I work as a customer service representative in a software company. Sometimes I receive customer support questions during weekends. I check them on Monday. What is the correct way of saying that I wasn't able to respond 1 or 2 days ago (Sunday or Saturday) because I don't work during weekends?
Is "Sorry, I was away for the weekend" or "Sorry, I was out for the weekend" correct?
Thanks!
Best Answer
1) In America, the default assumption is that you don't work weekends.
2) If you work for a "customer service company", it should have implemented pre-recorded phone messages to notify callers of business hours if they call outside those hours. And if you have a specific extension, you should be able to set up a greeting message, stating your own "available" hours (even if the company offers 24/7 support, you can't!)
3) If they write e-mail to you, specifically (because you were already assigned to the case), I still don't think you should feel obligated to explain why you didn't answer immediately. (see 1). If you are away for a longer period than usual, you can set an automatic "out-of-office" email response for that period, stating when you will be out, and if appropriate, referring the client to someone else who might be able to help him in the interim.
(I realize this is, strictly speaking, not English Language & Usage, but sometimes the practical way to say something is not to say it at all, or to have a machine say it for you.)