Oh, absolutely! I've turned my out-of-office messages into a fine art, where the chaos of parenthood meets professionalism. One of my favorites is the "Superhero Mode" response: "Hello, thank you for your email. I'm currently out of the office, engaging in high-stakes negotiations with a 4-year-old over the last cookie, and will be back at my desk once peace has been restored (or the cookie has been eaten). Please contact [colleague's name] for urgent matters. Otherwise, I'll respond as soon as I return to the land of adult conversations. Thanks for your patience!" It's a nice little reminder that I'm out there battling snack-time negotiations with the finesse of a seasoned diplomat. Another fun one I've used is the "Project Manager" approach: "Hi there, I'm currently out of the office managing a complex project called 'Keep Kids Fed and Quiet for 10 Minutes.' I'll be back at my desk soon, likely covered in glitter and snack crumbs. For urgent matters, please reach out to [colleague's name], or leave a message and I'll get back to you once I've successfully negotiated with my tiny boss." It not only reminds everyone that I'm managing multiple "projects" at home, but it also subtly sets a boundary about when I'm available for work. A little humor goes a long way! Has it helped set healthy work-life boundaries? Definitely. It's a gentle, yet clear, way to let colleagues know that my time is divided-part work, part parent, with a healthy dose of "please respect my space" in between. When I send something like, "I'm currently out of the office, participating in a 'disconnect to reconnect' retreat (aka, trying to survive my kid's toy-induced chaos)," it's an effective way to remind them that I'm not just a cog in the work machine-I'm also the human responsible for managing a very different kind of project at home. It sets expectations and, honestly, gives everyone a laugh, which helps create a more understanding and supportive work environment!
As a working mom of three, I often find myself completing tasks during unconventional hours-those moments of quiet when life pauses just enough to get work done. Recognizing the importance of setting healthy boundaries for myself and others, I include a "Truly Human Notice" in my email messaging. Here's an example: Truly Human Notice: Receiving this email outside of regular work hours? Life is a balancing act, and I sometimes work during times that fit into my schedule. I don't expect you to respond until it's convenient for you. Take care of what matters most-your rest, your health, and your loved ones. Using this kind of notice has helped reinforce mutual respect among colleagues, allowing us to prioritize both work and personal life without unnecessary pressure. It's a small, thoughtful gesture that fosters healthier work-life integration for everyone involved. Erin Ruddy, Owner Winston-Salem Massage and Bodywork https://wsmassageandbodywork.com/
When my kids were young, my out-of-office email message mentioned their hobbies. Think: "I'm probably watching my daughter tend goal for the Bantam Huskies!" or "I'll get back to you as soon as I'm not shuffling my son to dance practice!" Making it personal was a great strategy, because only a total grinch would be offended by a parent facilitating their child's passion. It engendered an intimacy that is sometimes lacking in business, especially over email. It's easy for people forget that they are talking to a real person with a full life. Reminding them that you're balancing as much as they are is a connection strategy that works. In fact, I've deepened many client and associate relationships this way. People were eager to tell me that their child also played hockey or loved ballet, and this similarity helped us build a stronger link.
As a working parent, I believe in setting healthy boundaries between work and personal life, and having an out-of-office message that reflects this has been incredibly helpful. I use a message that acknowledges both my professional role and my family commitments, giving people the understanding that my response times might be slower due to my responsibilities as a parent. For example, my message reads: "Thanks for your email! I'm currently balancing work and family, so please expect a delayed response. Your patience is appreciated as I take care of both business and my little ones." This approach not only helps set expectations but also promotes a healthy work-life balance. It reminds clients and colleagues that I value both my personal and professional responsibilities. Over time, I've found that being transparent in this way fosters respect and understanding, while also helping me prioritize my family without compromising my commitment to work.
One of my favorite out-of-office message I've used in the past is: Hi there, I'm currently out of the office attending a very important meeting with my little one, where we'll be discussing dinosaurs, bedtime stories, and perhaps the complexities of macaroni art. I'll be back (date/time) and will respond to your email as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding as I juggle the joys of both work and parenthood. For urgent matters, please contact (alternate contact). This message has received incredibly positive feedback from colleagues and clients. It helps reset expectations around availability. Plus, it's a gentle reminder that work-life balance is essential for everyone. And I support that.
Crafting a creative out-of-office message allows you to convey your role as a working parent while setting clear boundaries between your professional and personal life. A thoughtfully written message not only communicates your absence to colleagues but also highlights your dedication to family. For instance, you could write: "Hi! I'm presently on parental leave, cherishing this meaningful time with my family. During this period, I will not be monitoring emails. For urgent matters, please contact [Colleague's Name] at [Colleague's Email]. Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to reconnecting when I return." This approach reflects both your dedication to family and professional responsibility.
