20 Best Out of Office Message Examples General Absence Example 1: Hi there! Thanks for your e-mail. I am out of the office from [start date] to [end date]. If you require assistance during my absence, or if this is an urgent matter, please contact [name of contact] at [contact e-mail or phone number]. Otherwise, I look forward to connecting with you after I return. An out of office message (or OOO message ) is an automated email reply that explains you’ll be away from work for an extended period. Learn how to write a great out of office message .