Si trabajas en equipo, seguro has sentido lo mismo. A veces, encontrar todos esos correos electrónicos, mensajes y archivos puede ser complicado. Slack facilita mantenerse organizado y enfocado, pero saber algunos atajos de teclado te ayudará a mejorar tu productividad.

Resumen rápido: Creé este blog con una lista de atajos de teclado para Slack.

Atajos de Teclado de Slack para Windows y Linux23q3edf

Los atajos de Slack para Windows y Linux son los mismos. Aquí tienes los principales:

Navegación

– Ir a una conversación: Ctrl+K

– Ir a mensajes directos (DM): Ctrl+Shift+K

– Ir a canales: Ctrl+Shift+L

– Ir a menciones: Ctrl+Shift+M (Solo en la app de escritorio)

– Ir a personas: Ctrl+Shift+E

– Ir a elementos guardados: Ctrl+Shift+S

– Ir a la siguiente sección: F6

– Ir a la sección anterior: Shift+F6

– Ir a la siguiente no leída: Alt+Shift+Abajo

– Ir a la anterior no leída: Alt+Shift+Arriba

– Ir al siguiente canal/DM: Alt+Derecha

– Ir al canal/DM anterior: Alt+Izquierda

– Ir al siguiente espacio de trabajo: Ctrl+Tab (Windows), Ctrl+] (Linux)

– Ir al espacio de trabajo anterior: Ctrl+Shift+Tab (Windows), Ctrl+Shift+[ (Linux)

– Vaya a un espacio de trabajo específico: Ctrl+[número debajo del ícono del espacio de trabajo] (Solo en la app de escritorio)

– Ir a la información del canal: Ctrl+Shift+I

– Ir a un nuevo mensaje: Ctrl+N

– Abrir preferencias: Ctrl+, (Solo en la app de escritorio)

– Ir a hilos: Ctrl+Shift+T (Solo en la app de escritorio)

– Alternar panel derecho: Ctrl+.

– Alternar vista de pantalla completa: Ctrl+Shift+F

– Buscar en canal o conversación: Ctrl+F

– Ir a la búsqueda anterior: Ctrl+G

Navegar entre mensajes no leídos

Slack permite ver todos los mensajes no leídos en DM y canales. Para desactivar esta función, haz clic en el nombre del espacio de trabajo > Preferencias > Barra lateral > Mostrar todos los no leídos.

– Alternar vista de no leídos: Ctrl+Shift+A

– Marcar mensaje como no leído: Alt+Click izquierdo

– Moverse entre mensajes: Flechas arriba o abajo

– Expandir o colapsar canales: Flechas izquierda o derecha

Marcado de mensajes

– Marcar todos los mensajes en un canal/DM como leídos: Esc

– Marcar todos los mensajes como leídos: Shift+Esc

– Establecer mensaje como el más antiguo no leído: Alt+Click izquierdo (Windows), Ctrl+Alt+Click izquierdo (Linux)

Acciones de mensajes

– Editar mensaje: E

– Agregar emoji: R

– Abrir hilo: T o Flecha derecha

– Fijar o desafijar mensaje: P

– Compartir: S

– Guardar o desguardar mensaje: A

– Marcar como no leído: U

– Eliminar mensaje: Suprimir

Formateo de mensajes

– Editar último mensaje: Ctrl+Arriba

– Seleccionar texto hasta el inicio de la línea: Shift+Arriba

– Seleccionar texto hasta el final de la línea: Shift+Abajo

– Insertar salto de línea: Shift+Enter

– Agregar emoji: Ctrl+Shift+\

– Negrita: Ctrl+B

– Cursiva: Ctrl+I

– Crear lista numerada: Ctrl+Shift+7

– Crear lista con viñetas: Ctrl+Shift+8

– Aplicar formato markdown: Ctrl+Shift+F

– Deshacer formato: Ctrl+Z

– Tachado: Ctrl+Shift+X

– Citar texto seleccionado: Ctrl+Shift+9

– Código de texto seleccionado: Ctrl+Shift+C

– Bloque de código: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+C

Trabajando con archivos

– Subir archivo: Ctrl+U

– Crear fragmento de código: Ctrl+Shift+Enter

En una llamada

– Alternar silencio: M

– Alternar video: V

– Abrir invitaciones: + o A

– Ver y seleccionar emoji: E+ (selecciona 1-9)

Atajos de Teclado de Slack para Mac

Si eres usuario de Mac, usa la tecla **Cmd** en lugar de **Ctrl**:

Navegación

– Ir a conversación: Cmd+K

– Ir a DM: Cmd+Shift+K

– Ir a canales: Cmd+Shift+L

– Ir a menciones: Cmd+Shift+M (Solo en la app de escritorio)

– Ir a personas: Cmd+Shift+E

– Ir a elementos guardados: Cmd+Shift+S

– Ir a la siguiente sección: F6

– Ir a la sección anterior: Shift+F6

– Ir a la siguiente no leída: Opción+Shift+Abajo

– Ir a la anterior no leída: Opción+Shift+Arriba

– Ir al siguiente canal/DM: Cmd+[

– Ir al canal/DM anterior: Cmd+]

– Ir al siguiente espacio de trabajo: Cmd+Shift+]

– Ir al espacio de trabajo anterior: Cmd+Shift+[

– Vaya a un espacio de trabajo específico: Cmd+[número debajo del ícono del espacio de trabajo] (Solo en la app de escritorio)

– Ir a la información del canal: Cmd+Shift+I

– Ir a un nuevo mensaje: Cmd+N

– Abrir preferencias: Cmd+, (Solo en la app de escritorio)

– Ir a hilos: Cmd+Shift+T (Solo en la app de escritorio)

– Alternar panel derecho: Cmd+.

– Alternar pantalla completa: Ctrl+Shift+F

– Buscar en canal/conversación: Cmd+F

– Ir a la búsqueda anterior: Cmd+G

Navegar por Mensajes No Leídos

Si quieres desactivar la función de “Todo el contenido no leído en DMs y canales”, selecciona el nombre del espacio de trabajo en la parte superior izquierda. Luego, ve a Preferencias > Barra lateral > Mostrar todo lo no leído.

Atajos para gestionar mensajes no leídos:

– Alternar vista de Todo lo No Leído: Cmd+Shift+A

– Marcar mensaje como no leído: Opción+Click Izquierdo

– Moverse entre mensajes: Flechas Arriba/Abajo

– Abrir o colapsar canales: Flechas Izquierda/Derecha

Marcar Mensajes

– Marcar todos los mensajes en el canal/DM actual como leídos: Esc

– Marcar todos los mensajes como leídos: Shift+Esc

– Establecer un mensaje como el más antiguo no leído: Opción+Click

Acciones de Mensajes

– Editar mensaje: E

– Añadir emoji: R

– Abrir hilo: T o Flecha Derecha

– Fijar o desafijar mensaje: P

– Compartir mensaje: S

– Guardar o quitar de guardados: A

– Marcar como no leído: U

– Eliminar mensaje: Suprimir

Formateo de mensajes

¿Quieres formatear mensajes en Mac? Usa estos atajos:

– Editar el último mensaje: Cmd+Arriba

– Seleccionar texto hasta el inicio de la línea actual: Shift+Arriba

– Seleccionar texto hasta el final de la línea actual: Shift+Abajo

– Insertar salto de línea: Shift+Enter

– Agregar emoji: Cmd+Shift+\

– Negrita: Cmd+B

– Cursiva: Cmd+I

– Tachado: Cmd+Shift+X

– Aplicar formato a texto en markdown: Cmd+Shift+F

– Deshacer formato del mensaje: Cmd+Z

– Citar texto seleccionado: Cmd+Shift+9

– Convertir texto seleccionado en código: Cmd+Shift+C

– Convertir texto seleccionado en bloque de código: Cmd+Alt+Shift+C

– Crear lista numerada: Cmd+Shift+7

– Crear lista con viñetas: Cmd+Shift+8

Trabajar con Archivos

– Subir archivo: Cmd+U

– Crear fragmento de código: Cmd+Shift+Enter

Atajos Durante una Llamada

– Silenciar/Activar micrófono: M

– Activar/Desactivar video: V

– Abrir invitaciones: + o A

– Ver y seleccionar un emoji: E + (selecciona 1-9)

Navegación entre Espacios de Trabajo

– Cambiar a un espacio de trabajo específico: Ctrl + [número]

– Cambiar al siguiente espacio de trabajo: Ctrl + Tab

– Cambiar al espacio de trabajo anterior: Ctrl + Shift + Tab

Esperamos que esta guía te ayude a mejorar tu productividad en Slack. Prueba estos atajos y optimiza tu Slack hoy mismo. ¡Verás la diferencia!

The post Desbloquee los superpoderes de Slack: atajos de teclado de Slack para una productividad máxima appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about how to set reminders on Slack, from creating basic reminders to more advanced tips for staying organized. We’ll also provide actionable Slack reminder examples and show how to customize reminders for your unique needs.

By the end of this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to set up a reminder in Slack for yourself or your team.
• The best practices for setting reminders in Slack to boost productivity.
• How to manage and stop reminders with ease.

Ready to master Slack reminders and streamline your workflow? Let’s dive in!

How to Use Slack Reminders for Personal and Team Productivity

Slack reminders are an excellent way to stay on top of tasks, deadlines, and important updates. Using the /remind command, you can create reminders for yourself or an entire channel, making managing individual and team responsibilities easier. Once set, Slackbot sends a notification at the scheduled time, ensuring you never miss a beat. Here’s a breakdown of how to make the most of this feature:

Setting Personal Reminders in Slack

Personal reminders help you track tasks, appointments, or deadlines. Whether it’s remembering to submit a report or scheduling time for a quick check-in, Slack makes it effortless.

Example: Suppose you need a reminder to prepare for a presentation tomorrow. Type the following command:

/remind me “Prepare presentation slides” tomorrow at 3 PM

After entering the command, Slack will confirm the reminder or ask for additional details, ensuring it’s set up correctly.

Creating Channel-Wide Reminders

Channel reminders are ideal for team-wide events like meetings, project deadlines, or shared tasks. These reminders ensure everyone in the channel stays informed and aligned.

Example: To remind your marketing team about a campaign review every Wednesday at 11 AM, type:

/remind #marketing_team “Campaign review meeting” every Wednesday at 11 AM

Once created, the reminder will appear in the channel, notifying all members at the specified time.

Setting Recurring Reminders in Slack

Slack makes recurring reminders seamless with simple phrasing like “every day,” “every week,” or “every two weeks.” These are especially useful for repetitive tasks or routines.

Examples of Recurring Reminders:

1. Daily Reminder:
   • Command: /remind me “Send daily project update” every day at 4 PM
   • Purpose: Perfect for maintaining consistency in daily reporting.
2. Weekly Reminder:
   • Command: /remind me “Plan weekly tasks” every Monday at 9 AM
   • Purpose: Helps kick off the week with clear priorities.
3. Biweekly Reminder:
   • Command: /remind me “Submit expense reports” every two weeks on Thursday at 5 PM
   • Purpose: Ideal for tracking less frequent tasks.
4. Custom Schedule Reminder:
   • Command: /remind me “Check team feedback” every weekday at 10 AM
   • Purpose: Keeps important tasks on track during workdays only.

Tips for Managing Slack Reminders

• To stop reminders in Slack, simply type /remind list to view all active reminders and cancel any that are no longer needed.
• Use descriptive and concise task names in your commands for clarity.
• Experiment with Slack’s flexibility by combining custom time frames and frequencies to fit your needs.

Slack reminders are a powerful tool to stay organized, whether you’re setting personal tasks or coordinating with a team. With these Slack reminder examples and tips, you can create a more structured and productive workflow for yourself and your organization.

How to View and Manage Reminders

Slack offers flexible tools for managing both personal and channel-specific reminders. With its intuitive interface and commands, you can easily access, update, or delete your reminders to stay organized. Here’s how you can list and manage reminders in Slack:

How to List Personal Reminders in Slack

To view all your active personal reminders, head to the Later tab in Slack. All reminders you’ve set will appear under the In Progress section.

From this tab, you can:

• Mark reminders as complete once the task is done.
• Modify reminders if plans or deadlines change.
• Delete reminders that are no longer needed.

If you prefer to use a command, you can type /remind list in any channel or direct message to Slackbot. Slackbot will then display all your active reminders.

How to List Channel-Specific Reminders 

For reminders associated with a specific channel, navigate to that channel and type /remind list. Slackbot will display the active reminders for that channel, allowing team members to view and manage tasks or deadlines collaboratively.

Additionally, you can click View Reminders in the channel to access this list without typing a command.

Slack’s “Later” Feature: An Enhanced Reminder Manager

In March 2023, Slack introduced a new feature called Later, which revolutionized how users manage reminders. This tab provides a centralized location to track, modify, and complete reminders with ease.

Key Features of “Later”:

1. All Reminders in One Place: Any reminder you create now appears under the In Progress section within the Later tab.
2. Task Completion Made Easy: Once a task is done, simply mark it as Complete directly from the Later tab.
3. Integration with “Save for Later”: Slack combined its reminder functionality with the “Save for Later” feature. This means tasks and saved messages now appear in the same location, offering a seamless way to manage all your important items.

