I'll be off for just over two weeks and I'm back in the office with a face that's still settling. My manager is fine, but there's a group chat that notices everything.
Not asking anyone to share details they don't want to. Just curious how people handled it: did you say what it was, keep it vague, or have a line ready for when someone asks?
"Going to Korea for a couple of weeks" is technically true and that's all anyone gets lol. Nobody questioned it because who doesn't want to go to Seoul
I'd have one sentence ready and say it the same way every time. The more you explain the more people dig. Something like "had a small procedure, all good, not a big thing" and then change the subject. Totally up to you how much you share though, it's nobody's business.
the "say it the same way every time" thing is smart. I tend to over-explain when I'm nervous
If you can, add a few work-from-home days at the end of the leave. Gives you a bit more time before you're on camera or in a meeting room under office lighting.