Good communication keeps the gears grinding, even when you’re away from work. An out-of-office message, or OOO message, is a small but powerful way to keep everything running smoothly while you’re off the grid. Whether you’re taking a well-earned vacation, on sick leave, or simply unplugging, a thoughtful OOO message lets your contacts know what to do in your absence.
Here’s how to draft an OOO message that ticks all the boxes: clear, concise, and just the right tone. Learn what information to include and examples you can tailor to fit your needs. Your OOO message can work as seamlessly as you do.
An OOO message is an automatic reply email that lets people know you’re temporarily unavailable. It’s a simple way to keep professional communication when you aren’t at your desk. A good OOO message sets clear expectations, letting your contacts know when you will return and how to follow up in your absence.
Use an OOO message whenever you can’t check or respond to emails, whether it’s attending a conference for the day or taking an extended holiday. Here are some common situations:
An OOO message is professional and practical to keep productivity up while you’re away. Here’s what to include in a clear, helpful email or message:
Crafting a simple OOO message isn’t always easy. Here are five common mistakes to avoid:
Whether you’re on a leave or catching rays on the beach, here are 10 automatic reply examples to inspire you:
Thank you for your email. I’m currently OOO on vacation. I will not check emails until I return on [date]. If this is an urgent matter, please contact [contact name] at [email or phone number]. Otherwise, I will respond when I return to the office.
Hello. I am currently on maternity leave and will be OOO until [date]. During my absence, please reach out to [alternative contact name] at [email or phone number] for immediate assistance. I will respond to emails once I return.
Thanks for reaching out. I am currently out sick and checking emails periodically. I anticipate returning to my desk on [date]. I will respond to your email as soon as I am back on my feet. If your inquiry is urgent, please contact [contact name] at [contact information].
Thank you for writing. I am currently attending [name of conference] and will be out of the office until [date]. I have limited access to my inbox. For urgent matters, please contact [contact name] at [contact information]. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Hello. I’m currently traveling on business and will be away from my desk until [date]. I will check my email intermittently, but my responses might be delayed. If your email is urgent, please get in touch with my colleague [contact name] at [contact information]. I appreciate your understanding.
Thank you for your email. I’m currently focused on a project with limited availability. I will not be checking emails until [date]. I will respond as soon as I can, but for urgent issues, please contact [contact name] at [contact email]. Apologies for any inconvenience, and thank you for your patience.
Thank you for contacting me. I’m currently on a leave of absence and will be unavailable until [date]. For immediate assistance, please contact [contact name] at [contact information]. I will follow up when I return. Best.
I am OOO for a team retreat and will not check emails until [date]. If you need urgent assistance, please contact [contact name] at [contact email]. I’ll respond to your email upon my return.
Thanks for your message. I’m out of office today and will respond to your email tomorrow. If you need immediate assistance, please reach out to [contact name] at [contact information]. Thank you.
Our offices are currently closed for the holidays. We will return on [date]. For urgent matters, please reach out to [contact name] at [contact email or phone number]. Thank you, and happy holidays.
A little time away from your desk shouldn’t tank your productivity. With Otter AI Chat, you can draft an out-of-office email in seconds. Plus, Otter can auto-join your meetings while you’re out so you can catch up on lost meetings with automated notes, summaries, and action item lists.
You get some rest. Let Otter worry about keeping you informed and engaged upon your return.