When you’re out of the office, managing emails can be tricky. Fortunately, Microsoft Outlook 365 has a feature that allows you to create an “Out of Office” message that will respond to any emails sent while you are away. Setting up this feature is simple and takes only a few minutes to do. Let’s get started!
Step 1 – Accessing the Out of Office Feature
In order to access the Out of Office feature, open your Outlook application and select File > Automatic Replies. You may have to sign in using your Microsoft credentials if you have not yet logged into the application. Once signed in, the Automatic Replies window should appear.
Step 2 – Writing Your Message
Once you are in the Automatic Replies window, there are two sections for you to fill out: Inside My Organization and Outside My Organization. Inside My Organization is for anyone who shares your company domain (typically coworkers) while Outside My Organization is for anyone outside your company domain (clients, customers, etc.). Both sections will require a message from you stating why you are away and when they can expect a response from you once you return. It is important that both messages contain different information as they cater to two different audiences with different needs. Be sure to proofread each message before sending them off!
Step 3 – Activating Your Out of Office Message
The last step is activating your Out of Office message so it sends automatically when someone sends an email during the time frame specified by you. To do this, click on Send Automatically and then enter a start date and end date for when you plan on being away from work. Once done, click OK at the bottom right-hand corner of the window and that’s it! Your out of office message should now be active and ready to go!
Setting up an “Out Of Office” message doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming when using Microsoft Outlook 365. With just three easy steps—accessing the feature, writing your message, and activating it—you can set up an automatic reply that lets everyone know why you are away from work and when they can expect a response from you once back in action again! Now take some time off knowing that everyone who emails will be informed about your absence! Enjoy!
