The holidays are a time for warm wishes and for expressing gratitude for a great year gone by. While holiday messages may not take a lot of time to write, they are a great way to show you care and bring people closer, whether the recipient is your employee, colleague, or boss.
To remind us – as if we needed reminding, as we vainly strive for ‘inbox zero’ – of just what a time drain email has become, Kay Woodward, UK-based author of What Would She Do?, has wryly channelled one of her book’s real-life heroines, Emmeline Pankhurst (and Pankhurst’s movement’s motto) in her OOO. “Deeds, not emails. That’s what the Suffragettes need. And let’s face it, I’m probably in prison anyway, so couldn’t reply even if I wanted to.”
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So now this email is working overtime with the flood of enquiries, spam, well-wishes, and broken hearts.
With all that in mind, take a look at the following tips and tricks and six examples to make your automatic responses more effective:
Thank you for your message. I will be out of the office starting [start date] and returning [return date]. While I am [reason for absence], I will have limited email access.
I’m guessing that this comment was gratuitously cruel on purpose just for the lulz, but I’ll give it a serious response anyway:
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While you’re writing and activating your out-of-office message, sidestep these pitfalls:
As you may have noticed, the holiday season is around the corner. We hope that you and your family are safe and in happy holiday spirits!
I am on sick leave with no access to emails and phone calls. Hence, kindly expect a delayed response.
I don’t think it’s condescending, but I do find it annoying. I have a coworker who sometimes writes emails in this tone of voice, and it’s honestly way too much.
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“We will get in touch with you very soon”.“Thank you for reaching out to us”.“Our representative we contact you ASAP”.
However, when I email the backup person I also cc the original person. If the issue gets totally resolved, the original person is well aware. If the issue is not resolved, the original person can pick it up pretty easily.
The one exception: When I was out for a week and a half on my wedding/honeymoon, I included something about “Additionally, I am out of office getting married, so shortly after my return my name will change from Red Bookworm to Red Reader.”
Set your personal email out of office message to reflect when you will return and if it is an emergency who they can reach.