Everyday
Get well messages for a coworker
For a coworker, say you hope they feel better, tell them work is covered, and ask for nothing. Stay warm but professional and leave health details out. If you are unsure, "Sorry you're out sick. Take the time you need. We've got things covered here." fits almost any workplace.
Four get well messages for a coworker, ready to copy
Sorry you're out sick. Take the time you need. We've got things covered here.
Thinking of you. Please focus on getting better; everything here can wait.
Wishing you a full recovery. We'll see you when you're ready.
Hope you're feeling better soon. Nothing needed from you.
Jump to a situation
Writing to a coworker who's out sick
You don't need to know the details of what's wrong. Silence can feel colder than a short note, and a line from a colleague, without any request attached, often means more than people expect.
Avoid mentioning projects, coverage or return dates, even helpfully. If you manage them, the kindest thing you can write is that work can wait.
For a close teammate
3 messages
Missing you around here already. Take the time you need and don't think about work.
Sorry you're having a rough time. I'm thinking of you and ready to help with anything you point me to, no reply needed.
Get well soon. The team isn't the same without you, but we'll manage.
For a colleague you only know lightly
3 messages
Sorry to hear you're unwell. Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Thinking of you and hoping you feel better soon.
Please take care of yourself. Wishing you a smooth recovery.
From a manager to a team member
3 messages
Say plainly that work can wait. Don't ask for updates in the same message.
I'm sorry you're going through this. Work can wait. Please take the time you need.
Your health comes first. Everything here is handled, and there's nothing for you to do but rest.
Thinking of you. We'll talk when you're ready, and not before.
From a team member to a manager
3 messages
Wishing you a smooth recovery. We'll keep things steady here. Please rest.
Thinking of you. Take all the time you need. We've got this.
Get well soon. Everything's under control.
For a text or Slack message
3 messages
Just heard you're out. Hope you feel better soon. No reply needed.
Thinking of you. Rest up, and I'll keep things moving here.
Sorry you're sick. Take care, and don't answer this.
When they come back
3 messages
Welcome them without a spotlight. Many people dread being asked about their health on day one.
Good to see you. No need to catch up on anything. Just glad you're here.
Welcome back. Take it slowly, and let me know if I can take something off your plate.
Glad you're back. Whatever pace feels right is the right pace.
What not to say to a sick coworker
Work habits sneak into get well cards. Leave these out.
- “Hope you're back soon, we're swamped”Makes their illness about your workload.
- “Let me know if you need anything”Rarely usable. Offer something specific, or just send care.
- Asking what's wrong or when they'll returnPrivacy first. HR and their manager handle return dates.
- “You really should try…”Medical advice from a coworker isn't welcome in a card.
- Jokes about “enjoying the time off”Illness isn't a holiday, and they may not be resting well.
A short note on tone
A coworker's get well card is not the place for the full emotional register of a close friend. A sentence of real warmth, a clear 'no pressure', and your name is plenty. If the illness seems serious, keep it exactly this simple; the person can reply with more detail when and if they choose.
Before you send it
- Keep health details out of team cards and group chats, even if you know them.
- Have one person collect signatures, so the card doesn't sit on a desk for a week.
- If work truly needs them, send that separately and later. Never put it in the card.
Our best lines on one printable page
The free wording pack collects our favorite lines for cards and texts on a single page you can print or copy from.
Open the free wording packRelated guides
This guide offers etiquette and wording ideas, not medical or HR advice.