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To joke or not to joke?: How to write a good out-of-office message

To joke or not to joke?: How to write a good out-of-office message

As we hit peak holiday season, the BBC looks at the dos and don'ts of composing a good out-of-office message.

August 17, 2026 at 11:00 PM Original source
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Notable Quotes

"Virtue signalling about why you are taking time off is another no-no. It could seem 'smug' or like you are 'trying too hard'."

— Rupert Wesson , Executive

"A good OOO does two things: shares your dates and points people to a backup contact."

— Charlotte Davies , Executive

"'I'm currently out of the office pretending this company doesn't exist'... 'If it's urgent, call someone who cares'... 'Emails received while I'm away will be deleted unread.'"

— Paul Fitzsimmons , Executive

"Always ask, would you put the same thing in an email?"

— Adam Murfet , Executive

All Coverage

To joke or not to joke?: How to write a good out-of-office message
BBC Newsvia rss 4 quotes 4 persons

As we hit peak holiday season, the BBC looks at the dos and don'ts of composing a good out-of-office message.

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