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Should out of office email auto responses be put in place before you're actually out of office?
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4
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While I try my best to make sure that anyone who I may be working with knows I will be out of office anytime I'm out for 8+ hours, I realize that that is a very easily forgotten fact. I've been toying around with the idea of setting my OoO message the day before I leave, to let people know that I will be gone tomorrow and possibly following days. This allows people to ask me any questions they have that may turn into blocking issues while I'm gone.
On the other hand, I realize that people see the out of office message and may assume I'm out of office now, which sends the wrong message.
So, my question really is, is it common to start the out of office auto-reply a few hours before I actually leave so that people can get any last minute questions in?
professionalism email vacation
asked Oct 8 '15 at 16:16
Sidney
2,50552040
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
While I try my best to make sure that anyone who I may be working with knows I will be out of office anytime I'm out for 8+ hours, I realize that that is a very easily forgotten fact. I've been toying around with the idea of setting my OoO message the day before I leave, to let people know that I will be gone tomorrow and possibly following days. This allows people to ask me any questions they have that may turn into blocking issues while I'm gone.
On the other hand, I realize that people see the out of office message and may assume I'm out of office now, which sends the wrong message.
So, my question really is, is it common to start the out of office auto-reply a few hours before I actually leave so that people can get any last minute questions in?
professionalism email vacation
asked Oct 8 '15 at 16:16
Sidney
2,50552040
6
Look at the settings for your mail software. For example, MS Outlook lets you set the OOO message to only be active for a particular time period. If you're taking next Friday off, you can set it today, but not have it become active until close of business next Thursday.
– alroc
Oct 8 '15 at 16:55
My phone lets me set the out of office for a specific time too.
– thursdaysgeek
Oct 8 '15 at 18:49
Adding an OOO warning to your signature a few days ahead or scheduling an appointment ('free' for them) seems like a better approach to me.
– VBCPP
Oct 9 '15 at 3:45
Couldn't you set the out-of-office, say, a half-hour before you leave. This could work in your favour - I presume you don't want people coming in with last minute questions literally as you're going at the door for vacation.
– Brandin
Oct 9 '15 at 9:46
Ditto for pre-scheduling out of office auto-responses. If your current mail/calendar system doesn't support this basic feature, find a new mail/calendar system. I usually set mine to start at 5pm the day before I will be out of the office, so anyone sending me something after hours that day will understand that I won't be responding for a while.
– Kent A.
Oct 30 '15 at 18:59
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
up vote
4
down vote
favorite
While I try my best to make sure that anyone who I may be working with knows I will be out of office anytime I'm out for 8+ hours, I realize that that is a very easily forgotten fact. I've been toying around with the idea of setting my OoO message the day before I leave, to let people know that I will be gone tomorrow and possibly following days. This allows people to ask me any questions they have that may turn into blocking issues while I'm gone.
On the other hand, I realize that people see the out of office message and may assume I'm out of office now, which sends the wrong message.
So, my question really is, is it common to start the out of office auto-reply a few hours before I actually leave so that people can get any last minute questions in?
professionalism email vacation
asked Oct 8 '15 at 16:16
Sidney
2,50552040
While I try my best to make sure that anyone who I may be working with knows I will be out of office anytime I'm out for 8+ hours, I realize that that is a very easily forgotten fact. I've been toying around with the idea of setting my OoO message the day before I leave, to let people know that I will be gone tomorrow and possibly following days. This allows people to ask me any questions they have that may turn into blocking issues while I'm gone.
On the other hand, I realize that people see the out of office message and may assume I'm out of office now, which sends the wrong message.
So, my question really is, is it common to start the out of office auto-reply a few hours before I actually leave so that people can get any last minute questions in?
professionalism email vacation
asked Oct 8 '15 at 16:16
Sidney
2,50552040
asked Oct 8 '15 at 16:16
Sidney
2,50552040
asked Oct 8 '15 at 16:16
Sidney
2,50552040
asked Oct 8 '15 at 16:16
Sidney
2,50552040
2,50552040
6
Look at the settings for your mail software. For example, MS Outlook lets you set the OOO message to only be active for a particular time period. If you're taking next Friday off, you can set it today, but not have it become active until close of business next Thursday.
– alroc
Oct 8 '15 at 16:55
My phone lets me set the out of office for a specific time too.
– thursdaysgeek
Oct 8 '15 at 18:49
Adding an OOO warning to your signature a few days ahead or scheduling an appointment ('free' for them) seems like a better approach to me.
