I’d probably say something like “I am unavailable until X date. Please contact [colleague] or [colleague] if you need assistance. Thanks!”
14. "Hello, you've reached the Sales Department at [Company name]. All of our representatives are currently helping clients [insert goal such as, 'achieve 40% growth through streamlining HR operations'] and are unable to take your call. Please leave your name, company, and phone number and we'll give you a call back ASAP. Thank you!"
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I go with “offline” or “away” (away…to my couch). I like closing the door, though!
But some of us just aren’t as lucky. Or if we’re traveling during the winter and heading up north — well, we’re going to run into some snow, aren’t we?
With the Holiday season right around the corner, your office’s voicemail greeting should quickly inform callers of any potential changes in hours, days or availability.
I typically say “thanks for your message, I’m out until blah date, with periodic access to email” or no access depending. I list contacts who are willing to pitch in if necessary, and list the day AFTER my return that I’ll be able to address messages.
I got the original voice mail on my landline when it became available for home use. It replaced the old voicemail recorder you could buy.
Education Details: Template #1 Out-Of-Office Old School Style: For those who want to keep it low key. Thank you for your email, I’m currently Out Of Office till
Have you sent a proper farewell email to the whole office, thanking everyone and wishing them well?
Amanda works at HubSpot, and she came with a unique auto respondent that asked her contacts to guess where she is. To give background, she flew down to Boston to attend a Red Sox training game in the spring with her father. She chose to ask her contacts whether where they think she might be, and also this played some wonderful use of litotes here:
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year [or any variation on these salutations].
A ‘Type A’ who can’t ever fully switch-off from work… at least they’re honest about it!
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That would drive me mad. I’m okay with in meetings all day but if you’re just going home at a normal time that’s ridiculous!
Hey, I am currently out of office. If something urgent comes up, you can email [name and email]. Kind regards.
This information will help the person reaching out to you gauge whether their message can wait for your response or if they need to contact someone else instead.
Now that you know what you should and shouldn’t include, how do you go about crafting the perfect out-of-office vacation message?