Have you struggled to write the perfect out-of-office message? You’re not alone. Knowing how to say you’re away without sounding cold or awkward can feel tricky. Whether it’s a vacation, personal leave, or a busy season, the right words help you stay professional, warm, and memorable.
That’s why we’ve created 100+ ready-to-send out of office message examples you can copy, personalize, or share instantly. From friendly notes for coworkers to heartfelt messages for friends, each one is designed to feel authentic and thoughtful.
No more guessing what to write. With these examples, you’ll leave a lasting impression, even while you’re away, and communicate with ease, care, and style.
1. Professional Out of Office Messages
Sometimes, keeping it simple and professional is key. These messages ensure your coworkers and clients know you’re away, without oversharing.
Messages:
- I am currently out of the office and will return on [date]. I will respond upon my return.
- Thank you for your email. I am away until [date] and will get back to you then.
- I am out of the office with limited access to email. Please contact [colleague] for urgent matters.
- I’m currently away from the office and will respond as soon as possible after [date].
- Out of the office until [date]. Thank you for your patience.
- I am currently away on business. For immediate assistance, reach out to [contact].
- I am out of the office today and will reply tomorrow.
- Away on leave until [date]. I’ll respond once I’m back.
- Thank you for reaching out. I am currently out and will address your email soon.
- I am away with limited email access. For urgent matters, please contact [contact].
2. Vacation Out of Office Messages
Heading on a well-deserved break? These messages keep it light, polite, and joyful.
Intro:
Taking time for yourself is important. Let others know you’re away while keeping a friendly tone.
Messages:
- I’m on vacation until [date]. Can’t wait to catch up when I return!
- Out of the office and enjoying some time off. I’ll reply after [date].
- I’m currently away on holiday. Your email is important; I’ll respond soon.
- Away for a short break, back on [date]. Thanks for your patience!
- On vacation until [date]. I look forward to connecting afterward.
- I’m out of the office enjoying a little R&R. I’ll respond when I’m back.
- Taking some time off until [date]. Thanks for understanding!
- Away on vacation. Will respond after [date].
- Out of office, recharging for a busy season ahead. Back soon!
- I’m on holiday and will respond to emails after [date].
3. Emergency or Personal Leave Messages
Sometimes life happens. These messages are empathetic while respecting your privacy.
Intro:
When urgent matters arise, you may need to step away unexpectedly. These examples communicate your absence gently.
Messages:
- I’m currently out due to personal reasons. I’ll reply when possible.
- Out of the office for personal leave. Thank you for understanding.
- I am away due to unforeseen circumstances and will respond soon.
- Currently out of the office. I’ll respond as soon as I can.
- Out on personal leave until [date]. Appreciate your patience.
- Away today for personal reasons. Will reply shortly.
- I’m currently unavailable. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
- Taking personal time off. Thank you for your understanding.
- Out of office due to family matters. I’ll respond promptly upon return.
- Away for personal reasons, back on [date]. Thanks for waiting.
4. Sick Leave Messages
These are brief, considerate, and professional for when health takes priority.
Intro:
Being sick can be stressful. These messages keep your contacts informed without oversharing.
Messages:
- I am out sick today. I will respond as soon as I can.
- On sick leave until [date]. Thank you for your understanding.
- Feeling unwell and away from the office. I’ll reply once I return.
- Out due to illness. I’ll address emails when back.
- I am away sick today. Your patience is appreciated.
- Out of the office with limited access due to health.
- On medical leave until [date]. Thank you for understanding.
- Currently away due to illness. Will respond shortly.
- Out of office sick. I’ll reply after recovery.
- Away from work today due to health reasons.
5. Holiday Season Messages
Perfect for spreading warmth during festive times.
Intro:
The holiday season is special. These messages convey joy and appreciation.
Messages:
- Happy Holidays! I’m away until [date] and will respond afterward.
- Out of office celebrating the season. Wishing you joy!
- I’m away for the holidays. Will reply when I return.
- Season’s greetings! Currently out of the office until [date].
- Enjoying the holidays. I’ll respond once I’m back.
- Out of office celebrating with loved ones. Back soon!
- Away for festive celebrations. Will reply after [date].
- I’m out of the office this holiday season. Thanks for understanding.
- Celebrating the holidays and away from work until [date].
- Wishing you a wonderful holiday! I’ll respond when back.
6. Condolence or Sympathy Messages
For delicate moments when you’re away, these messages show care.
