Crafting an effective out-of-office message (OOO) might seem like a small detail. Still, it’s crucial for maintaining professionalism and ensuring that business keeps flowing smoothly even when you’re not around. Whether you’re heading off for a well-deserved vacation, taking a quick break, or attending a work event, your out-of-office message will be your stand-in to communicate with anyone trying to reach you.
The perfect out-of-office message is more than just saying, “I’m not here.” It’s an opportunity to set expectations, offer solutions, and still come off as approachable and professional. This article will guide you through 100 out-of-office message examples tailored to different occasions, personalities, and industries.
Why Your Out-of-Office Message Matters
Your out-of-office message represents you when you’re not available to respond personally. If done right, it not only informs the recipient but also leaves a good impression. Whether you’re networking with potential clients, dealing with internal colleagues, or just handling administrative duties, the message needs to be:
- Clear – State when you’ll be back and what actions they should take while you’re away.
- Professional – Even if you’re headed for a beach holiday, you want to keep things courteous and respectful.
- Helpful – Provide an alternate contact if necessary, ensuring that urgent queries are still handled efficiently.
Let’s explore different types of out-of-office messages, designed to fit a wide array of situations.
1. General Professional Out-of-Office Messages
These standard templates are perfect for everyday business trips, personal days off, or company events where you’ll be temporarily unavailable.
Basic Professional
Thank you for your email. I’m currently out of the office and will return on [Return Date]. If your request is urgent, please contact [Alternative Contact] at [Email/Phone]. Otherwise, I will respond to your email upon my return.
Concise & Polite
I’m out of the office until [Return Date]. For immediate assistance, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I will respond as soon as I can upon my return.
Formal Approach
I am currently away from the office and unavailable until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please reach out to [Alternative Contact] at [Email/Phone]. Thank you for your understanding.
Direct and Clear
I will be out of the office from [Start Date] until [Return Date]. For anything that needs immediate attention, please contact [Alternative Contact].
With Gratitude
Thank you for your message. I’m out of the office and will return on [Return Date]. I appreciate your patience and will get back to you as soon as I’m able. If this is urgent, please contact [Alternative Contact].
2. Vacation/Personal Leave OOO Messages
For those well-earned breaks where you’ll be unavailable, these messages convey that you’re off duty but still have things covered.
Vacation Mode
I’m currently out of the office, soaking up some sunshine! I’ll be back on [Return Date]. For urgent matters, you can reach [Alternative Contact] at [Email/Phone]. I’ll get back to you when I return.
Taking Time Off
I’m out of the office enjoying some personal time. I’ll be back on [Return Date]. In the meantime, please contact [Alternative Contact] for urgent matters. Thank you for your patience!
Extended Leave
I am currently out of the office on vacation and will not return until [Return Date]. If your request is urgent, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I will address your message when I’m back.
Work-Life Balance
I’m away from work and taking some much-needed rest until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I will respond to your email upon my return. Thank you!
Simple and Breezy
I’m on vacation until [Return Date] and won’t be checking emails. Please reach [Alternative Contact] if it’s urgent. Otherwise, I’ll get back to you once I return.
3. Conference or Business Travel OOO Messages
When you’re attending work-related events or business trips, you want to stay professional while still making it clear you’re not in the office.
At a Conference
I’m currently attending [Conference/Event] and will be unavailable until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I’ll respond to emails as soon as possible when I return.
On a Business Trip
I’m out of the office on business travel until [Return Date]. For immediate assistance, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I’ll respond to your message once I’m back in the office.
Busy with Networking
I’m out of the office attending a work event until [Return Date]. During this time, I will have limited access to email. For urgent inquiries, please contact [Alternative Contact].
Combining Professional & Casual
I’m currently attending [Event/Conference] and may be slow to respond to emails. I will return on [Return Date]. If you need help immediately, please reach out to [Alternative Contact].
Focused on Business
Thank you for your message. I’m out of the office for a work event and will return on [Return Date]. For any urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact].
4. Holiday and Festive OOO Messages
When you’re taking time off during public holidays, festive periods, or vacation breaks, it’s a good opportunity to make your out-of-office message fun yet professional. These messages allow you to maintain a professional tone while acknowledging the festive season.
Happy Holidays!
“Happy Holidays! I’m out of the office enjoying the festive season and will return on [Return Date]. If your request is urgent, please contact [Alternative Contact]. Otherwise, I’ll respond to your message once I’m back.”
Season’s Greetings
“Thank you for your email. I’m currently out of the office for the holidays and will return on [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please reach out to [Alternative Contact]. Wishing you a joyous holiday season!”
Winter Break
“I’m out of the office enjoying the winter holidays until [Return Date]. If you need immediate assistance, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I’ll respond to your email when I return.”
Festive Vacation
“Thanks for your email! I’m out of the office for the holiday season and will return on [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. Happy Holidays!”
New Year Break
“Hello! I’m currently out of the office celebrating the New Year and will be back on [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please reach [Alternative Contact]. I’ll get back to you when I return.”
