In times of profound loss, the world can feel overwhelming, and the thought of managing professional communications can seem impossible.
Setting up an out-of-office message is a practical step that allows you to step back and focus on what truly matters.
It’s a way to gently inform colleagues and clients that you need space without having to elaborate on deeply personal circumstances.
Here, we offer a collection of compassionate and professional out-of-office messages, ranging from simple and direct to more reflective and personal, to help you navigate this difficult period.
Simple & Direct Bereavement Messages
Sometimes, the most effective communication is the clearest and most concise. These messages convey the necessary information without requiring extensive explanation.
They are ideal for situations where you prefer to maintain a professional boundary while still acknowledging your absence due to a loss.
These options ensure that your professional responsibilities are addressed with minimal personal disclosure.
1. “I am currently out of the office due to a bereavement. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – This is a straightforward and professional message that clearly states the reason for your absence and your intention to reply later.
2. “Please note that I am out of office on bereavement leave. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This option provides an alternative contact for immediate needs, ensuring business continuity.
3. “I am away from my desk for a period of bereavement. I will have limited access to email and will respond as soon as possible.” – This message sets expectations for a delayed response due to limited access.
4. “Due to a family loss, I will be out of office until [Date]. I will reply to all messages upon my return.” – Specifying a return date provides a clear timeframe for those waiting for your response.
5. “I am taking time off to grieve a personal loss. I will reply to your email when I am back.” – This uses the word “grieve” to gently convey the nature of the absence.
6. “Out of Office: Bereavement. I will respond upon my return.” – This is a very brief and to-the-point option for those who prefer extreme brevity.
7. “I am currently unavailable due to a death in the family. I will be back on [Date].” – This is a direct and clear statement of unavailability and return date.
8. “Please excuse my absence as I attend to a family bereavement. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – This phrasing is polite and professional, indicating a need to attend to family matters.
9. “I am out of office, observing a period of mourning. I will reply to your correspondence when I am back.” – “Observing a period of mourning” is a sensitive way to express the reason for absence.
10. “My apologies, but I am out of office due to a personal loss. I will respond as soon as I am able.” – This acknowledges the potential inconvenience and promises a response when feasible.
11. “I am on bereavement leave and will return on [Date]. For immediate assistance, please reach out to [Colleague’s Name].” – Similar to option 2, this ensures urgent matters are handled.
12. “I am currently away from work due to a family bereavement. I will respond to your email upon my return.” – This is a standard and professional way to communicate your absence.
13. “Out of Office: I am attending to a personal bereavement and will respond to your message upon my return.” – This is a clear and concise message that respects your privacy.
14. “I am out of the office. I will respond to your message upon my return after a period of bereavement.” – This adds a slightly more formal tone to the reason for absence.
15. “Please note my absence due to a family loss. I will reply to your email when I am back in the office.” – This is a polite way to inform others of your situation.
16. “I am currently on bereavement leave. I will have limited access to email and will respond as soon as possible.” – This manages expectations regarding your availability.
17. “I am out of office due to a recent loss. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – “Recent loss” is a gentle and direct way to state the reason.
18. “I am unavailable at this time due to a bereavement. I will respond upon my return on [Date].” – This is a clear statement of unavailability with a specific return date.
19. “Out of Office: Attending to family matters due to bereavement. I will respond when I return.” – This is a professional yet sensitive way to frame the absence.
20. “I am taking time to grieve. I will respond to your email upon my return.” – This is a simple and honest statement about needing time for grief.
These straightforward messages offer a professional way to communicate your need for time away.
Reflective & Gentle Bereavement Messages
When you feel comfortable sharing a little more, these messages offer a gentler tone, acknowledging the emotional weight of the situation.
They aim to convey a sense of personal reflection while still maintaining professional courtesy.
These options can help foster understanding and empathy from your colleagues and clients.
21. “I am currently out of the office, taking time to grieve a profound personal loss. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – “Profound personal loss” adds a layer of depth to the reason for absence.
22. “Please note that I am away from work to process a recent bereavement. I will respond as soon as I am able.” – “Process a recent bereavement” suggests a need for thoughtful reflection.
23. “I am out of office, honoring the memory of a loved one. I will reply to your correspondence upon my return.” – This option focuses on remembrance and respect.
24. “During this time of sorrow, I am out of the office. I will respond to your message when I have returned.” – “Time of sorrow” openly acknowledges the emotional difficulty.
25. “I am taking a leave of absence due to a family bereavement. Your understanding is appreciated as I navigate this difficult time.” – This message expresses gratitude for empathy.
26. “I am currently away from my desk, seeking solace after a loss. I will respond upon my return.” – “Seeking solace” indicates a need for peace and comfort.
27. “Please excuse my absence as I attend to a deeply personal matter related to a bereavement. I will reply upon my return.” – “Deeply personal matter” adds a sense of privacy and significance.
28. “I am out of the office, reflecting on a recent loss. I will respond to your message as soon as possible.” – “Reflecting on a recent loss” suggests a thoughtful period of adjustment.
