Quick professional messages
When a coworker tells you they are sick
If a colleague messages you about feeling unwell today, acknowledge the news and add a kind wish. Keep the tone as conversational as your usual messages.
For a colleague you do not know well
Keep the note in your own voice and use a channel you already use together when possible. If they may not recognize your name, add the team or department where you met. You do not need to ask what happened.
Messages from the team
Use a shared voice when you are signing on behalf of the people sending the card. Otherwise, change we to I.
Light humor for close coworkers
Use humor only if you know the coworker would welcome it. Keep jokes away from their pain, diagnosis, or pressure to return.
Slack or Teams messages
During a longer or uncertain recovery
When you do not know what recovery will look like, you can show care without setting a return date or asking for an update. A former coworker can briefly acknowledge the time since you last spoke.
- Find more wording for serious or uncertain illness.
- If they have shared a cancer diagnosis, find messages for that situation.
After surgery at work
Choose the right coworker message
Start with the conversation you are actually having: responding to news, checking in, or signing a group card. Use I for a personal message and we only when you speak for the group.
Reply to sick-day news
A colleague has just told you they feel unwell.
Team card
Several people are signing and the tone should include everyone.
After surgery
They shared that they had a procedure, but you should not ask for details.
Close coworker
You know them well enough for light warmth or humor.
How to personalize it
Keep the note separate from deadlines, coverage, and open tasks.
Use no need to reply for Slack, Teams, or email check-ins.
Mention the team only as support, never as pressure to come back.
Do
- Keep the note short and kind.
- Use I for your own note and we for a shared message.
- Respect privacy around the diagnosis.
Avoid
- Do not mention deadlines or workload.
- Do not ask for updates in a group card.
- Do not assume a colleague would welcome a joke about being ill.
Questions people ask
How do I write a get well message for a coworker without adding work pressure?
Keep it short, warm, and separate from deadlines. Say the team is thinking of them, and avoid anything that sounds like you need them back soon.
Can I send a get well message in Slack or Teams?
Yes. Use one or two sentences, avoid private medical questions, and add no need to reply if they may be tired.
Should I say get well soon or feel better to a sick coworker?
Both can fit a brief reply when a colleague says they are unwell. Hope you feel better soon sounds conversational; wishing you a good recovery may suit a card after surgery. You do not need to know how many days they will be off. For an ongoing or uncertain condition, you can simply say I am thinking of you.
What if I have not spoken to a former coworker for a long time?
Briefly acknowledge the gap and send a kind note without asking for medical details: It has been a while since we worked together, but I wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts. If you are unsure whether a private channel would be welcome, consider a shared card or a channel you have used together before.
What should a team card say?
Use shared support rather than workplace urgency: The team is thinking of you, please take the time you need, and we hope you feel cared for.
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This site includes AI-assisted writing examples. Human editorial review is not documented for this version. Writing guidance only, not medical advice.
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