The Best Out-of-Office Emails to Use When You Finally Take That PTO

Photo: Kindel Media for Pexels

We all know the sigh of relief we let out once we set that OOO email, but did you really get the message right? Sometimes setting our automatic responses gets confusing and we're not sure what information to include and not to include. But because we want everyone to enjoy more of themselves on vacation and less of their inboxes, we've drafted some messages to use for your next round of PTO days. 

How do you set your vacation responders? Let us know in the comments section!

Option 1

Hi there,

I’m away on an island somewhere taking some much-needed me-time. Please contact [NAME] at [EMAIL] during my absence as my phone is on “do not disturb.” 

Sincerely,

[NAME]

Option 2

Hi there,

I am currently out of office and will be returning on [date]. In the meantime, don’t forget to subscribe to [COMPANY NEWSLETTER] and follow us on [FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM LINKS] for all things [COMPANY NAME].

Best,

[NAME]

Option 3

Hello, 

I will be out of office from [date] to [DATE]. During this time I will have limited access to email, so please forgive my delay in response. 

Very Best,

[NAME]

Option 4

Hi there, 

I will be out of office from [DATE] to [DATE] and on vacation. If this matter is urgent, please contact [NAME] at [EMAIL]. Thank you!

Best,

[NAME]

Option 5

Hello, 

I am currently out of office with limited access to email and returning on [date]. 

For all [SUBJECT] inquiries please contact: [NAME] at [EMAIL]

For all [SUBJECT] inquiries please contact: [NAME] at [EMAIL]

Thank you!

Best,

[NAME]

Option 6

Hello!

I’m currently on island time and not checking my phone. Let’s catch up once I’m back on a 9-to-5 schedule on [DATE]. Thanks!

Best,

[NAME]

Option 7

Hi there, 

I am currently traveling and will have limited access to email. I will do my best to respond in a timely manner, but please excuse a delay in my response. If this matter is urgent, please contact [NAME] at [EMAIL]. 

Best,

[NAME]

Love this story? Pin the below graphic to your Pinterest board.

This story was originally published on July 13, 2018, and has since been updated.

MORE ON THE BLOG

Why You Should Use Your Vacations Days

Work hard. Play hard. Right? 

Lately, not so much. 

In part that's due to a common misconception in office culture that those who work the longest hours are the hardest working employees. Vacation is seen as a luxury, instead of a right, and it's made it so that few full time working Americans are taking time-off. In 2014 42% of working Americans didn't take a single vacation day. Not one. In 2013 Americans collectively squandered 169 million vacation days. Yet this pattern is taking its toll on workers, proving to have a negative ripple effect on employee mental health, productivity, even the economy. 

Taking your vacation days is necessary. So don't be scared to ask. (Put those requests in writing now!) Studies have shown that the respite effects of a vacation can increase productivity, concentration, and creativity, by as much as 80 percent. There are even companies offering bonuses to employees who use their vacation days. (Sounds like a dream, right?) 

Summer may have ended with a bang yesterday, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't continue to take time to yourself when necessary. And if you can't go on vacation, you can at least dress for it, with a little help from our friends at Bobeau Collection. From the city to the desert to the beach, Bobeau has head-to-toe styles you need to get out of town and on your way to well-rested. 

CITY ESCAPADES 

If you're going to vacation in the city, you need a wardrobe with a bit more structure. Opt for a matching two-piece like the above Pleat Front Blouse and Emilia Stripe Palazzo Pant. You can create four outfits from four simple, but chic pieces. All you have to do is add a black Elsa Palazzo Pant and a white Double Layer Tank to your packing list. It's smart dressing, the city way. You can go from the museum to drinks to dinner and beyond. 

DESERT HEAT

If relaxing in the dry heat of the desert with a mojito in hand while taking in the neutral palettes of the landscape sounds right up your vacation alley. You only need a few key elements for the laid-back escape. Put your phone on silent for a weekend and enjoy the cacti in a Maxi Skirt with a white Lace Aplique Knit Top. Breezy and tumbleweed easy. Because you should look fresh while you refresh. 

BEACH VIBES 

Finally, if a white sand beach with picaresque palms and hammocks between the trees is your dream vacay, look no more further. All you need is a couple of bikinis, some lightweight coverups and a dress or two. The above Sleeveless Slit Tunic is ideal for morning walks down shore. And the below effortless Camellia Palm Print Maxi goes from cabana to dinner to dancing at the beach bar. Tulum, here you come. 

No matter where you're headed make sure you head somewhere. A little you time is one of the smartest decisions you can make to feel reinvigorated and in your best boss headspace. 

