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Get well messages for a coworker

By the WhatToSay editors · Updated

The goal at work is simple: sound human, stay professional, and never make the person feel they're letting the team down.

Four get well messages for a coworker, ready to copy

Warm

Sorry you're out sick. Take the time you need. We've got things covered here.

Professional

Thinking of you. Please focus on getting better; everything here can wait.

Team card

Wishing you a full recovery. We'll see you when you're ready.

Brief

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

Close teammate

Missing you around here already. Take the time you need and don't think about work.

Warm

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.

Brief

Get well soon. The team isn't the same without you, but we'll manage.

For a colleague you only know lightly

Colleague

Sorry to hear you're unwell. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Brief

Thinking of you and hoping you feel better soon.

Professional

Please take care of yourself. Wishing you a smooth recovery.

From a manager to a team member

Say plainly that work can wait. Don't ask for updates in the same message.

From a manager

I'm sorry you're going through this. Work can wait. Please take the time you need.

Warm

Your health comes first. Everything here is handled, and there's nothing for you to do but rest.

Brief

Thinking of you. We'll talk when you're ready, and not before.

From a team member to a manager

To a manager

Wishing you a smooth recovery. We'll keep things steady here. Please rest.

Warm

Thinking of you. Take all the time you need. We've got this.

Brief

Get well soon. Everything's under control.

One line for a shared team card

Leave space for others. Skip inside jokes and anything that reads as a request.

Team card

Wishing you a full recovery. Take care of yourself.

Team card

Thinking of you and hoping you feel better soon.

Team card

Get well soon. We're all rooting for you.

For a text or Slack message

Text

Just heard you're out. Hope you feel better soon. No reply needed.

Text

Thinking of you. Rest up, and I'll keep things moving here.

Text

Sorry you're sick. Take care, and don't answer this.

When they come back

Welcome them without a spotlight. Many people dread being asked about their health on day one.

On return

Good to see you. No need to catch up on anything. Just glad you're here.

On return

Welcome back. Take it slowly, and let me know if I can take something off your plate.

Warm

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.

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 pack

Should you consider sending more than words?

Sometimes, a few heartfelt words are exactly what someone needs to feel loved and supported. You don't have to do anything grand to make a difference. But if you'd like to go a little further, here are some thoughtful ways to show you care.

Bright Days BouquetA safe, workplace-appropriate bouquet that a team can send together without any awkwardness. (Florist One, opens in a new tab)Herbal Tea Gift SetLight and not too personal, and easy to send to a coworker's home while they are out. (Amazon, opens in a new tab)Get Well Care PackageFor a close teammate, a care package shows real thought and the closer relationship allows it. (Amazon, opens in a new tab)Get Well FlowersBrowse and choose something modest, which suits a colleague you only know lightly. (Florist One, opens in a new tab)Enduring Spirit Pothos BasketA plant suits the workplace, is not overly personal, and is easy to give as their manager. (Florist One, opens in a new tab)Thoughtful Fruit BasketFruit is a neutral, appropriate gift when you are sending something upward to a manager. (Florist One, opens in a new tab)Desk Plant GiftA small desk plant splits easily among colleagues and sits well beside a shared card. (Amazon, opens in a new tab)Fresh Cut BouquetsA welcome-back bouquet waiting on the desk makes returning to work feel a little easier. (Florist One, opens in a new tab)Soft Socks and BlanketComfort without comment, and nothing that touches on their illness or how they are doing. (Amazon, opens in a new tab)

Related guides

  • Get well cardPick a line, change a word, sign your name. These get well messages are short on purpose and none of them asks the person to reply, update you, or feel better on a schedule.
  • Get well text messagesTexts are the easiest way to show up for someone who's unwell. Keep them short, kind and free of any obligation to answer.
  • Coworker sympathy cardKeep it brief, human and private. A line with no ask attached means more than silence.
  • Farewell cardName one real thing, keep it short and skip the drama about why they're leaving.
  • Free wording packOne printable page of our best lines for cards and texts.

This guide offers general etiquette and wording ideas. It is not medical, legal or counseling advice. See how we write these guides.