Alternatives to “don't come into work” at work
Why it can fall flat
“don't come into work”
Someone hearing “don't come into work” with no reason or time frame may take it as punishment or dismissal. The writer usually just wants them to stay away for a specific day because it helps them or the team.
Say this instead
- 01
You sound unwell, so please stay home today and rest. Let me know how you're feeling tomorrow.
Someone you manage · Chat
Suits a sick colleague on your team, since it puts their health first and makes staying home the clear instruction.
- 02
Hi Skyler, please don't come in tomorrow. The building is closed for maintenance. Check your email for updates.
Someone you manage · SMS
Good for last-minute closures, since the reason and the time frame are both stated up front.
- 03
Please stay home today. You don't need to be here while you're this ill.
Coworker · Chat
Friendly and direct, useful when a colleague turns up sick and you want to be kind but clear.
- 04
Please don't travel to our office for tomorrow's meeting. We're holding it by video instead.
Client · Email
Handy when plans change, because it saves the client a journey and gives the reason in one line.
- 05
You've been unwell all week, so I'd suggest staying home today and getting properly better.
Boss · Chat
Phrased as a suggestion, which suits speaking up to someone senior while still being clear.
- 06
Please don't visit the shop today, as we're closed because of a power cut. Sorry for the trouble.
Customer · SMS
Short enough to send quickly, and it explains the closure so customers don't make a wasted trip.
- 07
Please let the candidate know they don't need to come into the office on Friday, as the interview will be online.
Recruiter / HR · Email
Clear when the format has changed and you want the candidate to stay away from the office.
- 08
Please don't come in on Friday. You're off the rota that day, and I'd like you to take the full break.
Someone you manage · Email
Helps when someone keeps working on days off, because it sets the boundary kindly and gives a reason.
Examples
Hi Aaliyah, Please stay home tomorrow. You were coughing a lot today, and it's better to rest than to come in. I'll sort out cover for the front desk, so there's no need to worry about that. Best wishes, Benjamin
Hi Bilal, please don't come in this afternoon. The power is out on our floor, so we're all working from home until it's fixed.
What to avoid
- Sending the bare instruction with no reason can leave the person feeling shut out or punished.
- Hinting at consequences such as pay or performance is a mistake unless you truly mean to raise them.
- A vague time frame leaves people guessing, so say whether it's today, tomorrow or until further notice.
- Sarcasm or a sharp tone, such as “Just don't bother coming in”, will be remembered long after the day off.
- Late-night instructions in a group chat may be seen by others or missed by the person who needs them.
Rewrite your message
Related phrases
- How to say “remove me from this email chain” professionally
- A kinder way to say “I can't accept the invitation”
- “You're asking for too much”: how to say it politely
- What to say instead of “you can't work from home”
- What to say instead of “I can't make it to the invitation”
- What to say instead of “my car broke down”