Heading out for a well-deserved break? Itβs important to let people know youβre off the grid.
But crafting the perfect out-of-office message can feel like a chore.
Weβve got you covered with a variety of options to suit any situation.
From the professional to the slightly more whimsical, find your perfect out-of-office companion here.
Professional & Direct Out-of-Office Messages
When you need to be clear and concise, these messages get straight to the point.
They ensure your colleagues and clients know exactly when you’ll be back and who to contact in your absence.
Professionalism doesn’t have to be boring; these options maintain a polished tone.
1. Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office and will respond upon my return on [Date]. β This is a standard and effective message for most professional settings.
2. I am out of the office with limited access to email until [Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone]. β This provides a clear timeline and an immediate point of contact for urgent issues.
3. Please note that I am on leave from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will reply to your message as soon as possible after my return. β A straightforward message that sets expectations for response time.
4. I am currently away from my desk and will be back in the office on [Date]. Your email is important to me, and I will address it upon my return. β This reassures the sender that their message is valued.
5. I am out of the office on vacation until [Date]. I will have intermittent access to email. β This indicates a lower likelihood of immediate replies due to vacation status.
6. Due to a planned absence, I will not be checking emails regularly until [Date]. For immediate assistance, please reach out to [Department/Team Name]. β This is useful when a whole team might be affected or for directing to a general support channel.
7. I am attending a conference and will have limited email access until [Date]. I will respond to your message upon my return. β Perfect for business travel where responsiveness might be affected.
8. Thank you for reaching out. I am out of the office on annual leave and will return on [Date]. β A simple and polite way to inform someone of your absence.
9. I am currently on a business trip and will respond to your email upon my return on [Date]. β Clearly states the reason for absence and expected return.
10. Your email is important to me. I am out of the office until [Date] with limited access to email. I will get back to you as soon as possible. β Combines reassurance with a clear timeframe.
11. I am away from the office for the remainder of the week, returning on Monday, [Date]. β A concise message for short, week-long absences.
12. I am currently on parental leave and will be out of the office until [Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name]. β A sensitive and professional way to handle extended leave.
13. Thank you for your message. I am out of office on a mandatory training course until [Date] and will respond upon my return. β Explains the absence with a professional reason.
14. I am experiencing technical difficulties and will be out of the office until [Date]. For urgent assistance, please call [Phone Number]. β Useful for unexpected technical issues that require physical absence.
15. I am currently on a sabbatical and will have very limited access to email until [Date]. I will respond to all messages upon my return. β Indicates a longer, more significant absence where immediate replies are unlikely.
These messages are designed to keep your professional communication flowing smoothly even when you’re not physically present.
Friendly & Casual Out-of-Office Messages
Sometimes, a more relaxed tone is appropriate for your colleagues and internal communications.
These messages convey a sense of approachability while still providing necessary information.
Let your personality shine through while ensuring everyone stays informed.
16. Hey there! Iβm out of the office enjoying some time off until [Date]. Iβll catch up on emails when I get back! β A cheerful and informal way to announce your break.
17. Gone fishin’ (or something equally exciting)! Iβll be back on [Date] and will reply to your message then. β A lighthearted message for those who appreciate a bit of humor.
18. Taking a break to recharge my batteries! Iβll be back in action on [Date] and will get back to you as soon as I can. β Focuses on the positive aspect of taking time off.
19. Youβve reached my inbox, but Iβm currently out of the office until [Date]. See you soon! β Short, sweet, and to the point with a friendly closing.
20. Iβm out of office from [Start Date] to [End Date]. If itβs urgent, maybe try sending a carrier pigeon? Just kidding! Please contact [Colleague’s Name] if needed. β Adds a touch of humor while still providing a contact.
21. Currently off-duty and enjoying some downtime. Iβll be back and ready to respond on [Date]. β A simple, relatable message for taking a break.
22. Woohoo! Vacation mode activated! Iβll be back in the office on [Date] and will tackle my inbox then. β Expresses excitement about the time off.
23. Iβm out exploring the world (or just my backyard) until [Date]. Iβll reply to your email upon my return. β A playful message that hints at adventure.
24. Sending you good vibes from afar! Iβm out of the office until [Date] and will respond when Iβm back. β A warm and positive message.
25. Taking a little breather! Iβll be back on [Date] and will get back to you shortly after. β A gentle and informal way to announce your absence.
26. Iβm out of the office, probably with my feet up! Back on [Date] to answer your questions. β Relatable and emphasizes relaxation.
27. This message is out of office! Iβll be back on [Date] and will respond to your email then. β A fun, meta-message thatβs a bit cheeky.
28. Enjoying some time away from the screen until [Date]. Iβll be in touch upon my return! β Acknowledges the digital nature of work and the need for a break.
29. Iβm on an adventure until [Date]! Iβll respond to your email when Iβm back in civilization. β Evokes a sense of excitement and exploration.
30. Be right back! Iβm out of the office until [Date] and will get back to you then. β A concise and friendly way to sign off.
These messages help maintain a friendly atmosphere while you’re away.
Humorous & Creative Out-of-Office Messages
Inject some personality and fun into your absence notifications with these witty options.
These are great for internal use or with contacts who appreciate a good laugh.
Remember to gauge your audience before using these!
31. Iβm currently out of the office, possibly wrestling a bear or enjoying a quiet cup of tea. Iβll be back on [Date] and will respond then. β A quirky and unexpected message that sparks curiosity.
32. My email is currently on vacation without me. Iβll be back to check it on [Date]. If itβs an emergency, please send a singing telegram. β Playful and adds a humorous alternative for emergencies.
33. Iβve temporarily abandoned my inbox for a more important mission (like finding the perfect pizza topping). Iβll return on [Date]. β Relatable and uses a common, lighthearted dilemma.