29. “I am on bereavement leave, focusing on family and healing. I will respond to your email upon my return.” – “Focusing on family and healing” highlights the priorities during this time.
30. “I am currently unavailable due to a recent bereavement. I appreciate your patience and understanding as I navigate this period.” – This explicitly asks for patience and understanding.
31. “Out of Office: I am away to deal with a family bereavement. I will respond when I am back.” – This is a simple, yet gentle way to state the reason and intention.
32. “I am out of office, taking time to grieve. I will reply to your message upon my return.” – This is a direct yet gentle statement of need.
33. “Please note my absence due to a significant personal loss. I will respond to your email upon my return.” – “Significant personal loss” emphasizes the gravity of the situation.
34. “I am currently away from work due to a bereavement and will have limited access to email. I will respond as soon as I can.” – This manages expectations about availability.
35. “I am on bereavement leave and will return on [Date]. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.” – This expresses gratitude for the support.
36. “I am out of the office, attending to a family matter of bereavement. I will reply to your message upon my return.” – This is a professional way to indicate the reason for absence.
37. “My apologies for any delay in response as I am out of office due to a bereavement. I will reply when I am back.” – This acknowledges potential delays and reassures about a future response.
38. “I am currently away from my desk, dealing with a personal loss. I will respond upon my return.” – “Dealing with a personal loss” is a clear and empathetic statement.
39. “Out of Office: I am on bereavement leave and will respond to your message upon my return.” – This is a concise and professional option.
40. “I am out of the office due to a recent family bereavement. I will respond to your email as soon as possible.” – This is a clear and direct message about the reason for absence.
These reflective messages offer a slightly more personal touch while remaining professional.
Messages Including a Return Date
Providing a specific return date can be very helpful for colleagues and clients, offering clarity on when to expect your response.
These messages combine the necessary information about your absence with a clear expectation of your return.
This approach balances your need for time with the professional requirement for communication timelines.
41. “I am out of the office due to a bereavement and will return on [Date]. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – This is a classic and effective way to inform about your absence and return.
42. “Please note that I am out of office on bereavement leave. I will be back on [Date] and will respond to emails then.” – This is a clear and professional announcement of your return.
43. “I am away from work due to a family loss. I will return on [Date] and will respond to all messages upon my return.” – This option clearly states the reason and the expected return date.
44. “Due to a bereavement, I am out of office. I will respond to your message after I return on [Date].” – This emphasizes that responses will resume after your return.
45. “I am currently out of the office, attending to a personal bereavement. I will return on [Date] and will reply to your correspondence then.” – This specifies the reason and the exact date of your return.
46. “Out of Office: I am on bereavement leave and will return on [Date]. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – This is a brief yet informative message with a return date.
47. “I am unavailable due to a death in the family. I will return to the office on [Date] and will respond to your message then.” – This is a direct statement of unavailability with a clear return date.
48. “I am out of office, observing a period of mourning. I will return on [Date] and will respond to your email upon my return.” – This combines a sensitive reason with a concrete return date.
49. “Please excuse my absence as I deal with a bereavement. I will be back in the office on [Date] and will respond to your message then.” – This is a polite way to communicate your absence and return.
50. “I am taking time off due to a family bereavement. I will return on [Date] and will reply to your correspondence upon my return.” – This clearly states the reason and the specific date of your return.
51. “I am currently out of office due to a recent loss. I will return on [Date] and will respond to your message as soon as possible.” – This manages expectations by stating a return date and a promise of a prompt response.
52. “Out of Office: I am on bereavement leave and plan to return on [Date]. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – This offers a slightly softer indication of the return date.
53. “I am away from my desk due to a bereavement. I will return on [Date] and will respond to your email then.” – This is a clear and concise message about your absence and return.
54. “My apologies for the delay. I am out of office due to a bereavement and will return on [Date]. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – This acknowledges potential delays and provides a return date.
55. “I am currently on bereavement leave and will be back in the office on [Date]. I will respond to your correspondence then.” – This is a straightforward and professional message.
56. “Please note my absence due to a personal loss. I will return on [Date] and will respond to your email upon my return.” – This offers a clear timeframe for response.
57. “I am out of the office due to a family bereavement. I will return on [Date] and will reply to your message then.” – This is a direct and informative message.
58. “I am taking time to grieve. I will return on [Date] and will respond to your email upon my return.” – This honest statement is paired with a clear return date.
59. “Out of Office: I am on bereavement leave and will return on [Date]. I will respond to your message when I am back.” – This is a concise way to communicate your absence and return.
60. “I am currently away from work due to a bereavement. I will return on [Date] and will respond to your message as soon as possible.” – This provides a return date and assures a prompt response.
Including a return date offers clarity and helps manage expectations effectively.
Messages with Alternative Contact Information
When your absence might impact urgent matters, providing an alternative contact ensures that critical tasks can still be handled.
These messages balance your need for time with the professional necessity of business continuity.
They offer a practical solution for colleagues and clients who may require immediate assistance.
61. “I am out of the office due to a bereavement. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This is a standard and effective way to redirect urgent inquiries.
