Working parents are finding unique ways to set boundaries with auto-responder emails, balancing work and family life.
New Jersey: It was early summer 2023, and kids were buzzing with excitement about being out of school. Meanwhile, parents were juggling work, summer camps, and fun outings. Freelance journalist Meg St-Esprit found herself in a bit of a pickle when a work contact shot her a snippy email for not replying right away. She usually responds quickly, but come on, it’s not like it’s instant messaging!
So, she decided to spice up her email signature. It now read: “I may be slower to respond in the months of June, July, and August due to the United States’ inability to provide affordable child care for working mothers.” Talk about a bold move!
She shared this update on Twitter (now X), and it blew up, racking up nearly 160,000 views and even landing her a spot on Good Morning America. Her message wasn’t just about setting boundaries; it was a wake-up call for folks to think about why they expect instant replies and to show a little more understanding.
“Email shouldn’t feel urgent, but it often does,” she said. And she’s not alone. Many parents are feeling the pinch, especially when U.S. census data shows that 61% of parents with kids at home lack formal childcare arrangements. This issue gets even trickier during summer and holiday breaks.
Then there’s Terri Huggins, a mom from New Jersey, who sent out a fun out-of-office email on Halloween. She wrote about being a “Supermom” while juggling school parades and trick-or-treating, all while trying to work. Her message encouraged others to remember that we’re more than just our jobs.
These creative emails are more than just clever wordplay; they’re about setting boundaries and reminding colleagues that there’s a parent behind the screen. Huggins shared, “I know how it feels to carry the weight alone. My messages are a way to help others feel seen and supported.”
Gary Gray, CEO of CouponChief, also gets it. He uses his auto-responder to show his team that family comes first. He’s noticed that when he sets these boundaries, it encourages his remote employees to do the same. One of his favorite messages? “I’m currently out of the office, mastering the art of multitasking between snack time and conference calls.”
John Russo, a VP at a healthcare software company, sees these emails as a chance to humanize work interactions. He uses a simple message to let people know he’s spending time with family, which helps set a tone of respect for work-life balance.
Milosz Krasinski, CEO of Chilli Fruit, has also had great success with his playful auto-responder. He describes himself as a “full-time snack distributor and bedtime negotiator.” His lighthearted approach not only makes people smile but also reminds them that everyone has a life outside of work.
In the end, these creative auto-responder emails are more than just a way to manage expectations. They’re a gentle reminder that we all have lives beyond our jobs, and honoring that can make a world of difference.