Quick Answer
An out-of-office message is an automatic email reply that lets people know you're unavailable and when you'll return. The best OOO messages are concise, include your return date, provide an alternative contact, and match your professional tone.
Your out-of-office message says more about you than you think. It's the digital equivalent of a closed sign on your office door — except this sign can either make people smile, reassure them, or leave them wondering if you've fallen off the face of the earth.
Whether you're heading on vacation, taking parental leave, attending a conference, or just need a mental health day, the right OOO message sets expectations, protects your boundaries, and keeps things moving while you're away.
We've put together 45 out-of-office message examples across ten categories — professional, short & simple, funny, vacation, sick leave, maternity/paternity, holiday, internal vs. external, tips, and more. Copy the ones you like, customize them, and never stress about your auto-reply again.
What Every Out-of-Office Message Should Include
Before diving into the templates, here's what every good OOO message needs:
- Your absence dates — when you're leaving and when you're back.
- An alternative contact — name, email, or phone for urgent matters.
- Your return date — be specific (“March 20th,” not “next week”).
- Urgency instructions — what counts as urgent and what can wait.
- Tone match — professional for clients, casual for teammates.
Need help with your voicemail greeting too? When you're out, callers need the same information your email contacts do.
Professional & Corporate Out-of-Office Messages
These are the safe picks. Polished, clear, and appropriate for any workplace. If you're not sure what tone to use, start here.
1. Standard Corporate
Thank you for your email. I'm currently out of the office from [start date] to [end date] with limited access to email. I'll respond to your message when I return on [return date]. For urgent matters, please contact [colleague name] at [email/phone]. Best regards, [Your name]
2. Executive / C-Suite
Thank you for reaching out. I'm away from [date] through [date] and will not be monitoring email during this time. For time-sensitive business matters, please contact my executive assistant [name] at [email]. All other inquiries will receive a response after [return date].
3. Client-Facing Role
Hi there! Thanks for your email. I'm out of the office until [date], but your message is important to me. If you need immediate assistance, [colleague name] ([email]) is covering my accounts and can help right away. Otherwise, I'll get back to you first thing on [return date]. Looking forward to connecting!
4. Manager / Team Lead
I'm currently away from [date] to [date]. My team is fully equipped to handle requests in my absence. For project updates, reach out to [team lead name] at [email]. For approvals, please copy [backup approver] at [email]. I'll review everything upon my return on [return date].
5. Customer Success
Thanks for your email! I'm out of the office until [return date], but I want to make sure you're taken care of. For account questions or support, our team is standing by at [support email] or [phone]. You can also reach my colleague [name] at [email] who knows your account well. Talk soon!
6. HR / People Team
Thank you for your message. I'm currently out of the office from [start date] to [end date]. For urgent HR matters, benefits questions, or time-sensitive employee concerns, please contact [HR colleague] at [email] or call our HR hotline at [phone]. All other inquiries will be addressed when I return.
7. Finance / Accounting
I'm out of the office until [return date]. For payment inquiries, invoice questions, or time-sensitive financial matters, please contact [colleague name] at [email]. For vendor payments due before my return, please email [AP team email] directly. I'll follow up on all other matters when I'm back.
8. Formal International
Thank you for your correspondence. I am currently out of the office and will return on [date]. During my absence, please direct all inquiries to [colleague name] at [email], who will be pleased to assist you. I will attend to your message promptly upon my return. Kind regards, [Your name]
Short & Simple Out-of-Office Messages
Sometimes less is more. These are for people who don't want to write an essay every time they leave for the weekend.
9. One-Liner
Out of office until [date]. I'll reply when I'm back.
10. Emoji-Forward
🏖️ OOO until [date]. Urgent? → [colleague email]. Not urgent? → I'll be back soon!
11. Date-Only
Away [start date] – [end date]. Back [return date]. Limited email access.
12. Redirect-Only
I'm out of the office. Please contact [colleague name] at [email] for assistance.
