The idea has been sitting there for-e-ver waiting for one of KitKat’s agencies to pick it up. That doesn’t undermine the cleverness of Publicis Middle Easts’ holiday break carpe diem. No one else thought of a KitKat Out-of-office auto reply-break for those stuck at their desks, battling a seemingly endless stream of OOO replies. Plus Publicis’ KitKat Auto Replay Breaks also added a handful of brilliant “something extra”s.

Firstly, there’s the witty comment, “the break for those who don’t have a break,” to crown its humour. And as well as the laugh there’s a redeemable KitKat, offering desk-bound workers a well-deserved break. Finally, the campaign also features a nostalgic twist – the ads are created entirely in email using ASCII art, a throwback to the pre-emoji era.

“Out-of-office replies are often a source of frustration for those who are still working. We saw an opportunity here to transform these emails into something fun,” statedDeniz Yamanel, business executive officer, Nestle. “KitKat has always stood for breaks in the work place since 1937. This initiative provides better breaks for people who are working over the holiday period. It’s our way of saying, whether you’re out of office or at your desk, remember to Have a Break. Have a KitKat.”

Bana Salah, creative director at Publicis Middle East, commented,“It’s not every day that you find a new media space for your brand to own. Out-Of-Office emails are just the perfect place for KitKat to advocate for having a break, particularly during the holiday season when those who really need a break are employees who are still in the office while their colleagues are away.”

So, if you’re checking out for the holidays, check out the official KitKat Out-of-Office generator before you go: nes.tl/KitKatOOO