5. Maternity or Paternity Leave OOO Messages
When you’re out on maternity or paternity leave, you’ll likely be unavailable for an extended period. These messages should be clear about your return date and provide helpful alternatives for those who need immediate assistance.
Maternity Leave
“Thank you for your message. I am currently on maternity leave and will not return until [Return Date]. During my absence, please contact [Alternative Contact] for assistance. I look forward to reconnecting when I return!”
Paternity Leave
“I am currently out of the office on paternity leave until [Return Date]. If your matter is urgent, please contact [Alternative Contact] at [Email/Phone]. I will respond to emails when I return.”
Extended Parental Leave
“Hello, I’m out of the office on parental leave and will not be checking emails regularly until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. Thank you for your understanding.”
New Parent Break
“Thank you for your message! I’m currently on leave to spend time with my new family member. I will return to work on [Return Date]. Please contact [Alternative Contact] for any urgent issues.”
Family Time Away
“I’m out on maternity/paternity leave until [Return Date]. I will not be checking emails during this time. Please reach out to [Alternative Contact] for any pressing matters. I’ll respond once I’m back.”
6. Sick Leave OOO Messages
When you’re out of the office due to illness, you want to convey a sense of professionalism, even though you’re not feeling your best. Here’s how to craft an out-of-office message that covers your absence while ensuring the team can move forward.
Simple Sick Leave
“I’m currently out of the office on medical leave and will not return until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. Thank you for your understanding.”
Medical Leave with Limited Access
“I am on medical leave until [Return Date] and will have limited access to email. If your request is urgent, please reach out to [Alternative Contact]. I’ll respond as soon as I’m able.”
Recovery Leave
“Thank you for your email. I’m currently out of the office recovering from an illness and will not be available until [Return Date]. For immediate assistance, please contact [Alternative Contact].”
Sick Leave with Support
“I’m on medical leave and will return on [Return Date]. During this time, I won’t be checking emails. If you need immediate assistance, [Alternative Contact] will be happy to help.”
Unavailable Due to Health Reasons
“I am currently out of the office due to medical reasons and will return on [Return Date]. If your matter is urgent, please contact [Alternative Contact]. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
7. Fun and Casual OOO Messages
Sometimes, a lighthearted and fun OOO message can brighten someone’s day, especially if it aligns with your company culture or personality. These messages maintain professionalism but with a playful twist.
Beach Mode Activated
“Hello! I’m currently out of the office and lounging on a beach somewhere with no access to email. I’ll be back on [Return Date], but until then, please contact [Alternative Contact] if it’s urgent. See you soon!”
On a Safari
“Greetings from the wild! I’m out of the office exploring a safari and won’t return until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I’ll respond when I return—if I don’t get eaten by a lion!”
Gone Fishing
“Thanks for your message! I’m currently out of the office, fishing and relaxing, and won’t be available until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, reach out to [Alternative Contact]. Otherwise, I’ll reel in your message when I’m back.”
Off the Grid
“I’m currently off the grid and out of the office until [Return Date]. During this time, I will not have access to email. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I’ll get back to you once I reconnect.”
Adventure Time
“I’m out of the office on an adventure and will return on [Return Date]. Please contact [Alternative Contact] for urgent inquiries. I’ll be back to respond as soon as I return!”
8. Emergency OOO Messages
For those unexpected times when you need to leave the office suddenly due to emergencies, it’s important to set a message that lets people know your situation.
Unexpected Absence
“Thank you for your email. I am out of the office due to an unexpected emergency and will return on [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact] at [Email/Phone].”
Family Emergency
“I am currently out of the office due to a family emergency and will not return until [Return Date]. I will respond to your email as soon as possible upon my return. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact].”
Sudden Leave
“I’m out of the office due to an urgent matter and will be unavailable until [Return Date]. For immediate assistance, please contact [Alternative Contact]. Thank you for your understanding.”
Unavailable for Urgent Personal Reasons
“I’m currently out of the office for personal reasons and will not be available until [Return Date]. For urgent inquiries, please reach out to [Alternative Contact].”
Emergency Travel
“Thank you for your email. I’m currently out of the office due to unforeseen travel and will return on [Return Date]. Please contact [Alternative Contact] for any urgent matters.”
9. Creative and Quirky OOO Messages
For individuals in creative fields or workplaces that embrace creativity, having a unique, quirky OOO message can leave a lasting impression.
Out of Reach (Literally)
“I’m currently out of the office, quite literally unreachable, as I’m probably somewhere where Wi-Fi hasn’t been invented yet. I’ll be back on [Return Date]. In case of urgent matters, contact [Alternative Contact].”
Moon Landing
“I’m out of the office exploring new frontiers (aka on a break). I’ll return from my mission on [Return Date]. In the meantime, please contact [Alternative Contact] for any urgent needs.”
Hitting the Pause Button
“I’ve temporarily hit the ‘pause’ button on work and won’t return until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. See you on the ‘play’ side!”
