Providing a receptionist, secretary or assistant with a telephone message pad or while-you-were-out pad can help ensure a greater degree of organization and communication at work. Look for a phone message book that includes several message sections per page and creates a carbonless copy, so the original copy can be given to the message recipient and the other stored in the book. Consider options that include a repositionable adhesive backing, so the message-taker can place the message in plain view, like on a computer monitor, for the recipient. Also look for message pads in bright colors with single message spaces per page and extra note-taking space.
19. Howdy, you’ve reached [employee name]’s voicemail field. [Employee first name] no longer works for [company name]. Please name our major line at [phone number] and we’ll be cheerful to connect you with a most modern team member who can aid.

“Good afternoon. You have reached the office of [your name]. I will be out of the office beginning on [date] and will be returning on [date]. Please leave a brief message with your contact information, and I’ll be sure to get back to you as soon as I return on [date]. If this is an emergency or you need to speak with someone before I return, please contact [name of colleague/supervisor], [their job title], at [their phone number].”
True emergencies - such as extraordinary weather - should be addressed in your voicemail if it impacts your business. Thank you for calling the Carona Surf Shop. We are currently closed due to the inclement weather. Our normal business hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm. Please visit www.caronasurfshop.com to order merchandise and to check our schedule during the hurricane.