Sick Day Message Generator
Woken up unwell? This free tool writes a short, professional sick day message to your manager, or a carer's leave message if someone you look after is sick. You don't need to share medical details. Nothing you type is stored.
Example sick day messages
Here's the kind of wording this tool produces. Yours will use the details you enter.
Hi Jess, it's Sam. I'm unwell and won't be able to work today. In case it helps, Alex has the notes for the 2pm client call. I'll let you know if anything changes. Thanks, Sam
Subject: Carer's leave
Hi Jess,
I need to take carer's leave for the next few days to look after my son, who is sick.
I'll send through a medical certificate.
I'll keep you updated on how I'm going.
Thanks for understanding.
Kind regards,
Sam
Frequently asked questions
How much notice do I need to give for sick leave?
The Fair Work Ombudsman says you need to tell your employer as soon as possible, which can be after the leave has started, and say how long you expect to be away. Your award, agreement or workplace policy may say how to notify (for example, a phone call).
How much paid sick leave do I get?
Full-time and part-time employees get up to 10 days of paid sick and carer's leave each year (part-time is worked out on your hours), and unused leave carries over. Casual employees don't get paid sick leave, but can take 2 days of unpaid carer's leave each time they need it. Source: Fair Work Ombudsman, checked 26 October 2026.
Do I need a medical certificate?
Your employer can ask for evidence, even for one day or less off. A medical certificate or statutory declaration are examples. Your award or agreement may set when evidence is needed. If you don't provide requested evidence, you may not be paid for the leave.
Do I have to say what's wrong with me?
No. Saying you're unwell and how long you expect to be off is usually enough. You don't need to share medical details in your message.
Is anything stored?
No. Your details are sent to our server only to build the message on this page, then discarded. Nothing is saved and there's no sign-up.