Superhero Duty
“Thank you for your email. I’m out of the office saving the world (or at least taking a break) and will return on [Return Date]. If your issue requires immediate attention, please contact [Alternative Contact].”
Out of Office, Not Out of Ideas
“I’m currently out of the office brainstorming new ideas in an undisclosed location. I’ll return on [Return Date]. For immediate assistance, contact [Alternative Contact]. I’ll be in touch when I return.”
10. Long-Term Absence OOO Messages
If you’re going to be away for an extended period—whether for sabbatical, extended leave, or long-term personal matters—these messages can help set expectations clearly.
Sabbatical
“I’m currently on sabbatical and will not return to the office until [Return Date]. During this time, please contact [Alternative Contact] for assistance. I will address your message upon my return.”
Extended Time Off
“I’m currently out of the office on extended leave and will return on [Return Date]. If you need assistance before then, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I will respond to messages when I return.”
Long-Term Leave
“Thank you for your email. I am on long-term leave until [Return Date]. During my absence, please contact [Alternative Contact] for immediate matters. I appreciate your patience.”
Temporary Absence
“I am out of the office for an extended period and will not return until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please reach out to [Alternative Contact] at [Email/Phone].”
Out of Office for a While
“Hello, I’m currently on an extended break and will return to the office on [Return Date]. Please contact [Alternative Contact] for any pressing matters. I will respond when I’m back.”
11. Seasonal OOO Messages
Tailoring your OOO message to the season adds a nice touch. These work well for times of the year like summer vacations, winter holidays, and more.
Summer Vacation
“I’m currently out of the office, enjoying the summer sun, and will return on [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I will get back to you once I return.”
Fall Break
“I’m out of the office enjoying the fall season until [Return Date]. For urgent inquiries, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I’ll respond as soon as I’m back.”
Springtime Getaway
“Thank you for your email! I’m currently out of the office for a spring break and will return on [Return Date]. For immediate matters, please contact [Alternative Contact].”
Winter Wonderland
“I’m out of the office enjoying the winter holidays and won’t return until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I’ll respond when I return.”
Autumn Adventure
“I’m currently out of the office, enjoying a little autumn adventure, and will return on [Return Date]. If your matter is urgent, please contact [Alternative Contact].”
12. Team or Project-Specific OOO Messages
If you work in a team or are responsible for projects, it’s helpful to leave clear instructions for team members or clients who may need help while you’re away.
Team Support Available
“I’m out of the office until [Return Date]. For project-related matters, please contact [Team Member] at [Email]. They’ll be able to assist you until I’m back.”
Project Coverage
“I am currently out of the office and will return on [Return Date]. For urgent matters related to [Project Name], please contact [Alternative Contact]. I will respond upon my return.”
Team Lead Absence
“I’m out of the office and unavailable until [Return Date]. Please reach out to [Alternative Contact] for any team-related questions or project updates.”
Backup Available
“Thank you for your message. I’m currently out of the office and will return on [Return Date]. For assistance, please contact [Backup Contact] at [Email].”
Department Assistance
“I’m out of the office but the department is still running smoothly! Please contact [Alternative Contact] for help with any urgent matters.”
13. Professional and Polite OOO Messages
Sometimes, a straightforward, polished tone is all that’s needed, especially in more formal or corporate environments.
Formal and Polite
“Thank you for your message. I am currently out of the office and will return on [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I will respond to your message as soon as possible upon my return.”
Polite and Direct
“I am currently out of the office and will not return until [Return Date]. Please contact [Alternative Contact] for any urgent matters. I will reply to your email as soon as I’m back.”
Professional Courtesy
“I’m out of the office until [Return Date] and will not be checking emails regularly. For urgent matters, please reach out to [Alternative Contact]. I appreciate your patience.”
Cordial OOO Message
“I’m currently away from the office and will return on [Return Date]. For urgent issues, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I will respond to your message when I return. Thank you for your understanding.”
Formal and Respectful
“Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office and unavailable until [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I appreciate your patience.”
14. Weekend or Short Absence OOO Messages
For shorter periods out of the office, such as weekends or short breaks, these messages keep things brief but professional.
Out for the Weekend
“Thank you for your email. I am out of the office for the weekend and will return on [Return Date]. I will respond to your message once I’m back.”
Short Absence
“I’m out of the office for a short break and will return on [Return Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Alternative Contact].”
Unavailable Today
“I am out of the office today and will return tomorrow. Please contact [Alternative Contact] for urgent inquiries. I will reply to your message when I’m back.”
Back Soon
“I’m currently out of the office but will return shortly on [Return Date]. For anything urgent, please contact [Alternative Contact]. I will get back to you as soon as I’m available.”
Just Out for the Day
“I’m out of the office for the day and will return tomorrow. If you need immediate assistance, please contact [Alternative Contact]. Thank you for your patience!”
Conclusion
With these 100 professional out-of-office message examples, you can now customize your OOO messages to fit any occasion, from business trips to holidays, and even unexpected emergencies. Setting the right tone ensures professionalism, conveys necessary information, and lets people know you have things under control—even when you’re not there.