Even if the #Covid19 pandemic means many of us are restricted to a staycation, it’s the time of year when our thoughts naturally turn to holidays. So today I focus on the most gleeful communication of them all – the out-of-office autoreply.
What should you include in your out-of-office response?
The best auto responses include the following:
- An apology for the inconvenience
- The reason you can’t reply right away
- An alternative person to contact for something desperately urgent
- When the sender can expect a reply
Here are some examples
A fairly standard out-of-office message might go something like this:
“Hello. Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, I am out of the office until [date] and will have no/limited access to emails. If your message is urgent, please contact [name] at [email address].
If not, I will try to respond to your email on my return by [date] and appreciate your patience.”
But, if it’s right for your company’s culture, you could have a bit of fun with your message and make the recipient smile despite their disappointment at being unable to reach you.
Here are some examples courtesy of @Indeed.com:
“Hello there.
If you are reading this, that means I am currently wedged between two in-laws who are watching game shows at 2pm on a Thursday. I wouldn’t dare disturb them and that is why I cannot respond to your email right now. thank you for your understanding in advance and I will be sure to respond to your email once I escape.”
Or this:
“Why hello there.
As you have probably guessed, I’m not in the office right now. instead, I am road tripping across [insert country name] to spend time with my relatives. They will no doubt ask me very personal, uncomfortable questions about my life choices and why I consider my Pomeranian [or insert other dog breed] my child. So you’ll understand why I cannot respond to your email for the next two weeks.
I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
Thank you.”
And if you want to make colleagues jealous, how about this one:
“Aloha from Hawaii! [substitute dream destination of your choice]
Just kidding, I’m not in Hawaii. How amazing would that be though, right? Instead, I’m enjoying a peaceful holiday in my living room. That being said, I’m not in the office right now and therefore cannot respond to your email. I’m sorry.
I will try my best to respond to your email by [date]. Thank you for your understanding.”
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