In the world of professional communication, the out-of-office (OOO) message is often an overlooked opportunity for creativity and personalization. Here at Faye, we know that travel can be exciting and adventurous, so why not reflect that in your sign-off message?
While its primary function is to inform colleagues and clients that you’re unavailable, a well-crafted out-of-office message can do much more than that. It can leave a lasting impression and reflect your personality. Depending on your work environment, why not infuse your OOO message with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of travel-themed charm? Here are 8 helpful tips on how to maintain a professional tone while creating a positive impression that’s light-hearted and enjoyable for all those on the receiving end of your away message.
1. Don’t miss the subject line
A preview of what’s to come in your OOO message is all about the subject line. Try something creative like: “OETW – Out Exploring The World!” Or, inject even more personality with an emoji or two that hints to what type of vacation and/or destination you’re in.
2. Start with a friendly greeting
Begin your OOO message with a warm and welcoming greeting. For instance, “Greetings! I’m on an adventure to find the world’s best tacos. If your message isn’t about tacos, it might take me a bit longer to respond.” This sets a friendly, personalized tone and makes your unavailability a little easier to digest. See what we did there?
3. Let them know you’re unavailable, in a fun way
Next, acknowledge your unavailability, but why not do it with a twist? For example, “I’m currently exploring the world, and my laptop is taking a much-needed break. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause!”
4. Share your whereabouts and timelines
One of the key elements in making your OOO message travel-themed is to share your destination. This is where you can get creative, give people a peek into your journey and maybe even a bit of FOMO (fear of missing out). Imagine something like, “I’m off adventuring in the lush jungles of Costa Rica, trying to befriend some sloths and mastering the art of sipping coconut water. Unfortunately, this means I won’t be able to respond to emails until [date].” It’s important to add a return date so people know when to expect you back in the office, and hopefully will leave your inbox alone until then.
5. Highlight the time difference
If you’re in a different time zone, make sure to mention it. It can add an extra layer of humor and understanding. For example, “I’m currently soaking up the sun in Bali, which means I’m approximately 12 coconuts ahead in terms of time zone difference. I promise to catch up on your emails when I’m back in my own time zone on [date].”
6. Offer assistance
Even though you’re out of the office, you can redirect people to a colleague who can help in your absence, or if those who email you usually ask similar questions, direct them to resources on your company’s website. For instance, “Bonjour! I’m sipping espresso in Paris and practicing my ‘je ne sais pas’ (I don’t know) skills. For any travel-related inquiries, contact my colleague, [colleague’s name], at [colleague’s email]. Or, feel free to explore our FAQs [link] for answers to common questions.”
7. Inject some travel humor
Before you hit save, sprinkle in even more travel-related humor. For instance, “Hey there! I’ve temporarily traded my desk for a hammock on a tropical beach. If your message is as relaxing as this view, I’ll get back to you in no time.”‘
8. Sign off creatively
Conclude your OOO message with a creative sign-off. Instead of the usual “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” try something like, “If your message can’t swim, it might have to wait until I’m back on dry land!”
@fayetravelinsurance He’s not like a regular CEO, he’s a cool CEO #office #travelwithfaye #travel #ooo ♬ Lisztomania – Phoenix
Good to go
Your new away message should strike the right balance between humor, professionalism and travel-themed charm. If you’re unsure, test it on your colleagues. If it gives them a smile and laugh, you’re probably good to go! And of course, before taking off, make sure to purchase a Faye Travel Insurance policy to protect that well-deserved OOO time.
