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Whether you’re new to Slack or a power user, a standard member or an admin, or just here for the knowledge, here are nine features you should use to get the most out of your Slack experience and boost productivity.
Why: Channels are one of the core features of Slack, allowing you to organize conversations for specific topics, projects, or teams. Customizable channels ensure that relevant information is organized.
How: Create channels for different departments, projects, or interests. Use channel naming conventions and descriptions to make them easily identifiable. For private discussions, use private channels or direct messages.
Why: Finding past messages, files, or links are sometimes needed. Slack’s advanced search helps you quickly locate information. With a CTRL/CMD + F, you can open the search bar with just a few keyboard taps.
How: Use search modifiers such as “from:”, “in:”, “has:”. Peek this guide from Slack for all of their search terms.
Why: Pinning messages or files ensures they are handy to the channel, anytime, and anywhere.
How: Hover over a message or file, click the "More actions" icon (three dots), and select “Pin to channel.” View pinned items right under the channel name by clicking the Pin icon.
Why: Reminders help you keep track of tasks and messages, ensuring nothing slips through the busy messaging cracks.
How: Use the “/remind” command to set reminders for yourself or others. For example, type “/remind me to check the project report at 3 PM” to get a reminder at the specified time. You can also open the menu on any message and click “Remind me about this.”
Why: Integrations with other services and the use of bots can help with automating tasks, streamlining workflows, and enhancing productivity. There are also fun bots that help boost morale too!
How: Explore the Slack App Directory to find integrations with tools like Google Drive, Asana, and GitHub. Add bots like Swivel for spin-to-win for fun, Trello for project management, or Threadly to supercharge your channel communication.
Why: Keyboard shortcuts save time and enhance efficiency by allowing quick navigation and actions within Slack.
How: Press “Ctrl + /” (or “Cmd + /” on Mac) to view a list of available shortcuts. Use shortcuts for common actions like jumping to conversations, opening threads, or even formatting a message. Learn more about shortcuts here.
Why: Threads keep the conversation organized by keeping replies to specific messages within each other, preventing clutter in the main channel.
How: Hover over any message and click “Reply in thread.”
Why: Do Not Disturb (DND) mode helps keep you focused, and notifies others that your notifications are paused.
How: Click your profile picture, select “Pause notifications,” and choose the duration. There are apps that help manage notifications based off of your schedule or out-of-office plan, for more advanced usage.
Why: Custom emojis and reactions add fun (and quirkiness?) to your communications, while also providing quick feedback or responses. For example, quickly leaving a lightbulb indicates a good thought, a check mark can mean this was reviewed or acknowledged.
How: Create custom emojis via the “Customize Slack” option in the workspace menu. Use emoji reactions to quickly acknowledge messages or add context.
Which one is your favorite feature?