Mastering the Art of Out-of-Office: Make Your OOO Messages Work for You!

What’s there to write about finances, tech, or anything else before the holiday season, when, let’s be honest, the only real task is setting the out-of-office message and enjoy life?

OOO - 23.12–10.01.2025

This is the season for OOO messages! With the holidays upon us, chances are you're about to set up one yourself—something like 23.12–10.01.2025. But before you go with the classic “I’m out of the office,” let’s talk about the art of writing an out-of-office message.

Like any form of communication, your OOO can work for you in ways you might not expect. It’s not just about telling others you’re unavailable; it’s a chance to leave a lasting impression, have them smile, and maybe even show off a bit of your personality.

True story

Some many years ago, I set an out-of-office (OOO) message that unexpectedly went viral in my company. Instead of the standard "I'm away," I wrote: "I'm off chasing unicorns at Electric Castle (yes, the festival!) and some crazy expectations (if you know the vibe, you'll get it). For the next four days, I'll be enjoying the festival and also mentioned the most important reason NOT to contact me: living fully in the moment."

What happened next exceeded all expectations, that I did not have. The OOO message generated a lot of interactions among colleagues, got shared in group chats, and even led to a few calls—"this wasn’t for external senders?!". To my surprise, it was shared company-wide, and got even mentioned it during a town hall.

From that moment, I turned my OOO message creativity into a personal brand. My out-of-office messages became part of my professional trademark, creating conversations and setting a tone of connection and authenticity. It became something people would look forward to.

The takeaway?

A little creativity in professional communication can go a long way. It can spread joy, create connections, and yes, even make your colleagues smile. Back then, I didn’t have ChatGPT or AI to lean on for ideas—I just used a bit of imagination.

That said, whether your OOO is creative or straightforward, always ensure it includes: a clear return date and an alternate contact for urgent matters.

TIP – if you lack inspiration, just search OOO generator, input your dates, activity and any other info, and have your own personalized OOO. You will be surprise how many websites offer this.

So, when writing your next OOO message, this days, consider adding a touch of personality. Remember, the colleagues receiving it are still working—it doesn’t hurt to give them a reason to smile.

Happy Holidays! — Your FainTech Friend

Daniela