13. Auto-Forward Note
I'm currently away and your message has been forwarded to [colleague name] who will respond on my behalf. If you need to reach them directly: [email].
Need a custom out-of-office message?
Generate professional, funny, or creative OOO messages in seconds — totally free.
Try the Free OOO Generator →Funny & Creative Out-of-Office Messages
Life's too short for boring auto-replies. These work best in casual workplaces, creative industries, and when you genuinely want to make someone's inbox a little less soul-crushing.
14. Self-Deprecating Humor
I'm currently out of the office and probably making questionable decisions involving sunscreen and overpriced cocktails. I'll be back on [date], slightly sunburned and ready to pretend I missed your email because of "server issues." For anything urgent, [colleague] at [email] is your person.
15. Pop Culture Reference
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good" — and also out of the office until [date]. Mischief will be managed upon my return. For urgent matters that can't wait for the Hogwarts Express, contact [colleague] at [email].
16. Adventure-Themed
I'm currently somewhere between "completely relaxed" and "will never open a laptop again." Out of the office from [start date] to [end date]. If it's urgent, [colleague] at [email] can help. If it's not urgent, I promise I'll care about it again on [return date].
17. Dramatic Exit
I have left the building. The office. The timezone, actually. Back on [date]. Until then, [colleague] ([email]) is keeping the lights on. They're better at this than me anyway.
18. Mystery Novel Style
The case of the missing employee: Last seen heading toward an airport with a suspicious amount of snacks. Expected to resurface [return date]. Key witness for urgent inquiries: [colleague] at [email]. All other cases will be reopened upon my return.
19. Survivalist
I'm off the grid until [date]. And by "off the grid" I mean at a resort with spotty WiFi that I'm choosing not to connect to. For emergencies (actual emergencies, not "where's the Q3 report" emergencies), contact [colleague] at [email].
20. Movie Trailer Voice
In a world... where one person dared to take PTO... comes the email you didn't expect: an auto-reply. I'm out from [start date] to [end date]. For urgent matters, [colleague] at [email] is your hero. For non-urgent matters, I'll be back. I always come back.
21. Honest & Direct
I'm taking time off because I need it. Back on [date]. I won't be checking email and I won't feel guilty about it. [Colleague] at [email] can help if the building is on fire (metaphorically). Everything else can wait.
Vacation Out-of-Office Messages
Heading somewhere warm? Exploring a new city? Sitting on your couch doing absolutely nothing? These templates have you covered.
22. Classic Vacation
I'm on vacation from [start date] to [end date]! I won't be checking email (and I mean it this time). For urgent matters, please reach out to [colleague] at [email]. For everything else, I'll get back to you when I return on [return date], refreshed and caffeinated.
23. Beach Vibes
Currently trading my inbox for a beach towel 🌴. I'm away from [start date] to [end date] and won't be available. [Colleague name] at [email] is your go-to while I'm gone. I'll be back on [return date] with a tan and a renewed appreciation for air conditioning.
24. International Travel
I'm traveling internationally from [start date] to [end date] and will be in a different timezone with no reliable email access. For anything time-sensitive, please contact [colleague] at [email]. I'll respond to all messages within 48 hours of my return on [return date].
25. Staycation
I'm taking a well-deserved break from [start date] to [end date]. No travel plans — just rest, recharging, and zero email. Need something before I'm back on [return date]? [Colleague] at [email] has you covered.
26. Extended Vacation
I'm on an extended vacation and will be away from the office until [return date] — that's [X] weeks from now. During this time, [colleague name] ([email]) is managing my responsibilities. They're fully briefed and ready to help. Thank you for your patience!
Need a custom out-of-office message?
Generate professional, funny, or creative OOO messages in seconds — totally free.
Try the Free OOO Generator →Sick Leave & Medical Out-of-Office Messages
You don't owe anyone details about your health. These keep it professional without oversharing.