Benefits of the “Later” Tab:

• Streamlined access to reminders and saved items.
• A clean, organized interface to track active tasks.
• A consolidated system to manage both time-sensitive reminders and saved content.

Tips for Managing Slack Reminders

• Use /remind list regularly to keep track of pending tasks.
• Explore the Later tab for a unified view of all reminders and saved items.
• Delete completed or outdated reminders to keep your list clutter-free.

Slack’s enhanced reminder features ensure you never lose track of your tasks. By leveraging the Later tab and commands like /remind list, you can stay organized and productive, both personally and with your team.

slack later option

How Slack Reminders Drive Customer Support Excellence

Slack reminders are a game-changer for customer support teams, offering automated, context-specific notifications that keep tasks on track and ensure nothing is overlooked. Here’s how they contribute to delivering outstanding customer service:

1. Optimizing Support Processes

• Why It Matters: Automating follow-ups ensures every request gets the attention it deserves without relying on memory.
• The Result: Better workflow management leads to personalized customer interactions and improved satisfaction.
  Quick Fact: According to Salesforce, 63% of consumers expect service agents to understand and empathize with their unique needs.

2. Simplifying Task Delegation

Balancing workloads across a support team is essential to prevent being overwhelmed and experiencing delays. Slack reminders make this easier.

• Why It Matters: Tasks can be assigned and prioritized fairly, ensuring high-priority items get immediate attention.
• The Result: A more collaborative team environment and timely customer assistance.

3. Supporting Better Time Management

Deadlines are critical in customer support, and missing them can lead to dissatisfied customers. Slack reminders help your team stay on schedule.

• Why It Matters: Notifications for due or overdue tasks ensure nothing is forgotten.
• The Result: Seamless communication with customers and minimized chances of missed deadlines or complaints.

4. Accelerating Customer Response Rates

Waiting for support can frustrate customers. these reminders ensure inquiries are handled promptly, improving the overall experience.

• Why It Matters: Automated prompts help teams respond quickly to customer questions or concerns.
• The Result: Faster response times foster trust and loyalty.

Limitations of Slack Reminders and Later

While Slack reminders and the Later feature are incredibly useful, there are a few areas where improvements could be made. For example:

• Smart Reminders Based on Message Context: Currently, Slack cannot automatically set reminders for messages that require a response, such as customer inquiries, which may result in missed follow-ups.
• Priority-Based Reminders: Slack doesn’t yet have the ability to recognize the urgency of tasks or messages, making it hard to prioritize reminders based on their level of importance.
• Limited Multi-User and External Tool Integration: They don’t support sending notifications to multiple recipients simultaneously or integrating with external systems like CRM tools, limiting workflow efficiency for teams using multiple platforms.

Slack reminders are a powerful tool for staying organized and boosting productivity. Whether for personal tasks, team updates, or recurring deadlines, they streamline workflows and ensure nothing is missed. Features like the “Later” tab and task prioritization make them invaluable for improving collaboration, time management, and customer support efficiency.

The post How to Set Up Slack Reminders: Tips, Tricks, and Examples appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

How Secure Is Slack?

Slack is a widely-used Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform that facilitates organized communication through channels, private messaging, and integrations with other apps. These features are designed to increase productivity and foster innovation. But with every innovation comes a set of security challenges. Sensitive data is constantly being shared, from financial reports to internal conversations, and this opens the door to potential security vulnerabilities.

One of the greatest concerns is what we call “collaboration risk”—the danger of unauthorized access to sensitive data due to the highly interconnected and transparent nature of these platforms. Given the sheer volume of information shared in real-time, it’s crucial to understand the risks involved in using Slack for business communication.

Common Slack Privacy Risks

While Slack does provide robust security measures to protect user data which are covered below, no platform is immune to potential risks. Below are some key privacy concerns users should be aware of when using Slack:

1. Lack of End-to-End Encryption

Although Slack secures data during transmission and when it’s stored, using TLS 1.2, AES256 encryption, and SHA2 signatures, it does not offer end-to-end encryption. This means that, in theory, data could be intercepted by unauthorized parties, especially in the case of an external hack. Slack addresses this by allowing enterprises to implement their own encryption keys (BYOK), giving them more control over how data is protected.

2. Vulnerabilities from Third-Party Integrations

Slack integrates with over 2,600 third-party apps, ranging from productivity boosters to cybersecurity tools. While these integrations can enhance workflow, they also introduce potential security gaps. Some apps may have vulnerabilities that could open a back door for malicious software or unauthorized access to your data. Always ensure third-party integrations are carefully vetted for security risks.

3. Searchable and Exportable Message History

For businesses using Slack’s paid plans, all message data is retained indefinitely unless manually deleted. Even on free plans, data is stored for up to one year. This means employees can access and export data from months or even years ago. With just a 100-person team, over 400,000 messages may be exchanged in a year, creating a massive pool of data that could contain sensitive information. Admins should ensure that data access permissions are clearly defined to prevent unauthorized access.

4. Data Sharing with Advertisers

Slack may share some identifiable user data with advertisers for marketing purposes. This can include user identifiers, geolocation, network activity, and even financial data. While this is part of Slack’s business model, it’s an important consideration for account owners who want to minimize unnecessary exposure to personal or business data.

5. Blind Spots and Limited Control Over Data

Slack offers various collaboration methods, including public channels, private channels, and direct messages. Depending on the user settings and administrative controls, it’s possible for admins to have incomplete visibility into conversations happening within the workspace. In addition, users have the ability to edit or delete their messages after they’ve been sent, which can lead to discrepancies in data tracking or compliance oversight.

6. Unintended Exposure of Private Files

It’s easy to inadvertently create public links to private files within Slack. Sharing links to files—whether by accident or misunderstanding—can expose confidential information to unauthorized users. In some cases, this could even impact legal or regulatory actions, as files shared this way could be considered evidentiary material.

How to Enhance Your Slack Security

While Slack provides solid security features, taking a few extra steps can help safeguard your data and reduce the risks:

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection to your workspace by requiring users to verify their identity through a secondary method, like an authentication app. 
• Vet Third-Party Integrations: Regularly audit and review the third-party apps connected to your Slack workspace to ensure they meet your security standards. 
• Limit Data Retention: Define a clear policy for how long Slack retains data and ensure it’s in line with your business’s privacy and compliance requirements. 
• Educate Your Team: Conduct regular training sessions to raise awareness about common security risks, such as phishing attacks or the accidental sharing of sensitive files. 
• Control Access to Sensitive Channels: Customize permissions and restrict access to sensitive information within Slack. Use private channels for confidential discussions and ensure that only authorized team members have access. 

How Slack Ensures Data Security: Key Features and Best Practices

Slack provides a robust set of security and data protection features that empower administrators to safeguard sensitive information while maintaining the agility that teams need to stay productive. These features give organizations visibility and control over their data, ensuring a secure digital workspace without compromising performance.

Identity and Device Management

Slack strengthens access control through Single Sign-On (SSO) and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), offering integrations with leading identity providers such as ADFS, Google Workspace (SAML), and Okta. These features ensure that only authorized users can access the platform. Additionally, Slack supports Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) and session management capabilities, enabling organizations to secure and manage the devices that access the workspace.

Data Protection

For organizations using Enterprise Grid, Slack offers Enterprise Key Management (EKM), an extra layer of control over encryption keys that enhances data protection. Slack’s Data Loss Prevention (DLP) features, combined with integrations with third-party DLP solutions, help prevent sensitive data from being shared or leaked from the platform. Audit logs provide administrators with transparency into user activities, allowing for the identification of potential security events. The Audit Logs API also includes anomaly detection, which helps spot unusual app or user behaviors, providing security teams with critical insights to take action quickly.

Information Governance

Slack’s customizable data retention policies and eDiscovery capabilities assist organizations in meeting regulatory and legal requirements. These tools ensure that businesses maintain control over their data while adhering to legal standards. Additionally, customizable Terms of Service (TOS) help organizations ensure that users are aligned with the company’s security policies.

Slack AI: Security by Design

Slack’s generative AI, known as Slack AI, is built with a security-first approach. It uses self-hosted large-language models (LLMs) within a secure virtual private cloud (VPC) to ensure that user data remains within the platform and is not shared with external models. Slack AI also leverages Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), which incorporates relevant Slack data to improve the quality of responses without needing to train the models with customer data. This approach minimizes errors and maintains transparency by allowing the model to cite its sources.

Proactive Security Measures

Slack offers a range of proactive security tools that enable organizations to stay ahead of potential risks. Some of the key actions that administrators can take include:

• Integrating the Audit Logs API with security tools for continuous monitoring.
• Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) for all users to provide an additional layer of protection.
• Configuring Single Sign-On (SSO) to streamline identity management.
• Engaging with the Salesforce Trailblazer community for access to security resources and training to strengthen the organization’s security posture.

Slack also offers Professional Services that work with organizations to assess their current security setup, provide actionable recommendations for improvement, and help implement a comprehensive remediation plan.

Commitment to Trust

At Slack, protecting user data is a top priority. The platform is committed to providing a secure environment where teams can collaborate effectively, knowing their data is safe. Organizations seeking more details on Slack’s security features and best practices can download the white paper “Security at Slack” and engage with the Slack team to discuss their specific security needs.

Slack Security and Privacy FAQs

Apologies for the confusion earlier. Here’s the revised FAQ section with unique headings:

Slack Security and Privacy Questions

What Are Insider Threats in Slack?

Insider threats in Slack occur when users, either intentionally or unintentionally, expose sensitive company data to unauthorized individuals, potentially leading to data breaches or loss. The platform’s complex permission settings and limited visibility into user actions can make it difficult to detect these threats in a timely manner.

How Does Slack Ensure Data Privacy?

Slack takes data privacy seriously by implementing encryption and security measures to protect user-generated data. Workspace admins are responsible for configuring privacy controls, deploying third-party security tools, and educating employees about safe Slack usage, including creating strong passwords, identifying phishing attacks, and responding to potential cybersecurity threats.

What Are Some Ways to Improve Security in Slack?

To improve security within Slack, admins should enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), establish strict access control policies, and limit guest user access. Slack Connect can also be used for secure external collaborations. Additionally, creating and enforcing an acceptable use policy and conducting regular compliance audits will help safeguard the workspace.

Does Slack Collect Personal Information?

Yes, Slack collects personal data to facilitate the platform’s functionality. This includes usernames, email addresses, message content, session information, cookies, network activity, and media metadata. For a more detailed breakdown of the data collected, users can consult Slack’s privacy policy.

Final Thoughts on Slack Security

Slack offers strong security features to protect your workplace communication, but like any tool, it’s only as secure as the practices you implement around it. By understanding the potential privacy risks and taking proactive steps to secure your workspace, you can make the most of Slack while keeping your data safe.

If you’re looking for additional security measures to enhance your workspace, tools like AttendanceBot can complement Slack’s security features and streamline your workflow securely.

The post Is Your Data Safe on Slack? A Closer Look at Slack Security appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

Transform Recruitment: How Slack Communities Empower Hiring Professionals

Recruiting in today’s competitive landscape requires more than traditional methods—it demands agility, collaboration, and access to thriving networks. Enter Slack communities, a game-changer for HR professionals and recruiters. These virtual hubs are transforming how talent is sourced, networks are built, and hiring challenges are tackled.
Let’s explore how Slack for communities can enhance your recruitment efforts and why joining a Slack community could be the smartest move you make this year.

1. Stay Ahead with Real-Time Industry Trends

Recruiters and HR professionals often struggle to keep up with the latest hiring strategies. That’s where Slack communities excel—they offer a constant stream of real-time updates, insights, and trends.
Unlike traditional blogs or videos, these groups function as live discussions, making it easy to absorb bite-sized knowledge from peers and experts. Whether you’re learning how to join Slack communities or diving into strategies for talent acquisition, these platforms ensure you never miss a beat.

2. Unlock Access to a Rich Talent and Client Pool

One of the biggest advantages of public Slack channels is their diversity. They connect recruiters with professionals from various industries, skill sets, and geographic locations, expanding your reach far beyond traditional methods.
In addition to sourcing candidates, Slack for communities can connect you with businesses seeking recruitment expertise. Whether you’re engaging in a recruitment community or exploring a Slack careers channel, you’re creating opportunities to attract top talent and grow your client base simultaneously.

3. Build Meaningful Relationships Through Networking

Recruiting is as much about relationships as it is about filling roles. A Slack community fosters authentic connections, encouraging mutual support and collaboration.

Through regular interactions, you can connect with industry leaders, mentors, and peers who can offer guidance and open doors to new opportunities. Slack for community engagement isn’t just about networking; it’s about building trust and establishing long-term partnerships.

4. Explore Opportunities for Learning and Development

A Slack group is more than just a communication tool—it’s a treasure trove of learning resources. Many communities host webinars, Q&A sessions, and workshops led by industry veterans.

