How Do You Write a Vacation Email?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you planning to go on a vacation soon? As much as we all love taking time off work and unplugging from the daily grind, it’s important to notify your colleagues and clients about your absence. Writing a vacation email can help you ensure that everyone is aware of your absence, and that important matters are taken care of in your absence.

Here are some tips on how to write a vacation email that is effective and professional:

Start with a clear subject line

Your subject line should clearly state that you will be away from work on vacation. It should also include the dates when you will be away so that people know when to expect you back. For example, “Out of office: Vacation from [start date] to [end date]”.

Include a greeting

Start your email with a friendly greeting such as “Hello” or “Hi.” It’s always good to acknowledge the recipient by name if possible.

Mention the reason for your absence

Briefly explain why you will be away from work. You don’t have to go into too much detail, but it’s important to let people know why they won’t be able to reach you during this time.

Let them know who to contact in your absence

It’s always good practice to provide contact information for someone who can help out while you’re away. This could be a colleague or manager who can handle urgent matters in your absence.

Set expectations for when they can expect a response

If there are any urgent matters that need attention while you’re away, make sure to provide clear instructions on how they should be handled. Let people know when they can expect a response from you, whether it’s when you return or if there are certain times when you’ll be checking email.

Thank them for their understanding

End your email with a polite thank you and express your gratitude for their understanding during your absence.

Here’s an example of what your vacation email could look like:

Subject: Out of office: Vacation from [start date] to [end date]

Hello,

I wanted to let you know that I will be on vacation from [start date] to [end date]. During this time, I will not have access to email or voicemail.

If there are any urgent matters that require attention, please contact [insert name and contact information of colleague or manager]. They will be able to assist you during my absence.

I plan on checking my email periodically while I’m away, so if there are any non-urgent matters that need my attention, please expect a response within 48 hours.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during my absence.

Best regards,
[Your name]

In conclusion

Writing a vacation email is an important step in ensuring that everyone is aware of your absence and that important matters are taken care of in your absence. By following these simple tips, you can write a professional and effective vacation email that will allow you to enjoy your time away without worrying about work.