– VBCPP
Oct 9 '15 at 3:45
Couldn't you set the out-of-office, say, a half-hour before you leave. This could work in your favour - I presume you don't want people coming in with last minute questions literally as you're going at the door for vacation.
– Brandin
Oct 9 '15 at 9:46
Ditto for pre-scheduling out of office auto-responses. If your current mail/calendar system doesn't support this basic feature, find a new mail/calendar system. I usually set mine to start at 5pm the day before I will be out of the office, so anyone sending me something after hours that day will understand that I won't be responding for a while.
– Kent A.
Oct 30 '15 at 18:59
suggest improvements |Â
6
Look at the settings for your mail software. For example, MS Outlook lets you set the OOO message to only be active for a particular time period. If you're taking next Friday off, you can set it today, but not have it become active until close of business next Thursday.
– alroc
Oct 8 '15 at 16:55
My phone lets me set the out of office for a specific time too.
– thursdaysgeek
Oct 8 '15 at 18:49
Adding an OOO warning to your signature a few days ahead or scheduling an appointment ('free' for them) seems like a better approach to me.
– VBCPP
Oct 9 '15 at 3:45
Couldn't you set the out-of-office, say, a half-hour before you leave. This could work in your favour - I presume you don't want people coming in with last minute questions literally as you're going at the door for vacation.
– Brandin
Oct 9 '15 at 9:46
Ditto for pre-scheduling out of office auto-responses. If your current mail/calendar system doesn't support this basic feature, find a new mail/calendar system. I usually set mine to start at 5pm the day before I will be out of the office, so anyone sending me something after hours that day will understand that I won't be responding for a while.
– Kent A.
Oct 30 '15 at 18:59
6
6
Look at the settings for your mail software. For example, MS Outlook lets you set the OOO message to only be active for a particular time period. If you're taking next Friday off, you can set it today, but not have it become active until close of business next Thursday.
– alroc
Oct 8 '15 at 16:55
Look at the settings for your mail software. For example, MS Outlook lets you set the OOO message to only be active for a particular time period. If you're taking next Friday off, you can set it today, but not have it become active until close of business next Thursday.
– alroc
Oct 8 '15 at 16:55
My phone lets me set the out of office for a specific time too.
– thursdaysgeek
Oct 8 '15 at 18:49
My phone lets me set the out of office for a specific time too.
– thursdaysgeek
Oct 8 '15 at 18:49
Adding an OOO warning to your signature a few days ahead or scheduling an appointment ('free' for them) seems like a better approach to me.
– VBCPP
Oct 9 '15 at 3:45
Adding an OOO warning to your signature a few days ahead or scheduling an appointment ('free' for them) seems like a better approach to me.
– VBCPP
Oct 9 '15 at 3:45
Couldn't you set the out-of-office, say, a half-hour before you leave. This could work in your favour - I presume you don't want people coming in with last minute questions literally as you're going at the door for vacation.
– Brandin
Oct 9 '15 at 9:46
Couldn't you set the out-of-office, say, a half-hour before you leave. This could work in your favour - I presume you don't want people coming in with last minute questions literally as you're going at the door for vacation.
– Brandin
Oct 9 '15 at 9:46
Ditto for pre-scheduling out of office auto-responses. If your current mail/calendar system doesn't support this basic feature, find a new mail/calendar system. I usually set mine to start at 5pm the day before I will be out of the office, so anyone sending me something after hours that day will understand that I won't be responding for a while.
– Kent A.
Oct 30 '15 at 18:59
Ditto for pre-scheduling out of office auto-responses. If your current mail/calendar system doesn't support this basic feature, find a new mail/calendar system. I usually set mine to start at 5pm the day before I will be out of the office, so anyone sending me something after hours that day will understand that I won't be responding for a while.
– Kent A.
Oct 30 '15 at 18:59
suggest improvements |Â
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
You shouldn't put it early. Because you intent is give early warning but if your coworker/clients dont write an email they wont get it anyway.
If you want others be aware of your vacation send every one an email.
Ok, maybe that is to drastic.
But at least at the co-workers/clients depending on you.
I usually send an email like this one/two week before my vacations.
Hello Coworker/Client
I will be out of office from Day 1 to Day N
during that time please send your inquiries to otherguy@mycompany.com
answered Oct 8 '15 at 23:05
Juan Carlos Oropeza
784611
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Another option you can use is a calendar and simply share it with everyone so they'll have it.