By participating in these events, recruiters can sharpen their skills and stay ahead of emerging trends. Whether you’re exploring resources for humans Slack or browsing Slack remotask channels, there’s always something valuable to learn.

5. Streamline Communication and Collaboration

Recruitment often involves juggling multiple conversations with candidates, hiring managers, and teams. Traditional methods like email can slow the process, but Slack’s channel-based messaging system simplifies coordination.

With Slack communities, you can connect instantly, making communication faster and more transparent. Whether it’s discussing job openings on a jobs Slack channel or sharing insights in a recruitment community, Slack ensures your hiring process is smooth and efficient.
Leveraging Slack for communities is a powerful way to elevate your recruitment strategy. From accessing niche talent pools to building valuable relationships, these dynamic platforms are redefining the hiring process. By joining a Slack community, you’re not just improving how you recruit—you’re stepping into a future-ready ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation.

Top 11 Must-Join Slack Communities for Recruitment and HR Professionals

Slack communities are essential for HR leaders and recruiters aiming to grow their networks, gain actionable insights, and stay updated on industry innovations. These virtual spaces offer incredible opportunities for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and professional growth. Here’s a list of highly recommended Slack communities that every recruitment professional should consider joining:

1. OneReq

Join a vibrant community of over 1,500 professionals specializing in talent acquisition, recruitment, and employer branding.
OneReq stands out as a collaborative hub for discussing the latest HR trends, exploring innovative recruitment strategies, and diving into cutting-edge technology. From diversity hiring discussions to job posting channels, this group has everything you need to excel in your niche.

2. PeoplePeople

Connect with top industry experts worldwide in PeoplePeople, a community dedicated to reshaping the talent acquisition landscape.
With active contributions from recruitment influencers, members can explore topics like #culture-tactics, #interestingarticles, and #networking. It’s a great space for asking questions, sharing expertise, and learning from others’ experiences.
Joining is easy—just complete a short application to get started.

3. HRtoHR

If you’re looking for an interactive alternative to recruitment events, HRtoHR is the perfect solution.
Designed for professionals who want to connect without the formality of conferences, this community fosters open conversations about HR best practices, challenges, and even occasional venting. It’s also a fantastic space for exploring the latest recruitment tech and finding new professional opportunities.

4. People Geek

People Geek is the place to be for those passionate about workplace culture and trends.
This Slack group facilitates dynamic discussions on everything from job openings to thought leadership articles. It’s a collaborative space where HR enthusiasts can share advice, seek inspiration, and build long-term connections.

5. Resources for Humans

Run by Lattice, Resources for Humans is a massive community with over 22,000 members, making it one of the largest HR networks on Slack.
Whether you’re exploring channels like #global-hr, #hr-tech, or #diversity-inclusion, this group provides a wealth of resources for HR professionals. There’s even a dedicated section for job postings, making it a versatile tool for recruitment and career development.
To join, simply fill out their onboarding form and adhere to their guidelines for maintaining a safe, inclusive space.

6. Hacking HR

Hacking HR is an international hub for HR professionals dedicated to driving change in the industry.
The community thrives on conversations about the future of work, HR technology, people analytics, and organizational transformation. With active channels like #diversityandinclusion and #hrtech, it’s an excellent resource for exploring innovations and strategies shaping the modern workplace.

7. Culture Corner

Designed for HR and People Ops experts, Culture Corner offers a supportive and collaborative space.
This free community allows members to connect, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions about the challenges and opportunities in HR. Whether you’re new to the field or an experienced professional, it’s an inclusive group to grow your network and learn from peers.

8. Shine by BrightHire

Shine by BrightHire brings together recruiters and talent acquisition leaders from various industries and levels of expertise.
Here, members can connect with top professionals, exchange ideas, and tackle hiring challenges collectively. Beyond networking, the community offers valuable resources like exclusive events, learning opportunities, and insightful discussions on hiring trends.

9. Recruitment Slackers

Recruitment Slackers is an invite-only Slack community that originated in the Netherlands and Belgium but has since expanded globally.
Tailored for in-house recruiters, this group focuses on sharing the latest tools, techniques, and content for successful recruiting. Although it’s primarily Dutch-speaking, it’s equally welcoming to English speakers. Fill out a quick Google form, and you’ll receive an invitation to join.

10. People Over Perks

Created by Leapsome, People Over Perks is a thriving community with over 7,500 HR professionals dedicated to employee growth and engagement.
This space offers access to best practices, resources, webinars, and AMA sessions with industry leaders. Popular channels like #hiring, #diversityandinclusion, and #employeeengagement ensure members can tap into a wide range of expertise.

11. IHR (In-House Recruitment)

For HR professionals in the UK, IHR is an ideal platform hosted by inhouserecruitment.co.uk.
This Slack group focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for talent acquisition experts to seek advice and share experiences. It’s particularly well-suited for in-house recruiters navigating unique challenges in their roles.
The community thrives on one golden rule: be kind and leave self-promotion at the doorstep.

These Slack communities are powerful resources for recruitment and HR professionals looking to stay ahead of industry trends, connect with like-minded individuals, and enhance their expertise. Whether you’re interested in exploring tech innovations or building a supportive network, these groups offer something for everyone.

Using Slack Communities for Sourcing Candidates

Slack offers a unique advantage for recruiters when it comes to sourcing talent. Unlike other social platforms where recruiter activity is more visible, Slack tends to be quieter, which means your outreach stands out and gets more engagement.
Since there are Slack communities for almost every industry, role, and skill set, you have access to a diverse pool of talent right at your fingertips. These communities often have thousands of active members, many of whom you can directly message to explore potential opportunities. Whether you’re searching for a specific skill set or a niche role, Slack has a variety of groups where candidates are already engaged and actively discussing their career interests.
To get started, you can use Slofile, a directory that lists public Slack groups. Slofile allows you to search for communities tailored to particular roles or expertise areas. Not only will this help you discover potential candidates, but it also provides insight into how individuals discuss their job search, giving you the information needed to tailor your outreach approach. By understanding the language and tone used within each community, you can craft more personalized messages that resonate with candidates, improving your chances of a response and engagement.

Conclusion

Slack communities offer HR professionals and recruiters a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse talent pool, stay updated on industry trends, and build valuable networks. By joining these specialized groups, you can engage with active job seekers, discover new sourcing strategies, and gain insights to refine your recruitment approach. Embracing Slack for recruitment can enhance your outreach and strengthen your professional connections.

The post How Slack Communities Empower Hiring Professionals appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

Slack’s impressive statistics highlight its substantial global impact and robust financial standing. The platform holds a commanding 33.95% market share and boasts a valuation of $26.51 billion, solidifying its status as a leader in workplace communication.  

Messaging apps are transforming how office-based teams connect and collaborate. By 2023, an estimated 3.32 billion people worldwide were using such tools, revolutionizing workplace interactions and driving productivity.  

A significant number of organizations rely on Slack for their daily communication needs, with many choosing its premium unlimited version to maintain seamless workflows. With over 10 million active users, Slack has firmly established itself as an indispensable platform for modern business operations. 

General Slack Statistics  

Since its launch in 2009, Slack has achieved remarkable milestones. With a global workforce of 1,664 employees, the company maintains an impressive employee engagement rate.  

The platform supports over 4,000 apps and facilitates more than 1.5 billion Slack messages per month, making it an essential tool for businesses worldwide.  

1. Over 1 Billion Minutes of Daily Usage  

   Every weekday, Slack usage exceeds 1 billion minutes, showcasing its indispensability for workplace communication (Source: Demand Sage). As of March 2020, Slack reported having more than 110,000 paying users, a number that surged during the pandemic as new customers embraced the platform.  

2. Over 6000 App Integrations  

   Slack now supports over 6,400 apps, with 2,600 apps directly compatible with the platform (Source: Slack). These integrations make Slack highly versatile and a strong competitor to Microsoft Teams, helping teams work efficiently and collaboratively from anywhere.  

3. Used in Over 150 Countries

   Over 600,000 organizations worldwide use Slack, underscoring its role as a cornerstone of modern workplace collaboration.

Slack User Base  

Slack’s extensive user base showcases its widespread appeal among businesses across the globe. In 2023, the platform recorded 32.3 million daily active users, with individuals spending an average of nine hours online each day.  

Here’s a closer look at the data surrounding Slack’s growing user community:  

4. Projected Growth to 42.7 Million Daily Users by 2025  

   Slack is on track to exceed 42.7 million daily users by 2025 (Source: Demand Sage). This anticipated growth stems from its user-friendly interface and integrations with platforms like Salesforce and Google. Slack’s real-time messaging capabilities, combined with features that allow users to access past conversations and key information, make it a highly efficient communication tool.  

5. Over 3 Million Paying Subscribers  

   Slack has a paying user base of over 3 million individuals, who gain access to a wide range of premium features (Source: Earth Web). These advanced tools support instant messaging and seamless collaboration, making Slack indispensable for companies seeking to enhance productivity and streamline workflows.  

6. Average Slack User Logs In for 9 Hours a Day  

   According to Demand Sage, the typical Slack user remains logged in for about nine hours daily, often leaving the app open throughout the workday. However, active usage averages around 1.5 hours per day.  

   Many Slack users stay signed in even when not actively engaging with the platform. This trend is particularly common in businesses with remote teams, where Slack serves as the primary communication tool, keeping employees connected and accessible throughout the day.

Here are some additional Slack statistics that were not covered previously, based on the latest finding by Demand Sage:

7. Daily Message Volume

Slack handles over 2 billion messages daily, showcasing its integral role in workplace communication and collaboration.

8. Integrations Usage

The platform supports over 2,400 integrations, and on average, companies using Slack adopt more than 200 connected apps, illustrating its ecosystem’s versatility.

9. Frequent Users

Around 41% of users reportedly use Slack for three or more hours daily, demonstrating its stickiness in daily workflows.

10. Search Trends

Slack sees 50 million searches per day across its user base, emphasizing how workers rely on it for quick access to historical information and resources.

These stats underscore how Slack has become an essential tool in modern workplaces, significantly impacting communication and productivity. For more details, you can check the full report on DemandSage’s Slack Statistics page.

Here is a table summarizing unique Slack statistics not yet covered, based on the Business of Apps:

In conclusion, Slack has proven itself as a cornerstone for modern workplace communication. With its robust user base, extensive app integrations, and powerful features, it continues to support businesses in enhancing collaboration and productivity. As it expands globally, Slack remains a vital tool for organizations of all sizes, driving efficiency and streamlining workflows. The future looks bright for Slack as it adapts to changing work environments and continues to innovate within the team collaboration space.

The post 15+ Slack Statistics & Trends for 2024 appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

Unlock the future of workplace productivity with Slack AI—a transformative tool designed to streamline communication and enhance collaboration. Imagine effortlessly finding answers in seconds, summarizing lengthy conversations, and decluttering your daily tasks, all without leaving the platform you already love. Whether you’re a project manager needing quick updates, a sales representative preparing for customer meetings, or a team leader wanting to keep everyone aligned, Slack AI is here to make your life easier.

With features like AI-powered search and instant conversation summaries, Slack AI empowers users to tap into their organization’s collective knowledge. No more scrolling through endless messages; simply ask a question in your own words and let the AI do the heavy lifting. This isn’t just another tool; it’s a game changer that integrates seamlessly into your workflow.

Are you ready to revolutionize your team’s efficiency and make work feel less overwhelming? Dive into the details below to discover how Slack AI can elevate your workplace experience and unlock your team’s full potential!

What is Slack AI?

Slack AI is an intuitive, secure AI feature integrated directly into Slack, designed to help users find and organize information efficiently. With capabilities like AI-powered search, conversation summaries, and recaps, users can quickly access and prioritize the most relevant data in their workspace. Slack AI’s main goal is to empower teams by leveraging the full potential of their shared knowledge, streamlining collaboration and productivity.

Discover the Benefits of Slack AI for Every Business Role

One of the core functionalities of Slack is its AI-powered search. Whether you’re looking for the Q1 sales strategy or an important discussion from last month, Slack AI allows you to search across public conversations and shared files with ease. All you need to do is ask a question in your own words, and Slack AI will retrieve the most relevant information for you, saving users hours of manual searching. This feature is perfect for project managers, sales teams, engineers, and customer service departments who need quick access to specific details.

In addition to search capabilities, Slack AI can summarize conversations and channels. This feature is a game-changer for users who need to catch up quickly. Instead of sifting through long threads or channels, it creates concise summaries, ensuring that no important information is missed. It can even take notes during huddles, allowing users to focus on the conversation without worrying about capturing every detail.

The recap feature further declutters the day by delivering daily summaries of essential channels. This helps users stay on the same page with their teams, making prioritizing tasks and maintaining focus easier.

Slack AI Integration: Versatility Across Functions

The strength of it lies in its versatility across various business roles:

Project Management

Joining a project late? With Slack AI, ongoing threads are easily summarized, allowing managers to get up to speed without missing a beat.

Engineering

For technical teams, it helps resolve incidents by quickly finding relevant solutions from across the organization’s channels.

Sales

Sales teams benefit from real-time summaries of account channels, providing essential customer insights to drive smarter decisions.

