250 Best Out-of-Office Message Examples [For Every Scenario]

This ultimate guide features 250 out-of-office message examples for every scenario.

Whether you need a professional tone, a burst of creativity, a dash of humor, or messages for short-term and long-term absences, you’ll find the perfect example here. Explore our curated categories below and, at the end, discover 5 actionable templates to help you craft your own effective message.

Professional Out of Office Messages

These out-of-office message examples are designed for a polished, professional tone that keeps your contacts informed.

They offer clear, courteous messages for business travel, meetings, and leave.

1. Thank you for your email. I am out of the office on business travel and will respond upon my return.
2. I appreciate your message. I am currently away from the office and will be back on [date].
3. I am out of the office attending a conference. I will reply as soon as possible after my return.
4. Thank you for contacting me. I am currently on leave and will respond to your inquiry when I return on [date].
5. I am out of office with limited access to email. Please contact [colleague name] at [email] for urgent matters.
6. I am currently away from my desk and will be checking emails intermittently. Your patience is appreciated.
7. I am out of the office until [date]. Please expect a delay in my response and contact [alternative contact] if necessary.
8. I am currently out of the office and unable to respond immediately. I will reply as soon as I am back.
9. Thank you for your email. I am away from the office with limited access to email and will reply at my earliest convenience.
10. I am currently on vacation. For urgent matters, please reach out to [colleague].
11. I appreciate your email. I am out of office until [date]. I will respond promptly upon my return.
12. I am away on leave and will have limited email access. Please contact [colleague] for immediate assistance.
13. I am currently away from work with no email access. I will respond to your message when I return on [date].
14. Thank you for your email. I am out of the office until [date]. Please contact [colleague] if you need immediate support.
15. I am on business travel with limited access to email. I will respond as soon as I return.
16. I am currently out of office for a professional engagement. I appreciate your patience and will get back to you upon my return.
17. I am on leave until [date]. For urgent issues, please contact [alternative contact] at [contact details].
18. Thank you for reaching out. I am currently out of the office and will reply once I am back.
19. I am away attending a meeting and have limited email access. I will respond as soon as possible.
20. I am out of office attending a training session and will return on [date]. Thank you for your understanding.
21. I am currently away from the office with restricted email access. I will get back to you promptly upon my return.
22. Thank you for your message. I am on leave until [date]. Please expect a delayed response.
23. I am out of the office until [date]. For urgent inquiries, please email [colleague] at [email].
24. Thank you for your email. I am currently traveling for business and will reply when I return.
25. I am on a business trip with limited email access. I appreciate your patience and will respond as soon as possible.
26. I am away from the office on official duty. For immediate assistance, please contact [colleague name].
27. I am currently on leave with limited access to email. I will get back to you as soon as I return.
28. Thank you for your message. I am out of the office on business and will respond upon my return.
29. I am currently out of the office and unable to check email regularly. Please contact [colleague] for urgent matters.
30. I am on leave until [date] and have limited email access. I will reply as soon as I can.
31. Thank you for your email. I am away from the office and will be back on [date]. I appreciate your understanding.
32. I am currently out on business. Please contact [alternative contact] if you require immediate assistance.
33. Thank you for your message. I am not in the office at the moment and will reply as soon as I return.
34. I am on leave with limited email access. I will get back to you promptly upon my return on [date].
35. I am currently attending a conference and will not be available until [date]. Please contact [colleague] for urgent matters.
36. I am out of the office for the day with limited email access. I will respond as soon as possible.
37. I am currently away on business travel and will not be checking email regularly. Your patience is appreciated.
38. Thank you for reaching out. I am out of the office until [date] and will respond when I return.
39. I am currently on leave and have limited access to email. Please contact [alternative contact] for urgent issues.
40. Thank you for your email. I am away on a professional assignment and will respond when I am back in the office.
41. I am out of the office until [date]. I appreciate your email and will reply as soon as possible.
42. I am currently away on business with limited email access. Please contact [colleague] for urgent concerns.
43. Thank you for your message. I am out of the office attending meetings. I will reply upon my return.
44. I am currently on leave and unable to access email. I will get back to you once I return on [date].
45. I am out of the office on a business trip and will respond to your email upon my return.
46. Thank you for reaching out. I am currently away from the office and will reply as soon as I can.
47. I am currently out of the office on official business. For urgent matters, please contact [colleague].
48. I am on leave until [date] with limited email access. I will address your message upon my return.
49. Thank you for your email. I am out of the office and will respond to your inquiry as soon as I return.
50. I am currently away on professional duties. For immediate assistance, please reach out to [alternative contact].

