Out-Of-Office Message Hacks: 10 Creative Ideas For Your Next Vacation
Taking a well-deserved vacation is a stress-free occasion that’s exciting to look forward to, but it also means temporarily disconnecting from your work. An essential part of this process is setting up an out-of-office (OOO) message. For many people, that can be one extra annoying thing to add to the list, but in this article, we’ll look at the basics of OOO messages and 10 unique OOO message ideas, ranging from professional to playful.
What Is An OOO Message?
An out-of-office message, often referred to as an auto-reply or vacation message, is an automated email response that informs senders that you are currently unavailable and lets them know when you’ll be back.
Before we get creative with our OOO messages, there are some essential dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do’s:
Be Clear: Clearly state your unavailability dates. Ambiguity can lead to misunderstandings.
Provide an Alternative Contact: If possible, direct senders to a colleague or a team member who can assist them in your absence.
Express Gratitude: Thank the sender for their email and express your willingness to connect when you return.
Dont’s:
Reveal Too Much Information: While informing colleagues of your absence is essential, avoid over-sharing personal details in your OOO message because things can get awkward very fast.
Use Jargon Or Slang: Keep your message professional and easy to understand.
Forget To Set A Return Date: Always specify when you’ll return to work.
With all that being said, here are some examples that might be worth checking out:
The Classic Professional OOO Message
You can’t go wrong with this one. It is straight to the point, efficient, and concise.
Subject: Out of Office
“Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office and will not be available until (add in a realistic date). During this time, my response to emails may be delayed. For immediate assistance, please contact (Colleague’s Name) at (Colleague’s Email).” Easy peasy!
The Minimalist Approach
If you are a person of few words, this is perfect.
Subject: Out of Office
“I’m currently out of the office and will return on [Return Date]. Your email is important, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”
An email client.
The Vacation-Themed OOO Message
This is a full-disclosure, playful type of message, and it works depending on your line of work.
Subject: On Vacation, talk soon
“Hello, and thanks for reaching out! I’m taking a break from my inbox and enjoying some sun and sand. I’ll be back in action on (Return Date). In the meantime, catch some virtual rays with (Colleague’s Name) at (Colleague’s contact information).”
The Funny OOO Message
Try this if you like to add a dash of humor to your messages.
Subject: Gone Fishing
“I’ve cast my line and am off on a fishing adventure, metaphorically speaking. Your email might feel like a fish in a vast sea of messages right now, but don’t worry; I’ll reel it in and respond when I’m back on (Include Return Date).”
The Thought-Provoking OOO Message
Subject: Finding Inspiration
“I’m temporarily offline, seeking inspiration and new ideas. During this time, I won’t be able to respond to emails. If you have an idea or thought you’d like to share, jot it down and send it my way when I get back on (Date).”
The Movie Geek OOO Message
Subject: Out of the Office: On Intermission
“My inbox is currently on intermission. I’ll be back for the sequel on [Return Date]. In the meantime, grab your popcorn and enjoy the show with (Colleague’s Name And Contact Information).”
The Literary OOO Message
This is perfect for anyone in the Literary industry.
Subject: Off on a Literary Journey
“I’ve embarked on a literary adventure and won’t be checking my email until (Return Date). If you have any reading recommendations or insights, please feel free to share them. Until then, happy reading!”
The Thrill Seeker OOO Message
Subject: Chasing Adventure
“I’m off chasing adventures in uncharted territories and won’t have access to my email until I get back on (Date). If you’re feeling adventurous, too, consider exploring new horizons. We’ll compare stories when I’m back!”
The Gratitude OOO Message
Subject: Grateful for Your Email
“Your email is truly appreciated. I’m currently out of the office but will respond when I return on (Date). In the meantime, enjoy your day, and thank you for your understanding.”
The Creative OOO Message
Subject: Crafting Away
“I’ve traded my keyboard for crafting supplies and am embracing my creative side. We will have to reconnect when I return on (Date). If you’re feeling artsy, join me in unleashing your inner artist! Talk soon.”
No matter what line of work you’re in, there’s an appropriate vacation message for everyone. Setting up an Out-of-Office message doesn’t have to be a mundane task. With a touch of creativity and a dash of professionalism, you can leave a positive impression on those who reach out to you while you’re away.
The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