As far as the auto-reply, some applications allow you to set the date/time ranges of your message and you can set it on the day you'll be out and it'll automatically turn on/off based on the values you put in it. In the message, also include the time you'll be out. Put something like this:
Hello, I will be out of office starting 10/9/2015 and will return on 10/10/2015. Please contact x@y.com for immediate help.
If you set it an hour before you leave, I don't see how anyone would get it confused.
answered Oct 9 '15 at 14:30
Dan
4,752412
I take this approach and it works well. I have seen few people who forget to turn-off auto-replies (for a few hours) even after they come back.
– Chethan S.
Oct 11 '15 at 3:02
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Yes, this would be fine. People understand, and It's always better to be on the safe side. You'd much rather "set the tone" before the vacation.
And it's not like you're not answering them. You can even clarify in this OOO email that "I will still be reading emails frequently." Or similar, to explain that point
NOTE : I don't know how your work environment looks, but if you're in one of those very-social open settings; it would be advisable to give people a heads-up about how you'll set the email from now. Otherwise, it may open you up to some unwanted teasing. At least, I know that's how it may happen in some environments. Perhaps, wait til the post-lunch hours of the previous day to your travel-departure. It's not too fun to get "Look who's on vacation already!"
answered Oct 8 '15 at 16:21
Adel
3,571104180
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Do you have an email footer? Add the info there while you still work, then activate the OoO-message when you leave. Also state the timeframe and if you will be reading mail or not during that time and who to contact otherwise.
answered Oct 30 '15 at 17:56
user43491
1
Welcome to the Workplace -- can you expand on this a little more? It's short and as a result a little unclear on what you are advising.
– mcknz
Oct 30 '15 at 21:47
suggest improvements |Â
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4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
4 Answers
4
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
You shouldn't put it early. Because you intent is give early warning but if your coworker/clients dont write an email they wont get it anyway.
If you want others be aware of your vacation send every one an email.
Ok, maybe that is to drastic.
But at least at the co-workers/clients depending on you.
I usually send an email like this one/two week before my vacations.
Hello Coworker/Client
I will be out of office from Day 1 to Day N
during that time please send your inquiries to otherguy@mycompany.com
answered Oct 8 '15 at 23:05
Juan Carlos Oropeza
784611
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
You shouldn't put it early. Because you intent is give early warning but if your coworker/clients dont write an email they wont get it anyway.
If you want others be aware of your vacation send every one an email.
Ok, maybe that is to drastic.
But at least at the co-workers/clients depending on you.
I usually send an email like this one/two week before my vacations.
Hello Coworker/Client
I will be out of office from Day 1 to Day N
during that time please send your inquiries to otherguy@mycompany.com
answered Oct 8 '15 at 23:05
Juan Carlos Oropeza
784611
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
up vote
7
down vote
accepted
You shouldn't put it early. Because you intent is give early warning but if your coworker/clients dont write an email they wont get it anyway.
If you want others be aware of your vacation send every one an email.
Ok, maybe that is to drastic.
But at least at the co-workers/clients depending on you.
I usually send an email like this one/two week before my vacations.
Hello Coworker/Client
I will be out of office from Day 1 to Day N
during that time please send your inquiries to otherguy@mycompany.com
answered Oct 8 '15 at 23:05
Juan Carlos Oropeza
784611
You shouldn't put it early. Because you intent is give early warning but if your coworker/clients dont write an email they wont get it anyway.
If you want others be aware of your vacation send every one an email.
Ok, maybe that is to drastic.
But at least at the co-workers/clients depending on you.
I usually send an email like this one/two week before my vacations.
Hello Coworker/Client
I will be out of office from Day 1 to Day N
during that time please send your inquiries to otherguy@mycompany.com
answered Oct 8 '15 at 23:05
Juan Carlos Oropeza
784611
edited Oct 9 '15 at 14:55
answered Oct 8 '15 at 23:05
Juan Carlos Oropeza
784611
answered Oct 8 '15 at 23:05
Juan Carlos Oropeza
784611
answered Oct 8 '15 at 23:05
Juan Carlos Oropeza
784611
784611
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Another option you can use is a calendar and simply share it with everyone so they'll have it.
As far as the auto-reply, some applications allow you to set the date/time ranges of your message and you can set it on the day you'll be out and it'll automatically turn on/off based on the values you put in it. In the message, also include the time you'll be out. Put something like this:
Hello, I will be out of office starting 10/9/2015 and will return on 10/10/2015. Please contact x@y.com for immediate help.
