10 Effective Away Message Samples for Outlook: Stay Professional Even When You’re Out of Office

Are you tired of typing the same email response multiple times when you’re out of the office or simply can’t respond right away? Well, worry no more. We have got you covered with away message samples for Outlook to help you save time and streamline your email communications. These samples are easily customizable and will ensure that your colleagues and clients are aware of your unavailability. Whether you’re on vacation, attending a conference, or working on a project that requires your undivided attention, an away message is crucial. So, why not make the most of it? Don’t waste your valuable time typing the same message repeatedly. Instead, use our examples and edit them as needed. Trust us, your inbox and future self will thank you later.

The Best Structure for an Effective Away Message

As a busy professional, you need to be able to communicate with your colleagues and clients on a daily basis. However, there are times when you may be unavailable to respond immediately. During those times, it is essential to set up a well-crafted away message that lets your correspondents know your status and that you will respond as soon as possible. Here are some tips for crafting the best structure for an effective away message sample for Outlook.

Firstly, your message should begin with a clear and concise statement that explains why you are away and when you will be able to respond. This is the most important part of your message, and it should be placed at the very beginning so that your correspondents can quickly understand your availability and plan accordingly.

Next, you should include additional information that can help your correspondents during your absence. For instance, you can share the contact details of someone who can help your correspondents or provide alternative ways of reaching you if it is urgent.

It is also important to express gratitude and appreciation for the message that your correspondents have sent you. This can help to build strong relationships and demonstrate that you value the communication that you receive. Moreover, it is essential to set expectations for when your correspondents can expect a response. If you can commit to a timeline, be sure to include it in your message and stick to it.

Finally, you can also add a touch of personalization to your message. This can help to humanize your response and create a more positive impression. You can include details about your hobbies or interests, or share an inspirational quote or message that reflects your personality and values.

In conclusion, an effective away message should be clear, concise, appreciative, and personal. Following these tips can help you create the best structure for your message and ensure that your correspondents feel valued and informed during your absence. Remember, effective communication is the key to building strong relationships and achieving success in your professional and personal life.

7 Different Out Of Office Messages for Outlook

Out of Office: Vacation

Dear all,

I hope this message finds you well. I will be out of the office for a much-needed vacation from [date] to [date]. During this time, I will not be reachable via email or phone. I will have limited access to the internet, so please allow for delays in my response upon my return. In the meantime, please direct any urgent matters to [colleague’s name and contact information].

Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to returning with fresh energy and ideas.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Out of Office: Illness

Dear all,

I’m writing to inform you that, due to an unexpected illness, I will be out of the office until further notice. During this time, I won’t be available to answer any emails or phone calls. I’m sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and I appreciate your understanding. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as soon as I have more information regarding my return.

Kind regards,

[Your name]

Out of Office: Family Emergency

Dear all,

I wanted to let you know that I’ll be out of the office due to a family emergency. During this time, I’ll be taking care of some personal matters and won’t be reachable via email or phone. If you have any urgent matters, please reach out to [colleague’s name and contact information]. I expect to be back in the office by [date].

Best regards,

[Your name]

Out of Office: Business Trip

Dear all,

I will be out of the office on a business trip from [date] to [date]. During this time, I’ll have limited access to email and phone. I’ll do my best to respond to any urgent messages as soon as possible. For any matters that require immediate attention, please contact [colleague’s name and contact information].

Thank you for your cooperation, and I look forward to updating you on my trip upon my return.

Sincerely,

[Your name]

Out of Office: Maternity/Paternity Leave

Hello everyone,

I’m writing to let you know that I’m taking a leave of absence from my position due to the arrival of a new member of the family. I will be on maternity/paternity leave from [date] to [date]. During this time, I will not be responding to emails or phone calls. If you need assistance, please contact [colleague’s name and contact information]. I appreciate your understanding during this special time.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Out of Office: Training/Seminar

Dear all,

I’m writing to let you know that I’ll be attending a training/seminar from [date] to [date]. During this time, I’ll be unavailable to answer emails or phone calls. I’ll do my best to respond to any messages upon my return. If you need assistance during my absence, please contact [colleague’s name and contact information]. Thank you for understanding the importance of continuous learning and development in our industry.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Out of Office: Personal Day

Greetings all,

Today, I’ll be out of the office to attend to a personal matter. During this time, I won’t be available to answer any emails or phone calls. I’ll be back in the office tomorrow and will respond to your message as soon as possible.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Away Message Sample Tips for Outlook

Creating an away message for Outlook can be a daunting task. It is important to carefully craft a message that will provide the necessary information without being too overwhelming or confusing for your recipients. Here are some tips to help you create an effective away message:

  • Be concise: Keep your message short and to the point. Your recipients are most likely looking for a quick explanation of why you are out of the office and when you will be back. Avoid lengthy explanations or unnecessary details.
  • Include the dates: Make sure to include the exact dates of your absence in your message. This will help your recipients plan accordingly and avoid confusion about when you will be back in the office.
  • Provide contact information: If there is someone else they can contact in your absence, make sure to provide their name and contact information in your message. This will help ensure that any urgent matters can be addressed in a timely manner.
  • Offer an alternative point of contact: If there is no one else your recipients can contact in your absence, provide an alternative point of contact. This could be an email address, phone number, or even a colleague’s name and contact information.
  • Express appreciation: A simple expression of gratitude for their patience and understanding can go a long way in helping your recipients feel valued and respected.

Remember, the goal of your away message is to provide clear and concise information that will help your recipients manage their expectations and plan accordingly. By following these tips, you can create an effective message that will help ensure smooth communication during your absence.

Away Message Sample for Outlook


What is an away message in Outlook?

An away message in Outlook is a pre-written message that will automatically reply to any emails you receive while you are away. It lets people know that you are not available to respond promptly and provides them with details on when you will return.

How do I set up an away message in Outlook?

To set up an away message in Outlook, go to File > Automatic Replies. From there, you can create your message and choose the dates and times you want it to be active.

Can I schedule my away message in Outlook?

Yes, you can schedule your away message in Outlook. In the Automatic Replies menu, select “Send automatic replies” and then choose the start and end dates for your message.

What should I include in my away message?

Your away message should include details on when you will return, who to contact in case of urgent matters, and any alternative methods of contact if necessary.

Can I customize my away message for different groups of people?

Yes, you can customize your away message for different groups of people. In the Automatic Replies menu, select the “Rules” option to create different messages for different groups or types of emails.

Can I include attachments in my away message?

Unfortunately, Outlook does not allow attachments in automatic replies or away messages.

How do I turn off my away message in Outlook?

To turn off your away message in Outlook, go back to the Automatic Replies menu and select “Do not send automatic replies.”

Can I set up an away message for my entire team or department?

Yes, you can set up an away message for your entire team or department in Outlook by using a shared mailbox. Set up an automatic reply on the shared mailbox with the team’s message, and then grant access to the mailbox to the appropriate team members.

Can I set up an away message for my mobile device using Outlook?

Yes, you can set up an away message for your mobile device using Outlook. Simply access the Automatic Replies menu from your mobile device and create your message as you would on a desktop computer.

Ciao for now!

And there you have it folks, the perfect away message sample for Outlook. Hopefully, this article has helped take some stress off your shoulders the next time you’re out of the office. Thanks for reading! And don’t forget to visit our website again for more handy tips and tricks to make life easier. Until next time, enjoy the sunny weather and happy vacationing!