27. General Sick Leave
I'm currently out of the office due to illness and will return on [date] (or when my immune system decides to cooperate). For urgent matters, please contact [colleague] at [email]. I'll respond to all other emails as soon as I'm back.
28. Medical Procedure
I'm away from the office for a medical procedure and will return on [date]. I will not have access to email during this time. Please direct all inquiries to [colleague name] at [email]. Thank you for your understanding.
29. Recovery Period
I'm currently on medical leave and will be returning on [date]. My response time will be limited until then. For urgent work matters, [colleague] at [email] is handling my responsibilities. For non-urgent items, I'll follow up when I'm back and feeling better.
30. Vague but Professional
I'm unexpectedly out of the office and anticipate returning by [date]. I appreciate your patience. For immediate needs, please contact [colleague name] at [email]. I'll address your message as soon as I'm able.
Maternity & Paternity Leave Out-of-Office Messages
Parental leave is a big deal. These templates set clear expectations for a longer absence while keeping things warm and professional.
31. Maternity Leave
I'm currently on maternity leave and will be away from the office until [return date]. During my absence, [colleague name] ([email]) will be handling my responsibilities. They're fully up to speed and happy to help. Thank you for your patience — I look forward to reconnecting when I return!
32. Paternity Leave
I'm on paternity leave welcoming a new addition to the family! I'll be away from [start date] through [return date]. For anything work-related, please reach out to [colleague] at [email]. They're covering my projects and can assist with anything you need. See you on the other side!
33. Gender-Neutral Parental Leave
I'm on parental leave from [start date] to [return date] and won't be checking email during this time. [Colleague name] at [email] is managing my responsibilities and is your best point of contact. For a full list of who's handling what, check [shared doc/link]. Thank you for your support!
Holiday-Specific Out-of-Office Messages
Seasonal OOO messages add a nice touch — especially around major holidays when half the office is out anyway. If you also need a holiday voicemail greeting for your office, we've got templates for that too.
34. Christmas / New Year
Happy holidays! 🎄 I'm out of the office from [Dec date] through [Jan date] enjoying some much-needed holiday cheer. I'll be back on [return date] ready to tackle the new year. For urgent matters during the break, please contact [colleague] at [email]. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
35. Thanksgiving
I'm away from the office for Thanksgiving from [date] through [date]. Grateful for your patience while I'm stuffing my face (and my inbox is on pause). For anything urgent, [colleague] at [email] is available. I'll respond to everything else by [return date]. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃
36. Summer / 4th of July
Happy summer! ☀️ I'm taking a break from [start date] to [end date] and will be away from email. For time-sensitive matters, contact [colleague] at [email]. I'll be back on [return date] with a fresh perspective (and probably a sunburn).
37. Generic Holiday
I'm out of the office for [holiday name] from [start date] through [end date]. For urgent matters, please contact [colleague name] at [email]. I'll respond to all other messages when I return on [return date]. Enjoy the holiday!
Internal vs. External Out-of-Office Messages
Most email clients let you set different auto-replies for coworkers and outside contacts. Use it. Your team gets the casual version; clients get the polished one.
For Internal / Coworkers
38. Casual Internal
Hey team — I'm OOO from [date] to [date]. Not checking Slack or email. [Colleague] is handling anything urgent. Non-urgent stuff can wait. See you on [return date]! 🏖️
39. Project-Specific Internal
OOO until [date]. Here's who to ping while I'm gone: • [Project A] → [Name] ([Slack handle]) • [Project B] → [Name] ([Slack handle]) • Everything else → It can wait Back on [return date]. Don't burn anything down.
40. Humorous Internal
Gone fishing 🎣 (not literally, but also not checking email). Back [return date]. If it's on fire, call [colleague]. If it's not on fire, it can wait. If you're not sure, it can still probably wait.
41. Brief Internal
OOO [start date]–[end date]. Ping [colleague] on Slack for urgent stuff. See you [return date].