Intro:
When you’re dealing with loss, you may need time off. These messages are compassionate and professional.
Messages:
- I am away due to a family matter. I appreciate your understanding.
- Currently out of office for personal reasons. Thank you for your patience.
- Out of office during a difficult time. I’ll respond when able.
- Away due to family loss. Thank you for understanding.
- I am currently unavailable for personal reasons.
- Taking time off due to bereavement. Will reply when back.
- Out of the office for a family matter. Your patience is appreciated.
- Away from work for personal reasons. I’ll respond shortly.
- Out for a sensitive matter. Thank you for your understanding.
- Currently unavailable due to family obligations.
7. Short & Sweet Out of Office Messages
Quick, concise messages that still feel personal.
Intro:
Sometimes, less is more. These short messages are easy to copy and send.
Messages:
- Out of office until [date]. Thanks!
- Away today, back tomorrow.
- I am currently out. Will reply soon.
- Out of office. Appreciate your patience.
- Away until [date].
- Out today. Will respond later.
- Currently away from work.
- I’m away. Will reply when back.
- Out of office. Thanks for understanding.
- Away for now.
8. Funny or Lighthearted Messages
Add a smile while you’re away.
Intro:
A little humor goes a long way. These messages keep the mood light.
Messages:
- Out of office, searching for Wi-Fi… back on [date].
- I’m away, pretending to work from a beach. Back soon!
- Currently out, embracing life outside the inbox.
- Away until [date]. Don’t miss me too much!
- Out of office. Please enjoy your email-free time too.
- Away, practicing the art of doing nothing.
- I’m out of office, but my coffee is still working.
- Away on adventure. Will reply after surviving it!
- Currently out. Emails are on vacation too.
- Out of office, catching up on sleep.
9. For Clients or External Contacts
Maintain professionalism with a polished tone.
Intro:
Keep clients informed without oversharing personal details.
Messages:
- I am currently away from the office and will respond promptly on my return.
- Out of office until [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [colleague].
- Thank you for your email. I’ll reply as soon as I return.
- I’m currently out. Your email is important and will be addressed soon.
- Away until [date]. For immediate assistance, reach out to [contact].
- Out of office, back on [date]. Thank you for understanding.
- Currently unavailable. I will respond promptly upon return.
- Away from the office. Contact [contact] for urgent queries.
- I’m out but will get back to you as soon as possible.
- Out of office. Appreciate your patience.
10. Customizable Template Messages
Flexible templates you can tweak for any occasion.
Intro:
Personalize these templates to suit your situation, tone, or recipient.
Messages:
- I am out of the office from [start date] to [end date]. Will reply afterward.
- Away due to [reason]. Will respond as soon as possible.
- I’m currently unavailable. Please contact [contact] for urgent matters.
- Out of office until [date]. Your email is important.
- Away from work for [reason]. I’ll reply soon.
- Out of office, back on [date]. Thank you for understanding.
- I’m away until [date]. Please reach out to [contact] for urgent help.
- Away for personal reasons. Will respond shortly.
- I am currently out. Thank you for your patience.
- Out of office, back soon.
FAQs
Q1: How do I write a professional out of office message?
A1: Keep it brief, include your return date, and provide an alternative contact if necessary.
Q2: Can I add humor to my out of office message?
A2: Yes! Funny messages work for colleagues or friends but keep clients professional.
Q3: Should I include personal reasons for being away?
A3: Only if you feel comfortable. Often, simply stating “personal leave” is enough.
Q4: How long should an out of office message be?
A4: 1–3 short sentences are idealclear, polite, and concise.
Q5: Can I use the same message for email and messaging apps?
A5: Absolutely. Just adjust formatting for the platform.
Conclusion
Whether you’re taking a vacation, managing personal matters, or celebrating life’s moments, these out of office message examples give you the right words to stay professional, warm, and authentic. You no longer have to stress over crafting the perfect notesimply copy, personalize, or tweak these messages to suit your situation.
When you take the time to communicate thoughtfully, it leaves a lasting impression on colleagues, clients, and friends. Share these messages, use them as templates, or adapt them for social media. Whatever your reason for stepping away, doing so with clarity, empathy, and a touch of warmth makes all the difference.
Remember, even when you’re away, your words can still show care, respect, and professionalism.
I’m Jayden Hart, the writer behind MyMessage.com. I share heartfelt messages, quotes, and wishes that help people express emotions and connect through meaningful words.