Customer Service

Finding answers quickly becomes a breeze with Slack AI, enabling teams to serve customers more efficiently.

A Competitive Edge with Slack AI

While Slack AI competes with the likes of Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace, its integration capabilities set it apart. Unlike other platforms that limit users to their ecosystems, Slack allows businesses to use Office and Workspace seamlessly within the Slack platform. This flexibility can be a big draw for businesses looking to minimize the number of tools they juggle.

Moreover, Slack places a strong emphasis on data privacy and security. Hosted on Slack’s AWS virtual private cloud, customer data stays in-house, ensuring that it is not shared with large language model (LLM) providers. Its commitment to protecting user data makes it a trustworthy option for businesses.

Unlock More with Slack AI

With support for multiple languages (English, Spanish, and Japanese), it is available as an add-on for Pro, Business+, and Enterprise subscriptions. Users can easily integrate Slack AI into their workflows, harnessing the power of AI to reduce time spent on repetitive tasks, allowing teams to focus on work that drives growth and innovation.

For businesses considering Slack for business or evaluating its pricing, Slack AI proves to be a worthwhile investment, offering powerful tools that improve team efficiency and drive better outcomes.

By leveraging it for tasks such as project management, Slack chat, and Slack app integrations, businesses can expect to see measurable improvements in productivity while maintaining the flexibility to integrate other platforms like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

Slack AI: Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s recap with a quick FAQ session:

How Does Slack AI Stand Out From Other AI Tools?

Unlike standalone AI assistants or browser-based tools, Slack AI is embedded directly into your daily workflow. What sets it apart is its ability to tap into the vast organizational knowledge stored in public conversations and shared files within Slack. By allowing users to access this knowledge instantly, Slack AI helps individuals and teams uncover insights that may have been previously overlooked. Its conversational interface ensures that AI becomes a seamless part of everyday tasks, boosting adoption and making work more efficient.

How Does Slack AI Integrate With Other Products?

It offers a cohesive experience by integrating with popular apps and tools such as Salesforce, Asana, Adobe Express, and Workday. Whether you’re managing projects, engaging in sales efforts, or offering customer support, Slack AI simplifies complex workflows by providing real-time answers and summaries, all within Slack’s interface. With more integrations being regularly added, it ensures that users never need to leave Slack to manage tasks or access key information.

Is Slack AI Secure?

Security is a core principle of Slack AI. It operates on Slack’s trusted infrastructure, adhering to rigorous security practices and compliance standards. Slack AI does not share customer data with third-party providers of large language models (LLMs) and does not use customer data for LLM training. All data is processed within Slack’s AWS virtual private cloud, ensuring that it stays protected and in-house, safeguarding organizational data integrity.

Where Is Slack AI Available?

It is available globally, wherever Slack is offered. Whether your team is based in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK, or other regions, you can access it to streamline your workflow.

What Languages Does Slack AI Support?

Currently, it supports English, Spanish, and Japanese. Slack is continuously working on expanding its language support, so more options will be available in the future.

How Can I Start Using Slack AI?

This is a premium feature available as an add-on to Slack Pro, Business+, and Enterprise subscriptions. It cannot be purchased individually by users but must be added by a Slack admin. To get more details or initiate a purchase, users can contact their Slack account executive or reach out to sales.

Slack Pricing

At the end, let’s talk a little about the Slack cost:

Slack offers several subscription tiers designed to cater to various organizational needs, enhancing productivity and collaboration within teams. 

Pro Subscription

At $7.25 per person per month when billed annually or $8.75 per person per month every month, the Pro plan includes all the features of the Free version, such as:

• Unlimited message history
• Unlimited apps and integrations
• 30 days of version history for unlimited canvases
• Voice-first huddles accommodating up to 50 participants
• Secure collaboration through Slack Connect channels

For an additional $10 per person per month, users can add the Slack AI feature, which provides AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency.

Business+ Subscription

The Business+ plan is priced at $12.50 per person per month when billed yearly, or $15 per person per month every month. This tier includes all the Pro features plus:

• User provisioning and de-provisioning
• SAML-based single sign-on
• 90 days of version history for unlimited canvases
• Data exports for all messages

Slack AI is also available for integration at an additional cost.

Enterprise Grid

The Enterprise Grid option is tailored for larger organizations, with pricing available upon request. This tier includes all the features of Business+ and provides:

• Enterprise-grade security and compliance, including HIPAA support
• An integrated employee directory
• Support for up to 500,000 users
• Centralized controls and customizable policies for streamlined administration

Similar to the other plans, AI can be added for enhanced functionality. 

These options empower teams to choose a plan that best fits their needs, promoting a collaborative and secure work environment.

The post The AI Kingdom: Powering Your Workflow with Slack AI appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

Here’s the magic: Slack has a treasure trove of built-in slash commands that serve as shortcuts for all kinds of actions. All you have to do is type a slash command (/) followed by some keywords, and voilà! Slack does the heavy lifting. For example, type /away, and just like that, you’ve updated your status to “away” faster than you can say, “Where’s my mouse?”

The beauty of it? You never have to take your fingers off the keyboard. No more fumbling around with a touchpad or mouse. Whether you’re marking yourself as away, setting a reminder, or sending a direct message, these Slack bot commands are your new best friend.

Even better, when you type the / key in any channel or direct message, a handy-dandy menu shows you all the available Slack commands. But hey, why not take it a step further and memorize the ones you use most? It’s like having your cheat codes to level up your productivity. Let’s begin!

1. /remind [@someone or #channel] to [What] [When]

One of the most versatile slack slash commands is the /remind command. It’s a go-to for setting reminders for yourself, teammates, or even entire channels. Whether you need to give a quick nudge, set recurring tasks, or schedule check-ins, this slash command has you covered.

Here’s a guide on how to structure your slash command for reminders, including examples of what to remind someone of and when to set it:

2. /apps

To enhance your Slack experience, the /apps slash command opens up the Slack App Directory, a treasure trove of apps that add extra functionality to Slack. Whether you’re searching for a project management tool or a team wiki, this command will help you find the perfect app.

3. /search [your text]

One of the most frequently used slash commands is the /search command. This powerful tool helps you quickly locate specific Slack messages or shared files.

To use it, type /search followed by your search terms. You can also refine your search with advanced search modifiers to get more precise results:

• from: @name – Find information shared by a particular person.
• to: @yourname – Search direct messages sent to you.
• in: #channel – Look for info shared in a specific channel.
• in: @name – Search messages from a direct conversation with a specific person.

4. /shortcuts

Besides slash commands, Slack has a range of handy keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate and operate Slack more efficiently. If you ever forget a specific shortcut, simply type /shortcuts to open the keyboard shortcuts panel. This panel will show you all the available shortcuts, so you can quickly get back to work without missing a beat. This Slack command is your go-to for accessing a comprehensive list of shortcuts, making it easier to streamline your workflow and boost your productivity on Slack.

Slack commands to set your availability and status

5. /dnd [some description of time]

Need to dive into focused work without interruptions? The /dnd slash command is here to help. Activating Do Not Disturb (DND) mode silences your Slack notifications, allowing you to concentrate on tasks without constant pings.

When you enable DND mode using this command, your teammates will see a DND icon next to your name, signaling that you’re currently unavailable. However, if someone sends you an urgent direct message, they can override your DND status to ensure you receive critical alerts.

This ,mlm command helps you manage your focus time effectively, striking the right balance between staying undistracted and being available for important communications.

Slack Commands for Channel Management 

6. /open [#channel]  

Skip scrolling and jump straight to any channel by typing /open followed by the channel name (e.g., /open #team-cs).

7. /collapse or /expand  

Clean up your chat window by collapsing all inline image previews with /collapse. If you want them back, use /expand.

8. /join [#channel]  

Join a channel by typing /join followed by the channel name to add it to your sidebar.

9. /leave [#channel]  

If a channel is no longer relevant, exit by typing /leave followed by the channel name.

10. /mute  

Reduce distractions by muting a channel with /mute. Muted channels move to the bottom of your sidebar, and while you won’t receive notifications, you’ll still see a badge if mentioned. To unmute, use the same command.

You can also mute or unmute direct messages or threads using the /mute command.

Slash Commands for Teammate Management

11. /invite @someone [#channel]  

Need to add a teammate to a channel? Use /invite followed by their username and the channel name (e.g., /invite @amanda #team-cs). Your teammate will get a notification inviting them to join.

12. /remove or /kick @someone  

To remove someone from a channel, type /remove or /kick followed by their username in the channel. They’ll be instantly removed.

13. /who  

Curious who’s in the channel? Type /who to see a list of up to 100 members currently in that space.

These Slack commands make managing teammates within channels quick and simple, allowing you to streamline team collaboration.

Ready to Use the Slack Slash Commands?

Mastering Slack commands can greatly improve productivity and streamline tasks for HR professionals. Whether you need to manage channels or quickly find information, slash commands like /open, /search, and /remind make navigating Slack simple and efficient. The /remind command ensures you and your team stay on track, while the /dnd command helps you focus by pausing notifications. You can even customize your experience by exploring Slack’s App Directory using the /apps command.

For those managing teams, slackbot commands such as /invite and /remove make it easy to add or remove team members from channels. And if you need to reduce distractions, the /mute command helps quiet unnecessary chatter without missing important messages. Need to know who’s in the room? The /who command provides a quick roster.

Even small tasks like setting up reminders with slash commands slack, searching through conversations using commands slack, or viewing all keyboard shortcuts with /shortcuts can save you valuable time. With tools like these, HR professionals can take full advantage of Slack’s capabilities, using every command, including Slack and Slack slash commands, to optimize their workflow.

The post Slack Slash Commands to Save Your Day appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

Key Findings from Slack Workforce Lab

Redefining Productivity

• 27% of executives use visibility and activity metrics rather than actual output to gauge productivity
• Desk workers feel pressured to stay active and respond quickly, even outside working hours

Advances in Technology

• Workflow automations save workers an average of 3.6 hours per week
• Employees using AI report significantly higher productivity levels

Importance of Flexibility

• 71% of desk workers find working the same hours as their colleagues enhances productivity
• Structured flexibility in office policies is crucial for effective hybrid work environments.

Employee Happiness

• Fulfilled & engaged employees are more productive
• Clear boundaries and predictable downtime improve productivity

Solutions: Leveraging Slack Integrations like AttendanceBot

Intentional Office Time

In the quest for enhanced collaboration and team cohesion, fostering intentional office time becomes a cornerstone. Tools like AttendanceBot can encourage and streamline office attendance. AttendanceBot allows employees the flexibility to create personalized work-from-home (WFH) and work-from-office (WFO) schedules that cater to their unique preferences.

Empower team members to actively choose days for in-office work, aligning with their colleagues’ presence. AttendanceBot can send timely reminders, facilitating the seamless planning of weekly WFH/WFO schedules, thereby enhancing team collaboration and productivity.

Enhancing Predictability

Predictability is a key driver of productivity. Scheduling tools, such as AttendanceBot, help in intentionally planning away time, allowing team members to navigate their workdays with greater certainty. Transparent calendars, coupled with AttendanceBot functionalities, provide a visual representation of team members’ availability, enabling effective planning and coordination.

Enhance communication and information dissemination by utilizing channel announcements on Slack. Share crucial schedule-related information, ensuring that teams stay informed and can plan their workdays effectively. By implementing these solutions, organizations can create a more collaborative, predictable, and productive work environment.

Conclusion

Redefining productivity requires a holistic approach that considers both the well-being of employees and the efficient use of technology. Slack Workforce Lab’s research highlights the importance of flexible schedules, intentional office time, and the strategic use of automation and AI. By leveraging tools like AttendanceBot, organizations can address these challenges head-on, fostering a work environment where productivity and employee satisfaction go hand in hand. By embracing these actionable solutions, businesses can pave the way for a future of work that is collaborative, predictable, and ultimately more productive.

The post Redefining Productivity: Leveraging Slack Integrations for a Modern Workplace appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

A. The Pitfalls of After-Hour Work

The research indicates a clear correlation between logging off at the end of the workday and heightened productivity. Employees who disconnect at the designated time register 20% higher productivity scores compared to those who feel compelled to continue working after hours. The boundary between work and personal life is crucial for maintaining peak performance and avoiding burnout.

B. The Power of Breaks

Surprisingly, the study highlights that taking breaks during the workday significantly contributes to both productivity and well-being. Astonishingly, half of all desk workers confess to rarely or never taking breaks. 

C. Meeting the Meeting Challenge

Another noteworthy finding is that desk workers believe the ideal amount of focus time is around four hours a day. Beyond this threshold, productivity tends to decline. More than two hours a day spent in meetings becomes the tipping point, overwhelming the majority of workers. 

Actionable Solutions: Using Slack Integrations to Enhance Productivity

1. AttendanceBot for Break Reminders

• Automate Break Reminders to Foster a Healthier Work Routine:
  

In the quest for a balanced workday, implementing time tools like AttendanceBot proves to be a strategic move. With the capability to automate break reminders, the tool gently guides employees in incorporating regular breaks into their schedules. By proactively reminding individuals to step away from their workstations, a culture that values downtime is cultivated, reinforcing the understanding that taking breaks is an integral aspect of maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.

