Ah, fall…crisp air, gorgeous leaves, apples, pumpkin spice lattes…it’s an ideal time of year to get outside and spend some time away from your desk!
While loving fall might be basic AF, as the kids used to say (does anyone still say that??), your out-of-office messages don’t have to be.
Your email’s autoresponder feature isn’t just for sharing the details of how long you’ll be gone and who to contact instead (useful, but boring). It’s also a great way to showcase your personality and engage your contacts.
So, rather than using the same old boring, cookie-cutter response, why not try something that will leave your audience laughing?
Here are a few OOO messages for your time away this fall — feel free to steal them as is or use them as inspiration to write your own funny message! Plus, we share some tips for writing effective out-of-office messages every time.
Before we get to the funny out-of-office message ideas, let’s get the boring (but important) stuff out of the way. Whether you use one of these autoresponder messages or write your own, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your message is effective as well as entertaining.
Make sure your out-of-office message:
Sticking to these rules will help ensure you retain a smidge of professionalism amidst the silliness.
Pro tip: If you expect to get a ton of emails while you're away, give yourself time to catch up by setting your return date one or two days AFTER you're back in the office.
In addition, don’t forget to record a voicemail out-of-office message! You can use the same script you use in your email or switch it up to something else. Make sure your message contains all the important details listed above.
And finally, include some kind of call-to-action in your email. Direct them to your website, an informative webinar or podcast you recorded, a blog post you wrote, etc. If your CTA doesn’t quite fit into your quirky email, leave it as a P.S., like this:
P.S. While you’re waiting for me to get back from vacation, check out this great blog our team just wrote! [link to blog post]
Alternatively, your CTA could be as simple as inviting them to follow you on social media to keep up with your travels. If you do this, include clickable links to your social accounts to make it easy for them to find you.
Ok, that’s enough blathering on about details…let’s get to the fun!
This one’s for all our Minnesota teacher friends.
Sure, the MEA conference is all about learning 😏 but we know you secretly enjoy having a couple extra days without the kids around (and we can’t blame you for that).
Here’s an out-of-office message you can use to keep the emails at bay while you’re “learning:”
Hi there,
Sorry I can’t respond to your message right now, as I’m spending some quality time away from your kids at the MEA conference until [return date].
While I’m sipping cocktails with my teacher friends and taking long naps (your kids are exhausting) hitting the books and taking this all very seriously, I won’t be checking my email.
Rest assured, I’ll respond to your message upon my return to the hellscape that is my jo— job I love so dearly.
Best of luck wrangling your kids till then Have a lovely weekend!
[Your name]
P.S. Sorry about all the mistakes — autocorrect seems to be glitching today…
Is Halloween your favorite? If you’re the kind of person who takes time off because you need the entire day to get your costume ready, share your love of the spookiest holiday with your contacts. (And if you’re especially proud of your costume, consider adding a photo of you in it!)
Here’s an example:
*a coffin creaks open and I emerge, pale as death, fangs dripping with the blood of my latest victim, while a hoard of bats burst from their lair behind me*
Hello friend,
Sorry if I scared you, I’m just working on my Halloween costume and sometimes I get a little carried away. Anyway, since I’m busy getting spooky for Halloween, I’m out of the office until [return date]. If you need anything while I’m gone, you can contact [contact name] at [contact email] (they won’t bite, promise 🧛).
Otherwise, I’ll get back to you once I’ve returned from the land of the undead.
Trick or treat,
[Your name]
If your idea of fall fun is the local Apple Fest, Pumpkin Fest, or Fall Frolic, this one’s for you. Share your love of pumpkins, handicrafts, and apple cider donuts with your audience.
Here’s an example:
Hi there,
I can’t respond to your email right now, as I’m off tasting delicious fall treats, perusing local crafts, and enjoying a mulled cider or two. That’s right, I’m heading to [your favorite fall festival]!
While I’m gone, you can contact [contact name] at [contact email]. Otherwise, I’ll get back to you once I’ve had my fill of apple cider donuts and soft pretzels.
Happy fall, y’all!
[Your name]
Do you LOVE fall colors? Are you the friend who posts a million selfies in your best fall ‘fits, complete with pumpkin spice lattes and gorgeous fall scenery in the background? If so, harness that fall goddess energy in your out-of-office message.
For example:
Hello friend,
Crisp air, changing leaves, pumpkin spice everything…isn’t fall just the BEST season there is??
I’m sorry to miss your message, but I’m out of the office until [return date]. I just can’t bear to sit inside when the leaves are so gorgeous, so I’m off in search of the prettiest fall scenery I can find!
While I’m gone, feel free to shoot an email over to [contact name] at [contact email]. Otherwise, I’ll respond to your message once I’ve filled my camera roll with fall-themed selfies. 🍁✌️
Until then, get outside and enjoy those fall colors yourself!
[Your name]
Do you dream about turkey and stuffing? Do you consider Thanksgiving the BEST holiday of the year? Share your love of Turkey Day with your contacts.
Here’s an example:
Hi friend,
Sorry I can’t respond to your message right now — I’m busy thawing out my turkey, baking pies, and researching green bean casserole recipes. In other words, I’m out of the office celebrating Thanksgiving!
While I’m out stuffing my turkey and myself, taking post-dinner naps, and challenging Uncle Chuck to a pie-eating contest, feel free to reach out to [contact name] at [contact email]. But honestly, they’re probably off taking a tryptophan-induced nap too…might be best to take some time off yourself and try again after the holiday.
(Don’t worry, I’ll respond to your message once I’ve recovered from my food coma and am back in the office on [return date].)
Gobble, gobble,
[Your name]
So…where are you off to this fall? Wherever your travels take you, we’d love to hear how you use these funny out-of-office message ideas, and how your email recipients respond! Feel free to leave a comment below to let us know.
Want more great OOO messages for winter, spring, and fall? Check out our FREE ebook: Funny Out-of-Office Message Ideas for Every Season!