When you work in a company and then you have to go for a while whether you have to attend a meeting, conference, go on vacation, or take sick leave, you have to make an out-of-office message so that your clients understand why you do not reply to their message immediately.
Since this is in a working world, the message should be polite and professional. However, Oilshore TikTok account made some TikTok videos about funny Gen Z out-of-office (OOO) messages where the messages are very entertaining.
What are the messages? How should an OOO message be? Read what you need to know about OOO messages below.
Part 1
@oilshore Here at Oilshore we value honesty 🙈 #corporatetiktok #genzworker #workhumour #officelife
Part 2
@oilshore This post alone should be the reason why I receive a payrise #workhumor #genz #coworkers #outofoffice #outofofficemessage #worklife #genzcoworker
What is an Out-of-Office Message?
An out-of-office message or also known as OOO message is a message which is used to automatically respond to emails that you cannot respond or read by yourself for a certain period of time. This message has roles to inform the reason why your response is delayed and also inform the way how to get the things that the senders need when you are away. Other people like your clients or coworkers may need your response for several things, but when you are away, this message can give them understanding why you do not respond to their emails immediately.
This message is usually set when you go on vacation, go to a doctor, go to a conference or meeting, take maternity or sick leave and some other reasons.
What’s In an Out-of-office Message?
When you make an out-of-office message, there are several things that you need to inform in it such as:
- The reason why you go.
- How long you will go.
- The date you will go back.
- The contact that can be used for getting immediate help.
You can give some more information, but remember don’t give too much detail. This message is usually simple and easy to understand. You also have to avoid saying that you will respond to the message immediately because it may take time when you go back to your office. If you want to include your co-worker’s contact in the OOO message to help you handle an emergency during your absence, you have to get permission from your co-worker first.
An Example of a Formal and Professional Out-of-office Message
Here is an example of a formal and professional OOO message.
Hi there,
Thanks for your email. I’m currently out of office until 11/12/2023. If you need help, email my colleague at carolina@example.com.
Best,
Ciara
The List of Funniest Gen Z Out-of-office (OOO) Messages
An out-of-office message is usually brief, polite and professional. However, some time ago, an Oilshore TikTok account shared a video about how gen Z co-workers make out-of-office messages. Instead of being professional, they use the funny ones. Here is the list of gen Z out of office messages as shown on the Oilshore TikTok videos.
These messages were uploaded on the Oilshore TikTok account on November 25th, 2022.
- On vacation. Hoping to win the lottery and never return.
- The bad news is that I’m out of office, the good news is that I’m out of office.
- Do not contact me while I’m on leave or I’ll report you to HR.
- ERROR 404: Employee not found.
- Please enjoy your break from me.
- If you need me … too bad!
- I’m unsure why you’re emailing me given that I put this on my calendar months ago.
- I will be OOO from 13/10 – 17/10. If it’s an emergency call 000.
- Contact someone other than me.
These ones were uploaded on the same account April 26th, 2023.
- Get somebody else to do it.
- Knock knock. Who’s there? Not me.
- On holiday. Do I have access to the internet? Yes. Am I going to use it to respond to your email? No.
- Contact literally anyone else but me.
- Enjoying life! Will be back when I run out of money.
- I am out of the office currently. Unfortunately, I will be back tomorrow.
- Right email. Wrong timing.
And here are a number of OOO messages Festive Edition that were posted on Oilshore TikTok account on December 23rd, 2022.
- Do you know what I want for Christmas? For you to leave me alone.
- Fa La La La La La Leave Me Alone.
- If you need me, don’t.
- What is worse than seeing your in-laws on Christmas? Receiving emails from you when I’m OOO.
- I’m sure Google can answer your question.
- Even if I see your email, I’m not going to reply x.
- Ho-Ho-Hold onto that thought until I return on Jan 12.
Responses of Netizens About Those OOO Messages
Netizens gave various responses about those OOO messages that were on the Oilshore’s videos. Some netizens like them, but some others think that those are not professional.
- “They are so bold, I love it. As a millennial I be scared to be off of work.” -King Lee-
- “I wish I had this direct attitude but my millennial self would never be able to do that.” – Melissa-
- “I’m so entertained by gen Z entering the work force” -Izzy-
- “Error 404 is epic” -FLOLA-
- “I love Gen Z! I hope they stay their authentic selves as they age” -Rehanon Wood-
- “Honesty but disrespectful” -Leigh-
- “Your culture is awesome! This made my day!” -losingweightthefunway-
- “They are not married with work” -houserats-
- “Gen Z is a lost generation. Hopeless” -methadras-
- “Right email wrong timing is a good one lol” -hmz-
- “I wish I could do that in a government office” -SK-
- “Totally disrespectful. Not professional” -Black mamba1989-
Some Other Examples of Funny OOO Messages
Here are some other examples of funny OOO messages cited from KeepCalling and HubSpot.
- Thanks for your message! I’m currently buried in snow and will get back to you once I’ve defrosted on January 2nd. Gotta go, my fingers are frostbitten. If you really need me, either get a shovel and dig me out of here, or reach out to my colleague Cristina — who’s not frozen under snow with frostbitten fingers — at cristina@example.com.
- Thanks for your email. I’m currently on holiday with my family for the first time in (what seems like) forever. For urgent matters, [NAME] will help you. She doesn’t have a cape, but she is basically superwoman. See you real soon.
- I am currently out of the office and probably chilling on the beach. Enjoy your workweek.
- I am on annual leave until [DD/MM/YYYY]. I will allow each sender one email and if you send me multiple emails, I will randomly delete your emails until there is only one remaining. Choose wisely. Please note that you already sent me one email.
- If you need to reach me, travel to my homeland of Florida.
Can We Use Those Out-of-office Messages in Our Company?
Regardless of whether netizens’ responses are good or bad, the fact is that a lot of people are entertained with those OOO messages. However, if you are inspired to use one of the OOO messages above in real life in your company, think twice. Know about the culture in your company because if your company requires something formal and professional, but you use those OOO messages, the thing that will happen may not be informing and entertaining others, but you may be fired instead.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
Alex Kemp