Out of Office Message Examples

Jane had to rush out of the office for an important business trip and she hardly had time to tell anyone. She had just got a call from one of her seniors and had to leave immediately for a conference. With no option she left an message at the reception for whoever wanted to get in touch with her and rushed off.

This example although extremely cliched, is a realistic portrayal of what professionals go through day in and day out. Sometimes though, there can be a sort of ambiguity in leaving a message. Therefore here are some samples which might prove to be useful to you!

Sample Out of Office Messages

For Email

#1
I will be out of the office from (date) until (date). I'll be checking email (once a week, every day, etc)_, but will have limited ability to respond. If you need immediate assistance or information about the program, please see the program's web site at http://par excellence.avion.edu/, contact at 206-878-3710, ext. ___, or by email at _____@avion.edu.

#2
Thank you for your e-mail. I am out of the office till Monday, 27th of April 2009 and your email will not be forwarded. Should the matter be important, please contact XXXX XXX ( email address) in my absence.

Regards
Your Name

#3
Thank you for your mail. I will be out of office from today and will be back on Tuesday, May 29th. I will have limited access to my e-mail during this period. In my absence, please feel free to contact XX XX on +41 44 310 30338 or e-mail XXX@atlantapublicschools.com

Sometimes, unless it is a planned business trip or a trip where you have time to email, you cannot send e mailers. In such a situation, you have to leave a phone message. See a few of such out of the office message examples.

For Phone

#1
Thank you for contacting me. Unfortunately I am away from my email right now, but I will reply to you on my return. In the meantime, if you need some assistance, please call staff member on telephone number - XXXX.

#2
Hello, you've reached XYZ, in the XYZ Department. I'm out of the office on break until (date) but will be checking messages (never, daily, occasionally). If you need immediate assistance or information about the process, please see the company web site at flightline.highline.edu/___________, or contact ABC at 206-878-3710, ext. ____. If not, I'll return your call as soon as I can.

Well, these were purely a couple of professional messages. Here are some funny and a bit casual ones.

Funny Messages

#1
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.

#2
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.

#3
I'm on vacation through the 23rd. If you have any questions, issues, or concerns, please feel free to call my colleague (name ) 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 (phone number here).
(PS - this is exclusively for the fairer sex!)

In short and to conclude this discussion, the point is to keep the message simple and clear. It should basically contain the reason, date of absence and being back and if required whom to contact.