Running a cleaning service company while being a parent has its unique challenges. I've learned to embrace both roles openly. This approach has actually strengthened our company culture. It shows our team that it's possible to be both a present parent and an effective leader. This transparency has positively affected our client relationships at Maid Sailors. Our customers appreciate knowing that we're a company that values family. It often leads to more understanding and respectful interactions. They see that we're not just a cleaning service. We are a business built on human values and genuine work-life integration. Being open about family commitments has transformed our workplace dynamics. Our employees feel more confident in managing their own work-life balance. They understand that taking time for family isn't just accepted - it's encouraged. Since implementing this approach, I've experienced a significant improvement in my own work-life balance. I can fully engage with my family during personal time without the constant pull of work obligations. This clear boundary has made me more effective in both roles. Here's a sample email template for my OOO: Subject: Out of Office - Family Time I'm currently offline attending my children's activities until [date]. At Maid Sailors, we believe in delivering exceptional service while honoring family commitments. For immediate cleaning service needs, our dedicated team is available at [phone]. I'll address other matters upon my return. Best regards,
My SEO insights are taking a brief pause for parenting duties from 4 PM to 6 PM. During this window, I'll be offline helping my son with his science project (wish me luck!). For urgent matters, our support team is available, and I'll respond once I'm back." This message set clear expectations while adding a personal touch. Many clients appreciated the honesty, and some even shared how they manage work-life balance. It's a small gesture that makes professional relationships feel more human.
The one I like best is: "Hey! I'm not in the office right now and I work as a professional problem-solver and I am a half-superhero to my children. While I'm out saving the day (or at least trying to, between parenting duties), I'll get back to your email as soon as I can after [date]. If it's an emergency, email [company name] at [contact info]. Otherwise, thank you for waiting while I put on my cape for a few minutes longer!" I find that this sort of communication is somewhere between silly and serious and yet still gives clear instructions. The results of creative messaging like this have been beyond overwhelming. Employees and clients have laughed, even opened up to tell me about how they balanced work and family. Personally, I like that it's fun to use humour to let people (and myself) know that parenting is important and does not need to be something hidden away. It's also a great way to humanise work by making it a little more human and approachable. Messages such as this have been very boundary setting for me but also interfaith-enhancering, so it's a win-win.
Using a creative out-of-office (OOO) message as a working parent can be a great way to set boundaries while showing personality and promoting understanding among colleagues and clients. Here are a few examples that others have found effective: 1. Light and Humorous Approach "Hello, I'm currently out of the office and embracing my dual role as a professional and a parent. Today's agenda includes boardroom brainstorming and bedtime storytelling. I'll respond to your email when I'm back at my desk (and after the toys are picked up). Thank you for your patience!" Why it works: It adds a personal touch and sets a friendly tone while highlighting your role as a parent. 2. Straightforward and Clear "Thank you for your email. I'm currently out of the office focusing on family time, an important part of balancing work and life. I'll return on [date] and respond as soon as possible after catching up. For urgent matters, please contact [alternative contact person]. Thank you for understanding." Why it works: It's professional but sets a clear boundary about your time away. 3. Advocacy for Work-Life Balance "Hello, I'm out of the office, juggling life as a working parent. This time away helps me recharge and stay present both at work and at home. I'll reply to your email on [date]. For immediate concerns, please contact [alternative contact]. Thank you for respecting work-life balance!" Why it works: It normalizes the need for work-life balance and sets an example for others. These messages help humanize professional roles, gently remind others of your personal commitments, and set a positive precedent for work-life boundaries.
Creative out-of-office messages for working parents can be powerful tools for setting healthy boundaries and promoting work-life balance. These messages not only inform colleagues and clients about your unavailability but also normalize the importance of family time in professional settings. A well-crafted message might read: "Hello, I'm currently out of the office on parental leave, welcoming our new addition to the family. I'll be returning on [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [colleague's name] at [email/phone]. Thank you for your understanding as I focus on this important chapter in my life. Best regards, [Your Name]" This type of message clearly communicates your absence while highlighting the significance of your parental role. It sets expectations for response times and provides an alternative contact, ensuring business continuity. Ayush Trivedi, CEO of Cyber Chief, emphasizes the importance of such messages: "A thoughtful out-of-office response isn't just about informing others of your absence; it's about setting a precedent for work-life integration in your organization." Some working parents have found success with more lighthearted approaches: "I'm currently on diaper duty and sleep training (myself, not the baby). I'll be back in the office on [date], hopefully well-rested and ready to tackle emails. For immediate assistance, please contact [colleague's name]." These messages can help normalize the challenges of balancing work and family life, creating a more supportive workplace culture. However, it's essential to consider your company culture and client relationships when crafting your message. While personal touches can be effective, maintaining a level of professionalism is key. Using creative out-of-office messages as a working parent can: 1. Set clear boundaries 2. Manage expectations 3. Promote work-life balance 4. Foster a family-friendly workplace culture Your out-of-office message is an opportunity to reinforce your commitment to both your work and your family. Use it wisely to create the balance you need to thrive in both roles.
