Writing an autoreply in the time of COVID-19

“Howard, Thanks for your email. I am out of the office and will return….”

Out-of-office autoreplies used to be so straightforward. 

But in the time of COVID-19, they require a little more finesse.

After all, when you’re working remotely, can you ever really be “out of the office?” 

And did you get on an airplane to go there? 

Were you cleared for that trip?

So many layers of complexity to letting people know you took time off from work. 

I suggest a variation on the traditional “out-of-office” message in 2021. 

Instead of saying “I’m away from my desk,” or even a simple “I’m away,” consider instead:

“I am taking time off and will not be responding to email until…”

It’s clear. It’s straightforward. And it doesn’t invite any extra scrutiny.

Boundaries may not be the same as they once were, but that doesn’t mean they’ve gone away. 

Do yourself a favor when you take time off…take it unapologetically.