I can’t agree that holding on to a request for a week or so is akin to groveling.
We’re always busy. Sometimes we’re too busy even for work. This is where out of office message comes in.
.
After I tweeted this example, dozens of people sent me examples of OOO messages they’d set or particularly good examples they’d seen in the wild. One example from a boss (via a TikTok) who offers emailers a decision tree of sorts. “Option 1.) Wait it out. Ask yourself, ‘is this urgent and important?’ If not, take a beat…you and I will be better off with this expectation set now,” the email begins. This one stands out because it’s extremely detailed, manages expectations and also offers who to contact in different situations. It models good behavior of taking time off, but also gives the original sender a variety of option. Most importantly, the responder forces the original sender to assess whether this is actually an urgent request.
An out of office message could become an opportunity to connect with your client on a more personal level. Consider sharing something about yourself that they might not have known about while working with you.
That’s it. That’s all. Simple and to the point, this message will let people know that you can’t respond to messages.
Whatever you write, Instructional Solutions teaches a proven process to synthesize and communicate complex information. For teams and individuals. OFFERINGS Group Options Business Writing Courses Executive Coaching COMPANY About Us Client List Testimonials Case Studies ROI Calculator RESOURCES Blog Client-Only Resources Student Resources Jargon Grader
Mac? Well, he clearly works hard and plays hard. Which is totally on-brand with the vibe that Marriott's Moxy hotels exude. In summary? Points for being young and able to dance the night away. Double (mid-life adult) points for staying on brand while doing so.
“This is MY NAME [from COMPANY] calling about REASON. Call me [by DAY/TIME] at (844) 387-6962 [pause, then repeat the number very slowly] that’s eight four four… three, eight, seven… six, nine, six, two.”
I appreciate your email. Currently, I am out of the office but will return after (Date of Return). My access to email will be limited during this period of time.
If you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newsletter called "If You Only Read 6 Things This Week". A handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Culture, Capital and Travel, delivered to your inbox every Friday.
My pet peeve is when people put a contact in there but then don’t include their contact info, assuming anyone would have it. I don’t always and that’s super annoying.
Don't miss out on your next career move. Work with Apollo Technical and we'll keep you in the loop about the best IT and engineering jobs out there — and we'll keep it between us.
Thank you for emailing me. I am currently out of the office, with no email access. I will be returning on [DATE]. If you need immediate assistance before then, you may reach me at my mobile [PHONE]. Kind Regards.
Are you the office prankster? Are you also taking some time off to relax during lockdown? Everyone loves a cheeky out of office response. We’re big fans of the example below. You’ll have your whole office in hysterics.
Thanks for calling [Company Name]. Our offices are currently closed. Our business hours are from Monday to Friday 9 AM to 8 PM Eastern Time, and Saturday 9 AM to 12 PM Eastern. If you would like to leave a message in our general voice mailbox, press 1. A representative will contact you the following business day. To reach our company directory, press 2. For business hours and directions to our office, press 3. You may also email us at [company email]. For more information about our products and services, please visit us at [website]. To repeat this message, press the * key. 7. Direct Customers to Your Account Login Page
While a holiday is a great chance to disconnect and relax, you have a lot to take care of before taking a break. One of these things is setting up an auto-response system that sends out automated messages to everybody trying to call and message you when you are on leave. A thoughtful out of office message lets people know you cannot respond because you are on a holiday.
Editor's note: This post was originally published in December 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. Related Articles Get it now Get it now Download for Later Popular Features Free Meeting Scheduler App Social Media Tools Email Tracking Software Sales Email Automation Ads Software Email Marketing Software Lead Management Software Pipeline Management Tools Sales Email Templates Help Desk Software Free Online Form Builder Free Chatbot Builder Free Live Chat Software Marketing Analytics Free Landing Page Builder Free Tools Website Grader Make My Persona Email Signature Generator Blog Ideas Generator Invoice Template Generator Marketing Plan Generator Free Business Templates Industry Benchmark Data Software Comparisons Library Company About Us Careers Management Team Board of Directors Investor Relations Blog Contact Us Customers Customer Support Join a Local User Group Partners All Partner Programs Solutions Partner Program App Partner Program HubSpot for Startups Affiliate Program Facebook Instagram Youtube Twitter Linkedin Medium Be the first to rate this company Not rated ${ company.score } stars • ${ company.industry} • ${ company.headquarters} Career Resources Topics Community Writers Companies Best-Rated for... Paid time off Salary satisfaction The people you work with Flexible work hours Equal opportunities for women and men Learning opportunities Management opportunities Ability to telecommute Wellness initiatives Employer responsiveness More categories... More Best Places to Work By InHerSight score By review category By industry By city By company size Career Resources Job Search Applying Interviewing Negotiating Networking Career change Unemployment Career Management Career development Advancement Management Negotiating Culture & professionalism Mentorship Retirement Students Benefits & Policies Paid time off Salary Flexibility Work from home Diversity Workplace rights Working Mom Work-life balance Pregnancy Return to work Parenting Inspiration Women to know Quizzes Reading Playlist Equality Guides to discrimination Equal opportunities Allyship Microaggressions Wellness Work-life balance Mental health More Ask a recruiter Research Working during coronavirus Employer resources