I've come down with a stomach bug and need to head home; I'll leave by [time].
By WhatsApp
Messaging Your Boss on WhatsApp About A stomach bug
When your team lives on WhatsApp, a message about a stomach bug should stay professional. Keep it brief and slightly more formal than usual.
Say what you need, briefly
A stomach bug can be contagious, so heading home is sensible. Keep it brief and non-graphic; that you're unwell and would rather not spread it is the point.
Stay professional on a casual app
WhatsApp invites shorthand, but a leave request still deserves a clear, complete sentence. Skip voice notes and emojis; a tidy one-line message reads as respectful even on a chat app, and it keeps everything in one place.
Example messages
I'm unwell and would rather not risk passing anything on. I'll head out by [time].
Not able to keep working with this bug — I'll log off by [time] and follow up tomorrow.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't rely on emojis or a voice note for a leave request, and don't split it across several chats.
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This page shares wording ideas, not legal or HR advice. Follow your own employer's time-off policy.
Common questions
How much should I say?
Very little. A stomach bug and needing to go home is complete.
Should I follow up by email?
Only if your workplace expects a written record elsewhere. For WhatsApp-first teams, the chat is enough.