How Do You Start an Email After Vacation?

By Anna Duncan

Starting an Email After Vacation: Tips and Examples

Coming back to work after a vacation can be challenging, especially when it comes to writing emails. You want to sound professional, but at the same time, you don’t want to come across as too formal or distant. Finding the right tone can be tricky, but with a little bit of effort and creativity, you can craft an email that sets the right tone and leaves a positive impression on your colleagues and clients.

Here are some tips and examples on how to start an email after vacation:

1. Acknowledge Your Absence

Start by acknowledging your absence in your opening sentence. This will let the recipient know that you were away and that you are now back. You don’t have to go into too much detail about where you went or what you did unless it’s relevant to the email.

Example: “I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to touch base with you after my week-long vacation in Hawaii.”

2. Express Gratitude

If someone covered for you while you were away or if someone helped prepare for your absence, take a moment to express gratitude in your email. This shows that you appreciate their efforts and that you value their contribution.

Example: “Before we dive into business matters, I wanted to thank Jane for covering my responsibilities while I was away. Her hard work made my vacation stress-free.”

3. Set Expectations

If there are any pressing matters that require immediate attention or follow-up actions on your part, make sure to mention them in your email. This will help avoid any confusion or delays in communication.

Example: “I wanted to follow up on the proposal we discussed before my vacation. Can we schedule a call next week to discuss further?”

4. Use Humor (if appropriate)

Adding a touch of humor can help break the ice and make your email more personable. However, be mindful of your audience and make sure your humor is appropriate for the situation.

Example: “I’m back from my vacation, but I’m still in a margarita state of mind. Let’s conquer this inbox together!”

5. Keep it Professional

While it’s important to be personable, remember to keep your email professional and focused on the matter at hand. Avoid oversharing or going off-topic.

Example: “I hope you had a great week while I was away. I wanted to follow up on the project we discussed last month and see if there are any updates.”

In conclusion, starting an email after vacation requires finding the right balance between professionalism and personalization. By acknowledging your absence, expressing gratitude, setting expectations, using humor (if appropriate), and staying professional, you can craft an email that sets the right tone and leaves a positive impression on your recipients.