Need to call in sick?Do's and Dont's

There are right and wrong ways to let your boss know you're a no-show. Most people instinctively know the best way to communicate with their particular supervisor and workplace. But if your illness has caused a sudden loss of common sense, follow these tips compiled from human resources experts and other sources.

• Do speak to your supervisor directly, if possible. Sending an e-mail is a tip-off of possible fakery.

• Don't attempt to fake sounding ill by using the old tricks: speaking on the phone while lying in bed or bent over the toilet. Remember, if you were an actor, you'd have a SAG card.

• Do call in as early in the day as possible to give your supervisor time to plan the day without you.

• Don't give your supervisor all the gory details of your illness, pain and suffering. It smacks of exaggeration. Make the call short and to the point.

• Do make the call yourself.

• Don't have your spouse, child or — worse — mother make the call for you unless you are hospitalized and intubated. Be a grown-up.

• Do apologize for the inconvenience to your employer.

• Don't call from a baseball game, bar, airport or other questionable venue.

• Do call in sick when you're feeling miserable, need to see a doctor, are contagious or can't think straight.

• Don't go to work looking like a walking carcass.

• Do get a doctor's note if your illness requires medical treatment and a specified length of time off.

• Don't use "feminine problems" as an excuse — especially if you're not a woman.

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