Calling Out Sick During Your Last Two Weeks at Work

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Does It Mean to Call Out Sick During Your Last Two Weeks?

Calling out sick means informing your employer that you cannot come to work due to illness or a medical condition. Even during your last two weeks—the notice period after you’ve given your resignation—this applies just as it does in any other phase of employment. Your employer still expects you to fulfill your job duties unless you are genuinely unable to work due to health reasons. In practical terms, calling out sick during this time means you must notify your employer promptly that you are ill and won’t be able to work your scheduled shift or shifts. This notification should include the nature of your illness if comfortable sharing and an expected timeline for your return, if possible. Doing this preserves transparency and respects the company’s ability to manage workflow during your absence.

For example, if you planned to work through your final two weeks but develop a contagious illness on day seven, calling out sick prevents exposing coworkers and allows your manager to adjust schedules. It shows professionalism rather than simply not showing up without notice, which could damage your reputation.

How Does Calling Out Sick Work in Your Final Two Weeks?

When you call out sick during your last two weeks, the process typically mirrors calling out sick at any point in your employment but may come with added scrutiny. Employers might expect more documentation, especially since you are in your notice period and the company is preparing for your departure. Here is a detailed look at how it works:

1. Early Notification: Contact your employer as soon as you realize you are too ill to work. For example, if your shift starts at 9 a.m., call at least 30 minutes to an hour before to give them time to find coverage.
2. Method of Notification: Use the company’s preferred method—phone call is often best for immediate communication, but some may accept email or text depending on guidelines.
3. Provide Reasonable Detail: You do not need to share personal health details but should be clear enough — for example, “I am experiencing flu symptoms and won’t be able to come in today.”
4. Offer Documentation: If your sick leave extends beyond one or two days, or if required by company policy, offer to provide a doctor’s note. This might read, “I will see a doctor today and can provide a note if needed.”
5. Stay in Touch: Keep your employer updated if your condition changes or if you can return sooner or later than expected.

For instance, if you become ill three days before your planned last day, notify your manager immediately, explain your symptoms, and send a doctor’s note if your employer requests it. This keeps the process professional and avoids misunderstandings.

Why Does Calling Out Sick During the Notice Period Matter?

Calling out sick during your last two weeks matters because it can impact your final paycheck, references, and your professional reputation. Here are several reasons why this period is sensitive:

• Final Paycheck and Benefits: Sick leave policies vary. Some employers pay for accrued sick days, while others do not. If you call out sick without documentation, they might withhold pay for those days. Reviewing your company’s sick leave and final paycheck policy before calling out is essential.
• Job References: Future employers may contact your current employer for a reference. How you handled your last days can influence their feedback. Calling out with honesty and professionalism helps maintain a positive impression.
• Workplace Impact: Absences in the last two weeks can disrupt project handoffs or team operations. Proper communication shows respect for your colleagues and the company.
• Employment Records: Excessive absences, even during notice, can appear in your employment record, which could affect rehire eligibility or unemployment claims.

For example, if you call out sick on your last scheduled day without notice or documentation, your employer might classify that day as unexcused absence, which could reduce your final pay or create a negative note in your file. On the other hand, clear communication with a doctor’s note helps avoid these issues.

What Are Common Confusions About Calling Out Sick in Your Last Two Weeks?

Many people confuse calling out sick with quitting abruptly or taking unapproved days off. It’s important to understand these differences:

• Calling Out Sick vs. Quitting Early: Calling out sick means you are temporarily unable to work because of illness. Quitting early means you end your employment before the agreed last day without notice. Calling out sick does not substitute for proper resignation.
• Sick Leave vs. Vacation or Personal Days: Sick leave is specifically for illness or medical appointments. Vacation or personal days are planned time off. Using vacation days in place of sick leave requires employer approval and should be requested separately.
• Calling Out Sick Without Documentation: In some workplaces, especially during a notice period, calling out sick without a doctor’s note or valid reason can be seen as unprofessional or might lead to disciplinary action.
• No-Call, No-Show: Simply not showing up without notifying your employer is not calling out sick. This can lead to termination and harm your professional reputation.

Understanding these distinctions helps you communicate correctly and manage your exit on good terms. For example, if you feel unwell during your last two weeks, calling your manager with a clear explanation is different from deciding not to come in without any notice.

