How to Create an Authentic Out of Office Message that Connects and Inspires
An out of office message usually goes something like this:
“Sorry, I missed you. I’m out of the office until DAY OF WEEK, DATE, with limited access to email. If you require immediate assistance, please email […]”
How robotic is that?
These types of messages are created to set expectations and allow us to feel like we can step away without worrying that someone may think we’re ignoring them. They are useful and necessary when it comes to workflow and boundaries. However, when we use some version of the sample above, we miss a great opportunity to connect through our human experience.
Imagine if we lived in a society where people actually expressed themselves in their out of office replies.
What would that look like? What would it sound like? How would it make the person on the receiving end feel?
Important note: I’m neither talking about sharing your deepest, darkest secrets to anyone who happens to email you while you’re out, nor am I saying that this should be unprofessional or a version of over-sharing. There are lots of ways to successfully accomplish an authentic auto-reply by simply giving a few extra details.
Every time I get an authentic out of office message, my heart sings! YES! We can do this professional thing in a personal way, like sharing something special about why you’re away.
For example…
Hello!
I am currently investing time with my family and camping with my boys in the mountains. We will be hiking, fishing and sharing stories around the campfire. I won’t have access to email, but I look forward to speaking with you when I return from our adventure.
Best,
Have you gotten a personalized out of office message?
For most of us, we’re happy when we hear someone is away and enjoying themselves. On the flip side, for those of us who are grumpy bears, maybe it could make them feel annoyed. Hopefully, those are the minority of people who would get your authentic auto-reply.
I’ve used my out of office message as a chance to share my highs and lows, making sure people know I have a life outside of my business and need to make space for my self-care. Here are 3 of mine that generated a ton of love from people who received them.
Out of Office Message #1
Hi there! I’m currently on a visioning and writing retreat at the beach, activating my values of inner harmony, unity with nature and reflection.
I’ll be in touch next week when I return.
What might you do today to live your values?
Cheers,
MaryBeth 🤠
Out of Office Message #2
Thank you for reaching out and know that I’ll be back in touch before too long. I’m currently living our my childhood dreams on my quest to become a cowgirl!
Right now, I’m off the grid nesting in our brand new tiny home on my family’s ranch in Idaho. This will be the highest activation of my core values of Unity with Nature, Inner Harmony, Sense of Belonging and Authenticity.
It’s been quite the journey and quite the experience to choose this wild dream to be ours a few decades before we thought it was possible. But here we are, doing it!
We’ll be gone for the month of July learning how to live between Baltimore city and Idaho mountain life with ease and grace. I will be checking email about once a week, when I have access as we’re truly outside of cell and internet reception for a good hour’s drive.
We’re disconnecting from technology to reconnect to our humanity.
I look forward to connecting with you soon and hope you’re setting healthy boundaries to protect your energy and ignite well-being.
This is what that looks like for me and I wish the same (in your version) for you in your journey to alignment.
Cheers to the possibilities!
MaryBeth
Out of Office Message #3
Thank you for reaching out!
Today, we’re having a random, fun, silly experience of being filmed (with our fur baby) in a national kitty litter commercial.
Long story, but essentially I’m going to be tied up all day today and will be in touch shortly.
With Thanks + Purrs,
MaryBeth
P.S.
I mean… this guy was meant to be a star, wouldn’t you agree?
Now, I’ll admit that I share more than what the majority of people are comfortable with (that’s what makes me feel more human!). So, I know that not everyone is going to get on board with this as a concept – it’s easier to stick with what’s safe. But I’d encourage you to at least try to see how you can add a little flavor to your auto-replies. From my experience, it has been incredibly rewarding and connects me even further to the folks who reach out while I’m gone.
What would your out of office message say if you were speaking your truth? Would it have the power to ignite an emotional response from the person receiving it?
One of the best ways to write your out of office message is through the lens of your values. Identify your unique values with our free Core Values Quiz.
