Some people, even most people, would always rather just speak to a person first, rather than listen to a recording of your office directory or department extensions. If you want to offer the operator first, try this:
The bottom line is that a business’s situation is likely to change often and rapidly, each of which need a unique and applicable voicemail greeting to cover the circumstances and timeline. For example, callers shouldn’t reach a business-as-usual voicemail, and therefore expect a return call within the business day, if the subject they’re calling is out on vacation for two weeks. Such a lack of communication is a recipe to lose that caller’s trust and tarnish the brand’s reputation.

How to Make Great Business Voicemail Greetings. Voicemail greetings should be professional, but depending on you, the company you’re with or own, and the situation, the structure may vary. There are a few different considerations to keep in mind when you’re thinking about and recording your voicemail greeting. Don’t be generic.
This is frustrating on many levels because it leaves you wondering if there is a need to take a different route to get an answer to a problem or to just wait for the return phone call.