Laughter is the best medicine. 

Well, I see this as more than just health and wellness. Laughter is a holistic route to productivity, motivation, and efficiency. Having fun can build strong relationships with our team members, helping us boost confidence and collaboration. 

As company cultures evolve into more individually-driven experiences, team members are getting more leeway than ever before. I see this as a major win. People no longer need to pretend to be cookie-cutter executives just to survive in the office.

Instead, they can be themselves — which means they can show off their talents. 

Finding Your Flow with Away Messages

One place that I see this trend coming into play is through the “away” message. 

Away messages aren’t just to alert your peeps that you’re on a weeklong cruise around the Caribbean. Today, people are using away messages to give them the space that they need to get their work done. 

We all know what the Monday through Friday inbox is like. Pinging every five minutes, new messages coming from everywhere, it's busy culture at its finest. This is not a good atmosphere for an intense work session. 

Nowadays, people are using away messages to tell their teams, “Hey, I’m working right now. I can’t get back to you immediately, I need the space to brainstorm.” 

The away message doesn’t have to mean that you’re really away. It can be used to say that you’re thinking, working, or reflecting. 

10 Legendary Away Messages

With that said, let’s take a look at ten of the most interesting “away” messages I’ve come across throughout my career. Some are witty, some are funny, and some are downright hilarious. 

Leave me alone. I’m thinking. 

Temporarily out of order. Try again later. 

Hi! I’m brainstorming and can’t break out of my creative flow. I’ll get back to you as soon as I’m finished up. 

Hello, I’m not able to get to my emails right now… but it’s Wednesday, and you probably didn’t want an immediate response either, right? Go grab a coffee and get back into your flow. We’ll take it one step at a time. 

It’s Monday and I need a moment. I’ll read your emails, but my response time is slower than usual. Wish me luck!

You’re working hard, congratulations! I am, too. So I’ll email you back when I have the time. 

I am at my home office, but I’m not working today. Get back to you tomorrow!

Hello! I’m currently preparing for a big presentation. I’m nervous and email isn’t helping. Unless you’re cheering me on, I’ll read this message when I’m done. 

On vacation. No phone, no tablet, no computer. See you on [DATE]. 

Hi there! I’m catching up on a massive pile of work today. Have mercy on me and don’t add anything else to my to-do list today. Instead, root me on. I’m accepting Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards as encouragement. Thanks in advance!

Comment with any great away messages you’ve seen!