Communication Tip Tuesday: Setting Your Away Message in Outlook Email

Introduction to response time and away messages

** This message is sent to all Oneida Staff. **

Welcome to another Tuesday Tips: Communication series!

Hello Oneida Team,

In today's Communication Tip Tuesday, we're focusing on setting your away message in Outlook email and why it's important to respond promptly to all correspondence be it by e-mail or phone.

When sending e-mails that require a quick response try using the subject line to describe the requirements is encouraged.

Some examples include:

Time Sensitive – for information that is needed within 2-3 days.

Please respond by – to identify that a response is required by a certain timeframe.

Urgent – only used if information is required urgently, within the workday.

Acknowledgement and/or responses to emails should be within 24-48 hours.

Employees are to use their “Out of Office” function in email when they will be away from the office for 1 day or more and indicate whom to contact in case of urgent matters.

Here's a quick guide to setting your away message:

Open Outlook and go to your inbox.

Click on the "File” tab at the top-left corner.

Select "Automatic Replies" or "Out of Office" from the menu.

Check the box for “Send automatic replies" to activate your away message.

Choose the start and end dates for your absence.

Craft a clear message with your return date and alternative contacts.

Save your settings to activate the automatic replies.

Answering phone messages quickly is also just as important. It helps to maintain positive relationships, ensures timely communication, and demonstrates reliability.

Remember, effective communication is essential for strong relationships and smooth operations within our team and the Oneida community.

Happy communicating!

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