What out-of-office messages for the Christmas holidays ?

What out-of-office messages for the Christmas holidays ?

27 December 2024

The festive season is a time to switch off and relax, but that doesn't mean you should forget about good business practice. Whether you work in the hotel industry or in any other sector, your ‘out of office’ message (to be inserted in your e-mail inbox when you're away) is often the last impression you leave on your customers and colleagues before you return. Here are our tips and examples for writing an effective message that reflects your image and is perfectly suited to the festive period.

1. The basics of a good out-of-office message

An effective automated message must contain :

Your dates of absence : be precise to avoid any confusion. Example : « I will be absent from [start date] to [end date]. »

Une alternative : mentionnez un contact suppléant pour les urgences ou redirigez les demandes importantes.

The right tone: make sure your message reflects your position and your relationship with the recipient: serious, warm or humorous

2. Adapt the tone of your message to your audience

For a professional tone :

Ideal if your audience is made up of demanding customers or partners. Be clear and factual, while remaining cordial.

Hello,

Thank you for your message. I am currently on leave for the festive season, from [date] to [date]. I will deal with your request when I return.

For any emergency, please contact [name, email or telephone number].

I wish you a very happy festive season.

For a warm, festive tone :

Show your Christmas spirit while remaining professional.

Hello,

The magic of Christmas took me out of the office until [date]. I'll be happy to deal with your request as soon as I get back.

In the meantime, I wish you all a very happy and successful holiday season. For any urgent matters, please contact [name, email].

For a humorous tone :

Réservé à une audience complice, ce style peut créer un sourire tout en informant.

Hello,

Je suis actuellement occupé(e) à éviter une overdose de bûche glacée et à battre des records de dégustation de chocolats. Je serai de retour le [date], probablement avec quelques kilos en plus.

Pour toute urgence, n’hésitez pas à contacter [nom, email]. Passez de très joyeuses fêtes !

3. Mistakes to avoid

Be vague about dates: avoid phrases like ‘I'm away for the holidays’ without specifying when I'll be back.

Forget an alternative contact: even on holiday, emergencies can happen.

Adopting an inappropriate tone : stay in tune with your audience to avoid being misinterpreted.

4. An opportunity to strengthen your image

An ‘out of office’ message is also an opportunity to reflect your values or leave a positive impression. So why not :

• Add a link to a digital greetings card or festive video.
• Mention a solidarity initiative: ‘This year, our team is supporting [name of cause]’.
• Promote your brand : « At [company name], we believe in the power of disconnection to help you find yourself.»

Whether you opt for a classic, festive or humorous message, the important thing is to remain consistent with your professional image while conveying your best wishes. Your automated message is not just practical information: it can also be an opportunity to add a personal and positive touch to your communication.