Going on vacation is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful to think about all the work that will pile up while you’re away. One way to alleviate some of that stress is to set up an auto-reply for your email.
But what should you put in that auto-reply message? Here are some tips to make sure your auto-reply is informative, professional, and helpful.
Keep it Short and Sweet
Your auto-reply message should be concise and to the point. No one wants to read a novel-length email when they’re trying to get in touch with you.
Start by thanking the recipient for their email and letting them know that you’re out of the office. Then, give them a brief idea of when you’ll be back and who they can contact in your absence.
Include Contact Information
Speaking of who to contact in your absence, make sure you include their contact information in your auto-reply. This could be a colleague or an assistant who will be able to take care of urgent matters while you’re away. Make sure to include their name, email address, and phone number so that people know how to reach them.
Set Expectations
Let people know what they can expect from you when you return from vacation. Will you be catching up on emails for a few days?
Will it take longer than usual for you to respond? Giving people an idea of what’s going on will help manage their expectations and reduce frustration.
Offer Alternatives
Finally, consider offering some alternatives for people who need assistance right away. This could include directing them to a website where they can find information or providing them with a phone number where they can reach someone immediately. By giving people options, you can ensure that urgent matters are taken care of while still enjoying your vacation.
- Sample Auto-Reply:
Subject: Out of Office – [Your Name]
Thank you for your email! I will be out of the office from [date] to [date] and will not be checking my email during this time.
If you need immediate assistance, please contact [Name] at [email address] or [phone number].
I will respond to your email as soon as possible upon my return, but please note that it may take me a few days to catch up on any messages received while I was away.
In the meantime, you can visit our website at www.example.com for more information or call our customer service line at 555-555-5555 for immediate assistance. Thank you for your understanding!
In Conclusion
Setting up an auto-reply for your vacation is a simple but effective way to manage expectations and reduce stress while you’re away from work. By keeping your message short, including contact information and alternatives, and setting expectations, you can make sure that people know what’s going on and who to contact in your absence. Enjoy your vacation knowing that everything is taken care of!