What Do You Write in a Vacation Responder?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning to take some time off work? It’s always important to set up an automatic reply, also known as a vacation responder, to let people know that you’ll be away and unable to respond to emails immediately.

But what should you write in your vacation responder? Let’s take a look at some essential elements.

Subject Line

The subject line of your vacation responder is the first thing people will see when they receive your automated message. Make sure it’s clear and concise. You could include phrases such as “Out of Office” or “On Vacation,” followed by the dates you’ll be away.

Greeting

Start your message with a friendly greeting. You can use something like “Hello” or “Hi,” followed by the recipient’s name if you want to personalize it.

Message Content

This is where you need to be specific about why you’re away and how long you’ll be gone. You could say something like:

“I’m currently out of the office on vacation and will not have access to email until [date]. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.”

Or

“I’m attending a conference from [date] to [date] and will not be able to respond to emails during this time.”

You can also include alternative ways for people to get in touch with someone else in case of an emergency.

Keep It Short and Sweet

Remember that people don’t want to read a novel when they receive an automated response. Keep your message brief and easy-to-read, using bullet points or numbered lists if necessary.

  • List any urgent matters that require immediate attention.
  • Provide contact information for someone who can assist them in your absence.
  • Thank them for their understanding and patience during your absence.

Signature

End your message with a professional closing, such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your name, title, and contact information.

Remember, your vacation responder is a reflection of you and your organization, so make sure it’s polite and professional. With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to create an effective and informative vacation response that will keep people informed while you’re away.