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Mon, 17 Aug 2026

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 To joke or not to joke?: How to write a good out-of-office message

As we hit peak holiday season, the BBC looks at the dos and don'ts of composing a good out-of-office message.
1. Be polite: Precede your message with a greeting, such as "Thank you for your email". 2. Give a specific return date and back-up contact if appropriate. 3. Ensure all contact details are correct. 4. Be clear about your availability: Manage expectations and say so clearly if you prefer not to be contacted. 5. Don't promise instant replies on your return: A backlog is normal, so "within a few days" is a better promise to make. 6. Tick both internal and external contacts if using Outlook. 7. Switch off your out-of-office when you return: A stale OOO can look disorganised. Avoid:
* Oversharing personal details about your holiday plans
* Boasting about things like second homes or expensive hobbies
* "Virtue signalling" about why you are taking time off, as it could seem smug or like you're trying too hard
* Sending a bare message that simply states, "I'm out of office", without any details of a return date or alternative contacts.