Creative Out-of-Office Messages

These out-of-office message examples celebrate creativity and add a personal touch to your automated reply.

They inspire a sense of innovation while keeping your contacts informed.

51. I’ve stepped out of the office to explore new creative horizons. I’ll be back to craft responses on [date].
52. My desk is empty because I’m out gathering inspiration. Expect a creative reply when I return.
53. I’m away on an adventure to spark new ideas. I’ll reply to your email once inspiration strikes on [date].
54. I’m out of the office in pursuit of a creative muse. I promise to get back to you with renewed energy.
55. Currently out chasing ideas and creative dreams. I’ll be back on [date] to share my thoughts.
56. My creativity is on a brief vacation. I’m out of the office until [date] but will return with fresh ideas.
57. I’m off on a creative retreat and away from my emails. I’ll be back soon to bring creative flair to our projects.
58. I’m not in the office right now; I’m busy exploring new creative territories. I’ll respond to your message upon my return.
59. I’m currently out of the office on a quest for creative inspiration. I’ll reply with innovative ideas when I’m back.
60. My mind is taking a little vacation from emails. I’m off to create and will return on [date] with fresh insights.
61. I’m out of the office, channeling my inner creativity. I’ll be back with new ideas and responses on [date].
62. Currently off creating new masterpieces. I’ll respond to your email when I’m back on [date].
63. I’m out of the office to recharge my creative batteries. I’ll be in touch with a burst of fresh ideas soon.
64. I’m stepping away from the screen to cultivate creativity. Expect my reply when I return on [date].
65. My creative spirit has taken me on a short journey. I’ll be back to share innovative ideas on [date].
66. I’m off to explore the art of creativity outside the office. I’ll respond with imaginative thoughts upon my return.
67. Currently out of the office, searching for that spark of inspiration. I’ll get back to you on [date].
68. I’ve taken a creative detour and am away from emails. I promise to return with inspired responses soon.
69. I’m away creating something extraordinary. I’ll be back on [date] to share creative insights.
70. Out of the office and into a creative wonderland. I’ll reply with new ideas when I return on [date].
71. I’m taking a break to fill my creative cup. I’ll be back to craft thoughtful responses on [date].
72. I’ve temporarily stepped away from emails to nurture my creative side. I’ll be back on [date] with fresh ideas.
73. I’m out of the office, letting creativity guide me. I’ll get back to you when inspiration strikes on [date].
74. I’m off on a creative escapade and away from my inbox. I’ll return on [date] with renewed creative energy.
75. I’m exploring the realms of creativity outside the office. I’ll respond to your message with fresh ideas upon my return.
76. Out of the office, in search of creative breakthroughs. I’ll be back with innovative responses on [date].
77. I’m on a creative journey and not checking emails. I’ll reply with inspired ideas when I return on [date].
78. I’m out of the office to recharge my creative mind. I’ll respond with fresh inspiration upon my return.
79. Currently away gathering creative insights. I’ll be back on [date] with new, imaginative solutions.
80. I’m off creating new ideas outside the office. Expect a creative response when I return on [date].
81. My mind is on a creative retreat. I’m out of the office until [date] and will respond with fresh ideas.
82. I’m temporarily out of the office, seeking creative inspiration. I’ll be back on [date] with innovative responses.
83. Out of the office, but my creativity is in full swing. I’ll reply with fresh ideas upon my return on [date].
84. I’m away gathering creative fuel for new projects. I’ll get back to you with inspired responses on [date].
85. I’m off to explore creative vistas and will return on [date] with a refreshed perspective.
86. I’m out of the office, immersed in creative exploration. I’ll respond with innovative ideas when I’m back.
87. I’m currently out of the office, recharging my creative energy. I’ll be in touch with inspired ideas on [date].
88. My creativity is on vacation until [date]. I’ll get back to you with imaginative responses upon my return.
89. I’m off to a creative haven, away from emails. I’ll reply with fresh ideas when I return on [date].
90. Out of the office, I’m busy crafting creative solutions. I’ll be back on [date] to share my inspired thoughts.
91. I’m on a creative break and away from my inbox. Expect a creative reply when I return on [date].
92. I’m taking time to let my creative juices flow. I’ll respond with imaginative ideas once I’m back on [date].
93. I’m currently exploring creative avenues away from the office. I’ll get back to you with fresh insights on [date].
94. I’m out of the office nurturing my creative spirit. I’ll reply with inspired ideas when I return on [date].
95. I’ve stepped away to embrace creative thinking. I’ll be back on [date] with innovative responses.
96. Out of the office, I’m on a quest for creative breakthroughs. I’ll reply with fresh ideas upon my return.
97. I’m taking a creative hiatus from emails. I’ll be back on [date] with a burst of inspiration.
98. I’m out of the office exploring creative landscapes. I’ll get back to you with innovative ideas on [date].
99. Currently off in a creative wonderland. I’ll reply with fresh insights when I return on [date].
100. I’m away from the office, fully immersed in creative pursuits. I’ll return on [date] with inspired responses.

