Photo: Contiki
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Heading on holiday soon and need a way to politely tell your co-workers to leave you alone? You’ve come to the right place! Our brand new Out Of Office Message Generator (affectionately known as the OOO Generator for all the awe and wonder it delivers) can help you craft the perfect message with a healthy mix of rubbing your holiday in your co-workers’ face while also remaining employed when you return.
The question, though, is this: should I be professional, or should I be funny?
Well, it’s a great question. After all, we all like making people laugh (or maybe you don’t, in which case you have your answer), but there’s a line we all know not to cross. We’ve got some tips to help you figure out what your OOO message’s vibe should be, as well as some inspiration should you decide to go down the funny route!
What’s your workplace like?
Leaving a funny out of office message is all well and good, provided it’s something your workplace can actually appreciate! If your workplace vibes are suuuper corporate with a big lack of humour (yikes) then you’re probably going to want to keep your OOO message as professional as possible.
But, if you and your coworkers like to joke around and are prone to Thursday evening drinks (sign of a healthy and hilarious workplace!) then you can probably get away with a cheeky message.
Image source:Contiki
Who is this OOO message going out to?
You should also consider who this message will be going to. Your regular day-to-day coworkers who you know well? Dial up the laughs! The big scary partner who carries a briefcase everywhere and has the power to fire you in an instant? Keep things tame, babe.
Certain email providers have the option of setting different out of office messages to different recipients i.e. people with the same business address as you vs. people with external addresses. If it applies, you can always write two messages to suit these.
Funny vs. professional
To be funny or not to be, that is the question. The above should have helped you figure out the answer by now, so all you have to do is write – or generate.
Using our OOO Generator, you can incorporate some fun details about your holiday to enrich and personalise your message – making your co-workers totally jealous and also in awe of your copy-writing skills. You’ll have the option to choose between a funny or professional message as well, and we’ve got some perfect examples to help you with each option!
Professional
The thing about a professional message is that it doesn’t have to be boring – just lighter on the sarcasm and such. Infuse just a little bit of your personality into it to keep it light and fun and inoffensive! Here’s an example (pretend you’re travelling to Japan with your partner!):
“Hey there!
Thank you for your message. I am currently out of the office, exploring the stunning temples of Japan with my partner. I will return on 10th July 2025. I appreciate your understanding during my time away.
Best, [INSERT YOUR NAME]”
Funny
Feel comfortable enough in your work place to get a little silly with your OOO message? Take that Japan trip from above, and see what you can say instead:
“Hello there!
I’m currently in Japan, probably getting lost in the streets of Tokyo or trying to master my sushi rolling skills. I’ll be back to reality on 10th July 2025. Don’t bother me – I’m busy visiting temples! 🏯✈️
Cheers, [INSERT YOUR NAME]”
Perfect mix of humor and good vibes, while keeping away from that ‘outrageous’ line. Easy!
