100 Heartfelt Examples How to Set an Out of Office Message in Outlook

Introduction

If you’re searching for how to set an out of office message in Outlook, you’re likely preparing to step away and want the right words to share. This guide helps you set it up easily and gives you heartfelt messages you can copy and use.


1: Professional Out of Office Messages

Professional Out of Office Messages

Intro

When you want your message to stay polished and professional, this section helps you speak with clarity and respect. These messages fit best when you’re away from work but still want to maintain trust with clients, coworkers, or partners. Use them during busy seasons, planned leaves, or any time you want your out-of-office message to feel smooth and corporate-friendly.


  1. Message: Thank you for your email. I’m out of the office and will return on [date]. I’ll reply as soon as I’m back.
  2. Message: I’m currently away from my desk and not checking emails. I’ll respond when I return on [date].
  3. Message: I’m out of the office with limited access to email. I’ll get back to you after [date].
  4. Message: I’m away for scheduled leave. Please expect delays in responses until [date].
  5. Message: Thank you for reaching out. I’m out of office until [date].
  6. Message: I’m on leave. For urgent matters, contact [name/email].
  7. Message: I’m away from work and will return on [date]. I’ll reply then.
  8. Message: I’m out of the office. I’ll respond after [date].
  9. Message: I’m taking time away from email. I’ll reply upon my return on [date].
  10. Message: I’m currently unavailable. I’ll respond when I’m back on [date].

2: Friendly Out of Office Messages

Intro

Sometimes you want your out-of-office message to feel warm, human, and approachable. These friendly messages show kindness while staying clear about when you’ll be back. They fit great for coworkers, teams, and clients who appreciate a personal touch.


  1. Message: Thanks for reaching out! I’m away for a bit and will be back on [date]. Talk soon!
  2. Message: I’m out recharging and will reply once I return on [date].
  3. Message: I’m taking a short break. I’ll get back to you after [date].
  4. Message: I’m offline right now but will reconnect on [date].
  5. Message: I’m away for a few days. I’ll reply when I’m back.
  6. Message: I’m taking some time off. See you on the other side on [date].
  7. Message: I’m out and not checking messages until [date].
  8. Message: I’m taking a breather. I’ll reach out when I return.
  9. Message: I’m unplugged for a bit. I’ll reply after [date].
  10. Message: Thanks for your note! I’ll get back to you when I’m back on [date].

3: Warm & Emotional Out of Office Messages

Intro

When life calls for rest, healing, or reflection, a gentle tone helps you set boundaries while staying kind. These warm messages are perfect for personal time, mental health days, or moments when you need a softer presence.


  1. Message: I’m taking time to rest and recharge. I’ll respond when I return on [date].
  2. Message: I’m away caring for myself and my loved ones. I’ll reply after [date].
  3. Message: I’m stepping away to pause and breathe. I’ll reconnect on [date].
  4. Message: Thank you for your message. I’m taking personal time until [date].
  5. Message: I’m out finding balance. I’ll return on [date].
  6. Message: I’m offline to focus on what matters. I’ll respond after [date].
  7. Message: I’m taking much-needed time away. Responses will resume on [date].
  8. Message: I’m taking a gentle break. I’ll be back on [date].
  9. Message: I’m away nurturing my energy. I’ll reply when I return.
  10. Message: I’m taking space to reset. I’ll reconnect on [date].

4: Funny Out of Office Messages

Intro

If you like to bring a little humor into your workplace, this section is for you. These lighthearted messages add personality while still making it clear you’re away. Perfect for relaxed teams, friendly coworkers, and creative spaces.


  1. Message: I’m out of the office and probably lost. I’ll be back on [date].
  2. Message: I’m away. Email is off. Snacks are on. Back [date].
  3. Message: Currently unavailable. My coffee needed me more.
  4. Message: Out of office. Trying not to think about office. Back [date].
  5. Message: I’m away. My inbox is on vacation too.
  6. Message: If this is urgent, I’m sorry. If it’s not, even better. Back [date].
  7. Message: I’m out chasing sunshine. Replies resume [date].
  8. Message: Away from keyboard. Probably eating. Back soon!
  9. Message: I’m out. Please send help… or snacks.
  10. Message: I’m offline until [date]. Wish me luck.

5: Vacation Out of Office Messages

Vacation Out of Office Messages

Intro

Heading out for sun, rest, or adventure? These messages set a relaxed yet professional tone. They tell others you’re away enjoying a break—and won’t be checking emails.


  1. Message: I’m on vacation until [date]. I’ll reply when I return.
  2. Message: I’m out enjoying a break. Responses resume [date].
  3. Message: I’m away for vacation and not checking emails.
  4. Message: I’m soaking up some time off. I’ll be back on [date].
  5. Message: I’m offline and recharging. See you on [date].
  6. Message: I’m taking time to relax. I’ll respond when I return.
  7. Message: Vacation mode: ON. Email mode: OFF.
  8. Message: I’m away exploring. I’ll reply after [date].
  9. Message: I’m taking a holiday break and will return on [date].
  10. Message: I’m out for rest and adventure. Replies resume [date].

