7 Tips for Using Slack to Have a More Productive Workday

1. Replace Inefficient Meetings with Slack Channels

On average, the number of meetings employees attend has increased by 13.5% in recent years (according to Harvard Business Review). However, productivity takes a significant hit when these meetings consume the "golden hours" meant for actual work.

Why not try hosting meetings on Slack Channels – the hub of all communication activities? Instead of cramming everyone into a room to listen to reports, you can create specialized channels for each project, team, or topic.

For example:

• #proj-product-launch-2024 for a specific project
• #marketing-team for discussions within the marketing team
• #company-wide-announcements for important company-wide updates

Pro Tips:

• Name channels clearly and consistently so everyone can easily find the information they need. Avoid overly creative names that might only make sense to a few people.
• Don’t forget to star important channels or messages for quick access later. As for less relevant channels? Mute them to save your focus!

2. Organize and Prioritize Information in Channels

As channels grow more active, organizing information becomes essential. Use Slack’s features to maintain clarity and order:

• Threads: Use threads to organize sub-discussions within a larger topic. This keeps the main channel tidy and easier to follow.
• Pinned Messages and Files: Pin critical messages or documents at the top of the channel for easy access.
• Bookmarks: Add bookmarks for important links shared in the channel.

This way, you can quickly find the information you need without scrolling through hundreds of messages.

3. Use Clips to Deliver Messages

Managers often juggle countless tasks, and meetings about minor issues can feel disruptive. Enter Clips – a feature that lets you record video, audio, or screen content and share it instantly.

Benefits:

• Save time on scheduling meetings.
• Retain the tone and emotion in your voice, making messages more relatable.

For example, if you're working remotely and want to propose a new campaign idea, record your screen and voice your explanation. Colleagues can review it at their convenience (and even read the automatic transcript if they prefer not to listen).

Clips not only save time but also create a sense of closeness – like offering advice or sharing tips instead of typing out dry messages.

4. Automate Workflows with Slack

Research shows that employees switch between apps up to 1,200 times daily! This not only reduces productivity but also leads to unnecessary fatigue. Fortunately, Slack has the solution:

First, Workflow Builder, a no-code tool, allows you to automate daily workflows directly within Slack. Here are some great Workflow Builder ideas:

• Create an automated leave request form that gets sent directly to managers for approval.
• Set up automatic notifications when a new file is added to a project channel.
• Collect feedback from colleagues through integrated forms in Slack.
• Support new employees by sending onboarding information and guides with just a few clicks.

Second, Slack integrates with over 2,500 apps directly on its platform:

• Google Drive, Dropbox, Box: Share files without leaving Slack.
• Asana, Trello, Monday.com: Receive project updates directly in Slack.
• Google Calendar, Outlook: Sync schedules to avoid missing important events.

You can also integrate tools tailored for technical teams, such as GitHub or Jenkins, to track bugs and manage projects efficiently.

5. Solve Problems Instantly with Slack Huddles

Some issues are too complex for messaging yet don’t warrant a full meeting. Enter Slack Huddles!

How does Huddles work?
Huddles is a feature that lets you start a live (audio) conversation with colleagues directly in a channel or private message. It mimics the experience of walking up to a coworker’s desk to chat—only now, it’s remote.

Huddles save time and reduce the stress of coordinating meetings across time zones, making collaboration faster and more spontaneous.

6. Optimize Notifications to Avoid Distractions

One common critique of Slack is its potentially overwhelming notification system, requiring constant adjustments to avoid distractions. Use Slack’s customizable notification features to stay focused:

• Keyword Notifications: Configure Slack to notify you only for messages containing specific keywords, such as your name or the projects you’re following.
• Mute Non-Essential Channels: For channels you only need to monitor, like #help-it or #random, mute notifications to focus on more important matters.
• Do Not Disturb Mode: Don’t hesitate to activate the "Do Not Disturb" mode for uninterrupted focus. Your colleagues and managers will see a "Do Not Disturb" icon next to your name, signaling that you’re deeply focused on meeting a deadline. You can customize the duration, from a few minutes to an entire day, for maximum productivity.

No one wants to be "pinged" at 2 a.m. for a random meme. Let notifications serve you, not control you.

7. Use Emojis to Boost Engagement

Emojis aren’t just for fun—they’re powerful communication tools:

• Quick Feedback: Use emojis to represent work statuses, like ✅ for completed tasks or 🔄 for in-progress items.
• Polls: Conduct quick surveys using emojis instead of complex forms, e.g., 👍 for Option A, 👎 for Option B.
• Foster a Positive Culture: Express emotions or gratitude with 🙏. Create team rituals like dropping 🚀 emojis to celebrate major project completions and maintain team spirit.

A little creativity with emojis can make a big difference in how your team communicates and collaborates.

Conclusion

Slack is a powerful tool, but it can become a source of distraction if not used correctly. With these seven Slack tips, BENOCODE hopes to help you have a lighter and more productive workday.

Try these tips and turn Slack into your trusted assistant, helping you work faster, reduce stress, and enjoy a more meaningful workday!