Funny Out-of-Office Messages: A Guide to Keep Your Colleagues & Clients Smiling

In today's fast-paced world, taking a break from work is essential. But while you're away, you can still keep your colleagues and clients entertained with some humorous out-of-office (OOO) messages. Here are some creative ways to craft your OOO messages.

Vacation Time OOO Messages

When you're off to enjoy some sun, sand, and sea, let your colleagues know with a touch of humor:

  1. "I'm currently out of the office, and not even the lure of a full inbox can make me come back. See you when my tan fades!"
  1. "I'm out of the office doing things I love, like spending time with my family, eating delicious food, and ignoring work emails. Don't worry; I'll be back soon! If it’s an emergency, please dial 911."
  1. "I'm not in the office at the moment, but if you really need me, you can find me at the beach. (I'll be the one with the drink in my hand and toes in the sand!)"

Holiday Season OOO Messages

Spread the holiday cheer with these festive OOO messages:

  1. "Ho, ho, ho! I'm currently on vacation to the North Pole to visit Santa and his elves. I'll be sure to let him know you've been good this year. Happy holidays!"
  1. "I'm out of the office for New Year's Eve, but don't worry; I've already made a resolution to respond to your email as soon as I return. Cheers to a new year!"

Thanksgiving OOO Messages

While you're enjoying your turkey and pie, let your colleagues know with these messages:

  1. "I'm out of the office for Thanksgiving and currently giving thanks for the chance to avoid my inbox for a few days. I'll be back soon, feeling grateful and slightly bloated. Happy Thanksgiving!"
  1. "Sorry, I’m going up a few pants sizes while I spend time with friends and family for Thanksgiving right now. Leave your message, and I’ll get back to you ASAP. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!"

Maternity Leave OOO Messages

When a new baby comes into your life, these OOO messages can share your joy:

  1. "I'm currently on maternity leave, which means I'm trading my work shoes for cute baby booties. If you need me, please be patient, because my new boss cries a lot. Thanks for understanding!"
  1. "I'm out of the office for a while, because I've got a new project in the works. It's a tiny human, and it requires my full attention. Leave your message, and I'll respond when I can steal a moment of free time."

Sick Leave OOO Messages

Even when you're under the weather, you can still keep the humor alive:

  1. "Right now, I’m not in the office because I’m down with the sniffles. It's nothing serious (but it does mean that I can't smell the coffee brewing in the break room). Please have an extra cup for me. I'll be back soon!"
  1. "I'm not in the office because of illness, but don't worry; it's not contagious. Unless you count my bad jokes, which can be pretty infectious. I'll be back soon, so prepare yourself for some terrible puns."

Best Practices for Writing Funny OOO Messages

While humor is a great way to lighten the mood, it's essential to keep your messages professional and considerate. Here are some tips:

  1. Know your audience: Make sure your humor is appropriate for your workplace and won't offend anyone.
  1. Keep it concise: Your message should be short and to the point.
  1. Provide necessary information: Include who to contact in your absence and when you'll be back.
  1. Avoid oversharing: While it's okay to be personal, avoid sharing too much information about your private life.
  1. Get a second opinion: Before setting your OOO message, run it by a colleague or friend to ensure it's appropriate and funny.

After all, the goal of an OOO message is to inform people of your absence, but that doesn't mean it has to be dull. With a dash of humor, you can keep your colleagues smiling even when you're not around. So, go ahead, set your funny OOO message, and enjoy your time off!