19 Funny Out-of-Office Messages And Our Top Picks from the Web

• June 27, 2024

Reading Time: 10 minutes

We are not in the office at all times. Whether you’re sick, enjoying some well-deserved time off, or sipping margaritas on the sunny beaches of Thailand, it’s essential to set up an automated responder to inform people that you’re currently unavailable. Typically, these out-of-office autoresponders are straightforward, providing key information on who to contact in your absence. However, they don’t have to be dull or mundane. There’s no rule against injecting a bit of humor into your response, creating a message that not only delivers the necessary information but also brings a smile to the recipient’s face.

In this blog post, we will share 19 examples of funny out-of-office messages that strike the perfect balance between informative and entertaining. Additionally, we’ve scoured the web to bring you a few of our all-time favorite humorous autoresponders. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of wit to your own out-of-office reply or simply need a good laugh, we’ve got you covered. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy these clever and amusing out-of-office messages that are sure to make your next email notification a delightful surprise.

19 Example Out-of-Office Messages for 2024

1. Subject: Out of Office: Adventures in Paperwork Jungle

This message humorously portrays the sender as being overwhelmed by their workload, likening it to being lost in a dense jungle of paperwork. By playfully requesting a search party armed with coffee and chocolate, the message not only conveys the sender’s unavailability but also adds a touch of light-heartedness and relatability. This type of message not only informs the reader of the sender’s absence but also engages them with a smile, making the otherwise mundane task of reading an out-of-office reply more enjoyable.

2. Subject: Out of Office: Crickets and Tumbleweeds

This one takes a different but equally entertaining approach. It suggests that the sender’s absence has created a void so profound that only the sounds of crickets and the sight of tumbleweeds remain. This imagery not only conveys the quietness and inactivity at the sender’s desk but also injects a bit of fun into the reader’s day. The promise of returning “with more puns and productivity” adds a charming and personal touch, assuring the reader that normal, lively service will resume shortly.

3. Subject: Out of Office: Not Me, Try Someone Else

This message employs self-deprecating humor to guide the reader towards alternative assistance. By suggesting that someone else, “preferably someone who actually knows what they’re doing,” be contacted for immediate help, the sender lightens the tone of their absence notification. This message not only provides clear instructions on what to do in the sender’s absence but also entertains the reader with its candid and humorous acknowledgment of the sender’s own limitations. This type of message demonstrates that a bit of humor can go a long way in maintaining positive and engaging communication, even when you’re not available.

4. Subject: Out of Office: Finding Myself

By stating they are on a break to “find themselves,” the sender adds a whimsical touch to their absence, suggesting a quest for self-discovery. The punchline, “Good news: I’m in the last place I looked,” cleverly plays on the common saying and provides a lighthearted conclusion to their personal journey. Furthermore, directing all existential questions to the universe or someone who has it all figured out adds a humorous twist, implying that the sender is not the best source for deep philosophical discussions while they are away. This message effectively conveys the sender’s absence in a fun and engaging way, making the reader smile while also informing them of the situation.

5. Subject: Out of Office: Vacation Mode Activated

This message takes a straightforward yet humorous approach to explain the sender’s unavailability. By announcing that both they and their email are in “vacation mode,” the sender humorously emphasizes their detachment from work-related matters. The phrase “Responses will be delayed because, you know, vacation!” adds a casual and relatable touch, reminding the reader that vacations are for relaxation and not for checking emails. The image of the sender catching up on sunbathing and sipping piña coladas paints a vivid picture of leisure, reinforcing the idea that they are fully embracing their time off. This message not only clearly communicates the sender’s absence but also does so in a way that is enjoyable and relatable for the reader.

6. Subject: Out of Office: International Spy Mission

With this message, the sender takes a whimsical approach to their vacation. By claiming to be on a top-secret mission, they transform their time off into an adventurous escapade filled with gadgets and witty one-liners. This playful narrative not only informs recipients of the sender’s absence but also entertains them, making the notification both engaging and memorable.