If you set it an hour before you leave, I don't see how anyone would get it confused.
answered Oct 9 '15 at 14:30
Dan
4,752412
I take this approach and it works well. I have seen few people who forget to turn-off auto-replies (for a few hours) even after they come back.
– Chethan S.
Oct 11 '15 at 3:02
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
Another option you can use is a calendar and simply share it with everyone so they'll have it.
As far as the auto-reply, some applications allow you to set the date/time ranges of your message and you can set it on the day you'll be out and it'll automatically turn on/off based on the values you put in it. In the message, also include the time you'll be out. Put something like this:
Hello, I will be out of office starting 10/9/2015 and will return on 10/10/2015. Please contact x@y.com for immediate help.
If you set it an hour before you leave, I don't see how anyone would get it confused.
answered Oct 9 '15 at 14:30
Dan
4,752412
I take this approach and it works well. I have seen few people who forget to turn-off auto-replies (for a few hours) even after they come back.
– Chethan S.
Oct 11 '15 at 3:02
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
Another option you can use is a calendar and simply share it with everyone so they'll have it.
As far as the auto-reply, some applications allow you to set the date/time ranges of your message and you can set it on the day you'll be out and it'll automatically turn on/off based on the values you put in it. In the message, also include the time you'll be out. Put something like this:
Hello, I will be out of office starting 10/9/2015 and will return on 10/10/2015. Please contact x@y.com for immediate help.
If you set it an hour before you leave, I don't see how anyone would get it confused.
answered Oct 9 '15 at 14:30
Dan
4,752412
Another option you can use is a calendar and simply share it with everyone so they'll have it.
As far as the auto-reply, some applications allow you to set the date/time ranges of your message and you can set it on the day you'll be out and it'll automatically turn on/off based on the values you put in it. In the message, also include the time you'll be out. Put something like this:
Hello, I will be out of office starting 10/9/2015 and will return on 10/10/2015. Please contact x@y.com for immediate help.
If you set it an hour before you leave, I don't see how anyone would get it confused.
answered Oct 9 '15 at 14:30
Dan
4,752412
answered Oct 9 '15 at 14:30
Dan
4,752412
answered Oct 9 '15 at 14:30
Dan
4,752412
answered Oct 9 '15 at 14:30
Dan
4,752412
4,752412
I take this approach and it works well. I have seen few people who forget to turn-off auto-replies (for a few hours) even after they come back.
– Chethan S.
Oct 11 '15 at 3:02
suggest improvements |Â
I take this approach and it works well. I have seen few people who forget to turn-off auto-replies (for a few hours) even after they come back.
– Chethan S.
Oct 11 '15 at 3:02
I take this approach and it works well. I have seen few people who forget to turn-off auto-replies (for a few hours) even after they come back.
– Chethan S.
Oct 11 '15 at 3:02
I take this approach and it works well. I have seen few people who forget to turn-off auto-replies (for a few hours) even after they come back.
– Chethan S.
Oct 11 '15 at 3:02
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Yes, this would be fine. People understand, and It's always better to be on the safe side. You'd much rather "set the tone" before the vacation.
And it's not like you're not answering them. You can even clarify in this OOO email that "I will still be reading emails frequently." Or similar, to explain that point
NOTE : I don't know how your work environment looks, but if you're in one of those very-social open settings; it would be advisable to give people a heads-up about how you'll set the email from now. Otherwise, it may open you up to some unwanted teasing. At least, I know that's how it may happen in some environments. Perhaps, wait til the post-lunch hours of the previous day to your travel-departure. It's not too fun to get "Look who's on vacation already!"
answered Oct 8 '15 at 16:21
Adel
3,571104180
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Yes, this would be fine. People understand, and It's always better to be on the safe side. You'd much rather "set the tone" before the vacation.
And it's not like you're not answering them. You can even clarify in this OOO email that "I will still be reading emails frequently." Or similar, to explain that point
NOTE : I don't know how your work environment looks, but if you're in one of those very-social open settings; it would be advisable to give people a heads-up about how you'll set the email from now. Otherwise, it may open you up to some unwanted teasing. At least, I know that's how it may happen in some environments. Perhaps, wait til the post-lunch hours of the previous day to your travel-departure. It's not too fun to get "Look who's on vacation already!"
answered Oct 8 '15 at 16:21
Adel
3,571104180
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Yes, this would be fine. People understand, and It's always better to be on the safe side. You'd much rather "set the tone" before the vacation.
