HRGuru

News >> Browse Articles >> Other News

Ten Excuses for Missing Work

We’ve all been there. It’s a beautiful day, and you can’t bear the thought of going into work. So you call in with some excuse about feeling ill, but you know in your bones that your boss doesn’t buy it.

The feeling ill excuse is a short-term solution that won’t win you any fans at the office; someone else will have to pick up the slack, or you’ll miss deadlines. And it won’t help your career any. Here are 10 excuses, five smart and five not-so-smart, to help                                                                                                         you save face and your sanity.

Smart Excuses

1. I’ve Earned It: No one can argue with performance. Come in two or three hours early, or stay late, for a week or two. Then negotiate a day off in advance. “Really work when you’re there, so you’ll be able to feel good about taking time off,” says Andrea Nierenberg, president of The Nierenberg Group, a management consulting and personal marketing practice.
2. I’m Playing Golf with a Client: For this one to work, you’ve got to have a job that requires you to meet and court current and prospective clients. Neil Simpkins, an account executive at Oxford Communications, has used this one successfully. One note of caution: Meet the client; don’t just say you did.
3. I Have a Doctor’s Appointment: This excuse will get you out of work for a half-day or so. Make the appointment first thing in the morning or late in the day, say around 3 p.m. You can leave the office by 2:30 p.m. and get home (hopefully) by 4 p.m. The shortened day will help you recharge, especially if you schedule it on a Friday afternoon.
4. I Have Cramps: Before you dismiss this one, think about it: Who can argue? “It’s such an embarrassing topic that nobody will ever challenge it,” says Jennifer Newman, vice president of Lippe Taylor Public Relations. She has used this excuse, and had it used on her, successfully. “It’s one of those things that men honestly have no clue about, and women can sympathize with.” One important point: Don’t use this one if you’re a man. It’ll never work.
5. I’m Working from Home: This is an excellent way to give yourself a break if your company allows it. Although you’ll need to do some work, you can generally get away with a shortened day. And you’ll eliminate your commuting time.

Next: Not-So-Smart Excuses

---