35+ Out of Office Messages for Half Day

Sometimes you’re stepping out for a few hours; doctor’s appointment, school run, whatever it is, and you still want to sound professional. A short, honest out-of-office message for a half day does the job. Here are a bunch of ways to say you’re gone for just a little while.

Short Half-Day Out-of-Office Messages

• Out for the morning, back after lunch. If urgent, reach out to [Ema] in Support.
• Away for a few hours, returning early afternoon. Thanks for your patience.
• Not around right now, just out for a bit. Expect a response later today.
• I am currently out of the office for a short period and will return at [time]. Please reach out to [alternative contact] for immediate assistance. Thank you for your patience.
• Hey there! I’m out for a quick break and will be back by [time]. If you need urgent help, feel free to contact [alternative contact]. Thanks!
• Stepping out till 2 PM, inbox on pause. I’ll get back once I’m in.
• I’m offline this morning but will catch up later today. Quick replies not likely before 1 PM.
• Out for a short while, back before the day ends.
• Gone for half a day, catching up once I return.
• Taking care of a few errands, will reply after 3 PM.
• Away from my desk for a bit, but not far. Back soon.
• Half-day break today, replies will roll out later.

Read: 25+ Out of Office Messages for Leaving Company

How to Inform Your Team When You’re Only Gone for Half a Day

• Hey team, I’ll be out this morning for an appointment, but reachable after lunch if needed.
• Out for a few hours, back mid-afternoon. I’ll review updates once I’m back.
• Just a heads up: I’ll be offline most of this morning. Catch me after 1.
• Running some errands, won’t be around till later today. Hold off on non-urgent stuff till I’m back.
• Leaving early today, so if you need anything, grab me before noon.
• Quick reminder: I’m off this morning, but I’ll wrap up things after 3.
• Skipping the first half of the day, making up for it later.
• I’m out for half a day, but Slack me if it’s truly urgent (like the printer exploding).

Simple Out-of-Office Messages for One Day

For those taking a full day off, your message should contain that. Here’s an example of a simple one-day OOO message:

• “I’m out of the office today and will return tomorrow. For urgent matters, please reach out to [alternative contact].”
• Taking the day off, recharging a bit. Will reply tomorrow.
• Not working today but I’ll handle everything once I’m back.
• Offline for the day. If it can wait, I’ll reply tomorrow; if not, contact support.
• Out today, back tomorrow. Thanks for your patience.
• Taking a personal day, catching up once I return.
• Spending the day away from email. Replies resume in the morning.
• Not checking messages today, returning fresh tomorrow.
• Taking a one-day breather, catching up first thing tomorrow.

Related: Out-of-Office Message for Business Travel

FAQs About OOO Messages for Half Day

1. What should I include in a half-day out-of-office message?
   An explanation of your absence, the time you’ll be back, and an alternative contact if needed.
2. Can I use the same message for a full day and half-day OOO?
   You can, but it’s better to specify the exact hours you’ll be unavailable for a half-day.
3. Should I turn off my OOO message if I return early?
   Only turn it off when you’re ready to fully respond to emails and messages.