Since its launch in 2013, Slack has metamorphosed from a standard messaging app into one of the most thorough collaboration and productivity platforms available today. Initially designed to assist with email dependency, Slack has expanded into a central hub for workplace productivity, integrating with thousands of third-party apps, automating workflows, and encouraging seamless communication across distributed teams.
Slack has expanded its functionality significantly in recent years, with AI-powered search, automation tools, and enterprise-grade security becoming standard.
The platform’s adaptability makes it invaluable for IT leaders aspiring to streamline comms while preserving governance and compliance. Despite these myriad advancements, many game-changing features remain underutilised. Understanding and implementing these can not only drive significant efficiency gains but also fully maximise the value of your Slack investment.
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10 Underrated Slack Features for Collaboration and Productivity in 2025
1. Slack Canvas: A Dynamic Workspace for Persistent Collaboration
Slack Canvas is a transformative knowledge-sharing asset, yet many IT teams overlook its potential. This feature means users can generate persistent, collaborative documents directly within Slack, allowing teams to draft project plans, share meeting notes, and compile resources without app-switching. IT leaders can leverage Canvas for tasks such as onboarding documentation, internal wikis, or even structured brainstorming sessions.
2. Huddles with Video and Screen Sharing
While most IT leaders leveraging Slack might recognise Huddles as a valuable tool for voice chats, their video and screen-sharing capabilities remain underused. Instead of defaulting to traditional video calls, teams turn to Huddles for fast, casual video discussions that might feel less intrusive or high-pressure than scheduled meetings. This feature can cultivate a more easygoing and productive collaboration culture, reducing unnecessary calendar clutter.
3. Workflow Builder for No-Code Automation
Workflow Builder enables teams to automate repetitive tasks without demanding technical expertise. Among its plethora of benefits is the capacity to automatically route IT requests, institute daily stand-up reminders, or streamline approval processes; this feature intends to help admins and users save time and minimise manual effort. IT leaders can encourage adoption to enhance operational efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.
4. Slack Lists: Task Management Without the Hassle
Newly added last year, Slack Lists introduces a lightweight but robust task management system directly within the Slack platform. Instead of relying on third-party tools, teams can produce, assign, and track tasks in one easily navigable place. This feature is handy for tracking action items from discussions, meaning IT leaders can monitor accountability without impacting workflow.
5. Custom Sections for a More Organised Sidebar
Many users struggle with Slack’s sidebar clutter, yet custom sections remain an overlooked solution. Organising channels, DMs, and apps into categorised sections—such as “Priority Projects” or “Key Stakeholders”—can refine navigation and positively influence context-switching fatigue.
6. Slack Connect for External Collaboration
Slack Connect allows organisations to communicate securely with external partners, vendors, or customers in shared channels. While generally used for basic messaging, IT leaders can maximise its potential by integrating workflows, automating approvals, and erecting structured collaboration spaces that significantly erode email back and forth.
7. Reminders and Scheduled Messages
Many users still rely on separate task management apps, forgetting that Slack’s built-in reminder system is sophisticated yet underused. Workers can set personal or team-wide reminders for deadlines, meetings, and follow-ups. Additionally, scheduled messages mean important updates reach teams at the right time, impeding issues such as message overload outside working hours.
8. Emoji and Status Customization for Smarter Team Updates
Custom emojis and statuses aren’t just a fun or silly way to engage staff; they can also be compelling communication tools. Teams can use standardised emoji reactions for rapid approvals (e.g., ✅ for completed tasks) or status updates to signpost availability (e.g., “Focused Work Mode”). IT leaders can define best practices to bolster efficiency without unnecessarily cluttering chats.
9. Advanced Search Modifiers for Faster Information Retrieval
Slack’s search functionality is also more powerful than most users appreciate. With search modifiers like from:@username, in:#channel, and has:link, workers can pinpoint critical info instantly. IT leaders can educate teams on these features to reduce time spent consistently scrolling through old messages to find the needed data.
10. Enterprise Key Management (EKM) for Enhanced Security
Enterprise Key Management (EKM) offers advanced encryption control for organisations handling sensitive data, yet many IT leaders still don’t fully leverage it. By overseeing their own encryption keys, enterprises can enhance data security, maintain compliance, and minimise exposure to cyber threats.
Conclusion
Slack’s depth of functionality extends far beyond the instant messaging it became renowned for. By tapping into these underutilised features, IT leaders can elevate productivity, simplify workflows, and reinforce security across their organisations.
As Slack continues to evolve into an all-in-one collaboration and productivity ecosystem, staying ahead of these hidden gems will empower businesses to extract maximum value from their collaboration investment in 2025 and beyond.
