This might be called a pet peeve or just another rant.
Out of the Office Auto-Replies are not necessary, nor do many folks care if you are out of the office, no matter what explanation you write.
What happens when you auto-reply to all email that comes to you? Several things right off the bat!
First, assuming the email is real, the person knows nothing is going to happen with their request. So why let the person down and add to the disappointment they will receive that day.
Second, if you direct them to contact someone else, they may, and may not. Folks don’t read the details, they just know you’re not there. If you’re in sales, you may have lost a sale to your competition. If you’re in a support role, you just dropped the ball. Chances are, your reply will end up in the persons junk or spam folder.
Third, if you belong to one or more interactive mailing lists, everyone on the list is going to get your message everytime you get an email response. Just think how happy those folks on the list will be!
Fourth, if the email is forged and it is just junk, you just became a spammer, your email address may get blacklisted, the mail server you are using may get blocked, you may lose your account.
Fifth, you forget to turn the damn thing off when you get back from your absence.
What you should do instead.
Assuming the email you receive is deemed important:
1) you should check your mail regularly at least once per day for the time you will be gone. Just about all email services allow for a webmail interface.
2) forward your mail to someone who will act on the requests (you should also save a copy for yourself).
3) if you can’t forward your mail, give someone access to your account (not recommended).
4) if prudent and possible, advise the folks who will need assistance of an alternate contact prior to your absence.
Assuming the email you receive is deemed average email or not urgent:
1) do nothing and get your mail when you get back.
Some points to remember:
1) email is getting to be like the phone ringing at dinner time. less is more.
2) spam and anything resembling spam is less tolerated these days, and auto-replies just add to the stress.
It’s always best to appear business as usual.