More from our blog:

How to Host the Most Epic Block Party Ever

Photo by Pier 1 Imports

Life’s a beach, right? Summer’s just around the corner and we are in full defrost-mode. With warm weather comes vacations (cue the unanimous applause). But vacations don't happen without those highly-coveted vacation days. 

We’ve talked before about how important it is that you take those hard-earned days off. It’s about prioritizing self-care from a physical and emotional perspective. But what’s a girl to do when you don’t have any time off this summer but are still craving that vacation buzz? You throw your own little staycation block party, naturally. 

We worked with Pier 1 Imports, the go-to destination for everything you need to entertain outdoors this summerto put together an easy to-do list to get the ball rolling on your vacation-inspired block party, just in time for the warm weather! The brand is encouraging people to find the right pieces to create a warm, inviting atmosphere to celebrate the outdoors with family, friends and even neighbors!

1. Set The Dates

Everyone wants something to look forward to. All the more reason to get ahead of it and block off that third Saturday of next month with all your friends… now, no one from your invite list can say they didn't know ahead of time! 

2. Gather UpYour Friends

We say, the more the merrier. Of course, you have to consider the available space, but don't skimp on this. Invite people near and dear to your heart and if you can accommodate more, enlist your friends to bring a plus one (romantic or not). Bonus points if you can make a good network connection while on staycation! (The grind never really stops.) 

3. Get That Playlist Ready

Good conversation is great, but you need to craft a playlist that will fill the lulls and potentially get guests dancing. Everyone loves an impromptu dance party. And for guests who need little ice breakers to get into the spirit of the day, have a few activities on hand. We’re thinking life-size Jenga, or even a few rounds of Heads Up! are perfect to get everyone in on the fun. 

3. Have Attendees Pitch In

Now for the fun (and yummy) stuff… what sort of grub are you planning to serve? We are partial to enlisting everyone on your invite list to help contribute. Is your next door neighbor an undercover baking aficionado? Enlist her to make vacation-themed cupcakes (this has impromptu-Instagram photoshoot written all over it). Make it fun, and give people ownership. John, Camilla, and Becca handle sweets. Robert, Mikaela, and David handle veggies/dips/chips….. we call dibs on the guac (duh!). 

4. Set the Mood

Our friends at Pier 1 Imports have all of your stay-cation meets block-party needs covered. From Swingasan chairs (these are so Coachella-meets-beach-vacation-home) to oversized beach umbrellas, decor is a REALLY important part of making a block party a huge success. Not only does it give you a creative project to work on for weeks (hello! new Pinterest board), but it lets you exercise those design muscles you’ve been wanting to strengthen.

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, Pier 1 Imports has the perfect décor pieces to refresh your outdoor space. We encourage you to take the time to try something new with fun, colorful and unexpected pieces (pro-tip: flamingos are all the rage right now, so feel free to incorporate one –or a few – into your decor). See a round-up of some of our favorite items that we’re viben’ for your next block party: 

The Goods:

Lighting: 

If you plan to take this block party into the wee hours of the morning, lighting is ESSENTIAL. Opt for these white-washed, wooden lanterns that give a soft glow and give it a coastal vibe. Just add one of our Deco Wick™ Outdoor LED Pillar Candles for instant ambience and you’ll be all set!

Melamine Round Platter: 

Can you say conversation starter? This little guy is adorable and gives any table setting instant personality… by the way, the pelican's partial to fish—and crab dip. 

Glassware: 

Summer time is Rosé time as far as we’re concerned. But instead of the traditional wine glass, opt for something a little more unique. We think this turquoise glassware is perfect for the job. Cheers! 

Umbrella: 

Here at C+C, we take our sun protection very seriously. No one wants awkward sunburns from the off-the-shoulder top you’ll no doubt be wearing. Enter: the Sun Umbrella of your dreams. 

Pillows: 

We love this accent pillow. Not only does it fit your staycation vibe, it also plays into your sense of fun. It’s a charming conversation starter, and bonus: it matches the glassware! 

Conversation Starter: 

Who doesn’t love a flamingo? No one! Which is why you should have one or a few on display at your bash. They are the perfect conversation starter, and give your party a “carefree, let’s have fun” attitude. 

Swingasan: 

Calling it now — this is going to be the star of your block-party! It’s a perfect Instagram photo-op and all your festival-loving friends are going to be swooning over it. This chair is guaranteed to make your party such a hit, friends will be begging you to make it an annual tradition (not a bad idea…)

Now you’re basically all set to get this party started! We’ll be anxiously awaiting our invitation in the mail.