What Are the Funniest or Strangest Excuses You've Heard for Missing Work?

Hi HR friends,

I am interested in hearing funny or strange excuses that employees have used as the reason for not coming to work. For example, I was told recently that "I was in jail," and another said, "I can't come to work today... when I asked why, she put me on hold for two minutes, forgot to press the hold button, and was asking her friend, "What reason should I give?" Hahahaha, that was really the funniest one I ever had.

What excuses have you heard from your employees? Please share with me.

Regards,
Roop
Email: rupalt@gmail.com

Common excuses for not coming to work given by most employees are: my granny passed away, grandpa passed away, my cousin met with an accident, I am seriously ill, court case. For a long leave, reasons include: I have to go to my native place for a property dispute, brother's marriage, cousin's marriage.

Regards,
Shubha

1. Wife is sick.
2. Water supply problem.
3. Transport problem.
4. Guests at home.
5. Could not sleep the whole night.
6. Mother-in-law is sick.
7. Cooking gas problem.

Please take care.

Hi, I am searching for a new reason so I can get a one-day leave from my office. I have tried all reasons before, but my boss does not agree to give me leave. He always says he will cut my pay if I go on leave. Now, I am really tired. Please suggest options. Thanks.

Hi,

I wish I could take leave just by saying I want to take a day off - to chill out, or just because today I am in no mood to work, etc. I wish it is high time companies should approve this reason as valid as a husband being sick. I don't want to lie, nor do I always want to have some more important personal work to take a day off from the office.

The greatest luxury in life is sometimes just waking up in the morning and realizing that, even though it is a weekday, it is my day which I will plan just as my imagination takes me. My weekends are also quite planned and hectic, in fact, more hectic than weekdays with numerous activities. So, once in a while, I feel this need to take a day off just without any agenda.

Has anyone ever felt like this? 🤔

Thanks,
Geeta