Paternity leave is a precious time for new dads to bond with their babies and support their partners.
But the work world keeps spinning, and letting colleagues know you’re out is essential.
A well-crafted out-of-office message can manage expectations and ensure a smooth workflow while you’re away.
Here are 100 ways to stay connected and professional, even when you’re embracing dad life.
Expressing Gratitude and Joy
This section focuses on messages that convey the happiness and thankfulness associated with your new arrival.
These options are perfect for sharing your positive emotions with your professional network.
They strike a balance between personal joy and professional courtesy.
1. “Thank you for your understanding and well wishes during this incredibly special time.” – Use this to acknowledge any support or congratulations received.
2. “I’m currently on paternity leave, cherishing moments with my newborn. Your patience is greatly appreciated.” – A straightforward message that explains your absence and asks for understanding.
3. “Thrilled to announce the arrival of my little one! I’ll be out of office until [Date], focusing on family.” – A joyful announcement that also provides your return date.
4. “Overwhelmed with joy and a bit sleep-deprived! I’m on paternity leave and will respond to emails upon my return on [Date].” – A relatable and lighthearted message for colleagues.
5. “My family has grown, and I’m taking this time to soak it all in. Thank you for your support.” – A warm and personal message that expresses gratitude.
6. “Excited to be a dad! I’m out of the office until [Date], but will check emails periodically for urgent matters.” – Indicates a potential for brief check-ins while prioritizing family.
7. “Embracing the chaos and love of new parenthood. I’ll be back on [Date] and will catch up then.” – A humorous and honest acknowledgment of the new reality.
8. “My heart is full! I’m on paternity leave and will respond to your message as soon as I can after [Date].” – A sweet message emphasizing the emotional impact of this time.
9. “Celebrating a new chapter with my family. I appreciate your patience and look forward to reconnecting on [Date].” – A professional way to frame your leave and set expectations.
10. “The greatest adventure has begun! I’m on paternity leave until [Date]. For immediate assistance, please contact [Colleague’s Name].” – Clearly states your absence and provides an alternative contact.
11. “Soaking up every cuddle. I’m out of office until [Date], focusing on my growing family.” – A gentle reminder of your priorities during this leave.
12. “My world just got a lot brighter! I’m on paternity leave and will reply upon my return on [Date].” – A positive and optimistic message about your new role.
13. “Thank you for your kind messages. I’m out of office, enjoying paternity leave, and will be back on [Date].” – A direct response to well-wishers while setting your return date.
14. “Cherishing these first moments. I’m on paternity leave until [Date] and will address your email upon my return.” – Emphasizes the importance of the present moment.
15. “Life’s most precious gift has arrived! I’m out of office, focusing on my family, and will be back on [Date].” – A heartfelt message celebrating the arrival of a child.
16. “Filled with love and gratitude. I’m on paternity leave until [Date]. Urgent matters can be directed to [Colleague’s Name].” – Balances personal feelings with professional necessity.
17. “My priorities have shifted to tiny hands and sleepy nights. I’m out of office until [Date].” – A relatable and humorous description of new fatherhood.
18. “The joy of fatherhood is immense! I’m on paternity leave and will respond to emails upon my return on [Date].” – A classic and sincere expression of happiness.
19. “Thank you for your patience as I embrace this new role. I’m on paternity leave until [Date].” – Shows appreciation for understanding during your absence.
20. “My family is my world, and I’m taking this time to be present. I’ll be back in the office on [Date].” – A clear statement of your current focus and return.
These messages aim to bring a smile to your colleagues’ faces while informing them of your leave.
Focusing on Practicalities and Coverage
When you’re away, it’s crucial to ensure that work continues smoothly.
This section provides messages that clearly outline your absence and direct urgent requests to the right people.
Being clear and concise will help your team manage tasks effectively.
21. “I am currently on paternity leave and will have limited access to email until [Date].” – Sets clear expectations about your availability.
22. “For urgent matters during my paternity leave, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email Address].” – Provides a direct point of contact for immediate needs.
