If you work in an a cubicle, you are obviously familiar with out of office messages. For those that aren't, out of office messages are emails that you can create which auto-reply to anyone who sends you an email while you're away. Whether it's for an extended period of time or just while you're out to lunch, people use the out of office functionality for a variety of reasons..
Regardless of when and how you use out of office messages, it's always boring to leave the typical "I'm out of the office and returning tomorrow. Please contact so and so if you have any questions." This type of professionalism needs to come to an end. Start telling people what you really want to tell them while you're away.
Try using these out of office auto replies next time you leave your desk:
1. I am on vacation from mm/dd/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy. I will allow each sender one email. If you send me multiple emails, I will randomly delete your emails until it is pared down to one. Choose wisely. Please note that you already sent me one email.
2. I am on paid leave right now for two weeks. When I get back, I will be on paid return. Upon completing my one week of paid return, I will address any issues or questions you have at a pace I am comfortable with. This is most likely a pace that you will not be comfortable with.
3. I will be out of the office and returning next week. I have incredibly easy access to a phone and email, but I assure you, it will not be used for work purposes.
4. I'm out of the office and returning tomorrow, at which time I will promptly delete all of your emails.
5. Hey there, could you give me a call instead? I'd rather deal with this over the phone. If I don't answer, just keep trying. I've been having issues with my phone.
6. I am currently out of the office. I have a cell phone, but I will not be giving it to you. If you can guess the number, I will take your call.
7. I will be out of the office from mm/dd/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy without access to email. If this is an emergency, please call 911.
8. I'm out of the office. If you have immediate questions or concerns, please contact my manager [insert name here]. If your questions or concerns are not immediate, you might want to ask yourself why you emailed me.
9. I will be away from work for one week while training. When I return, don't expect any improvement.
10. I am currently in the office but swamped with work. This work was probably due to something you already requested. If you are sending me another request, go ahead and recall your email now.
11. I am out of the office at the moment. Unfortunately, I'm returning tomorrow.
12. I am currently interviewing for a new job. Upon my return, I hope to give my two weeks notice and never respond to your email.
13. I am away at lunch. You should consider trying it. P.S. - This is not an invitation.
14. Seacrest out.
15. I like balloons and cheese.
16. I am currently out of the office and probably out-of-my-mind drunk. Enjoy your work week.
17. I am currently in the bathroom dropping a deuce. If this is an urgent matter, it only takes me about 2-3 minutes to take a dump, wipe my butt, properly wash my hands of fecal matter, and return to my desk. Feel free to stop by my desk later and give me a high five!
18. (For men only) I am currently out of the office on maternity leave.
19. I am in the office but completely incapacitated by the monsterous Chinese buffet lunch I ate earlier today. It would be best if your questions waited until tomorrow. Thanks.
20. I am away from the office at this moment. I will still be away from the office at the next moment and returning at a later moment. If you have any issues at the current moment, and they cannot wait until a later moment, please contact my manager, who may actually be away at the moment. Moment. Moment.
21. I'm away from my desk right now. I still have my cubicle, but someone took my desk. I went looking for it. I'll respond to you when my desk gets back to my cubicle.
22. (For females only) I'm on vacation through the 23rd. If you have any questions, issues, or concerns, please feel free to call my colleague [insert name here] while I'm out. If you're a single guy, good looking, and want to travel to Mexico to have a little "fun", call me at [insert phone number here].
23. I'm out of the office due to a family emergency. Our DVR is on the fritz. I will return to work upon a succesful recording of Law & Order SVU on the USA network.
24. At doctor. Peepee like fire.
25. (For man or woman) I decided to take the morning off. Long story, but I have to drop off Pat O'Brien after an evening of one too many cocktails and copious amounts of booger sugar. I will respond to your email when I arrive at noon.
Looking to include images in your out of office messages? Try using these images and messages - view slideshow by clicking here or scrolling below
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Comments
If you are getting this message then they finally caught up to me. Please forward all of your messages to XX they will gladly slip me the info.
Great post. Here are some more:
27. I am out of the office. While I'm out, continue to go f%$k yourselves.
28. I'm away from my desk. Upon my return, my desk and I will be one cohesive unit.
29. On vacation. Returning next week. If you have any questions, try answering them by yourself once in a while.
30. I was forced to attend a Josh Groban concert last night. I'm still washing the stink off of me. I will be late to work.
I am currently out of the office. If they let me back in, I recommend wearing a flak jacket or calling in sick.
PS. I LOVE the Sean Connery one in the slideshow!
So funny! Love the slideshow.
Raina Casarez
Wii Fitness Examiner
I thought I was the only one who liked the combination of balloons and cheese. Who knew.
31. I'm on vacation without access to phone, email, or dignity. Upon my return, I will probably have herpes.
32. I am out of the office and coping with the loss of good friends who looked terrible in their playoff game last night. I will return to the office tomorrow.
33. I am in the office but I discovered that using the out of office auto-reply system is an excellent way to reduce my workload. I will respond to your requests in the order received. Should you feel my response times are not adequate, please fill out the documentation necessary. Templates are available on SharePoint.
Yesterday I quit. In one week I will beg for my job back.
Well, I did love Sean Connery when I was a little girl. At the rate he's aging, I might actually be able to catch up with him in a few years. Sweet!
31. I can't figure this "out of office" thing out- it only replies to in-company users. If you work with me you should know I am not here, my light is off, my car is gone...why are you sending me e-mail?
Hey Roseann - Some people work in an office that is larger than a strip mall location.
This one just came in today: I will be out of the office SICK due to fever, cough, lung issues and hopefully a doctor's appointment.
Here's another collection:
http://myoutofoffice.tumblr.com/
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