The Nine Best Excuses for Calling in Sick

If you've ever thought you needed some elaborate lie to get out of work, that doesn't seem to be the case.  According to this poll, you should just keep it simple.  An insurance company recently polled 1,000 business owners and CEOs to find what they consider good reasons for calling out sick.  Here are the top nine.

1.  You have the flu.  42% said that's an acceptable reason to miss work.

2.  Your back went out, 39%.

3.  You had some sort of accident and hurt yourself, 38%. - But it doesn't say you have to be specific. The devil is in the details.

4.  You're just really stressed out, 35%. - This one is interesting.  I can't imagine saying I'm just too stressed out to come and my boss being okay with it... What about you?

5. You had elective surgery, 35%. - This is really odd. Wouldn't that be something that you plan in advance? Who has elective surgery at the last minute?

6. You're depressed, 35%. - This makes no sense to me.  See #4.

7.  You're having an anxiety attack, 25%. - See #6

8. You have a cold, 24%.

9. You have a migraine, 22%.

And 8% of employers said none of these excuses are a good enough reason to miss work.

Telegraph