6: Out of Office for Family Reasons

Intro

When family needs you, work can wait. These messages help you express your situation gently without oversharing. They allow you to set boundaries with warmth and grace.


  1. Message: I’m away spending time with family. I’ll return on [date].
  2. Message: I’m taking time for family matters. I’ll reply after [date].
  3. Message: I’m offline to focus on family. Thank you for your patience.
  4. Message: I’m away due to family commitments. Responses will resume [date].
  5. Message: I’m taking family time. I’ll reconnect on [date].
  6. Message: I’m out caring for loved ones. I’ll respond when I’m back.
  7. Message: I’m away supporting family needs. I’ll reply after [date].
  8. Message: I’m out spending needed time with family.
  9. Message: I’m taking compassionate leave. I’ll be back on [date].
  10. Message: I’m offline for family reasons. I’ll return soon.

7: Out of Office for Medical or Wellness Leave

Intro

Health matters most. These messages help you communicate your absence with dignity, privacy, and kindness, while encouraging understanding from colleagues.


  1. Message: I’m away for medical reasons and will return on [date].
  2. Message: I’m taking time to recover. Replies resume [date].
  3. Message: I’m out focusing on my health. Thank you for your patience.
  4. Message: I’m on medical leave. I’ll respond when I return.
  5. Message: I’m away healing and resting. Back on [date].
  6. Message: I’m taking time for my well-being.
  7. Message: I’m offline for health reasons. I’ll reconnect when I can.
  8. Message: I’m taking a wellness break. I’ll reply after [date].
  9. Message: I’m on leave for recovery. Thanks for understanding.
  10. Message: I’m out resting and recovering. Replies may be delayed.

8: Holiday Out of Office Messages

Intro

During festive seasons, your out-of-office message can reflect joy, warmth, and gratitude. These messages are perfect for Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, Eid, Diwali, and other special holidays.


  1. Message: Happy holidays! I’m out of office until [date].
  2. Message: Wishing you joy! I’ll return on [date].
  3. Message: I’m away celebrating the season. Replies resume [date].
  4. Message: Warm holiday wishes! I’ll be back soon.
  5. Message: I’m offline celebrating with loved ones.
  6. Message: Happy New Year! I’m out until [date].
  7. Message: Enjoy the season! I’m away and will return on [date].
  8. Message: I’m out for the holidays. I’ll reply when I return.
  9. Message: Sending warm wishes! I’ll reconnect on [date].
  10. Message: I’m taking holiday time off. See you after [date].

9: Out of Office for Work Travel

Out of Office for Work Travel

Intro

When you’re away on business but still want to stay professional, these messages keep things clear and respectful. They signal that you’re working—just not available.


  1. Message: I’m traveling for work and have limited access to email.
  2. Message: I’m away on business and will reply after [date].
  3. Message: I’m attending meetings offsite. Replies may be delayed.
  4. Message: I’m traveling for work and will return on [date].
  5. Message: I’m out for business commitments. Thank you for your patience.
  6. Message: I’m away for a work event. Responses resume [date].
  7. Message: I’m out of office due to travel.
  8. Message: I’m on a work trip. I’ll reply as soon as I can.
  9. Message: I’m attending a conference and may respond slowly.
  10. Message: I’m traveling for meetings. Replies resume [date].

10: Out of Office for Maternity/Paternity Leave

Intro

Welcoming a new baby is a precious time. These messages help you set gentle boundaries while sharing your joyful moment with warmth and gratitude.


  1. Message: I’m on maternity/paternity leave until [date]. Thank you for your patience.
  2. Message: I’m away welcoming a new member to the family. Replies resume [date].
  3. Message: I’m on leave bonding with my baby.
  4. Message: I’m out on parental leave. I’ll return after [date].
  5. Message: I’m offline caring for my newborn.
  6. Message: I’m away for this special family time.
  7. Message: I’m on parental leave. Replies may be delayed.
  8. Message: I’m out enjoying time with my baby until [date].
  9. Message: I’m taking time for family bonding.
  10. Message: I’m on leave celebrating our new arrival.

FAQs:

1. Can I set different messages for internal and external contacts?

Yes. Outlook allows you to create separate out-of-office messages for inside and outside your organization.

2. Does Outlook send out-of-office messages outside working hours?

Yes. Once activated, automatic replies work 24/7 until you turn them off or the set date ends.

3. Can I schedule my out-of-office message in advance?

Yes. Use the date range feature to set start and end times.

4. Does the message send more than once to the same person?

No. Outlook sends the automatic reply only once per sender during your out-of-office period.

5. Can I turn on an out-of-office reply from Outlook mobile?

Yes. Go to Settings → Your Account → Automatic Replies.


Conclusion

Setting the right message matters, especially when you need to step away with care and clarity. Now that you know how to set an out of office message in Outlook, you also have over a hundred heartfelt, funny, warm, and professional messages to choose from. If you’re resting, healing, traveling, or celebrating, these words help you express your absence with kindness.

Feel free to copy, edit, or personalize any message that speaks to you. And if you want more ideas for thoughtful notes and meaningful words, explore our other message guides for every moment in life.

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