30+ Examples of Out of Office Messages and Tips

After months of back-to-back meetings, endless emails, and enough coffee to fuel a small nation, you finally carve out time for a well-earned vacation. You shut your laptop, and jet off to paradise. But just as you're about to take your first sip of that perfectly chilled mojito, your phone buzzes. "Hey, quick question – are you on vacation?"

This is why a well-crafted out of office text message isn't just a courtesy but a necessity. A vague or uninspiring "I'm OOO" message can lead to confusion, delays, or, worse, colleagues and clients bombarding your personal number because they "weren't sure" if you'd see their email. A good message, on the other hand, sets clear expectations, redirects urgent requests, and even adds a touch of personality that reflects your company culture.

On this page, we'll dive into 30+ great examples of out of the office messages ranging from ultra-professional to lighthearted and witty, along with practical tips to make sure your time away is respected and uninterrupted.

What Are Out of Office Messages?

An out-of-office (OOO) message is an automatic reply that lets people know you're not around at the moment. It helps manage expectations by telling senders you won't be able to respond right away and who to contact in case of emergency, so they don't sit there wondering if you've seen their message. It's a simple way to keep things running smoothly even when you're not in the office.

OOO messages also give you a chance to show a bit of personality or reflect your team's communication style. You can keep it professional, add some humor, or even get creative depending on your workplace culture. Plus, they're super helpful for directing urgent matters to someone else, so things keep moving while you're away.

When to Use OOO Messages

But when exactly should you use these messages? Here are some of the most common reasons why you might be unavailable, each tied to different types of PTO:

• Vacation (taking a well-deserved break to recharge, explore new places, or just relax away from the usual work routine);
• Holiday break (taking time off during official company holidays or public holidays, allowing you to disconnect and spend time with loved ones);
• Sick leave (needing time off to recover from illness, medical procedures, or unexpected health issues that prevent you from working);
• Business travel (traveling for work-related purposes, such as meetings, conferences, or client visits, where you may not have immediate access to emails or phone calls);
• Training or development (attending training, workshops, or courses for professional development is another reason you might be unavailable);
• Personal matters (addressing personal or family emergencies, important appointments, or life events that require your focus and make you temporarily unavailable);
• Maternity and paternity leave (taking some time away to take care of a newborn).

What Is a Good Out of Office Message?

Before diving into finding the right words for your OOO email example or message template, keep in mind that it should be clear, concise, and well-organized. You want to make sure it provides just the right amount of information to avoid leaving your colleagues and clients guessing while you're away. So, what are the key things you should include to ensure everything stays on track?

First things first, a strong OOO message example should concisely explain why you're not available. You don't have to go into great detail, but providing a brief reason, such as being on vacation, attending a conference, or taking sick leave, lets the sender know that it's not just something unresponded.

The next crucial element of a well-made out of office message example is the duration of your absence. No matter whether you're away for a couple of days or several weeks, it's important to clearly state the exact dates, e.g., "I'll be back on the 15th of March", or a more general time frame, such as "I am currently out of the office until next week." This helps senders clarify when they can anticipate a response.

If your absence might cause any delays, it's essential to provide an alternative point of contact for urgent matters. This helps ensure that time-sensitive issues don't get delayed or left unresolved. Make sure to share their name, role, and how best to contact them (e.g., "If you need immediate assistance please contact my supervisor [Name] at [Email Address]").

Lastly, wrap up your OOO message with a polite sign-off. Even though you're away, a positive tone can leave a lasting impression. Something as simple as, "Thank you for your patience," or "I will respond upon my return," conveys appreciation and professionalism.

30+ Examples of Out of Office Messages

Picture this: you're enjoying some much-needed downtime, maybe taking a walk or catching up on your favorite book, and suddenly Slack blows up with notifications. Not exactly the peaceful moment you were hoping for! That's where a solid vacation OOO message swoops in. Think of it like putting a "do not disturb" sign on your virtual desk – clear, polite, and without leaving anyone hanging. Let's dive into some examples of out of office messages that will keep everyone in the loop while you're off the clock.