Funny Out-of-Office Messages

These out-of-office message examples bring humor and levity to your auto-reply. They keep your contacts smiling while you take a well-deserved break.

101. I’m out of the office on a secret mission (shh!). I promise to respond once I’ve saved the world.
102. I’m currently out of the office. My email is taking a nap, just like me.
103. I’m away from my desk and off chasing unicorns. I’ll reply when I find one.
104. Out of office: I’m on an adventure. Leave a message, and I’ll reply when I return from Narnia.
105. I’m not here right now because my laptop needed a break. I’ll get back to you once we both recover.
106. I’m currently off the grid, possibly on a secret mission to Mars. I’ll reply when I land.
107. I’m out of the office and possibly on a beach somewhere. Don’t worry, I’ll send a postcard.
108. I’m away on a quest for coffee. I’ll return once I’ve found the perfect cup.
109. Out of office: I’m currently off doing something fun. Please leave a message, and I’ll reply when my fun is over.
110. I’m out of the office, and my auto-reply is doing all the work. I’ll get back to you soon.
111. I’m not in the office right now because I’m busy testing if vacation really cures emails.
112. I’m currently out of the office, practicing my hammock skills. I’ll reply when I’m back on solid ground.
113. I’m out of the office, and my email is in vacation mode too. Expect a reply after we both wake up.
114. I’m away, chasing the meaning of life (or at least the meaning of this email). I’ll get back to you soon.
115. I’m currently out of the office on a top-secret mission. I can’t say more, but I’ll reply when I’m back.
116. I’m out of the office, enjoying a temporary break from seriousness. I’ll reply with a smile upon my return.
117. I’m away, proving that out of office messages are fun too. I’ll get back to you once the fun is over.
118. I’m not in the office right now because I’ve been abducted by a gang of pirates. I’ll reply once I’m rescued.
119. I’m out of the office, exploring the outer realms of relaxation. I’ll respond when I return to Earth.
120. I’m away on a brief hiatus from reality. I’ll reply as soon as I return to the real world.
121. I’m currently out of the office, and my email is learning to speak in emoji. I’ll reply when I can decode it.
122. Out of office: I’m off on an epic quest. Please leave a message, and I’ll respond once my adventure ends.
123. I’m not available right now; I’m busy perfecting the art of doing nothing. I’ll reply when I master it.
124. I’m away from my desk, probably indulging in some unexpected fun. I’ll respond when I’m back.
125. I’m currently out of the office on a brief journey to nowhere in particular. I’ll be back with a story.
126. Out of office: I’m off saving the world, one nap at a time. I’ll reply after my heroic rest.
127. I’m not here right now, possibly lost in a maze of vacation fun. I’ll get back to you when I find my way out.
128. I’m out of the office, and my auto-reply is working overtime. I’ll reply when I’m back from this escapade.
129. I’m currently off on an adventure that even I can’t predict. I’ll reply once I’m back from the unknown.
130. I’m out of the office, off to discover if there’s more to life than emails. I’ll reply once I find out.
131. I’m away, practicing the art of doing nothing with great enthusiasm. I’ll respond when I’m recharged.
132. I’m currently out of the office, likely in a hammock. I’ll reply when I’m back on solid ground.
133. Out of office: I’m off on a wild ride called vacation. I’ll respond when I’ve survived the adventure.
134. I’m not in the office, busy making memories. I’ll reply once the fun is documented.
135. I’m away, exploring the fun side of life. I’ll get back to you once I return from the amusement park of relaxation.
136. I’m currently out of the office, embracing my inner sloth. I’ll reply when I find the motivation.
137. I’m out of the office and busy writing my own vacation story. I’ll reply when the plot thickens.
138. I’m away on an escapade that might involve too much ice cream. I’ll respond once I’m done indulging.
139. I’m not here right now because my vacation mode is fully activated. I’ll reply when reality calls.
140. I’m currently out of the office, riding the waves of relaxation. I’ll get back to you when I return to shore.
141. Out of office: I’m on a temporary break from emails. I’ll reply once my fun has concluded.
142. I’m away, living out my vacation dreams. I’ll respond once I’ve woken up from this daydream.
143. I’m currently out of the office, testing the limits of relaxation. I’ll reply when I’m done pushing them.
144. I’m not in the office right now, enjoying some much-needed silliness. I’ll get back to you when I return to normal.
145. I’m out of the office, on a quest for the ultimate slice of pizza. I’ll reply when my mission is complete.
146. I’m away, taking a break to enjoy life’s absurdities. I’ll get back to you once I’ve had my fun.
147. I’m currently out of the office, off on a spontaneous adventure. I’ll reply once the adventure ends.
148. I’m not here, off enjoying a break that’s as unpredictable as it is fun. I’ll respond when I’m back.
149. I’m out of the office, with my auto-reply keeping you company. I’ll reply when I’ve returned from this escapade.
150. I’m away, temporarily escaping the email chaos. I’ll respond once I’m back in the realm of work.

