What Happens After the Out-of-Office Message?

An employee goes out on leave. Maybe they’re recovering from surgery. Maybe they’re navigating burnout. Maybe they’re caring for a loved one.

Their out-of-office reply goes up. And then, for weeks or months… nothing.

The reality? The time between leave and return is often a vacuum, and it can feel like abandonment.

The Silent Impact

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 1 in 4 workers feels isolated or forgotten after taking leave. That isolation doesn’t just affect morale—it delays recovery, increases disengagement, and heightens the chance of permanent departure.

This is where Kind Souls Foundation can help.

Support That Actually Supports

We offer employers a no-cost way to keep their people connected during leave. Our confidential, emotional support service complements HR systems and EAPs, without requiring administrative lift.

The result? Your staff feel seen, cared for, and more ready to return.

Why It’s a Smart Business Move

Gallup reports that replacing a single employee can cost up to twice their annual salary. But employers who support emotional wellbeing see:

• 69% less turnover

• 3.5x higher engagement

• Better team cohesion

Supporting your people while they’re away protects your business when they come back.

Let’s make sure your out-of-office message doesn’t become a goodbye.