Subject: Leaving early. Hi [Manager], I'm not feeling well and need to head home; I'll leave by [time] after handing off anything urgent. Thanks, [Name].
By email
How to Email Your Boss About Feeling sick
When your workplace expects things in writing, a short email about feeling sick keeps a clear record. Put the key facts up front.
Say what you need, briefly
Say you have suddenly become unwell and need to head home, with a rough leaving time. You do not owe a symptom-by-symptom account; feeling unwell is a complete reason.
Structure it as a short email
In an email, lead with a plain subject line, put the day and leaving time in the first line, add one line on how your work is covered, and keep a courteous sign-off. An email should be shorter than a chat message, not longer.
Example messages
Subject: Leaving early. Hi [Manager], I've come down with something and can't keep working today. Could I pass [task] on or follow up tomorrow? Thanks, [Name].
Subject: Leaving early. Hi [Manager], I'm unwell and would rather not push through. I'll head out by [time] and catch up once I'm better. Thanks, [Name].
Mistakes to avoid
Don't write a long paragraph or bury the ask. Put the day and leaving time in the first line so it's seen at a glance.
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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 say what's wrong?
No. Feeling unwell is a complete reason. Share more only if you want to.
Email or a quick message?
Use email where a written record is expected; a chat message is fine elsewhere.