• Automate Break Visibility to Build a Culture of Break Time:
  

Beyond the mere act of reminding, tools like AttendanceBot go a step further by automating break visibility. This means that not only are employees prompted to take breaks, but the entire team gains insight into when their colleagues are on break. This automation contributes to building a culture that recognizes and respects break times as essential components of a balanced workday. It fosters a sense of collective well-being, where individuals can step back and recharge without the fear of being perceived as disengaged. This visibility not only normalizes breaks but also encourages a supportive and understanding atmosphere among team members.

 2. Slack Strategies to Avoid Meeting Overload

• Leveraging Slack Channels for Asynchronous Communication:

Encourage your team to utilize Slack channels for asynchronous communication. This approach minimizes the need for impromptu meetings by providing a space where discussions can unfold over time. Team members can contribute when it suits their schedules, reducing the pressure of real-time interactions and allowing for thoughtful responses.

• Using Threads for Organized Discussions:

In the bustling world of communication, threads are a valuable tool within Slack. Encourage the use of threads to keep discussions organized and focused. Threads allow for in-depth conversations without cluttering the main channel, making it easier for team members to follow and contribute to specific topics at their convenience.

• Integrating Project Management Tools:

To streamline collaborative efforts without the need for constant face-to-face interactions, integrate project management tools directly into your Slack workspace. By doing so, you provide a centralized hub for project-related discussions, task assignments, and progress updates. This integration minimizes the necessity for lengthy meetings while ensuring everyone stays informed and on the same page.

Conclusion

Achieving optimal productivity involves striking a balance between work and personal life. The Slack Workforce Lab’s insights serve as a compass, guiding us towards a more efficient and sustainable work environment. By incorporating tools like AttendanceBot and maximizing Slack’s capabilities, organizations can foster a culture that prioritizes productivity without compromising employee well-being. Remember, it’s not just about working harder; it’s about working smarter.

The post Finding the Balance: After-Hour Work vs. Productivity appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

AttendanceBot

AttendanceBot remains the most popular choice since Slack launched its app store back in 2018. While some of its popularity stems from its one-stop-shop integration of time off, hybrid work, time tracking, project tracking, and shift rostering, it remains the go-to choice for leave management alone. 

Designed for the type of organization that chooses and uses Slack, AttendanceBot is a great choice for small to mid-sized companies that value employee time and calendar visibility. If you’re growing fast and need a more sustainable leave process, looking to provide better transparency for calendars and balances, or just tired of managing everything with excel and email inboxes, AttendanceBot might be a good first step.

For small teams with simple needs, AttendanceBot offers a great off-the-shelf leave setup you can start using within minutes. With automatic manager routing and an option menu right inside Slack, you can start your team requesting and approving from the day you start, without any training or instruction. Even data and reports are available from directly in your Slack chat, without navigating over to the admin dashboard, and when in doubt – AttendanceBot has a shockingly responsive support team for its class of software.

For larger teams, international organizations, or really anyone with a complex leave policy, AttendanceBot shines particularly bright. One distinctive feature lies in its ability to configure rules and policies across employee groups, roles, and regions or countries. Given the ability to support accrual setups to match any set of local policies, AttendanceBot would almost be graded an enterprise-level software, though the laser-focus on time-off and timesheets typically makes it a better choice for departmental or operational deployments rather than a full global HR solution. Possibly for the same reason, AttendanceBot is still a popular choice for larger implementations exactly because it’s so quick to get off the ground and useful for a corporate workforce.

Price-wise, the design of AttendanceBot is often tempered by its ranking towards the high end of contenders. It has three pricing plans – standard, offering pretty much every piece of leave functionality except balances and accruals; pro, which adds in workforce segmentation, balance and accrual policies, and multi-level approvals; and premium, which adds extra layers of customization and support. The 14-day free trial is typically more than enough to explore and even pilot capabilities, especially given the high-level of free onboarding assistance offered by their team. 

Overall, this vacation tracker alternative is a best first bet for its comprehensive abilities and forward-thinking design.

BambooHR

BambooHR is a fantastic full-service payroll and HR solution for small and medium-sized businesses. Offering a comprehensive suite of tools, BambooHR lots of options for managing HR tasks, from employee information management, recruiting and hiring, onboarding, leave management, performance management, and employee analytics.

While its integration with Slack is limited, BambooHR does bridge some of its most popular features into Slack. Specific to time-off, BambooHR allows team members to conveniently check available time-off balances, calculate future time-off balances, submit new time-off requests, and stay informed about current out-of-office status. Although the workflows for requesting leave may evoke a sense of traditional software, BambooHR remains a fully-featured and user-friendly tool, especially tailored for small businesses looking for a full HR solution.

Regards cost, BambooHR offers two primary plans that bill based on staff size – Essentials and Advantage. The Essentials plan covers basic HR tools, while the Advantage plan extends to additional features such as onboarding, offboarding, applicant tracking, etc. One limitation is the lack of free trial or onboarding support before making a purchase decision.

As a final plus, BambooHR uniquely offers its own marketplace of integration partners, and for those looking for the best possible end-user experience, there are plenty of paid plug-ins to experiment with (including the aforementioned AttendanceBot).

Calamari

Calamari – like AttendanceBot – offers a bundled time tracking, time off, and employee documentation system. Calamari similarly facilitates easy planning and tracking of absences, while adding several functionalities on top of the leave basics offered by Vacation Tracker.

For those specifically interested in leave management, Calamari boasts an impressive range of integrations with other popular tools like JIRA, Asana, and Basecamp which are comparatively more rare among competitors. Calamari also allows for creation of flexible leave types, per the needs of each organization.

Unfortunately, despite a much wider range of functionality than Vacation Tracker, Calamari does have limited administrative and policy capabilities. Some users have found Calamari’s interface to be a bit less intuitive, with occasional descriptions of “clunky”. 

Despite these considerations, Calamari remains an economical choice for teams. Calamari offer a nice pick and choose a-la-carte style pricing, with two plans and three modules to choose from. And for teams in the euro zone, Calamari offers payment in Euros instead of USD.

Timebot

The most straightforward alternative for VacationTracker is TimeBot, with a similar but more limited set of features and pricing. If you like Vacation Tracker but want something even more barebones and lightweight, TimeBot might be your answer.

As another economical yet effective pick, TimeBot positions itself as the most budget-friendly option. TimeBot also has a free plan that’s limited to 20 time-off requests per month, which may be good for very small teams with modest needs. Otherwise, there are two paid options: the Starter plan at $1 per user per month and the Premium plan at $2.50 per user per month.

Time Off by Deel

The Deel’s Engage plugins elevate productivity by enabling teams to complete tasks within Slack, minimizing the need for context-switching. This Slack vacation tracker alternative, Time Off by Deel, seamlessly integrates the process of requesting, tracking, and reviewing time off directly into Slack. A particularly valuable feature is the plugin’s ability to help managers stay informed about employee time-off balances, facilitating a proactive approach to recognizing signs of burnout. Additionally, the tool provides the functionality to assign coverage, ensuring that business operations continue smoothly during someone’s time away. 

Time Off by Deel is an ideal choice for any Deel customer, and very seriously elevates the user experience of the Deel platform. As an emerging leader in global HR for startups and upstarts, Deel is another great choice for full-service HR, which offers a multitude of connected Slack plugins including time off.

If you’re thinking of biting the bullet on a full HR platform instead of Vacation Tracker, Deel is a fantastic option! But for those looking for more targeted or focused implementations, Deel might be a bit much. 

Conclusion

These alternatives offer a diverse set of options to meet the evolving demands of modern workplaces, ensuring effective time-off management regardless what type of organization you are. The quest for the exact perfect alternative never truly ends, but hopefully this guide saves you time finding where you’d like to start.

The post Top 5 Vacation Tracker Alternatives for Slack appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

A. Channel your inner organizer

Channels are a key Slack innovation, and the main way in which conversations are organized across people, departments, and projects. If you do nothing else, make sure you’re getting proper mileage from your channel!

1. Nail your naming

As your company expands and complexifies, so too will your channels multiply to cover past and present projects, initiatives, teams, and departments. To keep channels navigable and discoverable and they multiply, it’s crucial to create and maintain consistent channel naming conventions. This helps everyone adopt consistent sorting and saves weeks of guesswork when it comes to searching channels and channel content. 

The key is using clear prefixes to delineate types of channels and focus of content. Common prefixes include team-, dept-, proj-, sprint-, launch-, triage-, QA-, social-, announce-, and event-. Our own Slack includes real channels titled team-CS, proj-GPT, launch-testimonials, triage-bugs, social-2023-fun-stuff, and announce-upcoming-leave.

Before                                                                                            And After

2. Describe and define

Keep everyone on the same page and help jumpstart new hire onboarding by making sure every channel has a clear and detailed channel description. Beyond a mere label, these descriptions provide essential context, guidelines, and a sense of purpose, preventing confusion and miscommunication, especially in a crowded field of channels.

3. Make it Pin-teresting

Make sure team leaders regularly pin channel messages in channel details. By pinning crucial messages, you create a an easy-access reference to onboard new hires and new channels additions, while also keeping essential updates, guidance, and tactical or strategic discussions at top of mind for regular channel contributors.

4. Be programmer for a day

Work smarter in Slack by using the layman-friendly workflow builder to automate your daily tasks. Create a workflow for anything from channel form submissions, month end reminders, and weekly standups. The workflow builder doesn’t require any coding or engineering background to create or implement, and helps automate away little tasks like nudges and updates. While you can create direct workflows outside of channels, for example to send individuals recurring messages, workflows are most powerful in their channel context.

5. Light up keywords

Stay on top of critical info by using keyword notifications. Much like a google alert, keyword notifications allow you to surface and highlight important subject matters and message topics when they arise in channel discussion. To try these out, go to the preferences menu, then ‘My Keywords,’ and write in a list of words or phrases you want to be notified about when they come up in your channels (don’t forget to separate keywords or keyword pairs with a comma.)

B. Conquer your inbox

While there’s a million reasons Slack beats out email for internal communication, it doesn’t mean the inbox is extinct. Slay the dragon with these tips.

6. Dawn of the Unread

Instead of starting your day scrolling through missed messages channel by channel, try waking up to Unreads at the top of your left sidebar (you might need to adjust your sidebar preferences to “always show Unreads.”). Unreads allows you to browse (almost) all your missed messages without automatically “marking as read” so you can more easily browse, prioritize, and tackle one by one.

While it’s a great way to assess, focus, and build out your plan of attack, do keep in mind that messages in muted or archived channels won’t show up in Unreads, and neither will replies in Threads.

7. Save The Late

Every message or file can be saved for later to let Slack automatically sequence a to-do list. While “mark unread” is a classic and time tested way to make sure you revisit read messages, the 2.0 evolution for highly organized teams is the saved for later queue. By choosing to set a follow-up time or using the quick save for later tag, Slack automatically organizes items into three tabs in the ‘Later’ view:

1. In progress: here, you find your upcoming reminders and recently saved items. Organized by recency, this to-do list allows you to easily navigate to the original conversation, archive or complete a to-do, and create or edit the follow-up date and timing of follow-up reminder..
2. Archived: this serves as a less time-bound repository for messages you might need in the future. It’s a handy place for references or items without specific tasks.
3. Completed: when you’re done with a saved message or file, marking complete clears it from your to-do list and moves it to the completed queue. Everything saved for later and subsequently marked complete goes into this completed tab for historical reference.

As a final tip here, save for later is particularly helpful when browsing Threads to make sure that responses or to-dos that would normally be  marked as read are catalogued to revisit again later.

8. Talk to yourself

Direct messages aren’t just for team communication. Everyone has a DM with themself, which can be used in many ways but is particularly useful as a space to Slack yourself important information, which can then be pinned for quick access to notes, links, and reminders.

C. Clarify

“Those who know that they are profound strive for clarity. Those who would like to seem profound to the crowd strive for obscurity.” – Friedrich Nietzsche.

9. Rewrite the past

Mistakes happen, and if you’re like us they happen rather more frequently than you’d like. Responsible use of editing sent messages ensures that your communication remains clear and accurate. Whether new information has come to light, or you simply want to keep grammar at 100%, making use of message editing is a powerful way to promote clarity and precision across your team.

10. Link and (Hy)Rule

Context is key to effective communication. By linking back to relevant Slack messages, you provide a seamless trail of information and context, saving everyone time and reducing the risk of misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Why make every reader search for context when you can give them single-click reference!

11. REACT

Communication isn’t just about words, and emotive reactions often carry more meaning and preciseness than any description. Using reactions liberally, and even creating your own custom reactions is a great way to inject personality and fun across the digital divide. And more than just the personal touch, reactions allow for more rapid communication of common responses that avoids the clutter of low-value thread replies and allows for quick-skimming within channels. Common reaction norms include thumbs up for “agree”, check mark for “complete”, eyes for “looking into it”, pray for “thanks”, and email for “reached out”. Feel free to get creative, as long as everyone is on board.