5 Professional Out of Office Messages

Everyone needs some time off, but that doesn't mean your PTO away message should take a vacation from professionalism. A well-thought-out professional OOO message keeps things courteous, while still sounding approachable. Do you want to hit the right note when you're away? Here are several wonderful out of office messages examples to help you craft the perfect response while maintaining a good tone.

1. "I am currently away from the office and will return on [Date]. During this time, I will have limited access to email and work messengers. For immediate assistance, please contact [Colleague's Name] at [Email]. Otherwise, I will get back to you as soon as possible upon my return."
   
   
2. "Thank you for your email! I'm away from my desk until [Date]. My inbox and direct messages will be checked infrequently, so responses will be delayed. If your inquiry requires immediate attention, please reach out to [Colleague's Name] at [Email], and they will be happy to assist you. I will get back to you as soon as I return."
   
   
3. "Thanks for your message! I'm stepping away from my desk for a bit to work on something exciting and will be back on [Date]. During my time away, my inbox and messages might have to wait their turn. If it's urgent, [Colleague's Name] will be happy to help you out at [Email]. I will be sure to reply to you as soon as I'm back!"
   
   
4. "I'm currently out of the office until [Date]. I'll be checking my inbox and messages periodically, but responses may take a little longer than usual. If you need immediate assistance, please contact [Colleague's Name] at [Email]. I appreciate your patience and I will get back to you as soon as possible."
   
   
5. "Thank you for reaching out! I'm currently out of the office recharging my batteries and will return on [Date]. I won't be responding to emails and messages while I’m away, but if something urgent comes up, please contact [Colleague's Name] at [Email]. I'll catch up with you as soon as I'm back."

5 One-Day Out of Office Message Example Ideas

Whether you're stepping out for a meeting or just catching up on life for the day, leaving a proper out of office message is a rule of thumb. After all, a quick and professional "I'll be out of the office message" lets people know when they can expect a reply, and who they can turn to in your absence. Here are 5 creative and simple ideas for an out of office message for one day to help you keep the communication flowing.

1. "Thanks for your message! I'm out of the office today and will be back first thing tomorrow, ready to tackle my inbox and messages. If you need something urgently, [Colleague's Name] has got you covered. Otherwise, I'll get back to you once I'm back in action. Talk soon!"
   
   
2. "Thanks for reaching out! I'm out of the office today, but no worries, I'll be back tomorrow to tackle everything with a fresh mind. If it can't wait, [Colleague's Name] is happy to help. I'll be in touch as soon as I'm back!"
   
   
3. "Hi there! I'm out of the office today, but don't worry – I'll be back tomorrow, ready to face my inbox with renewed determination (or maybe just a strong cup of coffee). If you need something urgently, [Colleague's Name] is available to assist. If it can hold off, I'll catch up with you soon!"
   
   
4. "Hello, I will be out of the office for the remainder of the day, likely attempting to get a few things done without the constant buzz of my inbox. I'll be back tomorrow to tackle all messages with a fresh perspective. In the meantime, if you need urgent assistance, [Colleague's Name] can step in to help. Thanks for your patience, and I'll respond to you at my earliest convenience upon return."

5. "Thanks for reaching out! I'll be off the grid from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, probably trying to balance work with some much-needed quiet time. My response might be a little slower than usual. If you need immediate help before I return, [Colleague's Name] has got you covered. Or else, I'll dive into your message as soon as I'm back!"

5 Funny Out of Office Messages

Sometimes, the usual "I'm currently out of office message" can feel a bit... boring. Why not spice things up a little? Funny out of office messages can add some personality to your time away, leaving your colleagues with a smile while they wait for your return. Let's take a closer look at a few that'll have everyone laughing because who said OOO messages have to be all business?