Hi there, I'm stepping away from the grind (literally) to enjoy some family time and perk up my work-life balance. I'll be back on [return date], fully brewed and ready to pour my energy into your emails. If it's urgent, reach out to [backup contact]. Otherwise, I'll espresso my thanks for your patience when I return! Stay caffeinated, Eric Gantz Co-founder Verena Street Coffee
Indeed, one of the reasons I use a customized out-of-office message to remind people of my role as a working parent, is that it helps me maintain a healthy boundary between my work life and my personal life. This approach helps me set and maintain realistic expectations with my colleagues and managers. This way, because of the healthy boundary that has been carefully set between my work life and personal life, I can ensure that my work does not interfere with my time off, and this makes it easier for me to reduce and sometimes even avoid the kind of stress and burnout that follows when one takes their work along with them on a vacation. The truth is that, given my usual work routine, I find that I am often overwhelmed by my duties, and feel guilty for the responsibilities in my personal life that get sacrificed in my attempt to ensure that I am efficient and effective at work. However, clearly stating my availability using a customized out-of-office message, helps me focus the bulk of my attention on my parental duties during the time that I am out of work, so much so that I even begin to miss work before I return to the office. I have always tried to maintain a humorous yet professional tone of voice for my brand, and fortunately, this tone also agrees with my company's culture. That said, here is my most recent out-of-office message; "Hello there, currently, I am out of the office taking care of my new baby who never stops crying. Well, right now I am also crying. However, I will be back at the office on the 18th of March 2024. Regards.
As a working parent, I have set some boundaries which are quite important, and here is an out-of-office message that I have deployed in order to do the same: Hello, Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the Office and devoting some quality time to my prime team which is my Family. I will be back on this date: [date] and will be in a good mood to help you. However, if your issue is urgent then you can reach out to [backup contact]. In other cases, I will get back to your email after I have returned to work, so it may take a few days. Thank you for your understanding and patience! This message has been pretty useful in reinforcing that family time should not be compromised while being a professional. It has also made it easier for employees and clients to engage with each other, as they are grateful for the honesty and humanity that they received. Having this boundary enabled me to be engaged during my 'off' time and come back to work feeling focused and productive.
As an SEO specialist and agency owner who also juggles parenting, I've embraced creative out-of-office messages to maintain healthy work-life boundaries. One of my go-to messages says: "Hi there! I'm currently out of the office being a full-time parent and part-time snack distributor. I'll get back to you during my working hours. Thanks for your patience!" It's lighthearted, relatable, and communicates my priorities clearly while adding a personal touch. This approach has been a game-changer in helping clients and colleagues understand that work isn't 24/7 for anyone. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive-it sets the tone for healthy boundaries while also humanizing professional interactions. For other working parents, I recommend crafting a message that reflects your personality while setting clear expectations for response times.
"...I will be extremely slow to respond to any messages as Monday my daughter and I are looking at colleges in and around Seattle. Tuesday we'll be driving home, and I won't be looking at my phone as I'll be the one driving." That was one of my more recent OOO messages-as an agency owner who strongly supports work-life balance I always share why I'm going to be out so my clients understand the importance of my time away. At the same time, since I'm in PR and provide crisis communications support, it's vital that people who are trying to reach me understand why I cannot respond immediately-and they know to reach out to the other team member on their account.
At our marketing agency, I started using playful OOO messages like 'Currently in superhero mode - juggling client presentations and my daughter's soccer championship until Friday.' It's amazing how this simple change helped colleagues respect my family time while keeping communication professional yet personal.
A creative out-of-office note might help a working parent manage expectations and set boundaries. For instance, a message that reads, "I may not respond right away because I'm currently out of the office juggling work and family obligations." Please contact [colleague's name] for urgent problems. I appreciate your patience. not only lets others know when you're available, but it also highlights the value of work-life balance, encouraging respect for personal time while making sure coworkers know who to call in case of an emergency.
I am one of the few people in our office who has children, and though we maintain a very healthy work-life balance, I like to have fun with my out-of-office messaging and in my IMs with various members of the staff. I typically get a little more creative when my kids are home during the day for one reason or another. For instance, I might say something like "Kids are home - and it's going great!" which I would pair with, say, that meme of Scarlett Johansson in 'Marriage Story' looking absolutely defeated. It's the little things.
As a working parent, setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is essential. A creative out-of-office message can be a gentle reminder to others that we juggle multiple roles, fostering understanding and respect. Here's an example of a message I've used: "Thank you for your email. I'm currently out of the office and spending time with my family, embracing my other important role as a parent. I'll be back on [date] and will respond to your message as soon as possible after that. If it's urgent, please contact [alternate contact information]. Thank you for your patience and understanding!" This type of message has helped reinforce that while I'm committed to my professional responsibilities, my personal life is equally important. It subtly communicates that balance is a priority without diminishing my dedication to work. What I've found is that messages like these encourage others to respect boundaries, and they often spark positive conversations about work-life balance within the team. It's a small yet impactful way to promote a culture of empathy and flexibility while also setting an example that prioritizing personal well-being is a key aspect of long-term productivity and success.