What to Write in Your Maternity Leave Out-of-Office Message
Reviewed by Nicole Amoyal Pensak, PhDReviewed by Nicole Amoyal Pensak, PhD
When it comes to preparing for your maternity leave, there are likely a million things on your to-do list, from wrapping up lingering projects to delegating assignments. One item that should be prioritized is your maternity leave out-of-office message.
Most working parents give this message little thought until they’re rushing out the door, but experts say taking the time to thoughtfully craft your message could set the tone for your maternity leave—and your return to the office.
Here’s what you need to know about creating an effective maternity leave out-of-office message.
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Why Should You Write an Out-of-Office Message for Maternity Leave?
An out-of-office message for your maternity leave lets co-workers, clients, and contractors know that you’re going to be unavailable for an extended period. These messages also keep people informed about who to contact in your absence so that projects can continue as expected.
Written appropriately, out-of-office messages demonstrate that you respect the time of others and want to be helpful—even when you’re unavailable. They also emphasize your professionalism and demonstrate your creativity.
Regardless of your approach, the best automatic replies will display some of your personality while also communicating the essentials about your maternity leave.
Key Components of a Maternity Leave Out-of-Office Message
You can personalize your out-of-office message as much as you'd like, but every automatic response should include a few key components. When someone emails you during your maternity leave, they're likely looking for the following information:
Your reason for being out
How long you’ll be out
Who they can contact
Whether you’ll check emails
Other specific instructions
Here’s a closer look at these core components.
Reason for being out
Most people who email while you’re out will want to know where you’re at—though it’s completely up to you to decide how much information to share. Some working parents prefer saying that they’re on maternity leave, while others call it an "extended leave" or a "medical leave." No matter the specifics, stress that you'll be out for a while, though you plan to return in the future
Duration of your absence
Letting people know how long you'll be out can alleviate misunderstandings and confusion down the road. Plus, giving people an estimated timeline helps them plan ahead and keeps them from expecting a quick response. It can also prevent repeated emails, hopefully reducing the number of messages to sort once you've returned.
Who to contact
People appreciate knowing who they can contact in your absence. Getting their name and email address will alleviate stress about how their projects will be handled while you’re away. Doing so also ensures there will be fewer interruptions in workflow.
Whether you’re checking emails
If you won’t be checking email while on maternity leave, or if you’ll only be checking email on occasion, make sure you include it in your message. This will keep people from sending you emails that should be handled by someone else. It also lets them know that they shouldn’t expect an immediate response from you.
Other specific instructions
If there are other specific instructions you need to share, include them in your message. For instance, if people reaching out should contact one person for billing questions and another person for new projects, let them know. Include anything you feel is relevant without making your message too long.
Sample Maternity Leave Out-of-Office Messages
While the primary function of any out-of-office message is to inform others of your whereabouts and what to do in your absence, these automatic replies can also be entertaining or funny. Make sure that if you choose humor, your communications can't be misconstrued or offensive. You want to maintain some level of professionalism.
Here are some sample maternity leave message templates to get your creative juices flowing. You can use them as-is or tweak them to meet your needs.
Classic maternity leave out-of-office messages
I am out of the office on maternity leave. Please reach out again after [date]. Or, for immediate assistance, please contact [name] at [contact info]. I look forward to connecting with you when I return.
I am away from the office on maternity leave until [date]. I will have limited access to email, so if this requires immediate attention, please contact [name] at [contact info] for assistance. Otherwise, I will respond to your message as soon as I am able. Thank you for your patience as I embrace these new responsibilities.
Funny maternity leave out-of-office messages
I’m out of the office on maternity leave with limited access to hot showers, quality sleep, and adult conversation. In my absence, you can contact [name] at [contact info] until [date] when I return.
I’m currently out on maternity leave, and according to my symptoms, I either have a new baby or I’ve turned into a zombie. I’ll be back by [date]—unless we confirm it’s the latter. For any urgent issues between now and then, please reach out to [name] at [contact info].
MATERNITY LEAVE ACTIVATED. Standby for launch into the land of sweet baby smells and lullabies. Expected return date: [date]. In the meantime, [name] at [contact info] will be holding down the fort and can field any questions or concerns.
Cute maternity leave out-of-office messages
Currently, I am knee-deep in diapers, onesies, and newborn snuggles. I hope to dig myself out of here by [date]—the end of my maternity leave. Until then, please contact [name] at [contact info] with any questions or concerns.
Thank you for reaching out. I am currently on maternity leave—or as Winnie the Pooh says—awaiting the beginning of a grand adventure. In my absence, please contact [name] at [contact info] with any questions or concerns until [date] when I return from Hundred Acre Wood.
Hello! I’m currently on maternity leave, snuggling my little one and savoring every minute of it. Please reach out to [name] at [contact info] with any questions or concerns. I look forward to reconnecting with you when I return on [date]—and sharing countless pictures of my precious baby!
Professional maternity leave out-of-office messages
Thank you for reaching out to [company name]. I am out of the office on maternity leave until [date] and will not be checking email during that time. If you need immediate assistance, please contact [name] at [contact info]. They can assist you in my absence. Have a great day!
Thank you for your email. I'm sorry I missed you, but I'm on maternity leave until [date] and will have limited access to email during that time. For immediate assistance, please contact [name] at [contact info] or [name] at [contact info]. They will be able to help with [specific tasks or project], or direct you to the appropriate person for any other concerns
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