12. Huddle up

Rediscover casual office discussions with huddle audio or video. Since you can initiate a huddle channel or DM, they’re a great tool for instant sync ups that helps avoid dreaded calendar tag, unnecessary message crafting, and delayed collaboration. With everything from video to screen sharing to dedicated notes threads, huddles give you the core of video conferencing on a more immediate and convenient scale, so you can keep the momentum of discussions when you most need it.

D. Upfront and aboveboard

With communication, you frontload where you can, try to surface the right info at the right time, and create transparency for everything that falls through the cracks.

13. Schedule it

Plan your communication strategy with precision. Schedule messages to be delivered at optimal times, ensuring that your team receives information when it’s most relevant and impactful.

14. Be a status symbol

Let your team know what you’re up to and when you’re out of office by setting your status in Slack. It’s the quickest way to communicate availability, and if you’re interested in automating or further broadcasting statuses, consider plug-ins like AttendanceBot that automatically sync Slack status with leave and OOO calendars.

E. Explore the ecosystem

15. Plug it in!

As with AttendanceBot above, Slack has a rich ecosystem of tools to supercharge your effectiveness.

• Polly & Simple Poll: make group decisions a breeze with poll plugins like Polly and Simple Poll. Gather quick feedback, streamline decision-making processes, and ensure everyone’s voice is heard.
• HeyTaco & Karma: nurture a positive team culture with plugins like HeyTaco and Karma. Celebrate wins, recognize achievements, and foster camaraderie by incorporating these engaging and fun tools into your Slack experience.
• Workstreams.ai: elevate your project management capabilities with Workstreams.ai. This plugin enhances collaboration, streamlines workflows, and helps keep your team synchronized and productive.
• AttendanceBot: AttendanceBot is a robust Slack solution for time and time off tracking. Whether you’re interested in managing leave requests and approvals through Slack, timesheet and project tracking through Slack, or wfo planning and hybrid scheduling, AttendanceBot is a Slack-native option for Slack-heavy teams.

Conclusion

By incorporating these expert-tested tips into your Slack culture, you stand a chance of truly reinventing your workflow and invigorating team effectiveness. Unlike most tools which are critical for some roles and ancillary to others, investing in Slack best practices pays dividends across teams, roles, and departments and builds upon the very core of your business: people. Give these tips a try and see what’s possible with better communication, coordination, and collaboration!

The post 15 Expert Slack Tips from Pros appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

The rise of remote work has led to an explosion of software tools and platforms designed to help teams collaborate, communicate, and stay productive from anywhere in the world. But with so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best remote work software tools on the market today. From project management and team communication to video conferencing and file sharing, we’ll cover the must-have tools for any remote team looking to thrive.

Whether you’re a manager trying to keep your team on track or a remote worker looking to streamline your workflow, these remote work software tools can help you stay organized, focused, and connected, no matter where you’re working from. So let’s dive in and take a look at the best remote work software tools for your team.

Slack – The Communication Hub 

Slack is a cloud-based communication and collaboration platform that has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly among remote teams. Its user-friendly interface, robust set of features, and wide range of app integrations have made it an essential tool for businesses looking to streamline communication and increase productivity.

Key Features of Slack

• Channels: Slack allows you to create channels for different projects, teams, or topics, making it easy to keep conversations organized and searchable.
• Direct Messaging: Slack’s direct messaging feature allows team members to communicate with each other one-on-one, even if they’re in different time zones.
• Video and Voice Calls: Slack’s built-in video and voice call feature allows remote teams to communicate face-to-face, no matter where they are in the world.
• File Sharing: Slack makes it easy to share files and collaborate on documents with team members, whether you’re working on a project or simply need to share a file for review.
• App Integrations: Slack has a wide range of app integrations, allowing teams to bring their favorite tools and apps directly into Slack, from project management and time tracking to team polls and surveys. 

• Customization: Slack allows teams to customize their workspace with different themes and emojis, making it feel more personalized and fun.
• Mobile App: Slack’s mobile app allows team members to stay connected on the go, making it easy to stay up-to-date and in touch with colleagues no matter where they are.

Slack Pricing Tiers 

Free

Slack’s free plan offers a range of basic features, including access to 10,000 searchable messages, one-to-one video calls, and 5 GB of file storage. It’s a good option for small teams or organizations just getting started with Slack.

Standard

Slack’s standard plan is designed for small to medium-sized businesses and offers more advanced features, including unlimited message archives, group video calls, and 10 GB of file storage per team member. The standard plan starts at $6.67 per user per month, billed annually.

Plus

Slack’s plus plan is geared towards larger organizations and includes additional features like SSO (Single Sign-On) integration, compliance exports, and 20 GB of file storage per team member. The plus plan starts at $12.50 per user per month, billed annually.

Enterprise Grid

Slack’s enterprise plan is designed for large organizations with complex needs, offering additional security and compliance features, dedicated customer support, and unlimited file storage. Pricing for the enterprise plan is customized based on the specific needs of each organization.

Slack’s pricing is flexible and affordable, with options to suit the needs of businesses of all sizes. Teams can start with the free plan and upgrade as their needs grow. Making it a great option for businesses looking to scale.

AttendanceBot – Time Tracking and Absence Management 

AttendanceBot is a comprehensive attendance management tool that is designed to help remote teams streamline their time tracking and attendance management processes.

Key Features of AttendanceBot for Remote Teams:

1. Easy time tracking: AttendanceBot allows remote employees to track their time easily by logging their working hours, breaks, and overtime hours. The tool also provides a real-time overview of team members’ availability and schedules.
2. Customizable work hours: AttendanceBot allows remote teams to set custom work hours and schedules, so team members can adjust their work hours based on their availability and preferences.
3. Automated attendance management: AttendanceBot automates attendance management by allowing team members to clock in and out using different channels such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Chat. The tool also automatically calculates overtime, time off, and vacation days.
4. Accurate time calculations: AttendanceBot automatically calculates team members’ working hours, overtime hours, and time off, ensuring accurate and error-free calculations.
5. PTO management: AttendanceBot allows remote teams to manage PTO (paid time off) requests, approvals, and balances. Team members can request time off through the tool, and managers can approve or reject requests in real-time.
6. Real-time reporting and analytics: AttendanceBot provides real-time reporting and analytics, enabling team leaders to track attendance, productivity, and other key metrics. The tool also generates detailed reports and insights that help managers make data-driven decisions.
7. Integration with other tools: AttendanceBot integrates with other popular tools such as Google Calendar, Office 365, and Zoom, allowing remote teams to manage their attendance and schedules seamlessly across different platforms.

Pricing

AttendanceBot offers a 14-day free trial for all plans, allowing users to test the tool before committing to a paid plan. It is free for teams with 5 users, and starts at $4/month/user.

Trello – Project Management 

Trello is a powerful project management tool that helps teams of all sizes organize and manage their work in a collaborative and visual way. It is a popular platform that uses boards, lists, and cards to help teams track progress, assign tasks, and communicate in real-time.

Trello allows teams to create custom workflows and processes that fit their unique needs. Whether they are managing software development, marketing campaigns, or personal projects. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, users can easily move cards from one list to another, assign due dates and labels, and add comments and attachments.

Key Features of Trello 

• Boards, lists, and cards: Trello’s core organizing system is based on boards, which represent projects or initiatives, and are comprised of lists and cards. Lists represent the stages of a project, while cards represent tasks or items within those stages. This structure makes it easy to visualize progress and track work.
• Customizable workflows: Trello allows teams to create their own custom workflows and processes, tailored to their specific needs. This means you can use Trello for anything from managing a software development project to planning a family vacation.
• Collaborative features: Trello is designed to facilitate collaboration and communication among team members. Users can assign tasks to team members, add comments and attachments to cards, and use @mentions to notify team members of updates or changes.
• Time management: Trello has several features that help teams manage their time more effectively, including due dates, checklists, and the ability to set reminders and alerts. This helps teams stay on track and meet deadlines.
• Integrations: Trello integrates with a wide range of other tools and services, including Slack, Google Drive, and Jira. This allows teams to easily connect Trello with their existing workflows and tools.

Trello Pricing Tiers

Free

Trello’s free plan offers basic features for individuals and small teams. This plan includes unlimited boards, cards, and lists, as well as basic integrations with other tools.

Business Class

Trello’s Business Class plan is designed for larger teams and organizations. It includes all the features of the free plan, plus advanced collaboration and administrative features such as team overviews, custom fields, and advanced checklists. The Business Class plan also includes priority support and advanced integrations.

Enterprise

Trello’s Enterprise plan is designed for large organizations with complex needs. It includes all the features of the Business Class plan, plus enterprise-level security, compliance, and administrative features such as SSO, domain verification, and enhanced permissions.

Google Drive – Cloud-Based Storage Solution

Google Drive is a cloud-based storage and collaboration platform offered by Google. It allows users to store and access files, documents, photos, and other digital content from anywhere. With Google Drive, users can easily create, share, and collaborate on files in real time.

Key Features of Google Drive

• Integration with other G-Suite software: Google Drive is seamlessly integrated with other Google tools such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, which allows users to easily create and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in real time.
• Access control: Google Drive allows users to set access control permissions, so they can choose who has access to their files and what level of access they have (view, comment, or edit).
• Offline access: Google Drive allows users to access and edit their files even when they are not connected to the internet, which is useful for those who frequently travel or work in areas with poor internet connectivity.
• Version history: Google Drive automatically saves all versions of a document, so users can easily track changes and revert to previous versions if needed.
• Mobile app: Google Drive has a mobile app that allows users to access, edit, and share their files on-the-go, from any mobile device.

Google Drive Pricing Tiers

Basic

15 GB of free storage for individuals

Google One

Starting at $1.99/month for 100 GB of storage, with options for up to 30 TB of storage.

G Suite

Starting at $6/month per user. This includes Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and other productivity apps. As well as increased storage capacity and advanced administrative controls for businesses.

If you need more storage, Google also offers a storage upgrade program to purchase extra storage on a monthly basis. Additionally, Google periodically offers promotions or discounts on its storage plans. So it’s worth checking their website or Google One app for any current deals.

Asana – Task Oriented Project Management 

Asana is a project management and collaboration tool that helps teams track and manage their work, stay organized, and communicate more efficiently. It allows users to create and assign tasks, set deadlines, and track progress, all in one central location. Asana’s intuitive design and customizable features make it a popular tool for businesses and individual users.

Features of Asana

• Task management: Asana allows users to create tasks, assign them to team members, and set due dates. Users can also add details and comments to tasks, attach files, and organize tasks into projects.
• Project management: Asana offers a range of tools to help teams manage projects, including project timelines, calendar views, and task dependencies. Users can also set project goals and milestones to track progress.
• Collaboration: Asana enables real-time collaboration, allowing team members to communicate, share files, and comment on tasks and projects. Users can also set up team conversations and notifications to stay up-to-date on project progress.
• Customizable workflows: Asana’s flexible design allows teams to customize workflows to fit their specific needs. Users can create custom fields, templates, and automation rules to streamline their work processes.
• Integration with other tools: Asana integrates with a variety of other tools and platforms, such as Slack, Google Drive, and Trello, to streamline workflows and improve productivity.

Asana Pricing Tiers 

Basic

Asana’s Basic plan is free for teams of up to 15 members. It includes basic task management features, project boards, and team conversations.

Premium

Asana’s Premium plan costs $10.99 per user per month when billed annually. It includes advanced features such as custom fields, task dependencies, and timeline views.

Business

Asana’s Business plan costs $24.99 per user per month when billed annually, or $30.49 per user per month when billed monthly. It includes additional features such as portfolio management, workload management, and custom rules.

Enterprise

Asana’s Enterprise plan is customizable and offers additional security and administrative features. Pricing is available upon request.

Asana also offers a free trial for its Premium and Business plans. Allowing users to try out the advanced features before committing to a paid plan. Additionally, Asana offers discounts for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.

ExpenseTron- Robust Expense Management 

ExpenseTron is a powerful expense management tool designed to streamline the expense reporting process for remote teams.

Features of ExpenseTron

1. Automated expense tracking: ExpenseTron automates the expense tracking process by allowing remote team members to upload receipts. The tool can also automatically categorize expenses and calculate exchange rates.
2. Real-time expense reporting: ExpenseTron provides real-time expense reporting. Allowing remote team members to monitor their expenses and check their spending limits in real-time.
3. Approval workflows: ExpenseTron allows remote team members to submit expenses for approval to managers or accounting teams. The tool also provides customizable workflows that can be tailored to specific business needs.
4. Integration with other tools: ExpenseTron integrates with popular accounting and finance tools. Such as QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks, allowing remote teams to manage their expenses seamlessly across different platforms.
5. Mobile app: ExpenseTron offers a mobile app for both Android and iOS. Enabling remote team members to upload receipts and manage their expenses on the go.
6. Multi-currency support: ExpenseTron supports multiple currencies. Making it easy for remote team members to track expenses in different currencies and convert them to their local currency.
7. Customizable expense policies: ExpenseTron allows remote teams to set customizable expense policies and rules. Ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations.

