This one is for those of us in public accounting, and it’s my attempt to improve the experience of public accounting, just a little.

I want to talk about your out-of-office reply: the automatic message people get when you’re gone.

Which Out-of-Office Reply Is Yours?

You’ve seen the versions. Here are a few.

The blunt one. “I’m gone and will be back Tuesday.” Very simple, very direct, very clear.

The people-pleaser. “I am so sorry I didn’t get to your email. I’m so sorry I’m out of the office. As soon as I’m back, I’ll respond to you first thing.”

The delegator. “I got your message, but someone else needs to handle it, so please talk to Deborah or Mike.”

The oversharer. “I stubbed my toe and need to go to the doctor. It seems serious, and I’ll probably need a special procedure on my foot. It’ll probably be a week or two.”

The anxious one. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry I missed your email. I’m in the bathroom, then I’ve got a call, then a meeting. As soon as I’m done with the bathroom, the call and the meeting, I’ll get back to you this afternoon.”

Try a More Personal Reply

My challenge to you, public accountants, is to write a more personal out-of-office reply. Something that speaks to how you’ll be spending your time away. For example:

I’m going to an amazing place with people I love to do wonderful things. When I return, I’ll get back to you when I can.

Or:

I’m going to Disneyland with a bunch of rambunctious kids, and we’re going to tear it up for a few days. I’ll get back to you next week.

Something that gives a little hint. A little more color, almost intimate, about what you’re doing.

Why Bother?

There are a few reasons.

Own it. You should own that you’re leaving the office, and that it’s important to you to spend time doing things you like with the people you love.

Celebrate it. Time away should be celebrated, and it should be open for others to celebrate with you. You should get replies that say, “Heck yeah, good for you. Love that you’re taking that time off. You deserve it.”

Set the tone. This one is for the partners in public accounting. You set the tone. Your reply lets your team know it’s okay to leave the office and enjoy a vacation. It shows them they have the power to take their own time, do their own things with the people they love, and celebrate that, too. It makes it okay for them, and it makes an impression.

My Challenge to You

As you take time off this year, and I hope you take a ton, make your out-of-office reply a little more personal, a little more colorful and a little more intimate about how you’ll be spending your time.

Share it to own it, to celebrate it and to set the tone for others.

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

Set the Tone for Time Away

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