Most out-of-office messages sound like they were written under duress: “I’ll be back Monday.” Functional? Yes. Memorable? Absolutely not.
But every so often, someone treats their OOO like a blank canvas — filling it with wit, charm, and the occasional reference to their dog running the company while they’re gone. Funny statuses are great — but remembering to set them? Not so much. That’s where we come in
We’ve rounded up 15 of the funniest, most creative, and most relatable OOO messages from professionals around the globe. Whether you’re planning your next PTO, holiday break, or mental health day, these will inspire you to bring some personality to your away messages.
(Bonus: If you’d rather automate these in Slack or Microsoft Teams, AttendanceBot makes it effortless.)
Read on — and don’t miss the OOO Personality Quiz at the end. Your coworkers may never look at your away messages the same way again
The Out-of-Office Hall of Fame
50 Clever, Funny, and Totally Stealable OOO Messages
From quick one-liners to full-on works of comedic art, these OOO messages prove that time away from work doesn’t have to be boring. Use them as inspiration for your next PTO, holiday, or much-needed recharge day.
- 🍼 “Currently OOO — negotiating with my toddler about snacks. Expected resolution: Monday.”
Forget boardrooms. The toughest negotiations happen in kitchens with pint-sized opponents who refuse to accept “no” for an answer. - 🏖️ “Back Friday. Unless the beach convinces me otherwise.”
Short, cheeky, and full of summer spirit. - 🐕 “OOO until Thursday. If it’s urgent, ask my dog — they’re in charge now.”
Delegating to the floof — a bold management choice. - 🎄 “On holiday break until Jan 3. If it’s urgent… it can wait until Jan 3.”
Festive and firm. - 🚀 “Exploring new planets (a.k.a. my couch). Returning Tuesday.”
Because Netflix counts as space exploration. - 📚 “Training for the next season of ‘The Office.’ Back Monday.”
Sitcom marathons count as professional development, right? - 🐢 “On island time until further notice.”
Slow replies are part of the charm. - 🍷 “Gone wine tasting. Will email when sober.”
Refreshingly honest. - 🛟 “Out rescuing my sanity. Back Wednesday.”
Vacations: the ultimate mental health intervention. - 🎧 “Currently unavailable — deep into my playlist and deeper into relaxation.”
Good luck pulling them out of this mood. - 🛶 “On a kayak somewhere with questionable Wi-Fi.”
Wet keyboards aren’t covered by IT. - 🌙 “Taking a break to catch up on my dreams.”
Eight hours? Make it ten. - 🦄 “OOO on a quest for unicorn sightings. Back when I succeed.”
Mythical, but we respect the hustle. - 🐝 “Busy being not busy.”
The perfect contradiction. - 🌍 “Somewhere far away… or maybe just at home avoiding laundry.”
A mystery worth keeping.
AttendanceBot can automatically update your status, so you can focus on doing nothing at all — see how it works
- ☕ “Currently in caffeine rehab. Back when I’ve detoxed.”
Brave, if risky. - 🐧 “Gone where penguins roam.”
Cold out there — pack a sweater. - 🏔️ “Chasing mountain views until Tuesday.”
Altitude > attitude. - 🐚 “Listening to seashells. Back next week.”
Zen mode: activated. - 🎢 “On a rollercoaster. Both literally and figuratively.”
Hold on tight. - 🥾 “Hiking somewhere with no signal (bliss).”
Out of range and loving it. - 🍕 “Out finding the perfect slice of pizza.”
A noble cause.
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- 🥽 “Snorkeling until Friday — replies will be… slow.”
Waterproof phones still not recommended. - 🐫 “In the desert pretending to be a nomad.”
Camel rental optional. - 🍫 “On a chocolate pilgrimage. Back when my sweet tooth is satisfied.”
Might take a while.
- 🛌 “Sleeping like it’s my job.”
Dreaming pays in joy, not cash. - 🏟️ “At the game. Go team!”
Out-of-office spirit = team spirit. - 🛤️ “Following train tracks until I run out of snacks.”
A true adventure. - 🥂 “Celebrating… everything.”
No occasion necessary. - 🌊 “Floating somewhere warm.”
No urgency, no deadlines. - 🧩 “Piecing my life together — literally. Back when the puzzle’s done.”
1,000 pieces takes time. - 🎯 “Hitting reset.”
Short and sweet. - 🪴 “Gardening my way to peace of mind.”
Green thumb > inbox zero. - 🦋 “Catching butterflies until Monday.”
Nature’s therapy. - 📸 “Collecting sunsets.”
And maybe a few good selfies. - 🍿 “Marathoning movies until I forget what day it is.”
Mission: possible. - 🏕️ “Camping off-grid — and off-email.”
Zero bars of service = 100% bliss. - 🛩️ “Somewhere in the clouds.”
Literal or metaphorical? You decide. - 🦀 “Crab-watching until further notice.”
Slow, sideways progress encouraged. - 🎮 “Leveling up (in games and in life).”
Achievement unlocked: PTO. - 📖 “Lost in a book — send help or snacks.”
Chapter after chapter of joy. - 🪂 “Falling with style. Back Monday.”
Buzz Lightyear would approve. - 🏜️ “Desert sunsets > unread emails.”
A good trade. - 🛍️ “Retail therapy in progress.”
Don’t check the credit card bill. - 🪁 “Flying high.”
Kite or mood — both count. - 🎤 “Practicing my karaoke playlist.”
Shower acoustics: unbeatable. - 🐟 “Fishing for compliments and actual fish.”
Both have their merits. - 🥨 “Snack research in progress.”
Yes, it’s an official study. - 🧘 “Meditating until I achieve inbox enlightenment.”
Might be gone a while. - 🪄 “Turning off work emails — like magic.”
Best trick in the book.
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