Short-Term Out-of-Office Messages

These out-of-office message examples are perfect for brief absences.

They let your contacts know you’re just away for a few hours or a day.

151. I’m out of the office today. I’ll reply when I return tomorrow.
152. I’m away from my desk for a few hours. I’ll get back to you soon.
153. I’m out for a short break. Expect a reply later today.
154. I’m currently out for lunch and will respond when I return.
155. I’m away briefly. I’ll reply to your email shortly.
156. I’m out of the office for the day. I’ll respond first thing tomorrow.
157. I’m on a short break. I’ll reply as soon as I’m back.
158. I’m out of the office until this afternoon. I’ll respond then.
159. I’m away for a couple of hours. I’ll get back to you soon.
160. I’m temporarily away. I’ll reply when I’m back at my desk.
161. I’m out for a short period. I’ll be in touch shortly.
162. I’m away from my computer briefly. I’ll respond as soon as possible.
163. I’m out for a quick break. I’ll reply when I’m back online.
164. I’m currently away for a few hours. I’ll get back to you shortly.
165. I’m out of the office, returning later today. I’ll respond then.
166. I’m away for a short while. I’ll get back to you as soon as I return.
167. I’m out for a few hours and will reply as soon as I’m back.
168. I’m taking a brief break from work. I’ll respond when I return.
169. I’m currently out for a short period. I’ll be back shortly.
170. I’m away on a quick errand. I’ll reply once I return.
171. I’m out of the office for a brief period. I’ll get back to you soon.
172. I’m taking a short break. I’ll respond as soon as I’m back.
173. I’m out for a few moments and will reply shortly.
174. I’m temporarily away from my desk. I’ll get back to you in a bit.
175. I’m out on a short break. I’ll reply when I return.
176. I’m currently away for a brief time. I’ll respond as soon as possible.
177. I’m out for a little while. I’ll get back to you soon.
178. I’m taking a short break and will respond upon my return.
179. I’m away briefly. I’ll reply once I’m back at my desk.
180. I’m out for a short period. I’ll be back in a few hours.
181. I’m on a quick break from emails. I’ll get back to you soon.
182. I’m temporarily out of the office. I’ll respond shortly.
183. I’m away for a short while. I’ll reply once I’m back.
184. I’m currently on a brief break. I’ll respond as soon as I return.
185. I’m out of the office for just a few hours. I’ll get back to you shortly.
186. I’m taking a brief break and will reply as soon as I’m back.
187. I’m away momentarily. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
188. I’m out for a short period. I’ll respond when I’m back.
189. I’m on a quick break from my desk. I’ll reply soon.
190. I’m temporarily away. I’ll respond in a little while.
191. I’m out for a brief moment. I’ll get back to you shortly.
192. I’m away from my desk for a short time. I’ll reply soon.
193. I’m taking a short break from emails. I’ll get back to you momentarily.
194. I’m out for a quick break and will respond shortly.
195. I’m away briefly and will reply as soon as I return.
196. I’m currently out for a short break. I’ll respond when I’m back.
197. I’m away for a short time. I’ll be back soon.
198. I’m out of the office for a short while. I’ll get back to you shortly.
199. I’m taking a brief pause. I’ll respond once I’m back.
200. I’m out for a short break and will reply as soon as I return.

Long-Term Out-of-Office Messages

These out-of-office message examples are ideal for extended absences.

They clearly inform your contacts that you’re away for a longer period and provide alternative contacts for urgent matters.

201. I’m currently out of the office on extended leave and will return on [date]. I appreciate your patience.
202. I’m away for a prolonged period and will have limited access to email. I will respond when I return on [date].
203. Thank you for your email. I’m on a long-term break until [date] and will reply upon my return.
204. I’m currently on vacation and will be back on [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [colleague].
205. I’m on an extended leave with limited email access. I’ll respond to your message when I return on [date].
206. I’m currently away on a sabbatical and will return on [date]. Your email is important to me, and I will reply as soon as I can.
207. I’m out of the office on an extended vacation and will not be checking emails regularly until [date].
208. I’m away on long-term leave until [date]. For urgent inquiries, please reach out to [colleague].