23. “I will be out of the office on paternity leave from [Start Date] to [End Date]. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – A standard message clearly stating your leave duration.
24. “My inbox will be unmonitored during my paternity leave. For immediate assistance, please reach out to [Colleague’s Name].” – Emphasizes that emails will not be checked.
25. “I’m currently on paternity leave, focusing on my new family. Your email will be answered upon my return on [Date].” – Combines a personal reason with a professional commitment to respond.
26. “Please note: I am on paternity leave and will not be able to respond to emails until my return on [Date]. For urgent requests, contact [Colleague’s Name].” – A formal and direct approach to managing expectations.
27. “I’m out of office on paternity leave. While I’m away, [Colleague’s Name] will be handling my responsibilities. Please contact them for any urgent needs.” – Clearly delegates tasks to a specific colleague.
28. “My paternity leave begins today, and I’ll be offline until [Date]. For critical issues, please connect with [Colleague’s Name].” – A timely notification and clear instructions for urgent matters.
29. “I am currently out of office on paternity leave. I will respond to your email as soon as possible after my return on [Date].” – Promises a response upon your return without overcommitting.
30. “Thank you for your understanding. I’m on paternity leave and will be unavailable until [Date]. Urgent inquiries should be directed to [Colleague’s Name].” – Polite and informative, guiding urgent requests appropriately.
31. “During my paternity leave, my email access will be minimal. Please contact [Colleague’s Name] for any immediate assistance required.” – Sets realistic expectations about your availability.
32. “I’m out of the office on paternity leave until [Date]. For matters requiring immediate attention, please forward your email to [Colleague’s Name].” – Suggests a proactive step for urgent communications.
33. “Your email is important to me. I’m currently on paternity leave and will reply upon my return on [Date]. For urgent help, contact [Colleague’s Name].” – Reassures senders that their message is valued.
34. “Paternity leave is in effect. I will be back on [Date] and will address all messages then. In the meantime, [Colleague’s Name] is available for urgent needs.” – A clear and concise message with coverage details.
35. “I am away on paternity leave until [Date]. Please direct any urgent queries to [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email Address].” – A formal notification with complete contact information for the interim contact.
36. “This is an automated reply. I’m currently on paternity leave and will respond to your email upon my return on [Date].” – A simple, automated message that confirms receipt and sets a return timeframe.
37. “I’m focused on my family during this paternity leave. For anything urgent, please reach out to [Colleague’s Name].” – Prioritizes family while ensuring business continuity.
38. “My paternity leave means I’m off the grid for a bit. I’ll be back on [Date]. For urgent issues, contact [Colleague’s Name].” – A more casual tone while still providing essential information.
39. “I am on paternity leave until [Date]. I will review and respond to emails upon my return. Urgent matters should be directed to [Colleague’s Name].” – A professional statement that outlines your plan for post-leave follow-up.
40. “Please note that I am currently on paternity leave. For immediate assistance, please contact [Colleague’s Name] or [Another Colleague’s Name] for specific inquiries.” – Offers multiple points of contact for different needs.
These messages ensure that your work is covered and your colleagues know where to turn.
Balancing Personal and Professional
Finding the right tone for your out-of-office message is key.
These options strike a balance between sharing your personal news and maintaining professional decorum.
They acknowledge your absence while keeping the door open for future communication.
41. “I’m currently on paternity leave, enjoying time with my new baby. I will respond to your email upon my return on [Date].” – A warm message that clearly states your return date.
42. “Excited to be a dad! I’m out of office until [Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name].” – A joyful announcement combined with practical coverage.
43. “I’m taking paternity leave to bond with my little one. I’ll have limited email access and will respond upon my return on [Date].” – Manages expectations about your availability.
44. “Thrilled to announce the arrival of my child! I’m out of office until [Date]. Your patience is appreciated.” – Shares personal news and asks for understanding.
45. “Enjoying paternity leave and family time. I will reply to your message upon my return on [Date].” – A simple and effective message that prioritizes family.
