Did you know that 75 percent of all business calls go unanswered on the first attempt? So don’t fret about those inevitably missed calls on vacation. That said, you should inform said callers of your absence. Some business matters are time-sensitive and unexplained delays can lead to great frustration.

Tips for Writing an Out-of-Office Greeting

The best voicemail messages are succinct—no more than 15 seconds. In this time, you should include the follow points (whenever relevant):

• State your name and assure the caller that he or she has reached the right person;
• Provide a date of absence and return;
• Offer alternative resources or contacts for urgent issues;
• Estimate how often you will check your messages;
• Request a follow-up chat.

Although you may not wish to admit it, you will not return every call or email you get over vacation. Messages accumulate and those lesser important ones get neglected. Most people recognize this sad reality, so consider asking your callers to follow-up. For example: “It’s likely your message will be swallowed in a sea of banality, never to be [heard] again. If you require a response, please [call again] after September 20th.” (Hubspot)

Grasshopper offers an excellent article on learning to rehearse and record your voicemail greetings. Check it out after you’ve perfected your script here.

Sample Vacation Voicemail Greetings

From the Balance

“Hello. You have reached Jim Bucki. I will be out of the office until Wednesday, August 23rd. Please leave me a message and I will return your call then. Thank you for calling.”

From the Bruner Biz

“Hi, you’ve reached Jody Bruner, shipping supervisor. I’m out of the office attending a logistics conference until August 22 and I’ll be checking messages daily. If you need information about your shipment, you can track it on our website at brunerbiz.com, or contact Francine Melody at ext 567. Otherwise, leave me a message and I’ll call you when I return.”

From Ian’s Messy Desk

“Hello, you’ve reached the voice mailbox of Ian McKenzie. Please note, you can bypass this message at any time by pressing 0. I am out of the office on vacation until October 3rd. If you need immediate assistance, press 1 to have your call redirected by the receptionist.”