It's the holidays, which means you're business environment is slowing down and people will be out. Personally, I like working at the end of the year, as I can finish lots of work with a minimum of distraction. I do take a couple of days off here and there, though. 

Since it is a slower time of the year, how should you communicate your time off to the customers you support?

1) Mass email. Send out a mass email to the customers you support. Let them know the dates you will be gone, your emergency contact information and who to contact to escalate issues. 

2) IM managers. Send a quick IM to the managers you support to find out if there is anything they need before you leave. I suggest doing this the morning of the day you leave. If you wait till the end of the day you might never get out.

3) Automate your OOTO message. Make sure your email program is set to send out a single auto reply to everyone who sends you an email. It's ok if the email is a copy of what you sent out. The important thing is to ensure only one copy is sent out.  

4) Follow-up. Make sure the person you've left in charge is at work the day you're gone. In the past, I've had people not show up that I left in charge, so I have to ensure someone else takes over.

5) Enjoy your day off. 

If you follow these simple steps you'll ensure a smooth transition while you are out of the office. 

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