And it's not like you're not answering them. You can even clarify in this OOO email that "I will still be reading emails frequently." Or similar, to explain that point
NOTE : I don't know how your work environment looks, but if you're in one of those very-social open settings; it would be advisable to give people a heads-up about how you'll set the email from now. Otherwise, it may open you up to some unwanted teasing. At least, I know that's how it may happen in some environments. Perhaps, wait til the post-lunch hours of the previous day to your travel-departure. It's not too fun to get "Look who's on vacation already!"
answered Oct 8 '15 at 16:21
Adel
3,571104180
Yes, this would be fine. People understand, and It's always better to be on the safe side. You'd much rather "set the tone" before the vacation.
And it's not like you're not answering them. You can even clarify in this OOO email that "I will still be reading emails frequently." Or similar, to explain that point
NOTE : I don't know how your work environment looks, but if you're in one of those very-social open settings; it would be advisable to give people a heads-up about how you'll set the email from now. Otherwise, it may open you up to some unwanted teasing. At least, I know that's how it may happen in some environments. Perhaps, wait til the post-lunch hours of the previous day to your travel-departure. It's not too fun to get "Look who's on vacation already!"
answered Oct 8 '15 at 16:21
Adel
3,571104180
edited Oct 8 '15 at 16:27
answered Oct 8 '15 at 16:21
Adel
3,571104180
answered Oct 8 '15 at 16:21
Adel
3,571104180
answered Oct 8 '15 at 16:21
Adel
3,571104180
3,571104180
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Do you have an email footer? Add the info there while you still work, then activate the OoO-message when you leave. Also state the timeframe and if you will be reading mail or not during that time and who to contact otherwise.
answered Oct 30 '15 at 17:56
user43491
1
Welcome to the Workplace -- can you expand on this a little more? It's short and as a result a little unclear on what you are advising.
– mcknz
Oct 30 '15 at 21:47
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Do you have an email footer? Add the info there while you still work, then activate the OoO-message when you leave. Also state the timeframe and if you will be reading mail or not during that time and who to contact otherwise.
answered Oct 30 '15 at 17:56
user43491
1
Welcome to the Workplace -- can you expand on this a little more? It's short and as a result a little unclear on what you are advising.
– mcknz
Oct 30 '15 at 21:47
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Do you have an email footer? Add the info there while you still work, then activate the OoO-message when you leave. Also state the timeframe and if you will be reading mail or not during that time and who to contact otherwise.
answered Oct 30 '15 at 17:56
user43491
1
Do you have an email footer? Add the info there while you still work, then activate the OoO-message when you leave. Also state the timeframe and if you will be reading mail or not during that time and who to contact otherwise.
answered Oct 30 '15 at 17:56
user43491
1
answered Oct 30 '15 at 17:56
user43491
1
answered Oct 30 '15 at 17:56
user43491
1
answered Oct 30 '15 at 17:56
user43491
1
1
Welcome to the Workplace -- can you expand on this a little more? It's short and as a result a little unclear on what you are advising.
– mcknz
Oct 30 '15 at 21:47
suggest improvements |Â
Welcome to the Workplace -- can you expand on this a little more? It's short and as a result a little unclear on what you are advising.
– mcknz
Oct 30 '15 at 21:47
Welcome to the Workplace -- can you expand on this a little more? It's short and as a result a little unclear on what you are advising.
– mcknz
Oct 30 '15 at 21:47
Welcome to the Workplace -- can you expand on this a little more? It's short and as a result a little unclear on what you are advising.
– mcknz
Oct 30 '15 at 21:47
suggest improvements |Â
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6
Look at the settings for your mail software. For example, MS Outlook lets you set the OOO message to only be active for a particular time period. If you're taking next Friday off, you can set it today, but not have it become active until close of business next Thursday.
– alroc
Oct 8 '15 at 16:55
My phone lets me set the out of office for a specific time too.
– thursdaysgeek
Oct 8 '15 at 18:49
Adding an OOO warning to your signature a few days ahead or scheduling an appointment ('free' for them) seems like a better approach to me.
– VBCPP
Oct 9 '15 at 3:45
Couldn't you set the out-of-office, say, a half-hour before you leave. This could work in your favour - I presume you don't want people coming in with last minute questions literally as you're going at the door for vacation.
– Brandin
Oct 9 '15 at 9:46
Ditto for pre-scheduling out of office auto-responses. If your current mail/calendar system doesn't support this basic feature, find a new mail/calendar system. I usually set mine to start at 5pm the day before I will be out of the office, so anyone sending me something after hours that day will understand that I won't be responding for a while.
– Kent A.
Oct 30 '15 at 18:59