Salesforce – Comprehensive CRM 

Salesforce is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform that helps businesses manage customer interactions and streamline their sales, marketing, and customer service processes. It is one of the most popular and widely used CRM software on the market.

Features of Salesforce

• Sales automation: Salesforce offers tools for lead management, opportunity tracking, sales forecasting, and collaboration, helping sales teams streamline their processes and close deals faster.
• Marketing automation: Salesforce helps businesses manage their marketing campaigns across multiple channels, including email, social media, and digital advertising. The platform also includes tools for creating personalized marketing content, managing leads, and tracking campaign performance.
• Customer service: Salesforce offers tools for managing customer inquiries, complaints, and support cases, helping businesses provide better customer service and improve customer satisfaction.
• Analytics: Salesforce provides businesses with insights and analytics to help them make data-driven decisions, track performance, and identify opportunities for growth. The platform includes customizable dashboards, reports, and forecasting tools.
• Mobile app: Salesforce offers a mobile app that allows users to access their CRM data and manage their sales and customer service processes from anywhere.
• Customization: Salesforce is highly customizable and can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a business. Users can create custom fields, workflows, and reports, and integrate the platform with other third-party tools.
• Integration: Salesforce integrates with a variety of other business tools, such as email clients, marketing automation tools, and project management software, making it easy for businesses to manage all of their operations in one platform.

Salesforce Pricing Tiers

Essentials

The Essentials plan is the most basic and affordable plan, designed for small businesses with up to 10 users. It includes basic sales and customer service features. The price starts at $25 per user per month.

Professional

The Professional plan is designed for growing businesses with more advanced sales and customer service needs. It includes features such as forecasting, advanced reporting, and lead scoring, as well as integrations with other business tools. The price starts at $75 per user per month.

Enterprise

The Enterprise plan is designed for larger businesses with more complex sales and customer service needs. It includes features such as workflow automation, advanced analytics, and multi-currency support, as well as custom development and support. The price starts at $150 per user per month.

Unlimited

The Unlimited Plan includes all the features of the Enterprise plan, as well as unlimited custom objects, API calls, and storage. The price is custom and based on the specific needs of the business.

Conclusion

As more businesses shift towards remote work, it’s important to have the right tools and software to enable efficient collaboration. We’ve explored seven of the best remote work software tools available in 2023. 

Each of these tools offers unique features and benefits that can help teams work together effectively. By utilizing these tools, remote teams can stay connected, organized, and productive, no matter where they are located.

The post 7 Best Remote Work Software Tools in 2023 appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to 11 Slack games that you can use to engage your remote employees.

The Emoji Screening

The Emoji Screening is a simple game that challenges players to decode a TV show/movie described only in emojis. To play this game, simply create a #channel called “The Emoji Screening” where the quiz master drops the emoji puzzle and the first team/person to get the answer right wins. 

The quizmaster can use the Slack app Emojify to create the puzzles. 

An interesting example is:   = Pixar’s Up

Go forth and get those emojis decoded! 

Gif on Gif on Gif 

I don’t know about you but I know that there is an Office GIF to match any situation in my life. 

This game is sure to engage all the talented GIF-ers in your team. It’s quite similar to the engaging Cards Against Humanity. 

To play: 

• Simply install the Giphy app in Slack
• Create a designated channel for the game
• The quizmaster will post prompts 
• Participants have to respond to the thread with relevant GIFs 
• Once everyone has thrown their hat in the right, everyone votes on which GIF is the funniest 
• After all the votes are cast, the GIF with the most votes wins
• Some interesting prompts can be: 
  • Mondays got me like ______ 
  • ________ really gets me going 
  • The year is 2050. The President is _______
  • My lunch plan is ______
  • What never fails to liven up a boring workday? 

Guess Who? 

The traditional way is to stick a card to your head and ask questions to your partner to guess who the person is. In this Slack variation, we take it a step further and make it a bit harder. 

• Create a designated Slack channel for the game
• The quizmaster changes with each question and the person starting the game uses the Word Generator. Set the game to “Individuals” and choose any Category. Generate a New Word for Guess Who. 
• If you aren’t sure about who the person is, pull up the Wikipedia page and get ready. 
• Every participant is allowed to ask 2 questions, the person who first guesses the person you picked wins.
• If you are just too lazy to go down the Word Generator route, just pick any random celebrity, historical figure, or celluloid character. But be honest and stick to one! 

Remote Scavenger Hunt 

A game with a simple but extremely interesting premise. The game master creates a list of 10 items found in most homes. After creating a designated Slack channel for the game, they need to add the items one at a time as separate threads. 

The person who takes a picture of the item first and sends it to the thread wins a point. The person who wins the most points wins the game. 

You Should Know This- Trivia Game 

Not everyone is good at trivia games. Who knows what was Albus Dumbledore’s full name? Trivia questions can be random and often hard to answer if you don’t know the context. 

What if we created a trivia game that your department or organization should know the answers to? 

You can keep the questions department/function specific or questions related to the industry your business functions in. It depends on who is available to play on Slack. 

For instance, if you were to play this within the marketing team of a B2B business. Questions like: 

• A rel=canonical tag can be used to point search engines to a particular page when tackling these issues.
• True or false: Including search intent in reporting is helpful in understanding users’ behavior and thought processes.
• What does the directive “disallow” mean?
• True or false: Minifying your CSS, HTML, and JavaScript files can increase your load time.

This game is a great way to get excited about upskilling opportunities and the winner/loser of the game should probably get a free upskilling class of their choice. 

Two Truths and a Lie: Management Edition 

Managers have to share three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one is a lie. Other employees have to guess which statement is a lie. 

It is a great way to break the ice between regular employees and upper management. 

Rock-Paper-Scissors (or even better, Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock) 

Remember the hours we spent playing rock-paper-scissors as kids? Your remote team can play a few rounds of that on Slack too! 

Once you install the Rock-Paper-Scissors app on your team, launch it with the slash command “/rps @mention” to play with an opponent of your choice. If you don’t want to play a public channel, you can also play in direct message by just texting “/rps” to your work bestie. 

And if you’re a Big Bang Theory fan who just loves everything Sheldon came up with, you’ll be happy to know that there is an extension to this game! 

Type “/rpsls” to play rock-paper-scissors-lizard-Spock, instead of just the boring rock-paper-scissors. 

Tick Tack Toe

An old school classic that never gets boring. Install the Slack bot for tick-tac-toe to play a game on Slack. 

Just type “/ttt @mention” on any public channel to challenge a co-worker to a fun game. You can also direct message a simple “/ttt” to start a game in private. 

The game is not time-bound so either run a quick 5 minute game in rapid succession or play asynchronously with your remote team located anywhere in the world. 

Polly

If you’re company is in the serious business of employee engagement, why limit yourselves to piecemeal apps? Polly is a suite of of social team-building games designed for Slack. 

So what are some games you can play with Polly? 

• Trivia: Get your entire team to compete over trivia questions with a single theme of the quizmaster’s choice. 
• Hot Takes: This feature lets you run a random Hot Take poll, that is fun but not controversial. Let your hair down with a quick debate to get the blood flowing. 
• Surveys: Get feedback from your remote team using Pulse Surveys to see how they’re doing and ask for their opinions on important matters, in real-time.

Codenames 

We saved the best for last. 

Play the game you love natively in Slack, whether it takes minutes or days to complete a game, it’s right there waiting for you in the platform you’re already using! 

To start playing, simply type “/codenames” and invite your teammates to join their respective teams. Veteran players can jump right in and enjoy their favourite gameplay format, while newcomers can visit the Codenames website for step-by-step instructions and more.

Looking to spice things up? Try out the growing list of alternative game themes such as “/codenames harry potter” and “/codenames game of thrones” to take your gaming experience to the next level. Get ready to have fun and bond with your coworkers like never before!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Slack games are a fun and engaging way to foster teamwork, improve communication, and boost morale in the workplace. Whether it’s playing virtual charades, hosting a trivia night, or even just sharing memes, Slack games offer a break from the daily grind of work and provide an opportunity for coworkers to connect on a more personal level.

But it’s important to remember that not everyone may be comfortable participating in Slack games, so it’s important to create a culture of inclusivity and respect in the workplace. Additionally, it’s important to not let Slack games become a distraction from actual work tasks.

The post 11 Slack Games to Engage Remote Employees appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

Collaboration within your company allows you to be more transparent, giving employees their due credit. Teams that have embraced collaboration within their culture have seen increases in worker morale and happiness, decreased employee turnover, improved execution of ideas, and even increased revenue.

Companies like MailChimp have an open collaboration culture where employees develop side projects. By being flexible and encouraging employees to work with each other, MailChimp has made its employees self-driven and be more accountable for their product’s success.

While we are seeing more teams embrace this culture, many companies still struggle to prioritize team collaboration. And the negative impacts of this are obvious.

According to Salesforce, 86% of employees and executives cite a lack of collaboration or ineffective communication for workplace failures.

If you don’t already encourage a culture of collaboration within your company, it’s time you did. To help you foster a collaborative environment, we’ve listed down 12 team collaboration tools for a workspace with a growth mindset.

Top 12 Team Collaboration Tools in 2023 For a Productive Team

1. Slack – Work communication

If you haven’t heard of Slack, you’re either a one-man-army or living under a rock. Traditionally, teams use a messaging platform for conversations, while file sharing is done on their email platform. Switching between two or three apps gets tedious, and this is where Slack excels.

With Slack every work-related conversation is managed in one space, which is why businesses of every size trust Slack to collaborate effectively. Slack lets you create specific channels that you can use for communication tied to projects, sprints, teams, or departments. The highly-customizable tool also integrates with most top applications.

Want to find a file your co-worker shared a few months back? Slack lets you search for messages and files by keywords. Slack is your one-stop solution for work communication. Foster team collaboration through utilizing this smart tool.

2. Trello – Project management

Managing a large project with a team of 4 or more members is no small feat. Project management is a skill, and a project management tool like Trello makes project planning, tracking, and collaboration seamless. With its kanban style dashboard, Trello lets project managers plan different moving pieces of a project, assign these smaller tasks, monitor their progress, and set deadlines.

If you’re looking to hone your project management skills while increasing team collaboration, Trello is a top-rated tool for project collaboration. Team members can view their current and upcoming tasks, as well as remain up-to-date on what their peers are working on. Start conversations within the task card on Trello and mark its status to ensure everyone on the project is aware of the work.

3. Loom – Screen recording

Employees often stumble on new work processes or software that can help their team work better. Encourage them to share these new ideas company-wide by suggesting screen recording apps.

Loom is a great screen recording app for employees to give tutorials and demos of tactics and apps they want to talk about. The app takes the boring documentation out of introducing a new strategy at work. Just capture what you’re doing, switching cameras when necessary, and share the video. The app also integrates with Slack, making team sharing even easier.

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Developers can explain how to review code, sales teams can document the process of closing deals, design teams can collaborate and showcase their work, customer support can create product demos for users, and management can introduce new ideas to the team.

4. Typeform – Data collection

When there are multiple hands on one project, you need a systematic process to manage different ideas and opinions. For instance, if you have a project you are developing, the 5 people on the team will have 5 to 10 different kinds of sub-ideas for the project.

Your best bet is to have a well-oiled data collection system that can gather all the different ideas to be reviewed together. Data collection isn’t just important in project management for direct team collaboration. HRs can use data collection tools for more informal collaboration projects, like employee feedback, Secret Santa, or team activity planning.

Typeform is a minimal and straightforward data collection tool, quick to set up for the moderator and easy for team members to input data. Data is an important part of team collaboration and Typeform shows that it doesn’t have to be complicated. The use cases for Typeform go beyond project management and HR planning – it can even be used by the sales team to record their work progress on a monthly basis.

5. Notion – Team notes

Most of us store our notes in multiple places— Evernote, OneNote, a self-made group on WhatsApp, the default notes app on our phones. But the tricky part is sharing these notes with co-workers. You can’t send it on your work communication tool; the text is just too big.

Notion is your all-in-one solution for this. Whether you have a small text you want to remember later or document your marketing strategy, Notion lets you do all this and more.

Set up workspaces on Notion for department-wide documents, create private drafts for any notes you want to keep to yourself, and star important documents for later reference.

Notion also lets you keep the planning out of your Google Drive. Use this smart software to create team wikis and plan projects. This is one new team collaboration tool you need to adopt within your workplace.

6. OfficeAmp – FAQ library for the office

Imagine going over the same questions about your office or your file management system with every new hire. This isn’t a scalable solution as your business grows. To foster team collaboration within your workplace you need to remove dependencies so employees can ask the more important questions. This starts with an internal helpdesk that employees can refer to quickly.

OfficeAmp lets you create an FAQ library that you can build. Store password details, app preferences, number of leave days available, stationery questions, etc. This helpdesk can be effectively used when onboarding new hires so they don’t have to reach out to you for smaller details.

What’s more, this smart app lives in Slack, which means employees don’t have to visit third-party browsers to get answers. For any questions or issues that aren’t resolved, OfficeAmp lets employees raise a ticket that you can assign to respective managers and monitor easily.

