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The Philosophy of the Out-of-Office Email

These messages can be a rote obligation or an opportunity to make a grand statement about work and life.

The Philosophy of the Out-of-Office Email

TL;DR

  • Out-of-office messages can be simple or elaborate statements about work-life balance.
  • Some individuals auto-delete all emails while on vacation, a trend that initially seemed to defy established email etiquette.
  • Other approaches include apologizing for absence or expressing frustration with being tied to work.
  • The 'goldilocks theory of out-of-office messages' suggests a simple notification of unavailability is sufficient.
  • The transition between vacation and returning to obligations can be complicated.