'Back soon'? 'Auto-reply'? What is the ultimate out-of-office email?

Writing a good out-of-office response is all about understanding your office's sense of humour and formality. — Christin Klose/dpa

It's often the last thing on your list just before you head out of the office. By the time you set up the out-of-office response, you're basically already on holiday mode.

But it's important to take the time to get both the words and the tone right. After all, dozens of colleagues or more may end up reading this email.