How to set up an absence notification in OWA (auto reply)

If you are going to be away from the office and want to notify those who send you mails that you are absent, you can set up an automatic out-of-office message in response.

How to set up an absence notification

1. In OWA go to Tools (the gear icon at the top right of the window), then select Mail and then Automatic Replies from the menu.
   
   
2. Activate Turn on automatic replies. 
3. It is recommended that you define the period (the option Send replies only during a time period) during which automatic replies are to be sent with Start time and End time.
4. At the same time, you should select Block my calendar for this period. Preferably with a suitable description (e.g. Ski holiday).
5. Consider whether you should also Automatically decline new invitations for events that occur during this period and Decline and cancel my meetings during this period.
6. Enter the desired Automatic reply (absence message).
7. Decide if you also want the message to be sent outside your organization.
8. Finish by pressing Save and close the Settings window.