It’s summer, and you’re probably gearing up to take some time off work – including tying up loose ends, putting some final touches on projects, and figuring out the process of delegating. So many factors go into making sure you can actually disconnect, relax, and recharge over your planned vacation. 

 

Once you’ve finally crossed off those last-minute items on your to-do list and are ready to check out of work mode for while, there’s just one last thing you need to do – set your out-of-office message. 

 

So what makes a good automated response that will give you the reassurance you need to keep your work email under control so that you can truly enjoy your holiday?

 

 

To help you fully unplug from email, we’ve compiled six of the best out-of-office message examples that are perfectly suited to you, your company, and this vacation-heavy time of year.

 

The Short and Sweet

If you’re looking for a classic OOO message, this one is for you. Perhaps you work an industry that values directness and getting straight to the point, and playfulness may be off-brand. This response covers all of the most important bits of information every OOO needs: the date you will return to the office, when they can expect a response back, and who to contact in the meantime. That’s it!

 

Hi there!

Thanks for your note! I’ll be OOO from [date] to [date] and will not have access to email during that time. If this is an urgent matter, please contact [Contact Name] at [contact email].

Best,

[Name]

 

The Business-Minded

Let your OOO response do some lead generation for you while you’re away, publicizing all of the exciting ways people can still get involved with your company’s community before you return. For example, you can encourage inquires to use your online booking or appointment system on your website, or you can tell them to subscribe to your newsletter to stay updated on upcoming offerings you’ll be announcing soon.

 

Hello!

Thanks for your email! I’ll be OOO from [date] to [date] and will not be accessing email during that time.

That doesn’t mean you have to wait to start achieving your professional goals! Visit my website, www.MyAmazingWebsite.com to schedule your free career-transforming consultation with me today. 

For all pressing matters, please contact [Contact Name] at [contact email] for assistance.

I can’t wait to start working with you when I return [date]!

Best,

[Name]

 

The Promoter

Who says an autoresponder needs to be impersonal? You can use your OOO message to continue building a relationship with present and potential customers by showing off the knowledge and products you have to offer. You can include a case study, a downloadable to your latest report, or a link to an excellent blog post you published. Not only does this further your credibility, but it also allays the feelings of frustration customers might feel while not being able to reach you. 

 

Hi,

Thank you for getting in touch! I’ll be out-of-office from [date] to [date] and will not be checking email during that time. 

In the meantime, please feel free to enjoy the latest post from our blog. It has all of the information you need to integrate a cloud-connected service with your smart home device (plus a definitive guide on how our product can help).

I can’t wait to connect when I return [date]. Until then, please contact [Contact Name] at [contact email] for all urgent matters.

Best,

[Name]

 

The Public Relations Pro

If you are traveling for a work-related conference or business trip and have limited access to email, let people know in the body of the message. This shows that you are active in industry circles and that you’re dedicated to learning and serious about your professional development. This will win major credibility points in the eyes of your email inquirers. 

 

Hi,

Thanks so much for reaching out. I’m currently attending the [conference/event name] from [date] to [date] and will have limited access to email during this time. 

To learn more about what we do here at [Company Name], please visit our website here [link] and keep up to date with us by following us on Twitter [link] and subscribing to our newsletter [link]. You’ll be first to know the next time we host a webinar or workshop! 

For specific assistance, I’ll be responding to emails on [date]. If you need something resolved urgently, please contact [Contact Name] at [contact email].

Best,

[Name]

 

The Fun and Festive

If you’re off to have fun on your vacation, you might as well have some fun in your OOO message! And hey, you might inspire someone else to start planning their next holiday. 

 

Happy Summer!

It’s my favorite time of year, which means I’m currently out of the office lounging on a Carribean beach, sipping on mojitos, and attempting to achieve the tan I’ve been waiting all year long for.  

I’ll be back in front of my computer on [date] and will respond to your message then. If you require immediate assistance, please feel free to send an email to [Contact Name] at [contact email] so that they can help you out.

Cheers!

[Your Name]

 

The Total Unplug

Completely unplugging from work? Good for you! Be sure to make this plan clear in your autoresponder so boundaries are set and no one expects any type of work-related correspondence while you’re away. Then, turn on SaneDoNotDisturb and enjoy an empty inbox for days.

 

Hello there,

Thank you for your note. I’m currently out of the office, returning on [date]. I’ll respond to your message then.

Please note that I will be completely disconnected from email and will not be checking messages until I return. So, if you need urgent assistance, please send an email to [Contact Name] at [contact email].

Best,

[Name]

 

Whether you prefer to keep it simple or have a little fun with your OOO message, it’s always essential to include the basics so you don’t have a mountain of emails to respond to when you get back. Then, all there’s left to do is stay out of your inbox and enjoy your vacation fully!