34. Warning: This inbox is currently unattended. Iβm out of the office until [Date]. Please try again after this date, or send a carrier pigeon. β A humorous warning that sets expectations.
35. Iβm out of the office on a quest for inspiration. Iβll return with tales and replies on [Date]. β Frames your absence as a creative journey.
36. Iβm currently in a secret meeting with my couch. Iβll be back and ready to work on [Date]. β A relatable and humorous take on relaxation.
37. My out-of-office reply is also out of office. Iβll be back on [Date] to fix this. β A self-aware and funny message about the OOO itself.
38. Iβm out of the office, possibly attending a silent retreat or a loud rock concert. Iβll respond on [Date]. β Contrasting scenarios add to the humor and unpredictability.
39. Iβm currently off the grid, exploring the wilderness (or just my garden). Iβll be back on [Date] and will respond to your email then. β Evokes a sense of escape and adventure.
40. This email has been rerouted to my vacation home. Iβll be back in the office on [Date] and will reply to your message then. β A playful take on email accessibility.
41. Iβm out of the office, trying to remember where I put my keys. Iβll be back on [Date] and will respond to your email upon my return. β A universally relatable and slightly chaotic scenario.
42. My email is currently on strike, demanding more vacation days. Iβll be back to negotiate on [Date]. β Personifies the email with a humorous demand.
43. Iβm out of the office, probably contemplating the meaning of life or the best way to fold a fitted sheet. Iβll be back on [Date]. β Combines existential pondering with a mundane, humorous task.
44. Gone exploring! Iβll be back in the office on [Date] and will respond to your message when I return from my epic journey. β Frames your absence as an exciting adventure.
45. Iβm currently out of the office, attempting to communicate with squirrels. Iβll be back on [Date] and will respond to your email then. β A wonderfully absurd and memorable message.
These messages are sure to bring a smile to your colleagues’ faces.
Messages for Specific Situations
Sometimes, your out-of-office needs to address a particular circumstance.
These messages are tailored for common scenarios like holidays or extended leaves.
They offer clarity and appropriate context for your absence.
46. Happy Holidays! I am out of the office celebrating the festive season and will return on [Date]. I will respond to your email upon my return. β Perfect for acknowledging holiday breaks.
47. Wishing you a wonderful holiday! I am out of the office until [Date] and will respond to your message upon my return. β A warm and festive way to sign off during holidays.
48. I am currently on maternity/paternity leave and will be out of the office until [Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone]. β Clearly states the reason for extended leave and provides an alternative.
49. I am out of the office for a family emergency and will have limited access to email. I will respond as soon as I am able. β A sensitive way to handle unexpected personal situations.
50. Thank you for your email. I am currently on jury duty and will be out of the office until [Date]. I will reply to your message upon my return. β Informs others about a civic duty that requires absence.
51. I am out of the office attending a memorial service and will return on [Date]. I will respond to your email upon my return. β A respectful message for expressing condolences and absence.
52. I am currently on a medical leave of absence and will be out of the office until [Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name]. β Professional and clear for medical reasons.
53. I am out of the office for a company-wide retreat until [Date]. I will respond to your email upon my return. β Useful for team-building or company events.
54. Please note that I am out of the office for the next two weeks, returning on [Date]. I will have very limited email access during this time. β Clearly indicates a significant period of absence.
55. I am out of the office due to unforeseen circumstances and will have limited access to email. I will provide an update and respond as soon as possible. β Acknowledges an unknown situation while managing expectations.
56. I am currently away on a volunteer trip and will have limited email access until [Date]. I will respond to your message upon my return. β Highlights charitable work and sets expectations for response.
57. I am out of the office for a personal sabbatical and will return on [Date]. I will respond to your email as soon as I am back. β Indicates a planned, extended period of personal time.
58. Due to a planned system upgrade, I will be out of the office and unable to respond to emails until [Date]. β Useful for IT or project-related absences.
59. I am out of the office attending a wedding and will return on [Date]. I will respond to your email upon my return. β A common and understandable reason for a short absence.
60. I am out of the office due to unforeseen travel disruptions and will update you on my return date as soon as possible. β For situations where your return date is uncertain.
These messages ensure clarity during specific times of absence.
Short & Sweet Out-of-Office Snippets
Sometimes, less is more. These brief messages get the job done quickly.
They are perfect for when you need a quick out-of-office without much fuss.
Keep it simple and effective.
61. Out of office until [Date]. Will respond upon return. β Extremely concise and direct.
62. Away from my desk until [Date]. β Simple and to the point.
63. On leave until [Date]. β A brief, professional statement of absence.
64. Returning [Date]. β Minimalist and informative.
65. Out of office. Back on [Date]. β Two short sentences conveying all necessary info.
66. Limited email access until [Date]. β Sets expectations for delayed responses.
67. Unavailable until [Date]. β A clear statement of unavailability.
68. On vacation until [Date]. β Directly states the reason for absence.
69. Back on [Date]. β Very short and to the point.
70. Out of office. Urgent? Contact [Colleague]. β Provides an immediate alternative for urgent matters.
71. Away until [Date]. Will reply then. β Combines absence with a promise to reply.
72. On break until [Date]. β Simple and friendly.
73. Out until [Date]. β The shortest possible professional message.
74. Returning on [Date]. β A clear indication of your return.
75. Out of office. See you [Date]! β A cheerful and brief sign-off.
These short snippets are perfect for quick and efficient communication.
There you have it β a comprehensive list of out-of-office messages to cover every scenario.
Choose the one that best fits your personality and situation.
Don’t let your inbox overflow while you’re away!
Happy leave!