As a supervisor, I really don't want any details. Just let me know when you anticipate returning. Is it just today or the whole week

My last job was super into "face time" and the expectation was that you came in even if you were sick. (This is why I left - otherwise it would have been a good job but I had to move on as kids got older and I needed more flexibility). Luckily, I rarely got sick so I when I did stay home it was usually stomach-bug related.

I always did say, "I have either a stomach bug or food poisoning so can't come in" - I think it is universally accepted that a) people don't want to be near you and b) you really can't be on the metro on in the office if you are running to the bathroom.

The head of my department had no problem announcing she was vomiting but coming in as soon as possible. So, so super annoying. Now I'm in a place that allows telecommuting even when you are not sick! Amazing!

Anonymous wrote:My boss always wants details. I hate it! But because of big boss's preference I have to hear from my direct reports things like intermittent diarrhea, rashes, uti, etc. For me, all I want to hear is "I need to take a sick day today." Details only if it is highly contagious but preventable and people need to watch out for symptoms, e.g. our pregnant admin. Yuck.

TMI!!!!

No matter what is the matter with me I say I have the stomach flu. I realized my boss and a couple of coworkers would call me a home to ask a quick question if I didn't give details or if I had a fever.

Is requiring detailed health related information to an employer against the law?

I will generally say something like I am having stomach issues or I have a respiratory illness (or sinus infection - I get majorly horrible ones). But that's it.

When I was around 10 weeks pregnant and waiting until the first trimester was over to tell people, I had a bleeding issue and didn't tell anyone why I was out and needed to see a doctor. Of course, because I was usually so open about things, they all guessed I was pregnant. Luckily, everything turned out okay.

as a manager, i dont want too many details. i also think too many details makes someone look like they are lying. But I do like to know severity - like, do you think you are out for multiple days or hope to be back tomorrow?

I don't even say if I'm sick or just playing hooky. I have time off, period. Large, impersonal office.

I'm not sure they are allowed to ask? HR person?

I can see it might be helpful to include some information that might let them know you expect to be out just one day (really bad allergies, medicine needs to kick in) or you really aren't sure how long it might.

Oh, god, no. But I can put in my leave requests electronically, so no need to explain anything.

You can always say, on the toilet with the runs, want a picture?

I am a manger and I don't need or want details... though I get more than I want or need.

My boss always wants details. I hate it! But because of big boss's preference I have to hear from my direct reports things like intermittent diarrhea, rashes, uti, etc. For me, all I want to hear is "I need to take a sick day today." Details only if it is highly contagious but preventable and people need to watch out for symptoms, e.g. our pregnant admin. Yuck.

yes, but i work in a casual environment where i'm friendly with my boss and peers.

Title says it all. Lets say you have stomach flu. Do you explain why, or just say "I'm not feeling well."?