What is the polite and professional way to tell my boss that I'm feeling ill and want to go home?

Question

What is the polite and professional way to tell my boss that I'm feeling ill and want to go home?

I don't want to say something like "I just threw up" or "My stomach is upset", it sounds unprofessional to me. What is the best way to broach the subject and make a quick exit?

Answer 1

I think stating a "stomach issue" is probably the best way to go.  If they ask for more details, then definitely let them know.

Answer 2

Can you shoot him an e-mail?

"Hello so and so,

     I'm feeling under the weather today and was wondering if I could be spared for the remainder of the day."

This allows them to think you main concern is that everything will function at your work and not that you just want to get out of there. Keep it short, too.  Get better soon!

Answer 3

Don't take this the wrong way, but as a boss, nothing annoys me more than a member of staff who comes up to me and timidly says in a whiny voice, 'I'm not feeling well, please can I go home.' I always explain to them that the workplace is not like school, and that it is not my role to give or deny permission. If they don't feel fit to work, I don't expect them to ask if they can go home. I just expect to be told that they are leaving (politely, of course.) After all, I'm the boss; any problems caused by short-staffing/increased work-load are mine.

By asking permission, they're not really playing fair- I don't know how they feel, and can't possibly be expected to accept responsibilty for making them stay against their will. I would respect somebody more for making a stand.

Incidentally, I'm a lovely guy to work for; because I'm the boss, I have to work harder than everybody else so that nobody says I'm coasting on the back of my junior colleagues.

Answer 4

Just say it -- you feel ill and you'd like to go home.  He doesn't need to know the details.

If he asks, tell him it's a "stomach issue".

Answer 5

First - by email or phone call. You don't want to give your boss what you have!

I'd say: "I'm sorry, I suddenly feel quite ill (sick, whatever) and need to go home."

Answer 6

The "polite and professional way" is to tell your boss "I'm feeling ill and want to go home"

Thanks for asking.

Answer 7

You say, excuse me, are you busy?  boss says, just a sec...okay, what do you need?  You say,  I'm not feeling well, do you mind if I go home?  and boss should say, oh no, go home and get better.  You say, is there anything you need me to do before I go?  

It's not like your boss wants you to stay at work where you can get the rest of his employees sick...

Answer 8

Say, I am feeling ill today and I need to go home.  I've tried to stay as long as possible but I'm not feeling any better.  Plenty of rest should bring me back for my next shift.

Answer 9

I think i'm gonna throw up over EVERYTHING, you will be out that door before you can cough