62. “Please note that I am on bereavement leave. For immediate assistance, please reach out to [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – “Immediate assistance” clearly indicates the type of issue that should be directed elsewhere.
63. “I am away from work due to a family loss. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This is a clear and direct redirection for urgent needs.
64. “Due to a bereavement, I am out of office and will have limited access to email. For urgent requests, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This explains the limited access and provides an alternative.
65. “I am currently out of the office, attending to a personal bereavement. For urgent matters that require immediate attention, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – “Require immediate attention” further clarifies when to use the alternative contact.
66. “Out of Office: I am on bereavement leave. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This is a concise message with a clear redirection for urgent issues.
67. “I am unavailable due to a death in the family. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone]. I will respond to non-urgent messages upon my return.” – This distinguishes between urgent and non-urgent matters.
68. “I am out of office, observing a period of mourning. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This provides an alternative contact while acknowledging the sensitive reason for absence.
69. “Please excuse my absence as I deal with a bereavement. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This is a polite way to provide an alternative contact for urgent needs.
70. “I am taking time off due to a family bereavement. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This clearly states the reason and provides an alternative for urgent issues.
71. “I am currently out of office due to a recent loss. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone]. I will respond to your message upon my return.” – This provides an alternative for urgent issues and assures a response for others.
72. “Out of Office: I am on bereavement leave. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone]. I will respond to your message when I am back.” – This is a brief message with a clear redirection for urgent needs.
73. “I am away from my desk due to a bereavement. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This is a direct and efficient way to handle urgent requests.
74. “My apologies for any delay. I am out of office due to a bereavement. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This acknowledges potential delays and provides an alternative for urgent issues.
75. “I am currently on bereavement leave. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone]. I will respond to your correspondence upon my return.” – This is a professional message with an alternative contact for urgent needs.
76. “Please note my absence due to a personal loss. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This offers a clear alternative for urgent inquiries.
77. “I am out of the office due to a family bereavement. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone].” – This is a straightforward message with an alternative contact for urgent issues.
78. “I am taking time to grieve. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone]. I will respond to your email upon my return.” – This combines a personal statement with a practical redirection.
79. “Out of Office: I am on bereavement leave. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone]. I will respond to your message when I am back.” – This is a concise message with a clear alternative for urgent needs.
80. “I am currently away from work due to a bereavement. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague’s Name] at [Colleague’s Email/Phone]. I will respond to your message as soon as possible.” – This provides an alternative for urgent issues and assures a prompt response for others.
Providing an alternative contact ensures that critical business functions can continue smoothly.
Poetic & Reflective Lines for Messages
For those who find solace or expression in words, incorporating a gentle, reflective phrase can add a unique touch to your out-of-office message.
These lines are designed to be brief, conveying a sense of peace or remembrance without being overly personal.
They can offer a subtle yet profound way to communicate your need for time and space.
81. “Gone, but never forgotten.” – A classic sentiment that honors a lost loved one and conveys a sense of lasting memory.
82. “In loving memory.” – This phrase is a gentle and respectful way to acknowledge the reason for your absence.
83. “A moment of quiet reflection.” – This suggests a need for personal peace and contemplation during a difficult time.
84. “May peace be with you.” – This wish offers a gentle blessing, extending goodwill even during your own time of sorrow.
85. “The heart remembers what it has loved.” – This poetic line speaks to the enduring nature of love and memory.
86. “Finding strength in memories.” – This phrase conveys a sense of resilience derived from cherished past moments.
87. “A time for healing.” – This simple statement highlights the process of recovery and self-care you are undertaking.
88. “Resting in peace.” – This phrase is often used in remembrance and suggests a period of calm and repose.
89. “Cherishing the moments.” – This conveys a sense of gratitude for past experiences and a focus on positive remembrance.
90. “Where love resides, memories live.” – This poetic thought links love and memory as enduring forces.
91. “In quiet contemplation.” – Similar to “quiet reflection,” this suggests a period of deep thought and introspection.
92. “Embracing the silence.” – This can signify a need for peace and a break from external noise and demands.
93. “A gentle farewell.” – This phrase can be a subtle nod to saying goodbye to a loved one.
94. “Held in love’s embrace.” – This offers a comforting image of being supported by love during a difficult time.
95. “Remembering with love.” – This focuses on the positive aspect of memory and affection.
96. “A season of remembrance.” – This frames the period of absence as a dedicated time for honoring someone special.
97. “Carrying forward their light.” – This suggests honoring the legacy of the person lost by continuing their positive influence.
98. “In the quiet of my heart.” – This conveys a deeply personal and internal experience of grief and remembrance.
99. “Finding peace in memory.” – This highlights the comforting aspect of recalling positive past experiences.
100. “Their spirit lives on.” – This offers a hopeful perspective, suggesting continuity and enduring presence.
These poetic lines can add a layer of gentle reflection to your out-of-office message.
Navigating grief is a personal journey, and your out-of-office message is a small but important way to communicate your needs.
Remember that it’s okay to take the time you need to heal and process your loss.
Choose a message that feels authentic to you and provides the clarity you require.
Be kind to yourself during this challenging period.