209. Thank you for your message. I’m currently on an extended break and will be back on [date].
210. I’m out of the office for an extended period. Please contact [alternative contact] for urgent matters until I return on [date].
211. I’m currently on a prolonged leave with limited access to email. I will reply to your inquiry after [date].
212. I’m away from the office on an extended vacation and will respond to your email when I return on [date].
213. I’m on long-term leave until [date]. Please direct urgent matters to [colleague] at [contact information].
214. I’m currently out of the office on an extended break. I will reply once I return on [date].
215. I’m away on a long-term vacation until [date]. I appreciate your email and will respond upon my return.
216. Thank you for reaching out. I’m currently on extended leave and will be back on [date] to attend to your email.
217. I’m out of the office on long-term leave with limited access to email. I will respond after [date].
218. I’m currently away on a sabbatical until [date]. For immediate assistance, please contact [colleague].
219. I’m on an extended break until [date] and will not be checking emails. I will reply as soon as possible upon my return.
220. I’m away from the office for an extended period. Please direct urgent inquiries to [alternative contact] until I’m back on [date].
221. I’m currently on long-term leave and will return on [date]. I appreciate your patience during this time.
222. I’m out of the office for an extended vacation. I’ll respond to your email once I’m back on [date].
223. I’m away on extended leave with limited email access until [date]. Please contact [colleague] for urgent needs.
224. I’m currently out of the office on a long-term break. I will reply to your email after [date].
225. I’m on extended leave until [date] and will not be regularly checking emails. Please reach out to [alternative contact] for immediate assistance.
226. I’m away on a prolonged vacation until [date]. I’ll respond once I’m back in the office.
227. I’m currently on an extended break with limited access to email. I’ll get back to you when I return on [date].
228. I’m on long-term leave until [date]. Please forward urgent matters to [colleague] at [email].
229. I’m currently out of the office on an extended vacation. I will reply when I return on [date].
230. I’m away on a long-term break with limited email access. I’ll respond as soon as I’m back on [date].
231. I’m on extended leave and will return on [date]. Thank you for your patience during this time.
232. I’m currently out of the office on a prolonged leave. For urgent matters, please contact [alternative contact].
233. I’m away on long-term leave until [date]. I will reply to your email upon my return.
234. I’m currently on an extended vacation and will be back on [date]. I appreciate your understanding.
235. I’m on long-term leave with limited email access until [date]. Please reach out to [colleague] for urgent inquiries.
236. I’m currently out of the office on extended leave. I will respond after [date] when I return.
237. I’m away on an extended break with no regular email access until [date]. I’ll reply upon my return.
238. I’m on long-term leave until [date]. For urgent needs, please contact [alternative contact].
239. I’m currently out of the office on an extended vacation. I’ll respond once I’m back on [date].
240. I’m away on a prolonged break with limited access to email until [date]. I’ll reply when I return.
241. I’m on extended leave until [date]. Please direct urgent matters to [colleague] during my absence.
242. I’m currently on a long-term vacation and will respond to your email when I return on [date].
243. I’m away on extended leave with limited access to emails. I’ll get back to you after [date].
244. I’m on long-term leave until [date]. I appreciate your patience and will reply upon my return.
245. I’m currently out of the office on an extended break. Please contact [alternative contact] for urgent needs until I return on [date].
246. I’m away on a prolonged vacation and will not be checking emails until [date]. I’ll respond as soon as I’m back.
247. I’m on extended leave with limited email access until [date]. I’ll reply to your inquiry upon my return.
248. I’m currently on a long-term break and will be back on [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [colleague].
249. I’m away on an extended vacation with limited access to email. I’ll get back to you after [date].
250. I’m on long-term leave until [date] and will reply to your email when I return.