46. “My family has grown, and I’m on paternity leave. I’ll be back on [Date] and will catch up on emails then.” – A clear statement of your situation and return plan.
47. “I’m currently on paternity leave, celebrating new beginnings. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name].” – A positive framing of your leave with a practical alternative.
48. “Paternity leave is here! I’ll be out of the office until [Date] and will respond to emails upon my return.” – An enthusiastic message that sets a clear return date.
49. “Cherishing moments with my newborn. I’m on paternity leave and will respond to your message after [Date].” – Emphasizes the importance of the present while providing a timeframe for response.
50. “I’m out of office on paternity leave, focusing on my family. For immediate needs, please reach out to [Colleague’s Name].” – Clearly states your absence and provides a contact for urgent issues.
51. “Soaking up the joys of fatherhood. I’m on paternity leave until [Date] and will get back to you then.” – A lighthearted message that sets a return date.
52. “My apologies for the delayed response. I’m currently on paternity leave and will reply upon my return on [Date].” – A polite acknowledgment of potential delays.
53. “Embracing my new role as dad! I’m out of office until [Date]. Urgent matters can be handled by [Colleague’s Name].” – Combines personal excitement with professional delegation.
54. “Thank you for your understanding. I’m on paternity leave until [Date] and will respond to your email upon my return.” – A grateful message that clearly states your absence and return.
55. “I’m out of office on paternity leave. Please contact [Colleague’s Name] for any urgent requests during this time.” – A direct message that ensures urgent matters are addressed.
56. “Celebrating my growing family! I’m on paternity leave and will respond to your message as soon as possible after [Date].” – A warm message that sets a general timeframe for a response.
57. “My focus is on my newborn. I’m out of office until [Date]. For urgent issues, please contact [Colleague’s Name].” – Clearly states your priorities and provides an alternative contact.
58. “Wishing you all the best. I’m on paternity leave until [Date] and will be in touch upon my return.” – A polite closing that sets expectations for future communication.
59. “I’m out of the office on paternity leave, enjoying this special time. I’ll reply to your email upon my return on [Date].” – A sweet message that emphasizes the value of the leave.
60. “Thank you for your patience. I’m on paternity leave and will respond to your message when I return on [Date].” – A straightforward message that expresses gratitude for understanding.
These messages help maintain professionalism while sharing a significant life event.
Short, Sweet, and Informative
Sometimes, brevity is best.
These concise messages get straight to the point, informing your contacts about your paternity leave without unnecessary detail.
They are perfect for quick updates and busy inboxes.
61. “On paternity leave until [Date]. Will reply upon return.” – A very brief message that covers the essentials.
62. “Paternity leave. Back [Date]. Urgent: contact [Colleague’s Name].” – Short, direct, and provides immediate coverage info.
63. “Out of office: paternity leave. Limited access. Return [Date].” – Clearly states your absence and availability.
64. “Away on paternity leave. Please contact [Colleague’s Name] for urgent matters.” – Concise and delegates urgent tasks effectively.
65. “Paternity leave in progress. I’ll respond after [Date].” – Sets a clear expectation for when responses will resume.
66. “On leave. Will respond upon return [Date].” – Simple, to the point, and informative.
67. “Paternity leave. Reach [Colleague’s Name] for urgent needs.” – Minimalist and functional.
68. “Out for paternity leave until [Date]. Thanks for your patience.” – Polite and provides your return date.
69. “Family time: paternity leave. Back on [Date].” – A friendly and informative message.
70. “Paternity leave. Email will be checked upon return [Date].” – Assures that emails will be addressed later.
71. “Away for paternity leave. For immediate help, contact [Colleague’s Name].” – Prioritizes urgent needs.
72. “On paternity leave. Will reply when I return on [Date].” – A simple promise of a future response.
73. “Paternity leave active. Contact [Colleague’s Name] for urgent requests.” – Formal and clear for business communication.
74. “Out of office on paternity leave. Expect a delay in response.” – Manages expectations about response times.
