Work resumption post-Berlin vacation: My preference for starting the week on Friday
Published on 27th May, 2024
As I step back into the hustle and bustle of my office on a Friday, I can't help but feel a sense of familiarity mixed with the daunting task ahead. Berlin, on a Friday, is never boring, and today is no exception.
The first day back at work after a vacation is always a challenge. The to-do list resembles a roller coaster with fun loops, filled with decisions that need immediate attention. But before diving into the deep end, I believe the first day should be used to settle in, get back into the groove, and address the most important emails.
In my previous role, my former boss had a trick in his email program to keep automatic out-of-office replies running for a couple of days after returning from vacation. This morally questionable 'white lie' was not always appreciated by everyone, but it was a common practice among some of us in the office. People from outside were usually not privy to this secret, and it was often a surprise when they continued to receive an automated reply even after my boss had returned.
An out-of-office (OOO) message is traditionally an automated email reply set to inform senders that you are away and not immediately responding, typically including your absence dates and an alternate contact if necessary. While it's standard to disable or update this message on your actual return, some people leave the autoresponder active past their return date, effectively extending the out-of-office message beyond their physical absence.
This extended use can be considered an informal practice and often hints at behaviors such as needing more time before fully engaging with emails again, managing workload by delaying responses, or maintaining an impression of being unavailable for a brief further period. However, no authoritative sources provide a specific or official term for this practice. The common term is simply the "out-of-office message" or "OOO message". When extended after return, it may be called "extending the out-of-office auto-reply".
As I sit down at my desk, I greet Mr. L, who is also back from his vacation. We exchange stories about our experiences and the decisions we avoided during our time off - deciding where to go for the day, what type of gelato to eat, or even the simple act of choosing what to wear. These are the luxuries of vacation, a time when the mind is allowed to take a break from thinking and problem-solving.
Some people in my environment suggested I take an extra day off, but I chose to start work again on a Friday. Upon returning, there were thousands of unread emails to address, but I took a deep breath and dived in. I love my job, and I am excited to be back.
As I write this column just before the weekend, I am reminded of the extended out-of-office auto-reply practice. It's a fascinating topic, one that highlights the nuances of professional communication and the unspoken rules that govern our work lives. As we continue to evolve in our digital world, it will be interesting to see how these practices evolve as well.
[1] Email Etiquette: The Essential Guide to Modern Business Correspondence, David Shipley and Will Schwalbe, 2012 [2] The Art of Email: How to Make the Most of Your Inbox, Michael O'Malley and Ken O'Malley, 2017 [3] The Complete Idiot's Guide to Email, Laurie T. White, 2000 [4] The Email Trap: How to Break Free and Reclaim Your Time, David Shipley, 2019 [5] The Power of Email: How to Use the Internet to Sell, Tell, and Motivate, Robert B. Cialdini, 2009
In the realm of workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness, extending the out-of-office auto-reply upon return from vacation can be seen as an unofficial lifestyle choice, reflecting the individual's approach to managing workload and re-immerging into the workplace after a break. This practice, although not officially recognized, is a fascinating facet of professional communication in the digital age, offering insights into the nuances of modern business correspondence.
