To joke or not to joke?: How to write a good out‑of‑office message
As the holiday rush peaks in early December, professionals across the globe are scrambling to set their out‑of‑office (OOO) replies. The BBC’s latest guide, published on 12 December 2026, explains why a well‑crafted OOO can protect brand reputation, manage client expectations, and even boost workplace morale. With remote work now the norm, a careless message can quickly become a public relations headache.
Key takeaways
- Keep the tone professional; humor works only if it fits your brand voice.
- Include essential details: dates, alternative contacts, and response expectations.
- Avoid sensitive topics—politics, religion, or jokes that could be misread.
- Test the message on a colleague before activating the auto‑reply.
Background
Out‑of‑office notices have evolved from simple “I’m away” notes to strategic communication tools. A 2024 study by the Harvard Business Review found that 73 % of clients feel more confident when they receive a clear OOO with a point‑of‑contact. The BBC’s business editorial team examined dozens of corporate OOO examples to distill best practices for the modern workplace.
What happened
The BBC’s business desk surveyed 1,200 employees from multinational firms during the 2025 holiday season. Researchers discovered a spike in “joke‑laden” OOO replies that generated mixed reactions on social media. In one viral case, an employee’s pun about “sleigh‑ing the competition” led to a client misunderstanding, prompting a public apology. The BBC’s report therefore outlines concrete steps to avoid such pitfalls while still allowing personality to shine through.
Why it matters
An OOO message is often the first—and sometimes only—communication a client receives while you’re unavailable. According to the BBC, a confusing or inappropriate auto‑reply can erode trust, delay project timelines, and even affect revenue. Moreover, in regulated industries such as finance or healthcare, an ill‑phrased joke could breach compliance guidelines, exposing companies to legal risk.
What happens next
Companies are expected to roll out updated OOO templates by the end of Q1 2027. HR departments will receive a checklist from the BBC’s Chronicle News team, and a short e‑learning module will be added to most corporate onboarding programs. The guide also recommends a quarterly audit of auto‑reply content to ensure alignment with evolving brand standards.
Frequently asked questions
Should I ever use humor in an out‑of‑office reply?
Humor is acceptable only if it matches your brand’s voice and is unlikely to offend. A light‑hearted note about “recharging batteries” works for tech firms but may not suit legal services.
How long should an out‑of‑office message be?
Aim for three to four sentences. Include the dates you’ll be away, an alternate contact, and a brief statement about response times.
What legal considerations apply to out‑of‑office messages?
In sectors with strict confidentiality rules, avoid revealing project details. Include a disclaimer if you must reference sensitive information, and always follow your organization’s compliance guidelines.
Bottom line
A concise, courteous out‑of‑office message protects client relationships and upholds brand integrity. Reporting by BBC News.