For External / Clients
42. Polished External
Thank you for your email. I'm currently out of the office from [start date] through [end date] and will have limited access to email. For immediate assistance, please contact [colleague name] at [email/phone]. I'll respond to your message promptly upon my return on [return date]. Best regards, [Your name]
43. Warm External
Hi! Thanks for reaching out. I'm away from the office until [return date], but I don't want you to have to wait. My colleague [name] at [email] would be happy to help in the meantime. Otherwise, I'll get back to you as soon as I return!
44. External with Resources
Thank you for your email. I'm out of the office until [date]. While I'm away, here are some resources that might help: • FAQ: [link] • Support: [email/phone] • My colleague: [name] at [email] I'll follow up personally when I return on [return date].
45. External Enterprise
Thank you for contacting [Company Name]. I am currently out of the office from [start date] to [end date]. For immediate assistance, please contact our team at [team email] or call [phone number]. For account-specific inquiries, [colleague name] ([email]) is available to assist. I will respond to your message upon my return.
Need a custom out-of-office message?
Generate professional, funny, or creative OOO messages in seconds — totally free.
Try the Free OOO Generator →Tips for Writing a Great Out-of-Office Message
No matter which template you choose, keep these principles in mind:
- Always include your return date. Vague messages like “I'm away” with no timeline create anxiety. Give people a specific date so they know when to expect a response.
- Provide an alternative contact. If something is truly urgent, people need a backup. Include a colleague's name and email or phone number.
- Set realistic expectations. If you won't be checking email at all, say so. If you'll check periodically, mention the delay. Don't promise “I'll respond as soon as possible” if you're hiking Machu Picchu.
- Match your audience. Sending to external clients? Keep it professional. Internal team? Have fun with it. Set different OOO messages for different groups when your email client supports it.
- Keep it short. Two to four sentences is ideal. Nobody reads a five-paragraph OOO message.
- Test it before you leave. Send yourself a test email to make sure the auto-reply triggers correctly and looks right on mobile.
- Update it when you return. Nothing says “I don't have my act together” like an OOO message that's still running two weeks after you got back.
Automate Your Business Communications
Out-of-office messages handle email, but what about your phone calls? When you're away, callers don't get an auto-reply — they get voicemail. And 80% of business callers won't leave a voicemail.
An AI receptionist like ReadyToTalk answers your business calls 24/7 — whether you're on vacation, in a meeting, or just done for the day. It handles inquiries, books appointments, and makes sure you never miss an opportunity.
While you're setting up your OOO, consider setting up something even better for your phone lines. Your email has auto-reply — your phone should too. Check out our best voicemail greetings for medical offices if you're in healthcare.
Also check out our auto-reply message generator, email signature generator, and appointment reminder generator for more free business communication tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an out-of-office message be?
Keep it between 2-4 sentences. Include when you'll be back, whether you're checking email, and who to contact for urgent matters. Anything longer and people won't read it.
Should I include my return date in an OOO message?
Yes, always include your return date. It sets expectations and prevents follow-up emails asking when you'll be back. Use a specific date like “January 15th” rather than vague language like “next week.”
Is it unprofessional to use a funny out-of-office message?
It depends on your company culture and audience. Funny OOO messages work well in creative industries, startups, and internal communications. For client-facing roles in conservative industries like law or finance, stick with professional tones.
What should I include in an out-of-office message?
Every OOO message should include: (1) that you're currently away, (2) the dates you'll be unavailable, (3) when you'll return and respond, and (4) an alternative contact for urgent matters. Optional additions include the reason for your absence and whether you'll have limited email access.
Can I set different out-of-office messages for internal and external contacts?
Yes! Most email clients like Outlook and Gmail let you set separate OOO messages for people inside your organization and external senders. Use the internal message for a more casual tone with project-specific handoff notes, and keep the external one professional with general contact alternatives.