If you’re searching for how to set an away message in Outlook, you’re likely stepping away from your inbox but still want to stay connected in a thoughtful way. Maybe it’s a vacation, a personal break, or a busy week, and you want your colleagues, friends, or clients to feel cared for while you’re away.
An away message isn’t just an automated note it’s an opportunity to share warmth, clarity, and kindness. It tells people you’re taking time for yourself, but you still value their messages. A simple, well crafted away message can make your absence feel considerate and human, not just mechanical.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to set an away message in Outlook and provide ready to send, heartfelt message examples for different situations. Whether it’s professional, casual, or emotional, these messages are designed to save you time and help you express exactly what you mean.
Here’s how to ensure your automatic replies carry both clarity and a touch of human warmth.
💌 Away Messages for Professional Work Email
Keeping colleagues informed while sounding warm and approachable can make your absence feel smooth and thoughtful.
Message Examples:
- Message: “Thank you for your message. I am currently away and will respond as soon as possible.”
- Message: “I’m out of the office this week. I appreciate your patience and will get back to you soon.”
- Message: “I’m away from my desk but will reply promptly upon my return.”
- Message: “Thank you for reaching out. I’m currently unavailable and will follow up shortly.”
- Message: “I’m on leave and will return on [date]. Your message is important to me.”
- Message: “I’m away this week, but I’ll respond as soon as I’m back.”
- Message: “Thank you for your email. I’m out of the office but will reply as soon as possible.”
- Message: “I’m currently away and will get back to you promptly after [date].”
- Message: “Out of office until [date]. I appreciate your understanding.”
- Message: “I’m away at the moment. I’ll respond as soon as I can.”
🤍 Away Messages for Vacation
Vacations are for relaxing. Your away message can reflect warmth while gently informing senders of your break.
Message Examples:
- Message: “I’m on vacation until [date]. Looking forward to catching up afterward!”
- Message: “I’m away recharging. Thank you for your patience!”
- Message: “Out of the office and soaking up some sun! Will reply soon.”
- Message: “I’m on holiday and will respond when I return.”
- Message: “Taking a short break from emails. I’ll be back on [date].”
- Message: “Currently out of the office enjoying a vacation. Your message matters and I’ll reply after my return.”
- Message: “I’m away from work, but I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”
- Message: “Out of office, returning on [date]. Thank you for your understanding.”
- Message: “I’m enjoying some time off. I’ll reply as soon as possible.”
- Message: “Taking a well needed break. Thanks for your patience until my return.”
🌸 Away Messages for Family or Personal Time
Sometimes you need personal space. These messages convey care while honoring your time away.
Message Examples:
- Message: “I’m taking some personal time and will respond after [date].”
- Message: “Away caring for family. I appreciate your patience.”
- Message: “Out of office for personal reasons. Your message is important to me.”
- Message: “Taking time for self-care. I’ll respond when I return.”
- Message: “I’m offline for a personal break. I’ll reply soon.”
- Message: “Currently away attending to family matters. Thanks for understanding.”
- Message: “I’m out of the office for personal time. Will respond after [date].”
- Message: “Taking a brief pause. I’ll be back to reply shortly.”
- Message: “Away for personal reasons. Your message will be read when I return.”
- Message: “Offline for now, but I’ll reply as soon as I can.”
🎉 Away Messages for Celebratory Occasions
Celebrate life events while keeping your contacts informed.
Message Examples:
- Message: “I’m away for a special celebration! Will reply after [date].”
- Message: “Currently attending a wedding. I’ll get back to you soon.”
- Message: “Out celebrating a milestone. Thanks for your patience!”
- Message: “I’m offline enjoying a special occasion. Will respond afterward.”
- Message: “Away for an event. Your message is important and I’ll reply soon.”
- Message: “Taking a short break to celebrate. Will reply after [date].”
- Message: “I’m currently attending a family celebration. I’ll respond when possible.”
- Message: “Out of office for joyous occasion. Thanks for your understanding.”
- Message: “Enjoying a celebration offline. Will reply after my return.”
