Since launching in 2009, Slack has pioneered some of the best features in the collaboration space. From a humble internal communication tool, it has evolved into a top UC platform loved by millions and was eventually acquired by Salesforce in 2021 for $27.7 billion.
The platform continues to be readily available for download (and regularly updated), inspiring several competitors designed on similar principles – such as the 2017-launched Microsoft Teams. Despite Teams recently getting an edge over Slack regarding user numbers, the latter remains a compelling solution for companies looking to switch to non-email, asynchronous communication. This is due to its innovative bouquet of features.
1. Easy invites for external team members/guests
Although Slack began as a private chat system, it now provides Slack Connect for dispersed and hybrid teams. Managers and administrators may use this functionality to invite visitors into particular channels. That's an easier and more intelligent technique to streamline communications in complex project management scenarios.
2. Custom DND schedules
Even though custom do-not-disturb schedules may appear inconsequential, they address an important use case for those of us who work from home. You can click the workspace name in Slack to establish default DND hours. Then click Workspace settings after choosing Settings & Administrations. To expand Do Not Disturb, scroll down and click. Choose the default availability times, provide a description, and hit "Save."
3. Hiding channels with zero messages
There are often some channels with no messages or activity. To keep the list of channels smaller and more straightforward to grasp, users may quickly conceal them. To achieve this, choose Preferences, Advanced, and then 'Hide any channels, DMs, or groups without any unread activity from the menu in the upper left corner of the screen. Users may concentrate on active channels in this manner.
4. Simple channel navigation
Users may apply the "rapid channel changer" to locate the desired station swiftly. Press Ctrl+K (Windows) or +K (Mac) to activate the "rapid channel switcher" and then type just a few keywords describing the channel or a user. The "channel browser" tool is another channel navigation option provided by Slack. To enter keywords or general channel parameters like Name of Creator, Creation Date, Members, etc., press +Shift+L (Mac) or Ctrl+Shift+L (Windows).
5. Preconfigured channel prefix
Many teams may employ prefixes to combine comparable channels on Slack to keep their team organized and scannable. Create channel prefix rules that will appear as a dropdown menu when anyone establishes a brand-new channel on your Slack team, making it easier for coworkers to adhere to your naming standards when building channels. You can remove these or add more channel prefix guidelines from the Workspace Settings section under Settings & administration.
6. Project management integrations
Slack can't replace several common project management tools on its own. Among the project management connections for Slack are Pivotal Tracker, Asana, Jira, Trello, and Blossom. Users can make Slack their main workspace for accomplishing tasks by importing cards, tasks, chats, and alerts from various applications. Users can receive automatic actions and reminders with IFTTT automation. Tettra enables the creation of team wikis inside Slack.
7. Name pronunciation in profiles
This Slack audio feature will prevent coworkers from mispronouncing one another's names. Users of Slack may upload a recording of how they pronounce their name to their profile using this feature. One can also include their name in phonetic text. Users may hear name pronunciations under the Pronouns text box. Then select the Record Audio Clip. Below the audio selection, there is a text form for name pronunciation.