7. Subject: Out of Office: Beach Bum Life

The message conveys the sender’s complete immersion in vacation mode. By describing their activities as soaking up the sun and perfecting their tan lines and beach hair, the sender paints a vivid picture of relaxation and carefree enjoyment. The suggestion to “enjoy your own slice of paradise” invites the reader to share in the vacation spirit, adding a warm and friendly tone to the message. This approach effectively communicates the sender’s absence while adding a touch of humor and a sense of escapism.

8. Subject: Out of Office: Email Renovation

In the message, the sender creatively likens their inbox to a construction site. This metaphorical approach humorously suggests that their emails are being sorted and organized. Promising to respond once the “dust settles” adds a fun twist, making the otherwise mundane task of catching up on emails sound like a major project.

9. Subject: Out of Office: Telepathy Only

The reply introduces a playful solution to reaching the sender urgently. By suggesting telepathy, the sender injects humor into their unavailability, emphasizing that email communication is currently off-limits. This imaginative approach not only informs but also amuses, leaving recipients with a smile.

10. Subject: Out of Office: Life Choices Re-Evaluation

This one takes a candid and humorous look at the sender’s break. By stating they are reconsidering their life decisions and might return with either clarity or more confusion, the sender adds a touch of self-deprecating humor. This relatable message reassures recipients that they will respond once their introspective journey is complete, making the notification both personal and engaging.

11. Subject: Out of Office: Screaming at Screen

The message takes a funny approach to urgent communication. By suggesting that recipients scream at their screens if they need immediate assistance, the sender playfully implies that this might somehow alert them. This light-hearted instruction adds a fun and imaginative twist to the typical out-of-office reply, making it memorable while clearly stating the sender’s unavailability.

12. Subject: Out of Office: World Peace Quest

This message frames the sender’s absence as a quest to solve world peace. By implying they are engaged in a grand, noble mission, the sender adds an element of fun and exaggeration to their time away. The promise to return with “hopefully some good news” keeps the tone light-hearted, making the message entertaining while informing recipients of the sender’s absence.

13. Subject: Out of Office: Inbox Dragon Battle

In this message, the sender describes their battle with an “inbox dragon,” adding a fantastical and humorous element to their time away from the office. The imagery of slaying a dragon to return victorious makes the otherwise mundane task of managing emails sound epic and adventurous, engaging the reader with a playful narrative.

14. Subject: Out of Office: Brain on Vacation

Here, the sender jokes that their brain is on vacation, indicating that responses will be slow and relaxed. This whimsical explanation emphasizes the need for mental rest and recharging, while also making the reader smile at the idea of a brain taking a leisurely break.

15. Subject: Out of Office: Channeling Beach Bum

By stating they are “channeling their inner beach bum,” the sender describes their break as a time for relaxation and embracing a carefree lifestyle. The imagery of sandy toes and a return to reality paints a vivid picture of their vacation, making the message both engaging and relatable for recipients.

16. Subject: Out of Office: Email Working Hard

In this message, the sender suggests that their email is diligently working even while they are away. By personifying the email as an active worker, the sender implies that, although they are out of the office, the emails are being queued and organized for a prompt response upon their return. This playful narrative reassures recipients that their messages are not being ignored and adds a light-hearted touch to the sender’s absence.

17. Subject: Out of Office: Battery Recharge

The sender describes their time away as a period for recharging personal “batteries.” This metaphor suggests they are taking a necessary break to rest and restore their energy. By promising to return with “full power” and readiness to handle emails, the sender effectively communicates their current unavailability while adding a positive, energized spin on their upcoming return to work.

18. Subject: Out of Office: Email Nap

This message adds a whimsical touch by suggesting that the sender’s email is taking a nap. The playful imagery of an email resting and needing to wake up refreshed gives a fun, human-like quality to the email process. It implies that responses will be more effective and prompt once the sender is back and their email is “awake,” making the message both engaging and light-hearted.