1. "I have embarked on a brave journey into the unknown (or maybe just my couch). I'll return on [Date], assuming I survive. If your inquiry is life or death, contact [Colleague's Name]. If not, it will be lovingly ignored until I return."
   
   
2. "Hey there! I've successfully escaped the office and am currently on leave (read: sipping a cocktail somewhere far, far away). I'll be back [Date], but until then, please forward all urgent requests to [Colleague's Name] or try sending a carrier pigeon to try to find me. No promises on the last option though."
   
   
3. "This is my OOO message. I am not here. I have vanished into the void (aka PTO). If it's truly urgent, try yelling really loudly. If that doesn't work, contact [Colleague's Name] at [Email]. Otherwise, I'll get back to you once I remember how to work again on [Date]."
   
   
4. "I'm off the grid! (Fine, I'm probably just ignoring emails while eating my weight in snacks). Either way, I won't be responding until [Date]. If you really need help, bug [Colleague's Name] – they love that."
   
   
5. "I've finally done it – I've escaped! No emails, no meetings, just me, [Insert fun activity or location]. Will I return? Eventually. But not before [Date]. If it's urgent, hit up [Colleague's Name], who sadly didn't make it out. Otherwise, I'll get back to you once I remember how to be a responsible adult."

Top 5 OOO Vacation Message Examples

When you're away from the office, your message should be as refreshing as your vacation plans (well, almost). Instead of the typical "I'm out of the office," why not shake things up a little? Here are the top 5 simple out of office message examples that'll keep people informed and leave your colleagues a little jealous of your time off.

1. "Thanks for your message! I'm off the radar on vacation, living my best life (with occasional Wi-Fi). I'll be back on [Date] and will respond once I've fully recharged. If it's urgent, [Colleague's Name] is your go-to for help!"
   
   
2. "I'm away on vacation, probably getting sunburned or lost somewhere exciting. I'll return on [Date] and will get back to you once I've recovered from my break. If you need immediate assistance, [Colleague's Name] is ready to step in!"
   
   
3. "Taking a well-earned break and temporarily out of the office (I'm likely napping or exploring). I'll be back on [Date] and will get back to you once I've rejoined the land of emails and messages. In the meantime, [Colleague's Name] is available to help with urgent matters."
4. "I'm currently away from the office, probably enjoying a little R&R or deep in a Netflix binge. I'll be back on [Date] and will catch up on your inquiry then. If something urgent pops up, [Colleague's Name] can assist you."
   
   
5. "Off to recharge my batteries for a bit! I'll be back in the office on [Date] and will respond to your message once I've caught up on sleep (along with messages and emails). For anything urgent, [Colleague's Name] is available to help in the meantime."

5 Out of Office Conference Message Templates

While you're out there expanding your mind, making connections, and soaking in all the new insights, it's also important to let both your colleagues and clients know you're out of the office. You don't want anyone wondering why you're not responding to emails, calls, and messages, do you? Here is a curated list of OOO message examples to let everyone know you're away at a conference and when they can expect to hear back from you.

1. "Hey there! I'm at a conference until [Date], networking, trying to build connections, and expanding my knowledge. I'll respond to you as soon as I can, but for urgent matters, please reach out to [Colleague's Name] at [Email]."
   
   
2. "Thank you for contacting me! I'm currently out of the office, attending a conference to stay ahead of the curve on all things new and exciting (while hoping to avoid 'speaker fatigue'). I'll be back on [Date], but in the meantime, [Colleague's Name] will be happy to help with anything urgent."
   
   
3. "Thanks for reaching out! I'm currently away from my desk, attending a conference where I'm learning new things, networking with industry experts, and, of course, sipping coffee. I'll be back to my usual routine on [Date], and I'll respond to your message as soon as I return."
   
   
4. "I'm currently away at a conference, where I'm pretending to be a subject matter expert while secretly Googling half the things I hear (just kidding!). I'll be back on [Date] and will respond to your email as soon as possible. If your matter is urgent, [Colleague's Name] is ready to take the lead!"
   
