The new out-of-office email

By Anastasia Warren

Automatic reply: I am currently out of the office, I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Or some version of that.

Though necessary, there’s nothing more discouraging then receiving an automatic reply.

Will they ever see the email? How long will it take them to catch up? Should I follow-up later?

And on the other side, there is nothing more terrifying then coming home from a nice and much needed vacation, only to dread your email inbox the night before heading back to work.

And it shouldn’t be this way.

We shouldn’t sit on vacation thinking about the mass amount of emails coming our way, and we shouldn’t have to send these emails wondering if we’ll ever hear back.

This is not for everyone, but if you want to truly unplug on your vacation and come back with a little less stress – we have a different approach.

The new out-of-office email.

Craft a message stating that, coming back to an insanely full inbox is no fun for anyone. It’s no fun for the person sifting through the emails, and it’s no fun for the person waiting for a response.

Almost every business person has dealt with this issue, so it is likely that they will be able to relate.

In the message, let them know that you will be erasing your inbox upon return. Give them a contact for emergencies, and let them know when you will be back and encourage them to contact you at that time.

Do this to come back happier, healthier and a little more stress-free. Try the new out-of-office email, or some version of that, and make the most of your next vacation.