75. “Paternity leave. Limited email access. Return date: [Date].” – Precise and informative.
76. “Away on leave. Will get back to you after [Date].” – A casual yet effective message.
77. “Paternity leave. For urgent matters, please email [Colleague’s Email].” – Provides direct contact for urgent issues.
78. “On paternity leave until [Date]. Thanks!” – A very brief and appreciative message.
79. “Paternity leave in effect. I’ll respond upon my return.” – Simple and direct.
80. “Out for paternity leave. Contact [Colleague’s Name] for urgent needs.” – Efficient and ensures coverage.
These short messages are perfect for ensuring everyone knows you’re out and who to contact.
Adding a Personal Touch (Optional)
While professionalism is important, a touch of personality can make your message more memorable.
These options allow you to share a little more about your experience, if you feel comfortable doing so.
Remember to keep it brief and appropriate for your workplace culture.
81. “Overwhelmed with joy and a bit sleep-deprived! I’m on paternity leave until [Date]. I’ll respond upon my return.” – A relatable and humorous touch.
82. “My world just got a lot smaller (and cuter!). I’m out of office on paternity leave until [Date].” – A sweet and personal way to describe your new focus.
83. “Trading spreadsheets for sleepless nights! I’m on paternity leave and will be back on [Date].” – A lighthearted comparison of work and new parenthood.
84. “Currently experiencing extreme cuteness overload. I’m out of office on paternity leave until [Date].” – A playful and endearing message.
85. “Soaking up every cuddle and milestone. I’m on paternity leave until [Date]. Urgent matters can be directed to [Colleague’s Name].” – Emphasizes the preciousness of the time.
86. “My heart is full, and my inbox is temporarily empty. I’m on paternity leave until [Date].” – A poetic and personal touch.
87. “Embracing the beautiful chaos of new parenthood. I’m out of office until [Date].” – A warm and genuine reflection on your new role.
88. “Discovering the joys of fatherhood. I’m on paternity leave and will respond upon my return on [Date].” – Shares a positive outlook on your leave.
89. “My apologies for any delay; I’m currently on paternity leave, enjoying this special time with my family.” – A polite acknowledgment of potential delays with a personal reason.
90. “My focus has shifted to tiny humans and lullabies. I’m out of office on paternity leave until [Date].” – A charming and descriptive message.
91. “Celebrating the arrival of my little one! I’m on paternity leave until [Date]. For urgent needs, please contact [Colleague’s Name].” – Combines excitement with essential contact information.
92. “I’m out of the office on paternity leave, making memories. I’ll respond to your email upon my return on [Date].” – Highlights the importance of memory-making during this time.
93. “Thank you for your understanding as I embrace fatherhood. I’m on paternity leave until [Date].” – A grateful message that conveys your current priorities.
94. “My family is my priority. I’m out of office on paternity leave and will reply after [Date].” – A clear and heartfelt statement of your current focus.
95. “Cherishing these first precious moments. I’m on paternity leave and will respond upon my return on [Date].” – Emphasizes the fleeting nature of this time.
96. “Excited for this new adventure! I’m out of office on paternity leave until [Date].” – A simple and enthusiastic message.
97. “My apologies for the delayed response; I’m on paternity leave, cherishing family time.” – A polite and personal reason for a delayed reply.
98. “Paternity leave is in full swing! I’ll be back on [Date] and will address your message then.” – A cheerful and informative message.
99. “Currently experiencing baby bliss. I’m out of office until [Date]. For urgent matters, contact [Colleague’s Name].” – A sweet and practical message.
100. “I’m out of the office on paternity leave, focusing on my growing family. Thank you for your patience.” – A warm and appreciative closing statement.
Adding a personal touch can make your message more relatable and warm.
Choosing the right out-of-office message is a small but significant detail.
It shows consideration for your colleagues and ensures a smooth transition during your leave.
We hope these options help you find the perfect words to stay connected while you embrace the joys of new fatherhood.
Enjoy this special time with your family!