It's the holiday season, people tend to fall into one of two camps:
- those who watch the clock incessantly, and
- those who are so busy before they leave,
They might even forget to put up an out-of-office (OOO) email message. If you're anything like I am, you probably fall into team two. That doesn't leave a lot of time to get creative. But if you plan ahead, you might be able to craft some pretty fun personal messages to colleagues and customers.
What are Out-of-Office Email Messages?
Also known as "autoresponder emails," out-of-office messages run the gamut. From funny to clever to snarky, this message can both show your personality and let senders know that, well, you’re out of office.
While you can keep it simple, you can also have some fun with it.
Be warned, company culture is also important to note when crafting your email message. Having a too informal voice in an overly formal setting could be inappropriate.
What to Include in Your Email Messages?
In your away message, you typically include the following:
- A quick “I’m out of the office” phrase.
- The date or time range you’ll be out.
- Who to reach out to in case the sender needs immediate attention.
- A Sign-Off
Here are 10 Funny Out-of-Office Messages to Inspire Your Own
1. Thanks for your message! I’m currently buried in snow and will get back to you once I’ve defrosted on January 2nd. And if you think I’m lying...
2. Hi there, Sorry I missed you — I’m unable to get to my email right this second. Why? I’m on a backpacking trip, surviving on Spam, really good water, and trail mix. You should see the stars out here. I’ll get back to you when I return to civilization. Or to an area with WiFi. Or to the office on May 10th. Whichever comes first. If you need help right now, email my team at team@example.com.
3. Hi there, You got this email immediately (classic autoresponder behaviour), which means I’m out of the office on vacation. While I hypothetically could reach my email, while I hypothetically do have my phone on hand, and while I hypothetically do have access to WiFi, I’d rather enjoy time with my family. My kids are growing up at the speed of a supersonic jet, and if I blink one more time, they’ll be 35. And I’ll be 73. And I don’t want that. If you still need to reach me, you can email interruptingfamilytime@example.com. Or you can email my assistant at assistant@example.com. They can point you in the right direction. Looking forward to reconnecting once I’m back.
4. Hi, I’m Troy McClure. You might remember me from such out-of-office messages as Avenge My Death if I Don’t Return from DMEXCO and Bye Now, I’m on an Absurdly Long Cycling Trip. I’m here to talk to you about someone you know. Catalina Wong is out of office until September 27. She wanted me to let you know that she’ll get back to you after her return. That’s all for now. Watch for me in the upcoming out-of-office message, It’s Not a Hangover, It’s Food Poisoning — I Swear! And be safe out there.
5. Hey there — I’ve got good and bad news for you. Let’s go with the bad first. The bad news is that I’m out of office. The good news is that I’m out of office and enjoying elotes in Cancún. If you can’t wait for a response, my colleague will be happy to take care of you. Just email them at someone@example.com. I’ll be back on February 7th.
6. "I am currently out of the office and probably chilling on the beach. Enjoy your work week."
7. Hello there, I’m currently out of the office, enjoying some peanuts and Cracker Jacks with my family. Can you guess where I am? That’s okay, you’re busy. If your message is urgent, fear not — we’ll get it addressed. Try doing one of two things: Send me an email at TheresNoCryingInBaseball@example.com. Just kidding. That’s not a real email address. Reach out to my manager at manager@example.com in my absence. I’ll be back in the office on 7/19 and will happily respond then. Have a great weekend!
8. I am on annual leave until dd/mm/yyyy. I will allow each sender one email and if you send me multiple emails, I will randomly delete your emails until there is only one remaining. Choose wisely. Please note that you have already sent me one email.
9. Hey there, Careful. Holiday revelry and debauchery ahead. Proceed with caution (if you dare). By which I mean to say: I’m on holiday, I’m definitely sunburnt, and I’m sorry I missed your email. Don’t you worry: while I pretend to be Santa in front of my kids, my colleague, Hannah, will cover for me. Just email her at hannah@example.com if you need urgent assistance. Take care, and don’t get too carried away with the sunbathing!
10. Hey there, Thank you so much for your email. I love it already. It’s wrapped so nicely in its charming subject line that I just knew this message was going to be something special. Gifts like these just don’t come around every day. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to return your message. As it’s the holiday season, I’m currently away from the office. When I return, I’ll give your email a good solid read and find that your request is exactly what I needed after all! But until then, I’m going to keep it in the inbox so it doesn’t get damaged and revisit it after the holidays are over. Happy holidays!
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