E-mail out-of-office replies

WHEN EXECUTIVES and managers are not available for whatever reason, many create e-mail messages that are sent automatically to anyone who sends them an e-mail.

Here is a compilation, by category, of several we have received from executives and managers throughout the U.S. recently. (Some names, companies and phone numbers have been removed for obvious reasons.)

Just the Facts:

“I will be out of the office starting 04/09/2004 and will not return until 04/19/2004.”

“I will be out of the office from 04/16/2004 until 04/19/2004.”

Feel Bad:

“Thank you for your message. I am at the annual meeting. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

Departing:

“My last day of employment with the company is Tuesday. For immediate assistance, please contact Tracy.”

Just Gone:

“I moved on from Air New Zealand.”

“Tom is no longer with the company. If you need assistance, please call Cliff or e-mail him.”

Away, but in Touch:

“I am attending the Honeywell User’s Group. I will be checking e-mail three times per day. You can leave a voice message.”

“I will be checking my e-mail in the evenings and will check voice-mail throughout the day.”

Away, but Reachable:

“I will be out of the office till April 19, without access to e-mail. You can reach my assistant for any urgent matters, as she knows how to reach me.”

“If your e-mail requires immediate attention, please leave a voice-mail.”

“I will be out of the office from Wednesday April 14 through Friday April 23. I will be checking my BlackBerry for messages during this time.”

“If this is urgent, please contact Nancy and she will get in touch with me.”

I’m Working, Really:

“I will be out of the office from Wednesday through Friday, on company business. Please forward e-mails that need immediate attention to Joan.”

“I will be in all-day meetings Wednesday and Thursday. Should you need immediate assistance, please contact Helen.”

Name Dropper: “I will be out of the office on business in London, followed by vacation through Tuesday.”

“I’m in Switzerland on business. I will be online, with occasional delays, and will respond as soon as possible.”

Don’t Bother:

“I am out of the office until Monday. I will not be reachable by phone or e-mail.”

Personal:

“Thanks for your e-mail. Please know that I am out of the office until the morning of Monday, enjoying a family holiday and will not see your message until I return.”

Passing the Buck (And Not):

“I will be out of the office Wednesday and Thursday. Should your request require immediate assistance, please contact or speak directly with Alice or Sue.”

“If your query is business related, please forward it to Chris. If it is personal, please forward to Dave.”

“I will be out of town on Friday, returning to the office the afternoon of Monday. This note has not been forwarded.”

Traveling:

“I am out of the office attending a conference and then traveling back East. I will check e-mail at least once daily.”

“I will be out of the office on a business trip to the West Coast starting Tuesday through Friday.”

“I am traveling but will not be checking e-mail. This address is being monitored to provide more immediate assistance.”

“Thank you for trying to reach me! I am out of the office traveling on business.”

In Case You Care:

“I am out of the office beginning Friday afternoon April 16 attending a series of conferences. Although I will be returning to the office for short periods of time, I will not be in the office for any extended period until Thursday, May 7.”

“I will be leaving at 2 p.m. today, but will be back in the office tomorrow morning, around 11 a.m.”

Power to the Assistants:

“While I am out of the office, feel free to contact my assistant, Tara, and she will be able to direct your enquiry.”

“Sorry to have missed you. I am off on vacation and returning on Monday. My assistant can be reached by calling my number. If she can’t assist, I am certain that she will find someone who will.”

Friday Off:

“I am out of the office at a conference through Friday. I will respond to your message on Monday.”

“I am out of the office on Friday returning on Monday. If you need immediate assistance, please contact your service manager.”