With the rise of globalization, the scope of a work environment is continuously changing. Nowadays, it is highly recommended to communicate with your team and provide them with updates even when you are not in the office. The best way to keep people updated during your time away from work is by configuring the out-of-office (OOO) message in Slack. Several methods are explained in this article, so satisfaction will not be eluded while moving out of office in Slack and even further utilize communication tool that you might find more powerful.

Why Use Out-of-Office Messages in Slack?

Notify Others: Use OOO messages or information to manage the expectations of your colleagues.

Reassurance: Alert your colleagues about who they can call in case they need something while you are out.

Cut Down on Disruptions: Reduce unwarranted communication during your out of the office time.

How to Let People Know You Are Out of Office in Slack

Update Your Slack Status

Adapting your status is the quickest method of letting your colleagues know that you are out of the office.

Steps:

Gaze at the top right corner at your profile picture.

Press the Choose a status option.

Click on an emoji relevant to your status (example: sunscreen for a family beach day).

Write the words Out of office until [date] on the appropriate field.

Set how long you want this status to remain on you.

Press the button Save.

Set a Custom Do Not Disturb Schedule

Make changes in your notification settings to avoid any disturbances.
1. Utilize Automated Responses with Slackbot
Set up an automatic reply for your direct messages.

Keep in mind: While Slack doesn’t offer a built-in auto-reply option, you can leverage Slackbot for simple responses.

Steps:
- Open any chat and type "/remind me to set OOO auto-reply."
- When someone sends you a message, they will receive your status update.

2. Establish an Out-of-Office Workflow
For a more sophisticated approach, use Slack's Workflow Builder to automate your messages.

Steps:
- Click on your workspace name.
- Go to "Tools" > "Workflow Builder."
- Select "Create Workflow."
- Give your workflow a name and click "Next."
- Choose a trigger, like "When someone sends me a direct message."
- Add an action: "Send a message."
- Write your auto-reply message.
- Publish the workflow.

Limitations of Slack's Out-of-Office Features

- No Specific OOO Function: Slack does not have a dedicated out-of-office feature.
- Manual Configuration: You need to set up workflows or status updates each time.
- Workflow Complexity: It might be tricky for those not familiar with the Workflow Builder.

Why Explore an Alternative: Chanty

If you're looking for a simpler solution, Chanty provides user-friendly out-of-office features along with strong team communication tools.

Benefits of Choosing Chanty

• Quick Out-of-Office Configuration: Set your availability status in just a few clicks.
  
• Integrated Task Management: Turn messages into tasks and assign them directly within the chat.
  
• Unlimited Message Archive: Retrieve all your previous conversations without any limits.
  
• Budget-Friendly Pricing: More economical plans compared to other team messaging applications.
  
• Intuitive User Interface: A clean design that promotes team engagement and minimizes the learning curve.
  
• Streamlined Collaboration: Tools like pinned messages and integrations enhance teamwork efficiency.
  

In Summary

Although Slack has options for indicating your out-of-office status, they can be complicated and lack a specific feature. Chanty offers a smoother experience with its straightforward out-of-office settings and additional advantages that boost team communication and productivity. Exploring alternatives like Chanty can help you discover a tool that aligns better with your team's requirements and enhances overall effectiveness.