An out of office (OOO) message setup doesn’t need to be boring. You may be sick, in training or enjoying the sun on a well-deserved vacation but you can spice up your auto-reply with a bit of shit and have a memorable auto-reply. Let’s face it, that drudgery-esque “I’m away from my desk” message is a nap. So why not prank a little while you’re at it?
10 of the funniest office fb messages to make your next off-duty notification.
1. The Guilt Trip
Why not get the sender to stop before waking you up?
“I’m out of town on a much-deserved break. I have my phone and could get some emails in but I’ve told my boyfriend I’ll shut it down and relax.
Email interruptyourvacation@yourcompany.com again if it’s an urgent email and I’ll get back to you. Otherwise, when I return I will see you. Thanks for understanding!”
2. The Emoji Code
Be fun with your auto-reply and communicate using emojis.
☀️ 🌊 ☕ ✈ 🚀
Meaning: I’m not at work, drinking coffee on the beach and flying to somewhere new. 🙂 I’ll send you an email back when I get back. Thanks!
3. Settle the Office Debate
Get a workplace dispute settled with your OOO message.
‘I’m not at work and am a late bloomer till dd/mm. Meanwhile, come and put a squabble to rest:
Which is the best Die Hard film?
Die Hard (Classic!)
Die Hard 2 (Airport mayhem)
Die Hard 3 (Samuel L Jackson, enough said)
Die Hard 4 (Tech takeover)
Die Hard 5 (We won’t get carried away there)
Reply with your pick. Results revealed when I’m back!”
4. The Threat of Deletion
Spare inbox space with a naughty twist.
“I’m on leave until dd/mm/yyyy. For inbox, I have one-email policy. If you mail me many times, I’ll delete them randomly until there is only one left. Choose wisely!”
5. Honesty Is the Best Policy
For those who cannot ‘quite’ disconnect.
‘I’m out of the office on vacation but will receive your text as I don’t know how to completely shut down. And if it’s real urgent and I can be of assistance, I’ll reply. Otherwise, I’ll reply back when I come back. Thanks!”
6. Cut to the Chase
OK, the emails… Let’s face it, they are inundated.
“I’m out of work from dd/mm to dd/mm. I don’t check emails and your email could die in the void. “If this is important send it again when I return, or email name@emailaddress.com for a time sensitive matter.”
7. The Bragger
Make your co-workers jealous with a photo-op of your weekend away.
“Konnichiwa!
Now I’m in Japan eating sushi and drinking sake and seeing cherry blossoms. I’ll return on dd/mm. For urgent matters, email name@emailaddress.com. Otherwise I’ll get back to you. Sayōnara!”
8. The Holiday Stress Head
Promote the emotional rollercoaster of vacation.
“I am on holiday till dd/mm. Here’s my stress graph:
Pre-holiday: 😖
Packing: 😟
First day off: 😌
Back to work: 😭
Have a good one!’
9. Time Zone Maths
Time Zone Logicalize (and amuse) your co-workers.
“Good morning! Or is it evening?
“Because of time zone science, I am now in LA so these replies might be late. Expect a reply after dd/mm. Thanks!”
10. Make a Lasting Impression
Make your farewell a party to your inner movie star or bookworm.
“Hasta la vista, baby! I am not in the office and will be out of the office until dd/mm. Urgent? Contact name@emailaddress.com. Otherwise, I’ll be back!”
Final Thoughts
This isn’t just acourtesy but also a way to show off your character and brighten someone’s day with your out of office message. You may use humour, or candor, or even imagination, but these are just some examples that will help you to write an OOO response that is unique. So the next time you’re out, let your auto-reply talk the talk — and play the games!
