As the holidays approach, we’re counting down the days until the office closes for a break—this is your reminder to inform people emailing you that you won’t be available. We’ve taken the liberty of providing a few sample out-of-office (OOO) messages that you can cut and paste, along with a framework to help you write your own. We’ve also ranked them from ‘very professional’ to ‘I wish I could say that.’ Be sure your tone aligns with your company.
Very Professional
Subject Line: Out-of-office
Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office for the holidays and will return on [return date]. During this time, I will have limited access to email. If your matter is urgent, please contact [alternative contact name] at [contact email]. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Casual Professional
Subject Line: Out-of-office: Closed for the holidays
Happy holidays! I’m currently out of the office, enjoying some well-deserved time off until [return date]. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. For urgent matters, please contact [alternative contact name]. Cheers!
Light-hearted
Subject Line: Out-of-office: Sorry, Santa needed my help
I’m out of the office because Santa can’t do it all alone. If you really need me, you’ll have to wait until we’ve delivered joy to the world or [return date]!
Playful
Subject Line: Jingle All the Way… Out of Office
I’m currently decking the halls and can’t respond to emails. If it’s urgent, feel free to send a letter to the North Pole. Be back after the eggnog wears off! Probably [return date]!
Sassy
Subject Line: 100% Festive, 0% Available
Thank you for your email. I will be out of the office until [return date]. I’m taking a break from email and diving headfirst into holiday shenanigans. I’ll get back to you when I’m out of the eggnog coma.
Cheeky
Subject Line: Unwrapping Gifts, Not Emails
I’m currently busy unwrapping a variety of well-thought-out and definitely-not-regifted presents. Your email will be attended to once I’m done politely pretending to love them all.
Remember these 5 things if you want to write your own:
- Clear Dates: Specify the duration of your absence, including the start and end dates.
- Reason for Absence: While it’s not necessary to disclose personal details, a brief explanation can provide context. For example, “I am currently on vacation” or “I am attending a conference.”
- Alternate Contact Information: Provide the name and contact details of a colleague who can assist in your absence. This shows that you are still committed to resolving issues, even when unavailable.
- Response Timeframe: Indicate when the sender can expect to hear back from you. For instance, “I will respond to your email upon my return” or “I will be checking emails intermittently.”
- Professional Tone: Maintain a polite and professional tone throughout the message, avoiding any language that could be construed as dismissive or disrespectful.
Conclusion
Out-of-office messages aren’t just boring auto-replies; they’re your chance to keep things professional, set clear expectations, and steer communication while you’re away. By putting some thought into your OOO message, you’ll avoid leaving emailers wondering where you are or why you’re not responding.
