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Out Of Office Email Templates

An out-of-office email is an automatic email message that is sent to individuals who try to contact you when you are unavailable. This type of email is commonly used when an individual is on vacation, at a conference, or otherwise unavailable for an extended period of time. Out-of-office emails serve as a polite and professional way to inform others of your unavailability and can help to manage expectations and minimize frustration.

When writing an out-of-office email, it is important to consider the tone and content of the message. The email should be professional and polite, and should clearly state the dates during which you will be unavailable. You may also want to include information on who to contact in your absence, as well as any important deadlines or updates that may be relevant.

Having a pre-written out-of-office email template can be a useful tool in streamlining the process of setting up an out-of-office message. This can save time and ensure that all necessary information is included in the message. Additionally, having a template can help to ensure consistency in the format and content of out-of-office emails, regardless of who is setting them up.

Importance of setting up an out of office email

Setting up an out-of-office email is important for several reasons:

  • Professionalism: An out-of-office email sends a message of professionalism and courtesy to those who try to contact you while you are unavailable. It lets them know that you are taking the time to manage your communications, even when you are not in the office.

  • Expectation Management: By including information about your unavailability and who to contact in your absence, you are helping to manage expectations and minimize frustration for those trying to reach you.

  • Increased Productivity: By letting others know that you are unavailable, you can avoid interruptions and distractions, allowing you to focus on your personal or professional obligations without having to worry about your email inbox.

  • Improved Communication: An out-of-office email can help to improve communication by providing clear and concise information about your availability and who to contact in your absence. This can help to reduce confusion and misunderstandings.

  • Better Time Management: By setting up an out-of-office email, you can ensure that your time is not wasted dealing with emails that can wait until you return. This allows you to maximize your time and prioritize the tasks that are most important to you.

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How to write an out of office email

An out-of-office email is an automated message informing people that you will not be available to reply to their emails. It allows you to let your contacts know when you’ll be back online and who they can contact in your absence. To write a successful out-of-office email, start by introducing yourself and providing a brief explanation of why you’re away. Then include the dates you’ll be gone and if you’ll have any access to emails during that period. Finally, provide contact information for someone who can help while you’re away, such as a colleague or customer service representative.

It’s important to keep your out-of-office email professional and concise. Avoid using humor or casual language, as it may not be appropriate for all of your contacts. If you have any urgent matters that need to be addressed, include specific instructions for who to contact and what steps they should take. Make sure to proofread your out-of-office email before sending it out, as mistakes can create confusion or send the wrong message.

Out of office email template subject line templates

  • Out of Office: [Your Name]

  • Away from Desk: [Your Name]

  • Out of Reach: [Your Name]

  • Vacation Mode: [Your Name]

  • On Leave: [Your Name]

  • Temporarily Unavailable: [Your Name]

  • Out of the Office Until [Date]: [Your Name]

  • Taking a Break: [Your Name]

  • Off the Grid: [Your Name]

  • Traveling for Business: [Your Name]

  • On a Well-Deserved Vacation: [Your Name]

  • Out of Office Notifications: [Your Name]

  • Away from Email: [Your Name]

  • Out of Touch: [Your Name]

  • Enjoying Time Off: [Your Name]

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What to include in an out of office email template

  • Introduction

  • Absence period

  • Urgent matters

  • Response time

  • Optional contact number

  • Closure

Template 1: Basic Out of Office Message

Subject: Out of Office – [Your Name]

Hello,

Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office and will not have access to my email. I will be returning on [Date]. If this is an urgent matter, please contact [Colleague’s Name and Email].

Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to getting back to you when I return.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Template 2: Friendly Out of Office Message

Subject: [Your Name] is Away

Hello,

Thank you for your email! I am currently away from my desk and will not have access to email. I am taking some time off to recharge, but I will be checking email periodically.

If this is an urgent matter, please contact [Colleague’s Name and Email]. I will respond to your email as soon as possible upon my return.

Have a great day!

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Template 3: Detailed Out of Office Message

Subject: Out of Office – [Your Name]

Hello,

Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office and will not have access to email. I will be away until [Date].

If this is an urgent matter, please contact [Colleague’s Name and Email]. I have asked them to assist with any urgent requests in my absence.

If your request can wait until my return, I will respond to your email as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Template 4: Simple Out of Office Message

Subject: Out of Office – [Your Name]

Hi there,

I am out of the office and won’t be back until [date]. If you need immediate assistance, please contact [name] at [email address]. Otherwise, I will respond to your message as soon as possible when I return.

Thanks for your patience.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

Best practices for out of office templates

When setting up an out-of-office reply, it’s important to keep in mind that this message will be the first point of contact for many people who email you while you’re away. Here are some best practices for creating an effective out of the office message:

  • Be Clear and Concise: State the purpose of your OOO message in a clear and concise manner. Mention the start and end dates of your absence, and let people know if you will be checking email intermittently.

  • Provide Alternate Contact Information: If possible, provide alternative contact information for urgent matters. This could be a colleague or a department that can handle emergency requests.

  • Be Professional: Keep in mind that your OOO message is a reflection of your professional image. Use proper grammar, spelling, and tone in your message.

  • Personalize your message: Avoid using generic templates that look like spam. Personalize your message to show that you’ve taken the time to think about your absence and the impact it may have on others.

  • Be Respectful: Be mindful of the time zone of your recipients and avoid scheduling your OOO message to send at odd hours.

  • Use Humor Sparingly: While a bit of humor can be disarming, too much of it can come across as unprofessional.

  • Keep It Short: People are busy, and a long-winded OOO message may not be read in its entirety. Keep your message brief and to the point.

  • Check your message before you leave: Before you head out on vacation, take a moment to review your OOO message to make sure it’s up to date and accurate.

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Page reviewed by:Abhinav Girdhar | Last Updated on June 2nd, 2023 12:35 pm