   
5. "I'm off at a conference until [Date], probably asking more questions than I'm answering (but that's how learning works, right?). I'll be back to tackle your inquiry when I return. In the meantime, please contact [Colleague's Name] for anything urgent."

5 Sick Leave Out of Office Reply Examples

When you're under the weather, the last thing you want to do is worry about your inbox, missed calls, or unread messages. But you also want to let people know you're not ignoring them – you're just busy with a much-needed doctor's appointment or recovery time. Let's dive into 5 ideas for a proper out of office message for doctor appointment visits and sick leaves.

1. "Thanks for reaching out! I'm out of the office today as I'm busy with a doctor's appointment and trying to avoid being a "coughing mess" at my desk. I'll be back in action tomorrow. If you need immediate assistance, please contact [Colleague's Name] at [Email]. Otherwise, I'll catch up with you when I return!"
   
   
2. "Well, it looks like I've been struck by the dreaded bug, and I'm off to see the doctor. Don't worry though – I'm taking all the necessary medicine (including some extra sleep). I'll get back to you as soon as I'm back in action! For anything urgent, [Colleague's Name] has got your back. Reach them at [Email]."
   
   
3. "I'm out today for a doctor's appointment and will be out of office for a bit. While I won't be answering messages right away, I will get back to you as soon as I return. If your matter is urgent, please reach out to [Colleague's Name] at [Email], and they'll help you out for now."
   
   
4. "Hey there! I'm currently out of the office trying to get myself back on track with a doctor's appointment. Unfortunately, my email and work messenger aren't on the doctor's list of recommendations for today. I'll be back soon and will catch up with you then! If it's urgent, please contact [Colleague's Name] at [Email] – they've got all the answers!"
   
   
5. "I'm out of the office today for a doctor's appointment (yup, the flu got me). I'll be back soon, ready to respond to your message with my usual charm and wit! In the meantime, if you need immediate help, [Colleague's Name] is your go-to person. Contact them at [Email]."

Tips and Best Practices for Writing the Best OOO Messages

If you've ever wondered how to create a nice out-of-office message that's both informative and reflects your personality, you're in the right place! There are no strict rules, but there are some cool tips to help you craft a message that's not just saying you're unavailable but doing it in style.

Be Clear and Specific

One of the most important employee vacation planning best practices is to keep in mind to avoid being vague about your availability. Make sure to mention your return date and give specific details about when you'll be back or how soon the person can expect a response. This helps manage expectations and gives others a clearer idea of when they can reach you. Instead of saying, "I'm out for a while," a rad out of office message example would be, "I'm out of the office until February 10th and will respond to your email upon my return."

Keep It Professional, Yet Personal

While it's tempting to share all the exciting details of your vacation or where you're headed, it's best to keep things professional especially if you're in a formal work environment. That said, if your company culture is more relaxed and appreciates a touch of personality, feel free to add a little flavor to your note. For example, a sample OOO message could be, "I'm currently hiking in the mountains with limited email access" can sound casual but still informative.

Leave an Alternate Contact

If you're going to be away for a while, it's a good idea to leave an alternate contact in your out-of-office message. This ensures that urgent matters are still addressed while you're away. Just share the name, role, and contact info of someone who can help in your absence. For instance, one of the most efficient OOO message examples is "If you need immediate help, reach out to [Colleague's Name], [Role], at [Email/Phone]." Just make sure to give that colleague a heads-up so they're prepared for any requests you might direct their way.

Double-Check Before You Send

Before you set your out-of-office message, give it a quick once-over. Check for typos, make sure your dates are spot on, and confirm that your response is clear. A well-written reply doesn't just let people know you're away, it shows you care about the little details, even when you're out of the office. Plus, it leaves a professional impression, even when you're not around to answer right away. You can also refer to a sample out of office email or message to ensure you're including all the necessary details.

