A Better Out-of-Office

by | Jul 24, 2024 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

Personalizing Your Out-of-Office Replies

I have some coaching rambling to share with you. Specifically, for those in public accounting, this is my attempt to improve your working experience just a little bit. Today, I want to focus on your out-of-office replies.

The Common Out-of-Office Replies

You’ve seen various versions of out-of-office replies, and so have I. Here are some common types:

  1. The Blunt Version: “I’m gone and will be back Tuesday.” Simple, direct, and clear.
  2. The People-Pleaser: “I’m so sorry I missed your email. I’ll respond to you first thing when I’m back.”
  3. The Delegator: “I got your message, but someone else needs to handle it. Talk to Deborah or Mike.”
  4. The Overshare: “I stubbed my toe and need to see a doctor. It seems serious, and I’ll probably be out for a week or two.”
  5. The Anxious Response: “I’m so sorry I missed your email. I’m in the bathroom, then I have a call, then a meeting. I’ll get back to you this afternoon.”

My Challenge to You

Public accountants, I challenge you to create a more personal out-of-office reply. Share how you will be spending your time out of the office. For example:

  • “I’m going to an amazing place with people I love and will get back to you when I return.”
  • “I’m going to Disneyland with rambunctious kids, and we’re going to tear it up for a few days. I’ll get back to you next week.”

Make it more colorful and intimate. Why? Here are a few reasons:

  1. Ownership: Own that you are leaving the office. It’s important to spend time doing what you love with the people you love.
  2. Celebration: It should be celebrated and open to celebrate with others. You’ll get responses like, “Heck yeah, good for you! Love that you’re taking that time off.”
  3. Setting the Tone: Partners in public accounting, this one’s for you. You set the tone for your teams. Show them it’s okay to take time off and enjoy their vacations. Demonstrate the importance of taking personal time.

Conclusion

As you go through the summer and take time off (which I hope you take a ton of), set your out-of-office replies to be more personal, colorful, and intimate. Share how you’ll be spending your time—not just to own it, but to celebrate it and set the tone for others.

That’s my challenge. I hope you accept it.

Thanks for reading!

Doug, The CPA Coach

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