19. Subject: Out of Office: No Clone Available

This message addresses the sender’s absence by jokingly suggesting that any urgent matters be directed to their clone. The punchline, “Oh wait, I don’t have one,” adds a light-hearted twist, highlighting the impossibility of immediate assistance. By acknowledging the inconvenience in a playful manner, the sender effectively communicates their unavailability while leaving the reader with a smile. The overall tone makes the message engaging and memorable, turning a typical out-of-office notification into an entertaining read.

Our Favorite Out-of-Office Messages From the Web

1. Have you seen me?
   Shared by Hubspot

Shared as an image, this one mimics a missing person notice on a milk carton, but instead, it announces that “me on vacation” is missing. The text “If found, contact someone other than me” at the bottom adds a playful touch, suggesting that even if found, the person is not available to handle any inquiries. This creative and amusing visual serves as a fun out-of-office notification, clearly indicating that the person is away and not reachable, and making the viewer smile at the clever presentation.

2. Return to civilization
Shared by Hubspot

This message describes the sender’s backpacking trip, complete with Spam, water, and trail mix, while enjoying the stars. It promises a response upon returning to civilization, WiFi, or the office on May 10th, whichever comes first. For urgent matters, it directs recipients to contact the sender’s team, balancing humor with practicality.

3. Lot of experience
Shared by Jagadesh Jamjala on Medium

This message effectively directs inquiries to the appropriate contacts while clearly stating the sender’s unavailability from October 1st to October 3rd. The message wittily clarifies that the sender does not handle certain tasks while ensuring all concerns are handled efficiently during the sender’s absence.

4. Workaholic
Shared by Orega

This one acknowledges the sender’s difficulty in disconnecting from work while on vacation. It reassures recipients that the sender might still see their messages and respond if necessary. However, it sets the expectation that replies may be delayed until their return. Not only is it funny, it also reassures the sender that urgent messages would most likely be taken care of!

5. The life of an auto-responder
Shared by Ann Handley

Who is on email: Me, the email auto-responder.

Who is mostly not on email: Ann.

Fun fact: Ann and I never, EVER are on duty at the same time. (Mind blown, right?)

Being an auto-responder is not a bad gig. Upside: I spend the vast majority of my time sitting around, waiting for Ann to take a vacation or for the B2B Forum to roll around.

The latter is precisely what’s going on now! The B2B Forum might be an awesome event for B2B marketers. But for me, it’s like my Chrismakwanzakah — HOORAY! I have something to do today aside from make microwave nachos and binge-watch Netflix!

(What’s the B2B Forum? See here: mpb2b.marketingprofs.com. You can probably still buy a ticket. I cannot. I got work to do!)

You can also peek at what she’s up to in Boston here: http://instagram.com/AnnHandley.

Thanks for swinging by! More importantly, thanks for giving my life purpose and meaning!

Your friend,
Email auto-responder (Repping Ann)

Digital marketer Ann Handley set up an out-of-office message that is delivered from the perspective of an email auto-responder. It begins by introducing itself and noting that Ann is mostly not on email, emphasizing that they never overlap in duties. The auto-responder hilariously describes its idle time and excitement for the B2B Forum, likening it to a holiday because it finally has something to do. It encourages recipients to learn more about the B2B Forum and follow Ann’s activities on Instagram. The message concludes with a playful expression of gratitude for giving the auto-responder purpose, making the notification both entertaining and informative.

Final Thoughts

Crafting an out-of-office message doesn’t have to be a mundane task. With a little creativity and humor, you can turn a simple notification into a memorable and engaging interaction. Whether you’re battling an inbox dragon, recharging your mental batteries, or pretending to be an international spy, adding a touch of wit to your autoresponder can make a significant difference. Not only does it inform the sender of your absence, but it also brightens their day with a bit of amusement.

We hope the 19 examples provided, along with our top picks from around the web, inspire you to have fun with your next out-of-office message. Remember, your autoresponder can be both informative and entertaining, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who receives it.