worse to come – you might throw up later, get a high fever or an extremely upset stomach. Hence, it is best to ask for a leave at the first feelings of uneasiness in your body and stay home where you can better care for yourself or get the peace and privacy you need to feel better.

Feeling sick may be a difficult feeling or urge to discern. You may be motivated by work to go to the office but at the same time feel uneasy and stay home. It is always best to choose the latter option – you never know what is around the corner.

Religious & Cultural Commitments

In today’s diverse global village, people from all over the world are working in your office. Some people belong to different cultures, religions, nationalities and ethnicities, however, they all have some sort of religious or cultural commitment to attend to. In this case, employees should understand that if they need to cater to such commitments then there is no need to hesitate because this is something most, if not all, people experience and hence is a good reason to leave work early. 

After all, how many religious or cultural commitments can one have in a year right? We might be wrong there! Anyways if you workplace is not very understanding or you think you have already taken too many days off for such events then use up your sick leaves!

Doctor’s Appointment

It is never wise to miss your doctor’s appointment. Nowadays, when people have so many issues especially with so many of them visiting the doctor for a mere cough – let us take that back actually – it is quite difficult to get an appointment.

Hence, one good reason to take a sick leave is if you have a doctor’s appointment. Usually, one is given a time according to the doctor’s availability and hence you do not have much choice. Also with the long working day where you have at least 8 hour work days, it is difficult to get an appointment at a suitable time after work hours. On top of that, getting to the doctor’s office on time may be a bit of a hassle. If you miss the appointment, it can mean another week or entire month’s wait!

So, it is our advice! If you have an appointment to get to then take the day off at work or leave your office earlier than you usually do – your boss will understand!

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Significant Family Events

We all know how important it is for us to be at our son’s soccer match or our daughter’s first play. Missing such events is not only a loss for the parents but it leaves kids devastated – more than we realize it. It is important to ensure that work does not prevent one from attending significant events in the family life. Keeping in mind efforts put in by people all over the world to make sure they give enough time to their family it is only natural that you would want to skip work. You can either use up your sick leaves to do that or if your boss does not understand – maybe he is not a family guy – then just call in sick and get to work at home!

Nearing Burn Out

Ever had those days where you seem to be pushing yourself to the edge, not just physically but mentally. Yes you could be nearing a burnout and you need a break. This can happen any time and when it does you know something is seriously wrong. It prevents you from doing even the simplest of tasks that took no effort before. 

In case you feel tired mentally, request a sick leave from work. It is necessary that you take care of your mental health because that is one of the few important factors – probably the most significant one – that allows you to work effectively.

Bad Weather

Everyone may not be able to relate to this but in most parts of the world, bad weather actually means bad weather. If you live somewhere where there are freak weather incidents like tornados, hurricanes, hailstorms or crazy thunderstorms, it is best to take the day off and stay home with a sick leave especially if your boss does not realize the dangers of bad weather. You never know what nature might throw at you in the blink of an eye.

Accident Related Injury/Sickness

This is another common reason why people take a sick leave from work and spend the day at home! Accidents are common incidents that occur everyday and can happen to anyone. With the pace of life increasing day by day, humans are more likely to make errors, especially with regards to machines and gadgets that will cause them to get hurt.

So, if you recently had an accident that caused you to sustain an injury or the after effects make you feel sick, then call in sick and take the day off!

No Babysitter

This is another problem most households, especially in the Weste, face where they can’t find someone to sit their child especially if the child is taking the day off from school or has a holiday due to some event. This creates problems because in no way can a parent leave their child home alone.

Hence, this is one common reason why people call in sick so they can make sure they can look after their child or spend the day arranging a babysitter especially if similar days are expected ahead.

Car Problems

Although your boss may understand that everyone has car problems, he would still expect you to get to work! What he doesn’t understand is the hassle involved and the fact that you need time to go to a mechanic and have your car fixed. So, if your boss does not come off as someone who is very understanding, then call in sick and take the day off. Get your car fixed and stay tension free!

Back Pains

One of the most common pains people experience is back pain! This is most likely because of how much we sit and the reduced physical activity in our lives as a result of modernization and ‘development’! Sitting all day results in back pain however it could also increase already existing back pain that may have started because of some other reason. Take the day off and get some rest and start exercising!

Upset Stomach

Feeling sick is one thing but if you know your stomach is upset and you end up going to work, the consequences could be many! Don’t take the risk and stay home. Working more or increased physical activity during such times can worsen the condition.

Pet Got Lost

We all love our furry little critters very much! Sometimes they end up getting lost either inside the home or outside. What we do understand is that if too much time passes without finding them, there could be a problem! So, if your workplace is not too keen on pets, just call in sick and take your time finding your pet. Don’t take the risk and go to work, you may never know but they could be in some danger.

Taking A Sick Leave – The Right Reasons Matter

It is important to take a sick leave for the right reasons because of the following points:

• Too many holidays can ruin your chances of a promotion
• You get left behind on work
• Co Workers may get restless – their work depends on yours being done timely
• You miss out on office politics – staying the game matters
• You won’t have sick days for the right reasons – save them up
• Taking too many days off becomes a habit

Conclusion

This article looked at 13 reasons why it is okay to take a sick leave from work. It not only listed those reasons but also explained them for the readers as to why they are good enough reasons. Lastly, it highlighted reasons why someone should think twice before taking a sick leave!

References

https://www.thejub.com/millennial-career-resources/7-best-excuses-not-to-go-to-work