5 Actionable Out-of-Office Templates

Now that you are (hopefully) inspired by all of these examples, here are five out-of-office templates.

Template 1: Professional Out-of-Office Template

Subject: Out of Office Notice
Hello,
Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office on [reason] until [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [colleague’s name] at [contact information]. I will respond to your email upon my return.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

Template 2: Creative Out-of-Office Template

Subject: Out of Office: Creative Break
Hi there!
I’m currently stepping away from my desk to gather creative inspiration. I will be back on [date] with fresh ideas and energy. For immediate needs, please reach out to [colleague’s name] at [contact information].
Cheers,
[Your Name]

Template 3: Funny Out-of-Office Template

Subject: Out of Office: Gone on an Adventure!
Hey!
I’m out of the office on a wild adventure (or maybe just a vacation). I won’t be checking emails until [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [colleague’s name] at [contact information]. I’ll reply when I’m back from my escapades.
Best,
[Your Name]

Template 4: Short-Term Out-of-Office Template

Subject: Out of Office (Short Break)
Hello,
I’m currently out of the office for a short break and will return later today/by tomorrow. I will respond to your email as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Template 5: Long-Term Out-of-Office Template

Subject: Out of Office: Extended Leave
Dear Sender,
I am currently on extended leave until [date] and will have limited access to email during this period. For urgent inquiries, please contact [colleague’s name] at [contact information]. I appreciate your understanding and will reply upon my return.
Best regards,
[Your Name]

You know what to say; now, watch this video about how to set your out-of-office message:

Final Thoughts: Out-of-Office Message Examples

These out-of-office messages will help you sound professional, stay connected, and cover your bases while you are away.

Just remember to turn it off when you return.

Until then, check out some of the other workplace-related guides below.

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Note: Since out-of-office (OOO) messages are ubiquitous, it’s almost impossible not to include words, phrases, and sometimes sentences others have used elsewhere. These messages are not about being the most creative and original (usually) but simply getting the right message for your purpose and preferred professional tone.