Introduction

Out of Office (OOO) messages are essential when you’re away from work, as they let your colleagues know that you’re not available. In Microsoft Outlook, you can set up OOO messages in your calendar, so that they’re automatically sent to anyone who tries to contact you during your absence.

Step 1 – Open Your Calendar

To set up an OOO message in Outlook, you first need to open your calendar. This can be done by clicking on the “Calendar” icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.

Step 2 – Create a New Appointment

Once your calendar is open, click on the “New Appointment” button in the top left-hand corner of the screen. This will open a new window where you can create your OOO message.

Step 3 – Set the Date and Time

In the new appointment window, you’ll need to set the date and time for your OOO message. This should be the period during which you’ll be away from work.

Step 4 – Enter Your Message

Next, you’ll need to enter your OOO message in the “Description” field of the new appointment window. This should include information about when you’ll be away and when you’ll be back, as well as any other relevant details.

Step 5 – Set Your Availability

Under the “Show As” section of the new appointment window, you’ll need to select “Out of Office” from the dropdown menu. This will ensure that your colleagues know that you’re not available during this time.

Step 6 – Save and Close

Once you’re happy with your OOO message, click on the “Save and Close” button in the top left-hand corner of the window. Your OOO message will now be saved in your calendar and will automatically be sent to anyone who tries to contact you during your absence.

Question and Answer

Q: Can I set up multiple OOO messages in Outlook?

A: Yes, you can set up multiple OOO messages in Outlook. Simply create new appointments in your calendar for each period that you’ll be away from work, and enter a separate OOO message for each.

Q: Can I customize my OOO message in Outlook?

A: Yes, you can customize your OOO message in Outlook. The “Description” field in the new appointment window is where you can enter your personalized message.

Q: What happens if someone tries to contact me during my OOO period?

A: Anyone who tries to contact you during your OOO period will automatically receive your OOO message. This lets them know that you’re not available and when you’ll be back.

Q: How do I turn off my OOO message in Outlook?

A: To turn off your OOO message in Outlook, simply delete the appointment from your calendar or change the “Show As” status to “Free”.

Conclusion

Setting up an OOO message in Outlook is a simple and effective way to let your colleagues know that you’re not available. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily create and customize your own OOO message for any period that you’ll be away from work.