45+ Bereavement Out-of-Office Messages

Grief isn’t something you can plan around, but sometimes, work still needs a line of communication. These bereavement out-of-office messages are meant to hold that space quietly while you step away.

Bereavement Out-of-Office Messages

• I’m out of office following a death in the family. I plan to return by [Date].
• I am out of the office attending to a personal matter. I will respond to your email as soon as I am able. Thank you for your understanding.

• I’m away from work following a personal loss and will be offline for a while. I’ll respond to messages once I’m back, probably after things settle next week.
• I’m currently out due to a family bereavement. I won’t be checking emails regularly. If it’s urgent, contact [Sam] in Operations; she’s covering my tasks for now.
• I’m currently away due to a family loss and won’t be checking emails for a while. If something urgent comes up, please reach out to [Sarah] in operations; she’s handling things for now. I’ll reply once I’m back and able.
• Out of the office right now. My uncle passed last week, and I’m helping with arrangements out of town. I’ll return to work when I can. For immediate needs, contact my manager, [Ben].
• I’m taking some personal time after a loss in the family. My inbox won’t be checked regularly. Thank you for understanding, even if I can’t reply soon.

Bereavement Out-Of-Office Messages With a Return Date

• Out of the office for bereavement leave until October 14. I won’t be reading messages until I return. Urgent issues can go to HR at [hr@company.com].
• I’ll be away following a family loss and will return on October 10. Replies will resume after then, though I might be slower to catch up.
• I’m currently on bereavement leave through July 18. No email access during this time. For time-sensitive matters, contact my colleague [Lisa] at extension 204.
• I am currently out of the office due to a loss in my family and will return on [Date].
• I’m away from work for a personal matter and will be unavailable until [Date].
• I’m taking a leave following a family bereavement. I’ll return on [Date].
• I’m currently offline due to a personal loss. I appreciate your patience and will respond when I return on [Date].
• Out of the office due to bereavement until August 20. I’ll do my best to catch up on messages after I return.
• I’m taking time off after a family loss and plan to return on November 3. For anything pressing, contact our support team.

Short Bereavement Messages

• I’m currently out following a loss in my family. Back soon.
• Taking time off for personal reasons. I’ll reply after October 10th.
• I will be out of the office for personal reasons.

• Away due to a family bereavement; checking messages rarely.
• Out of office for bereavement leave. Will return once arrangements are done.
• Out following a personal loss. Thank you for understanding.

Out-of-Office for Funeral Messages

• I’ll be out today attending a funeral and won’t have access to email. I’ll check messages tomorrow once things settle a bit.
• Out of the office this morning for a funeral. Back later in the day, though replies might take me a while to get through.
• I’m away from the office to attend a family funeral. No email access until I return on Monday. Thanks for your patience.
• Out today for a funeral. I’ll respond when I’m back, probably tomorrow afternoon.
• I’m stepping away to attend a funeral service. Won’t be checking messages until I’m back in the office.
• Out of office due to a funeral in the family. I’ll return next week and catch up then.
• Attending a funeral today. Back in the office on Tuesday and will reply to emails after that.
• I’m out for a funeral and unavailable for the rest of the day. If you need something urgent, reach out to Sam in admin.
• Out attending a funeral. My phone’s off, and I’ll check messages when I’m back later this week.
• I’m currently away for a funeral. Not checking email during this time. I’ll reply once I return to work.

Out-of-Office Messages for Deceased Employee

• Our team is grieving the passing of a valued colleague. The office will be slower to respond as we support one another and the family during this difficult time.
• I’m out of office while our team navigates the recent loss of a coworker. Replies will be delayed. For urgent issues, contact [support@company.com].
• Due to the loss of a team member, our office operations are limited. We’ll resume normal responses after the 10th.

Sincere Bereavement Out-Of-Office Messages

• I’m away for personal reasons related to a recent loss. I’ll respond when I return, sometime next week. Please direct urgent matters to our main line.
• Out for bereavement leave. I’ll reply when I’m able. Thanks for your patience and understanding.
• I’m taking time away following a death in my family. I’ll return emails after I’m back in office.

Out-Of-Office for Unexpected Loss

• I’m away due to a sudden family loss. I’ll respond once I’m able. Urgent needs can go to [John] at [john@company.com].
• Currently out on bereavement leave following an unexpected loss. I’ll return June 25.
• Out of office for personal reasons. Back soon, but not sure when.

Compassionate Team Out-Of-Office Notices

• Our office is currently closed due to the passing of a member of our team. We’ll reopen on April 8.
• The team is taking time off to grieve a loss. We’ll respond to messages after March 15.
• We’re temporarily unavailable while we honor a late colleague. Thanks for your patience.

MsgWords Team Can Help You Craft a Unique OOO Message

Writing an out-of-office note in tough moments isn’t easy. You want it clear but not cold, personal but not overshared. MsgWords can help you write something relevant and real. Whether it’s a short message for Slack, email, or auto-reply, the team makes sure your tone matches the situation. They’ll help you write messages that are away from being like a copy-paste template.

FAQs About Bereavement Out of Office Messages

What is a bereavement out of office message used for?

It informs colleagues and clients that you are unavailable due to a personal loss, while setting respectful expectations for response times.

How do I write a bereavement out of office message that sounds professional?

Keep it brief, calm, and clear. Mention your absence without details, include return timing if known, and provide an alternate contact if necessary.

Should I mention the reason for my absence in a bereavement out of office reply?

You can, but it is optional. Many people simply state they are away for personal reasons to maintain privacy.

How long should a bereavement out of office message be?

Short messages work best. One or two thoughtful sentences are enough to communicate availability without feeling impersonal.

Is it appropriate to use a bereavement out of office message for work email?

Yes. It helps manage communication during a difficult time and prevents misunderstandings about delayed replies.

Can I update my bereavement out of office message if my return date changes?

Absolutely. Updating the message ensures clarity and reduces follow-up emails while you focus on personal matters.