I've come down with a fever and need to rest at home; I'll leave by [time].
Shift work
Leaving a Shift Early for A fever
Leaving a shift early for a fever is mostly about cover. Tell your supervisor early and line up someone for the rest of the shift.
Say what you need, briefly
A fever leaves you unfit to work and often contagious. Say you've come down with a fever and need to rest; no thermometer reading required.
Sort cover for your shift
On a shift, leaving early hinges on cover. Tell your supervisor as early as you can, and where you can, line up a colleague to cover the rest of your shift so the floor isn't left short.
Example messages
I'm running a fever and would rather not risk passing it on. I'll head out by [time].
Feverish and can't focus — I'll log off by [time] and catch up once I'm back on my feet.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't leave the floor short without a word. Flag it early and help line up cover for the rest of the shift.
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This page shares wording ideas, not legal or HR advice. Follow your own employer's time-off policy.
Common questions
Do I have to give my temperature?
No. A fever and needing to rest is a complete reason.
What matters most on a shift?
Cover. Tell your supervisor early and, where you can, arrange a colleague to cover the rest of your shift.