How Should You Notify Your Employer When Sick During Your Notice Period?

Proper notification is key to maintaining professionalism. Follow these steps:

1. Use the Preferred Contact Method: Phone calls are usually the fastest and most direct. If your company uses a sick leave hotline or an app, follow those protocols.
2. Be Clear and Concise: State your name, that you are calling out sick, and the expected duration. For example, “Hi, this is [Your Name]. I’m calling to let you know I’m sick today and won’t be able to work.”
3. Provide an Estimated Return Time: If you expect to return the next day, say so. If unsure, say you will update them as soon as possible.
4. Offer Documentation Proactively: “I’ll see my doctor today and will send a note if required.”
5. Follow Up: If your illness continues, update your employer daily or as agreed. If you recover sooner, let them know you can return early.

Example wording for a first notification call: “Hello [Manager’s Name], this is [Your Name]. I’m feeling unwell this morning with a fever and won’t be able to come in today. I hope to see a doctor and will send a note if needed. I’ll keep you updated on my condition.”

Following these steps helps ensure your employer has what they need to manage your absence and shows you are taking responsibility.

What Should You Do If You’re Sick but Want to Finish Your Notice Period?

If you are sick but want to complete your last two weeks, consider the following:

• Assess Your Health: If your illness is mild and you feel capable, working (or working from home if possible) shows dedication.
• Communicate Clearly: Let your employer know your condition and willingness to work with accommodations, such as lighter duties or flexible hours.
• Ask About Remote Work: If your job allows, suggest working from home to stay productive while recovering.
• Avoid Spreading Illness: If contagious, it is responsible to stay home to protect coworkers.
• Use Sick Leave Properly: If you cannot work, notify your employer promptly and follow sick leave procedures.

Example: “I’m recovering from a mild cold and feel able to work from home today if that’s okay. Please let me know if that would help.”

Balancing your health needs with professionalism during your notice period helps ensure a positive job exit.

What Are the Possible Employer Responses to Calling Out Sick in Your Last Two Weeks?

Employers might respond differently depending on their policies and the situation:

• Approve Your Sick Leave: Most will accept your absence and pay you according to sick leave policy.
• Request Documentation: Employers often require a doctor’s note, especially for absences longer than a day or during the notice period to verify your illness.
• Adjust Your Last Day: Some employers may decide your last day is the last day you worked if you have unexcused absences.
• Discipline or Termination: If they suspect abuse of sick leave or unprofessional behavior, employers might take disciplinary action, though this is less common with legitimate illness.
• No Impact: Employers may simply acknowledge your absence and proceed with your scheduled end date.

Understanding these possibilities prepares you to communicate respectfully and provide any required documentation.

What Are the Next Steps After Calling Out Sick During Your Last Two Weeks?

After calling out sick, take these actions:

• Keep Your Employer Updated: Inform your manager or HR about changes in your health status and expected return date.
• Complete Exit Tasks When Able: If health improves, return to work to finish any handoff or exit activities.
• Check Your Final Paycheck: Review that pay for sick days and accrued leave is included correctly.
• Request References: If your departure was professional, ask for a written or verbal reference early.
• Seek Help if Needed: If you experience unfair treatment or pay issues, contact HR, labor authorities, or legal aid.
• Prioritize Your Health: Focus on recovery so you start your next role in good condition.

Example checklist for your last two weeks if sick:

Taking these steps helps ensure your final days are handled smoothly and professionally.

Frequently asked questions

Can my employer refuse my sick leave during my last two weeks?

Employers can require proof of illness and enforce their policies, but cannot deny legitimate sick leave without cause. If they do, you may seek advice from HR or labor authorities.

Will calling out sick affect my unemployment benefits after quitting?

Properly documented sick leave usually does not affect eligibility for unemployment benefits, but quitting without notice or valid reason might. Check local rules for details.

Do I have to provide a doctor’s note if I call out sick during my notice period?

Many companies require a doctor’s note if you miss more than a day or two, especially during your notice period. Providing one helps verify your absence.

Can I use vacation time instead of sick leave during my last two weeks?

If you have accrued vacation, you may request to use it, but it requires employer approval and should be arranged in advance.

What if I feel pressured to work while sick during my notice period?

You have the right to prioritize your health. Communicate clearly, provide documentation, and if pressured, contact HR or labor authorities for support.