The Best Out-of-Office Emails to Use When You Finally Take That PTO

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We all know the sigh of relief we let out once we set that OOO email, but did you really get the message right? Sometimes setting our automatic responses gets confusing and we're not sure what information to include and not to include. But because we want everyone to enjoy more of themselves on vacation and less of their inboxes, we've drafted some messages to use for your next round of PTO days. 

How do you set your vacation responders? Let us know in the comments section!

Option 1

Hi there,

I’m away on an island somewhere taking some much-needed me-time. Please contact [NAME] at [EMAIL] during my absence as my phone is on “do not disturb.” 

Sincerely,

[NAME]

Option 2

Hi there,

I am currently out of office and will be returning on [date]. In the meantime, don’t forget to subscribe to [COMPANY NEWSLETTER] and follow us on [FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM LINKS] for all things [COMPANY NAME].

Best,

[NAME]

Option 3

Hello, 

I will be out of office from [date] to [DATE]. During this time I will have limited access to email, so please forgive my delay in response. 

Very Best,

[NAME]

Option 4

Hi there, 

I will be out of office from [DATE] to [DATE] and on vacation. If this matter is urgent, please contact [NAME] at [EMAIL]. Thank you!

Best,

[NAME]

Option 5

Hello, 

I am currently out of office with limited access to email and returning on [date]. 

For all [SUBJECT] inquiries please contact: [NAME] at [EMAIL]

For all [SUBJECT] inquiries please contact: [NAME] at [EMAIL]

Thank you!

Best,

[NAME]

Option 6

Hello!

I’m currently on island time and not checking my phone. Let’s catch up once I’m back on a 9-to-5 schedule on [DATE]. Thanks!

Best,

[NAME]

Option 7

Hi there, 

I am currently traveling and will have limited access to email. I will do my best to respond in a timely manner, but please excuse a delay in my response. If this matter is urgent, please contact [NAME] at [EMAIL]. 

Best,

[NAME]

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This story was originally published on July 13, 2018, and has since been updated.

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How Women in Charge Unwind and Get Out of the Office

We’ve all been there. After a long couple of weeks or months at work, we get the itch to unwind and get some time out of the office. For those work-from-homers, the need to step away from computers and working area is just as real too. As many of us know, being a boss means that you are always ready to go and plugged in, and many entrepreneurs sacrifice perks like vacations and weekends, and even late nights to put in the work needed to run a successful business.

We treated a group of fierce female founders to our first ever Out of Office Retreat, in partnership with Chandon. From fashion and jewelry designer, to winemakers, bloggers, and more, everyone who joined deserved a much-needed break. So, what did we do? We headed to the Domaine Chandon winery in Napa, California, sipped on bubbly, hopped on a hot air balloon, heard from inspiring women, and so much more. Keep on reading for some takeaways from the well-deserved time off.

First up, a balloon ride. The theme of the retreat was overcoming fears and taking flight, so what better activity? If there is one thing that holds so many of us back each day from growing as individuals, achieving high levels of success and becoming the best version of themselves, fear is definitely at the top of the list.  High achievers, regardless of occupation, understand that taking risks and massive action is a vital part in getting from where you are to where you want to go. And that goes for in life, and in business.

Many of our guests faced their fear of heights and others simply crossed off this bucket list item. We took a ride across the lovely town of Napa, and got to bond, snap some pics, and of course enjoy more bubbly.

Next, the group toured the Domaine Chandon winery, where Pauline Lhote is a lead winemaker. It’s important to note that she’s one of the few women in charge across the winemaking industry, and has worked her way up the ladder with Chandon for many years.

After a relaxing lunch outside, our getaway attendees sat through an inspiring conversation with Rebecca Minkoff, Baublebar’s Daniella Yacobovsky, and Pauline Lhote. We also invited our Create & Cultivate scholarship winners along for the ride, Afenya Montgomery of the ICANCollective, and Samantha Santana of Samantha Santana designs. Ahead, some key points from the conversation.

#OOORetreat Convo Takeaways

“I think it’s more important to be authentic versus being on all the time.”- Rebecca Minkoff

“Surround yourself by really incredible people and count on them to bring that brand on vision to life.”-Daniella Yacobovsky

“You’re going to fail, you’re going to learn, you’re going to grow.”-Rebecca Minkoff

“Every woman is a superwoman.” -Rebecca Minkoff

“That’s the great thing about my job is that there is no typical day.” -Pauline Lhote

“Whenever I feel afraid, I tap into the part of me that’s most confident.”-Rebecca Minkoff

“You’re going to fail, you’re going to learn, you’re going to grow.”-Rebecca Minkoff

The retreat was special for so many reasons but we’ll admit that our favorite part was that we spent our days discussing issues that matter to us, plus what we can all do about them. We shared resources from website designers to PR and communications, and discussed the parts of a business that really move the needle. While our days were packed with activities, the brainstorming and collaboration was completely reenergizing, and we all left with new goals and new ladies to call our friends. 

Check out all of the photos from the #OOORetreat weekend in our full album here.

How do you make sure to take time away from the office to unwind? Let us know in the comments below!

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