Sending a “feeling text” to your boss was once considered “inappropriate,” but now it’s the norm. (Source: Yahoo Finance/Getty)
There was once a time when Australian workers would never dream of sending a message to their boss saying they were too sick to come to work. But one expert told Yahoo Finance that this is now “a thing of the past” for many workers as more and more of our work and communication moves online.
Workplace culture and leadership expert Tammy Tansley said a “nasty email” to a boss would once have been considered “highly inappropriate” and even “rude.” Many workers were instead expected to call their boss and “prove” they were sick.
Tansley said the process of calling in sick has changed, especially for younger employees, with texting becoming the norm in addition to using messaging apps like Slack and Teams. She said the new approach has advantages and disadvantages.
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“You don’t have to worry about whether your manager will answer your phone or be available. And if a text message is sent in the middle of the night, you can now schedule it to arrive at a more convenient time.” ” she told Yahoo Finance.
“It also creates a written chain, which can be important.”
Tansley said texting reduces the possibility of “uncomfortable questions” and “makes communication easier” for people who don’t feel comfortable on the phone.
“In many workplaces, posting a message on Teams or Slack can be an effective way to let the entire team know you’re away from work,” she added.
But for employers, a “sick text” may make it easier for a worker to call in sick than a phone call, Tansley said.
“This makes sense because you have to cough or sound like you’re feeling a little sick. For a lot of people, that’s finding it harder than just sending a message. ” she said.
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“Another drawback is that managers can’t really see if the absences are work-related.”
What is the correct procedure for calling a sick person?
This ultimately depends on your workplace protocols and policies. The policy often also outlines the evidence required when calling in sick, such as a doctor’s note or legal declaration.
“The policy should state that you should call and speak to your manager if possible, rather than texting, emailing, leaving a message on voicemail, or leaving a message for a co-worker. There is also,” Tansley said.
“Or it will say you need to call before your shift starts.”
If you don’t have a policy or don’t specify when and how to notify your boss, Tansley says your best point of contact is to talk to your boss.
Work experts Tammy Tansley (left) and Graham Wynn (right) weigh in on whether it’s appropriate to email your boss when you’re sick. (Source: LinkedIn/provided)
Rules and policies aside, experts were divided on whether “terrible writing” was appropriate.
Graham Wynn, founder of Superior People Recruitment, said it would depend on the time of day.
“If you text early, there’s no problem. But if it’s after 9 o’clock, texting is not appropriate because there will be people around. You can also call,” he told Yahoo. told Finance.
“If you feel really sick the night before and you’re not sure if you’ll be okay the next day, please text me. It’s after hours so it’s acceptable.”
But if someone calls during or near work hours, he believes there’s “no excuse for not answering the phone, unless of course it’s laryngitis.”
Fellow recruiter Tammy Christofis Burris said the phone remains the most appropriate way to call someone sick into work.
“In my opinion, because I’m a millennial and I’m 37 years old, I have to call them because it’s more professional to call them in the morning,” she told Yahoo Finance.
“They can hear you when you’re sick, and they can’t tell that you’re lying. But that being said, there are also some managers who don’t mind receiving text messages. I met you.”
Ultimately, Burris says, what’s appropriate will depend on your workplace’s HR policies and your relationship with your boss.
Tansley agreed, saying that if you normally communicate with your boss via text, “sic texts” are probably fine.
“If not, it’s safer to call right away,” she said.
give as many notifications as possible
Wynn said you should notify your employer as soon as possible if you plan to take sick leave.
“There is no acceptable time frame in the office, but there is usually an expectation that five minutes before the day starts is not acceptable,” he said.
Tansley said it’s best to check whether the policy, award or contract specifies the required notice.
“Typically, if possible, before the start of your shift or day, or as soon as possible afterwards,” she said.
“Be clear on what your employer wants from you from an employee’s perspective. If it’s not specified anywhere, be sure to discuss it with your boss before taking an absence and find out what he or she prefers. Please check.”
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