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The Honest OOO Reply: Has the Pandemic Made Us More Open?
“Thanks for your message! I’m currently in sunny Cornwall enjoying a digital detox during a much-needed break. Let’s catch up when I’m back next week.” It’s not your usual out-of-office reply, but it’s a kind that’s starting to trend. Has the pandemic made our world of work more open?
In the past year, a single conference call could have introduced you to a colleague’s dog, revealed the colour palette of your founder’s living room, and bared your boss’s bookshelf. You’ve learned who your teammates live with, how noisy their households are and how they like to work.
We’ve gotten to know our teams on a much more personal level – mainly because we’re (virtually) in each other’s homes, but also because we’ve helped one another through the same tumultuous year.
But there’s one particular part of our working lives that’s reflected this newfound openness. Just last month, Financial Times columnist Pilita Clark explained how out-of-office replies have “come into their own now that time off really has to mean time off.” In the past year, workers have been setting boundaries to look after their mental health; candidly sharing they’re on a break; or stating their unavailability due to childcare.
According to Clark, examples include in-office replies to manage expectations: “I am balancing work with the care of two children at home, so response to emails will be slower than usual,” and forthright out-of-office replies: “I will be out of the office and NOT checking email until I return.”
On top of that, LinkedIn news reported some workers “have injected a big dose of humour” into traditionally stoic out-of-office replies, making things more casual and laid-back.
75%
When 16,418 voters were asked: “Is it OK for office email replies to be candid and even funny?”, 75% said “Yes, it’s refreshing”, 18% said “No, keep it professional”, and 6% said “I do this anyway”.
But will this trend begin and end with the pandemic? Or will it outlive the world of enforced remote working? Well, according to a LinkedIn poll, it might be here to stay.
When 16,418 voters were asked: “Is it OK for office email replies to be candid and even funny?”, 75% said “Yes, it’s refreshing”, 18% said “No, keep it professional”, and 6% said “I do this anyway”.
Among the comments, some leaders were concerned ‘funny’ would equate to sarcastic or inappropriate, while workers themselves shared stories of having to ‘tone down’ their amusing spins.
Personal preference (and corporate culture) aside, the trend signifies a shift in the conversation around work-life balance.
“I think people have become more open about their need for work-life balance,” says Amanda Lim, Head of our Flexible Office Solutions team. “Achieving that involves setting boundaries, being open about life’s juggling act, and crucially, telling people that you’re tapping out.”
Reports have shown employees are working longer hours and taking on bigger workloads amid the pandemic – perhaps in part, due to virtual presenteeism.
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For some, the trend is a much-welcomed U-turn, especially after reports have shown employees are working longer hours and taking on bigger workloads amid the pandemic – perhaps in part, due to virtual presenteeism.
Virtual presenteeism is something many of us have battled with whilst remote working and balancing family commitments. If our bosses can’t see us sat beside them, some of us fall victim to working longer and producing more tangible pieces of progress, just to ensure they know we’re not slacking. In fact, research recently showed that remote working was starting to elevate anxiety and paranoia because staff weren’t being reminded by spontaneous chats and hallway smiles that they’re in good standing with their peers.
And on the flip side, managers have much less insight into how overworked you are or how many tasks you're juggling unless they’re specifically told, or unless they clock a pattern of late-night emails. As a result, it’s harder for managers to intervene.
That’s why, when it comes to candid conversations about work-life balance and mental health, vulnerability needs to be shown on both sides between managers and line reports. The more the conversation happens, the less taboo it feels.
In fact, when someone in the room (or on an automatic reply) holds their hands up to say they’re struggling, they’re setting a really important example. They’re telling everyone else it’s okay not to be okay, and that they can take a break, too.
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