- Message: “Away for a happy event. Looking forward to reconnecting afterward.”
💔 Away Messages for Sick Leave
Express care and responsibility while being clear about your unavailability.
Message Examples:
- Message: “I’m currently unwell and away from the office. Thank you for your patience.”
- Message: “Out sick today. I’ll respond as soon as possible.”
- Message: “I’m away due to illness. Your message matters and I’ll reply soon.”
- Message: “Taking sick leave today. I appreciate your understanding.”
- Message: “I’m offline due to illness. Will reply when possible.”
- Message: “Away sick. Thanks for your patience and understanding.”
- Message: “Currently unwell and away from emails. Will respond soon.”
- Message: “I’m taking time to recover. I’ll reply after my return.”
- Message: “Out sick. Your message is important and will be read soon.”
- Message: “Thank you for your message. I’m away sick today.”
😊 Friendly Away Messages
For casual or friendly interactions, a warm and approachable tone works best.
Message Examples:
- Message: “Hey there! I’m away for a bit, but will reply soon.”
- Message: “Out of office right now. Can’t wait to connect when I return!”
- Message: “Taking a short break from emails. I’ll respond afterward.”
- Message: “Currently away, but your message matters to me.”
- Message: “Offline for a while. Talk soon!”
- Message: “Thanks for reaching out. I’ll reply when I’m back.”
- Message: “Out of office, returning on [date]. Cheers!”
- Message: “Away for a bit, will reply as soon as possible.”
- Message: “I’m offline right now, but I’ll get back to you soon.”
- Message: “Thanks for your message. I’m away but will respond soon.”
🕊️ Away Messages for Condolences
Convey empathy even when you’re unavailable.
Message Examples:
- Message: “I’m away at the moment. Sending thoughts and support your way.”
- Message: “Out of office, but my heart is with you.”
- Message: “Away for now, keeping you in my thoughts.”
- Message: “Currently unavailable. Wishing you comfort and peace.”
- Message: “I’m offline, but sending warmth and care.”
- Message: “Away from the office, holding you in my heart.”
- Message: “Out of office. I hope you feel supported.”
- Message: “Currently away, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.”
- Message: “Offline now, sending love during this time.”
- Message: “Away at the moment, wishing you strength and peace.”
🌙 Away Messages for Evening or Night
Let people know you’re away after hours in a kind, thoughtful tone.
Message Examples:
- Message: “I’m away for the evening. Will reply tomorrow.”
- Message: “Out of office tonight. Thanks for your patience.”
- Message: “Currently offline. I’ll respond first thing in the morning.”
- Message: “Away for the night. Your message will be read tomorrow.”
- Message: “Taking time off tonight. Will reply soon.”
- Message: “Out of office for the evening. Appreciate your patience.”
- Message: “Offline now. Will get back to you tomorrow.”
- Message: “Away tonight. Thanks for understanding.”
- Message: “I’m away from emails. Will respond tomorrow.”
- Message: “Out for the night. I’ll reply as soon as possible.”
❓ FAQ: How to Set an Away Message in Outlook
How do I set an away message in Outlook?
Go to File Automatic Replies Turn on automatic replies Write your message.
Can I schedule away messages in Outlook?
Yes, set a start and end date for automatic replies.
Can I send different messages internally and externally?
Yes, Outlook allows separate messages for coworkers and external contacts.
Will my away message go to everyone?
You can choose to send it to everyone or only people within your organization.
Can I change my away message after sending?
Yes, you can edit or turn it off at any time.
🌼 Conclusion
Knowing how to set an away message in Outlook is more than a productivity tip it’s a way to communicate warmth, clarity, and care while you’re unavailable. If you’re on vacation, taking personal time, or attending life’s special moments, a thoughtful away message shows you value those reaching out.
Use these ready to send messages as they are, or make them your own. Save time while ensuring your emails carry human touch and kindness.
If these messages resonated, explore our professional email tips, friendly message ideas, or heartfelt holiday messages for more inspiration.
Even when you’re away, your words can still make someone feel seen and cared for.
