What does your out of office say about you?

The Christmas Holidays are almost upon us but before you leave don’t forget to set up your out of office.

Most people include the basics ie date of leaving, date of return, Happy Christmas etc but how creative do you get with yours?

We’ve pulled together a fun guide on what your Christmas out of office message might say about you or your colleagues.

1. The Corporate 

Typical message:

I will be out of the office till January 2^nd 2014. I will respond to your e-mail as soon as possible on my return.

Please note, that your mail will not be forwarded. For any urgent matters, please contact xxxxxx.

Merry Christmas!

Best regards,

xxxxxxxxx

What it might be saying: 

The company follows a template for out of office replies and you’ll probably get exactly the same message from everyone in this office.

2. The Un Festive

Typical message:

I am out the office until January 2^nd. I will respond to your email on my return.

Regards

xxxxxxx

What it might be saying: 

Bah humbug! No a mention of Christmas anywhere.

You are not full of festive cheer or you’re too busy to care.

3. The “I Love Christmas”

Typical message: 

Merry Christmas!

I’m now out the office until January 2^nd enjoying mulled wine and mince pies.

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

If you need any assistance while I’m away enjoying the festivities, please contact my lovely colleague xxxxxxx

Regards

xxxxx

What is might be saying:

You really embrace the festive season and love Christmas. You want to spread Christmas cheer.

4. The Out of Date

Typical message:

I am out the office on annual leave until September 22^nd 2013. 

What it might be saying:

Wow! not one to keep things up to date or check them before putting your out of office on.

The Christmas rush may have consumed you, no one has a clue when you’re coming back.

5. The Worker

Typical message: 

Merry Christmas.

I will be out of the office from 5pm December 24^th and will return 9am December 27^th . I will respond to your e-mail as soon as possible on my return.

For any urgent matters, please contact me on my mobile on xxxxxx.

What it might be saying:

Complete workaholic, only out the office minimum time and even then still fully contactable.

6. The “Never” Coming Back

Typical message:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Thanks for your email. I am now out the office from 20^th December 2013 until 13^th January 2014. I will respond to your email on my return.

Regards

xxxxxxxx

What it might be saying:

Smug, it feels like you are going to be off for an eternity. Senders can’t help but feel a pang of jealously that they didn’t save more holidays.