If you're unsure of what exactly to write in your message, a good idea is to search through your inbox for out of office messages you have previously received from other people. From these messages, you'll have a good idea of the kind of tone and messaging that professionals use for these automatic replies.
Though you were ending with a “for everything else, there’s Mastercard” for a moment!
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Doesn’t work when phone is off or out of range, does it? I’m a small business owner but I am often driving in out of range areas and will be traveling for a week with no signal most of the time. Considering leaving my phone plugged in at home just so it can send the auto replies. Still no fix though for the hours spent outside sms land every week.
By which I mean to say: I’m on holiday, I’m definitely sunburnt, and I’m sorry I missed your email.
Thank you for your email. I will be out of the office from *date* to *date* and will have limited access to email / will not have access to email. If you require immediate assistance, please contact *Name* at *email*. I will do my best to respond promptly to your email upon my return.
Our office will be closed from [date] to [date] for the coming National Day holiday. We will resume our operations on [date]. Any inconvenience caused is much regretted.
Every time the grocery store clerk asks, “Would you like to donate to breast cancer?” I have to bite my tongue.
Employers Services Post Jobs Job Seekers Key Client Benefits Sysgen’s Expertise Strategic Position Contact Us Our Location Live Chat Support About Us People Behind Sysgen Company Background and History Our Consultants Testimonials Resources Job Search Acing the Interview Finding a Job Interview Preparations Networking Resumes and Cover Letters Career Advice Getting Started Work Relationships Work-Life Balance Career Management Recruiting Life at Sysgen Company Event Press Kit Press Release Break Room Inspiration 7 Refreshing Out-of-Office Templates You Can Use During the Holidays
Not a big fan of this overly wordy version, but at least the OOM-writer gives you contact info for the people who might be able to help. My pet peeve is “I am out of the office until the 12th of never” with no indication of who might be able to help. But… we also have people who turn on their out of office while teleworking. WHAT?! You’re working. No one cares from where.
Erin Ollila is a content strategist and writer who believes in the power of words and how a message can inform — and even transform — its intended audience. Reach out to her on Instagram at @ErinOllila, or visit her website erinollila.com.
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Thanks for your email. I’m on vacation. On the couch. Eating chips. And bingeing Stranger Things for the eighth time (don’t tell anyone).
First, and most importantly, let the people trying to get in touch with you know when you’ll be gone and when you’ll be returning. There’s one more date to add — when they can expect for you to return their message.
I think this was from some outside contractor: “I have decided to retire to Pluto. Please send all work related enquiries to Cecil.Mongoose at llamagroomers dot com, or if you prefer an intergalactic means of communication my personal address is fergus at pluto dot com.”
Thanks for your email. I’m currently out of the office, returning on [date]. I’ll respond to your message then.
For immediate assistance, please contact me on my cell phone at (your cell phone number).
There’s a department at my workplace where this is common practice too. My old department worked with clients in similar ways, and I was half expecting we’d also be required to do it, but luckily that never happened. Further proof that, at this (generally progressive, flexible-working) company, your actual work-life balance heavily depends who manages you.