Out of Office

Going on vacation? Be sure to set up your out-of-office message before you go!

Do Include:

• A friendly general greeting to start the email

• The end date of your vacation, or your expected return date

• The reason for your absence, if you’d like to share

• Contact information for colleagues that can help out while you’re away

Don’t Include:

• Too much detail

• Your coworker as a contact without their consent

• Too much humor

  • Be sure the tone of your message matches its intended audience

  • On many email platforms, you can set an out-of-office message for internal & external. Feel free to create a more informal one for your colleagues, and a more professional one for external recipients

Out of Office template (Formal):

Subject: Out of Office, July 22 - July 28
Hello, Thank you for your email. I’m away from the office until [insert date] and have limited email access. For any urgent concerns, contact [coworker’s full name] at [insert coworker email] or via phone [insert coworker’s phone number]. I look forward to speaking with you upon my return!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Out of Office Template - Informal

Subject: Out of Office, July 22 - July 28
Hi there! Thanks for your email. I’m currently enjoying the sun and sand of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, those things don’t mix well with electronics, leaving me without access to my email. If you need immediate support, contact [coworker’s full name] at [insert coworker email]. I’ll be back [Insert Date] and look forward to speaking with you then.

Have a great day,

[Your Name]