Set Autoresponder Email Messages

It may seem like a small detail, but forgetting to set up your OOO message can create unnecessary confusion for anyone trying to reach you. So, why should you use out-of-office messages when you will be away for an extended period of time? Without it, people may continue to follow up, leading to frustration as they wonder why you aren't getting back to them. To avoid this, make sure to set up your response before you leave and deactivate it as soon as you're back.

When setting up an autoresponder, it's important to carefully review the content of the message you choose. Using automatic out of office reply examples can help you create a professional and informative response that fits your situation. Plus, don't forget to deactivate it as soon as you return, to avoid leaving people in the dark about your availability.

Update Your Status on Messaging Platforms

And it's not just about emails. Remember to update your status in your workplace communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or any other platform you use regularly. Setting a custom status like "Out of office until [Date]" or "On vacation, back on [Date]" will immediately let your team know that you're unavailable. In addition to updating your status, consider adding a brief note or custom emoji to add a personal touch. Some platforms even allow you to set auto-responses within chats. For inspiration, you can check out some of the office messages examples to help craft the perfect status.

Use OrgaNice for Time Off and Vacation Tracking

Let's be honest, keeping track of who's off and when can feel like a game of hide-and-seek. You're always left wondering who's off today or trying to figure out if you'll catch someone at the office or on a tropical beach. But with the OrgaNice time off and vacation tracker, everything you need is organized, clear, and accessible at a glance. No more endless back-and-forth trying to hunt down the details.

All your team's time-off requests are neatly stored and aligned with your company's PTO policies. It's like having your own personal assistant that monitors everything, without any guesswork. From vacation days to sick leave, OrgaNice automatically updates Slack statuses with vacation emojis or status indicators like "out of office," so everyone knows who's around and who's not without needing to ask.

Here's a quick look at how OrgaNce can make your employee vacation tracking seamless:

• tailors the PTO policies to your company's needs, so everything stays compliant and consistent;
• easily creates and modifies time-off requests, with adjustable fields like PTO type, dates, manager approval, and comments;
• allows employees to request time off directly through Slack with just one click on the "Request Time Off" button in the OrgaNice tab;
• notifies managers automatically via Slack for every new request, keeping them in the loop with zero hassle;
• informs your team instantly when a time-off request gets approved, with updates sent to a designated Slack channel to help with coverage planning;
• tracks past and future time-off requests, categorized by type, with just a simple click;
• provides real-time updates on time-off balances and company policies, accessible for both employees and managers;
• updates your team's Slack status automatically with vacation emojis like a palm tree to let everyone know they're out;
• syncs all important dates like birthdays, work anniversaries, and public holidays with a comprehensive calendar;
• generates reports effortlessly to get an overview of absences and time-off trends.

The main bonus? OrgaNice is totally free for teams of fewer than 36 members. Larger teams can try it out with a 14-day free trial, and after that, it costs only $1.25 per user per month – and even less with annual billing. That price gets you more than just the time-off tracker, you'll also get access to cool features like an AI-powered org chart builder, employee feedback surveys, a birthday bot, a kudos bot, and more.

Final Say on the Best OOO Messages

At the end of the day, the best out-of-office message is one that clears up any confusion, frustration, or wondering whether you're lounging by the pool or drowning in emails. If you're short on time, don't stress – just use examples of out-of-office messages that align with your company culture and set the right expectations. And hey, if you forget to set it up, just know that someone will definitely be wondering why you're not replying. So, avoid the mystery and make sure that OOO message is set before you clock out!

And if you're looking to make time-off management a breeze for both you and your team, consider adding OrgaNice to your Slack toolkit. With features like automatic status updates, PTO tracking, and easy coverage planning, you can say goodbye to confusion and hello to smooth, hassle-free leave management. No more back-and-forth emails or lost time-off requests – just transparency and clarity, all in one place. Got any questions? Feel free to reach out to us - we're here to help.