Three out-of-office templates for grief leave. Handle the privacy line — say enough, don't overshare. Route urgent matters away so you can grieve.
Quick answer
A bereavement OOO message states you're on bereavement leave, gives an estimated return date (or says it's uncertain), and names a coverage contact. Don't share details about the loss. Pair the message with a routing URL so urgent matters reach the right person without burdening colleagues during a difficult time.
→ Pro tip
You shouldn't have to triage email while grieving.
OutOfOfficePro routes urgent matters to the right team member by issue type — automatically, without you. $9.99/month, cancel anytime, free tier covers 5 dispatches/month so you can set it up and forget it.
Hello,
Thank you for your email. I am currently on bereavement leave following a death in the family. I expect to return to the office on [return date], though my timeline may be flexible.
For all matters during my absence, please contact [colleague name] at [colleague email].
For urgent matters by issue type, please go to [yourname].outofofficepro.com.
I appreciate your patience and understanding.
[Your name]
Template 2 — Indefinite return
Indefinite
Hello,
I'm currently away on bereavement leave. I'll update this auto-reply when I have a clearer return timeline.
For all matters, please reach [colleague name] at [colleague email]. For urgent issue-type routing, [yourname].outofofficepro.com.
Thank you for your patience.
[Your name]
Template 3 — Brief
Brief
On bereavement leave through [return date]. All matters: [colleague], [email]. Urgent: [yourname].outofofficepro.com.
— [Your name]
Privacy guidelines
"Bereavement leave" is enough. You don't owe anyone the relationship or cause of death.
No "passed away peacefully" or other detail. Save that for personal communication, not auto-replies to clients.
"Death in the family" is appropriate if you want to be slightly more specific without naming the relationship.
It's okay if your return date is uncertain. Say so. Update the auto-reply when you know more.
Don't apologize. "Sorry for the inconvenience" is unnecessary. The reader will understand.
// Grief is hard. Inbox triage shouldn't add to it.
Set up routing before you ever need it.
Configure once when you don't need it; it's there when you do. OutOfOfficePro at $9.99/month routes urgent matters to the right person while you're handling life. Free tier (5 dispatches/month) is enough to start.