7. Zoom – Video conferences

Do you have trouble finding the right video conferencing tool? We’ve been there. If the video conference app doesn’t have sound issues or video clarity, it has mandatory download requirements or doesn’t support mobile. A bad video conferencing tool hinders efficient team collaboration.

Host smooth video conferences with Zoom, an app built to solve your usual problems with virtual meetings. Besides useful features like screen sharing and high-quality video, Zoom also allows you to plug into the conversation with your web browser, its app, or even on mobile. You can also use Zoom to host webinars and tutorials. This team collaboration tool is especially helpful to remote working teams.

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8. Asana – Sprint planning

While Asana is similar to Trello, each has unique upsides. If you’re looking for a team collaboration tool that helps you set up sprints within your company, we’d recommend Asana.

Asana allows you to set up deadlines, tag tasks, and view the sprint items with ease. You can choose to set up your sprint within a board or as a list.

Planning sprints gets easier as you have the option of duplicating the properties, and with Asana’s Workload page you can monitor productivity trends in real-time, helping employees manage their workload more effectively.

9. Figma – Design and Prototyping

One problem that many design teams have with traditional design software is the lack of prototyping. This is especially important if you’re designing your product feature or giving your website a new look.

You should be able to prototype your designs to allow your team to provide valuable feedback. If your design team is looking for a collaboration-friendly design tool, Figma is the answer.

Figma allows you to prototype your designs to give better context and stakeholders can easily comment on different parts of the design, making it easy for designers to make changes. The software makes real-time team collaboration easier, avoiding dependencies. Figma is also great for developers since the software makes it easy to pull design dimensions, styles, and images.

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10. Dashlane – Password management

Password management is time-consuming. Teams often have too many shared accounts and manually setting up a unique, secure password for each of these accounts is not efficient. Unfortunately, relying on your web browsers is usually a poor solution since they have lax security.

Password management tools like Dashlane are a team’s best friend. This software generates highly secure passwords for different accounts you have online and stores them. You can create groups within Dashlane and choose to share passwords with individuals or with groups, based on your needs and requirements.

11. AttendanceBot

And now one of the most important tools to work more efficiently as a team – AttendanceBot. This multipurpose tool helps employees track time for timesheets, manage, approve, and communicate leave and absence, and schedule shifts or wfo and wfh days accordingly. And every functionality happens inside your existing team collaboration platform – Slack or Microsoft Teams.

With simple messages, AttendanceBot automates request routing, notifications, and announcements so the right people get the right info at the right time. It simplifies everything from lengthy approval processes and transparent time off, to timesheet generation and avoidin endless excel sheet tracking. You can focus on what matters the most in 2023 – better coordination, more collaboration, and great work!

PS Project tracking is an absolute must if you’re trying to keep your team on track with weekly sprints.

12. Xtensio

Xtensio is a strategy and communications platform where anyone can easily create, manage, share, and present professional business collateral. Teams collaborate on documents, presentations, proposals, reports, sales sheets, and other strategic exercises in real-time. Start with a template or create your own.

The editor works like a web builder so it’s easy to add images, videos, tables, and other interactive modules. Drag and drop, resize, change backgrounds, and specify colors and fonts to match your brand.

The best part is that the deliverables created on Xtensio are living documents (folios). Share the public link with colleagues and clients so everyone is always up-to-date, without the email attachments. Present a digital slideshow or export a PDF/PNG. All your work is organized on a private, branded team dashboard so you can keep the work flowing from anywhere.

That’s the top 12! We hope these team collaboration tools help facilitate ownership and encourage collaboration whether you’re remote, hybrid, or in the office. Help that growth mindset flourish.

Think there should be another tool on this list? Drop us a message or a comment below and we’ll make sure to check it out!

The post Team Collaboration Tools For 2023 appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

With that in mind, it’s time to let you in on a little secret. You have already inspired a few of our best feature iterations and we want to take this time to walk you through our latest.

Custom Leave & Hybrid Status Emojis

Yes, we heard a whole lot about how daily leave and work updates weren’t always enough for employees to keep track of who’s on leave and who’s working from home. 

That’s why we’ve made our leave and office status integration seamless with Slack. Now when an employee applies for any leave type or a WFH, their Slack status is automatically updated for those days with an emoji of your choice. 

The process is simple: 

• Go to Settings > Basic Settings > Available Leave Types 
• Click the Pencil Icon to edit the Leave Type 
• From there, it’s a simple matter of typing in your emoji, here is a simple cheat sheet that can help
  
  

Just to get you started, we include defaults: 

• :sneezing_face: for Sick Leaves 
• :palm_tree: for Vacations 
• :working-in-office: for Working from the Office

Now every time an employee looks up another to drop a message, they’ll be able to hover on their status to see where they are. 

Custom Birthday and Workaversary Announcements

With a rapidly changing workscape, it makes sense to celebrate even small wins, including employee workaversaries and birthdays. 

In its previous form, AttendanceBot allowed HR to queue celebratory messages that were formatted by us at HQ. But now, AttendanceBot allows you to create custom birthday and workaversary announcements to make your company communications consistent with your culture. 

Once again, the process is straightforward: 

• Go to Notifications 
• Click the pencil icon to edit any Birthday/Workaversary announcement
• Scroll down to Point 5, where you can add custom text in addition to our regularly scheduled Birthday/Workaversary announcement

Enhanced Slack-native Project Management 

As a SaaS business, project management has always been one of our passion projects. But now we’ve really got the time to stretch our legs and take a leap to make our Slack-native project tracking more robust. 

What have we changed? 

Mapping Projects to Clients

We know that a lot of our customers use project management for billable hours and projects that may need to be mapped to clients. Keeping this in mind, we’ve added more project-level settings to allow admins to map projects to specific clients and employees. 

We believe that doing so gives customers better summaries and employees a more streamlined project selection process. After all, having a powerful project management tool isn’t enough – it’s got to be easy to use. 

Introduction of Nested Projects 

We understand that sub-projects allow you to capture task-level work and map out entire project-scapes with ease. With the introduction of nested projects, we aim to solve the issue of too many small projects. 

Admins will be able to create and assign sub-projects within the Sub-Projects section of Project Settings. Employees can then track time against each sub-project that will be mapped to the larger project, and optionally the client. 

Self-Selection of Open Projects 

We’ve added a self-assign setting to projects, allowing employees to assign themselves the project and/or sub-projects. Using this setting employees can use AttendanceBot as a personal time management tool and create their own workstreams to measure productivity. You can also give employees more flexibility to choose their own projects per pre-defined conditions. 

Ramped up Project Reports 

We’ve always had a robust analytics dashboard for project management where you can view project and employee-wise breakdowns. But now, in addition to all of that, we also allow you to access dedicated project report downloads that include totals for wages & client billables.

More Slack Options for Shift Management

Shift management is something that businesses continue dedicating mountains of manhours to optimize. Although we’re proud of our solution, we see no reason to stop improving. In the past few months, we’ve introduced: 

• Robust alert options for any and all shift activity so you’re never blindsided. For instance, we can send channel notifications every time someone picks up a specific type of shift when overtime is assigned, or any time a shift is self-assigned or re-assigned. 
• Are you scared your open shifts won’t be picked up and you’ll be left scrambling to find a fill? You’re not the only one. After a lot of feedback, we’re introducing shifts that can be opened for a single day. So your employees can sign up for a single open shift on Slack.
• Add comments to shifts to provide special instructions for employees or additional insight into reporting.
• Sort your daily or weekly shifts by start time for quick browsing.
• Missed shift report. Time is money and people turning up late or leaving early can be a slow drain on resources. With that in mind, we now offer dedicated reporting for missed shifts, late shifts, and early sign-offs.

Beta Version of our new Harmonize software 

Nothing is more exciting than something exclusive. Our beta version of Harmonize is now available on request. If you’re interested in replacing the magic of AttendanceBot chat with one-click buttons in Slack, reach out to us at hi@harmonizehq.com to test it out for yourself and experience the magic. 

Reach out to us at hi@harmonizehq.com if you have any suggestions or if you just think Dwight is right.

The post What’s New in AttendanceBot? The Mid 2022 Edition appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

Slack was pitched as ‘the email killer’ in its early days, and the pandemic further pushed its usage among companies of all sizes. While it has not been able to completely replace email, it has established clear space for itself in the industry.

Slack is best known for reducing the load of emails in the inbox and ensuring structured communication within the team. It is beneficial if your team is distributed across locations and needs to collaborate regularly on projects and activities. However, it can quickly become a productivity killer if not used effectively.

Even as a hybrid work environment matures in various organizations, more employees would likely use Slack to manage communication in distributed teams.

In such a scenario, it is crucial to take note of Slack best practices that can help you make the most of this fantastic tool.  

Dos of Slack Etiquette

1. Build threads

 It is a Slack etiquette guideline that you should create threads in chats.

Threads are great for keeping your team on track, allowing you to focus on one topic at a time so that nothing gets lost in the shuffle, and keeping everyone’s attention focused on what’s important.

In addition, threads allow you to keep your chat organized and help you get a sense of context when reading through them later on.

2. Be mindful of time zones.

As a Slack etiquette guideline, it’s important to keep in mind the time zones of your team when scheduling events and tasks.

You don’t want to schedule an event during prime working hours for one person on your team if it’s going to be super late at night for someone else. And you also don’t want to set up a recurring event that occurs at the end of everyone’s day so that they have to stay late just to make sure they don’t miss the meeting.

To avoid this, you can add the time zone information to your profile. This will help your colleagues see the time zone you are living in and contact you accordingly.

3. Build communication topics into channels

Each organization has some set channels and topics on which most of the communication occurs. It can be marketing, sales, automation, administration, or generic issues. It is better to create communication topics into channels and add relevant people to respective channels, so an employee only receives information that is useful to them. This helps segregate conversations into topics and keeps each team member aware of the progress in the channels pertinent to their work. It is better than a single channel to discuss multiple issues, where the team loses track of the progress made across topics.

4. Add appropriate channel names and descriptions

It is helpful to add appropriate channel names and descriptions so that the team members continue to have a strong hold over why a particular channel was created. The description can be used for various purposes based on the end objective of the organisation. A good way would be to mention the rules that apply to a particular channel. By giving proper channel names and descriptions, you can handle any confusion that may arise because of a lack of information. 

5. Pin important messages

Even after you have added a description and named the channel appropriately as Slack best practices, it is helpful to pin particular messages in the channel. As the team members may move in and out of the organisation, keep the key messages pinned at the top to give new members complete clarity. At the same time, these pinned messages help a lot in keeping the existing team members aware of the communication that has taken place in the channel. This is especially valid for distributed teams spread across various parts of the world.

6. Use the @ sign appropriately.

Using the @ sign can attract the attention of specific individuals towards a message but it is important that it is used appropriately. There are four ways in which you can use the @ sign in Slack: 

– @channel to notify every user on the channel and this should be used sparingly

– @mention to notify a specific individual within the channel about the message; possibly because they need to handle it.

– @everyone notifies every person in the #general channel.

– @here notifies only the active members of a channel.

If the @ sign is used very frequently and without much thought about the right usage, even the relevant messages lose their value. To ensure that this does not happen in your organisation, do give a thought to which message should have a @channel, @here, @mention, and @everyone sign. Furthermore, you should check if the message requires the symbol at all. This is more important for distributed teams, where most communication takes place on Slack.

7. Encourage the use of the DND Feature

One of the best features of Slack is one of the most underused in many organisations. It is the DND feature. One of the many Slack best practices is to use the DND feature when you are not available. It could be a vacation, a family emergency, or a health issue, or you could just not be reachable for a while. By putting the DND option on time, you would be able to communicate your status to other team members, and they would take that into account before deciding to press that send button. Also, Slack gives an option to override this and notify you immediately if it is something urgent. 

8. Write to be understood 

It is better to write direct messages that are able to explain the context, the issue at hand, and the possible solutions. As Slack is used for asynchronous communication in distributed teams, it is better to use bullet points, emojis, and numbers for effective communication. As messages may be read in different time zones, any confusion in delivering your point can lead to confusion and end up wasting your personal time or your colleague’s in clarifying the position. 

9. Do communicate how your business uses Slack

It is important to set the right expectations for employees on how you use Slack in your organization. For instance, an employee may feel lost seeing GIFs and emojis being shared on Slack if they are coming from an organization that uses Slack in a more formal way. As a result, it is important to communicate with your employees about how you expect them to use Slack. This will especially help the new members joining your team. 

10. Use emojis to respond to Slack messages

Emojis can be a great way to respond to messages on Slack. You can use instead of thanks and for showing that you have seen the message. By using one-click emoji reactions, you are able to use Slack more conveniently. At the same time, it reduces the unnecessary Slacks and notifications.

Don’ts of Slack Etiquette

Learning about Slack best practices is not enough. You should steer clear of these mistakes; the list of seven don’ts of Slack etiquette is as follows:

1. Send complete messages

Another bad slack etiquette is to overuse the Slack direct message without much thought. Every Slack direct message leaves a notification on the mobile and desktop of the user. In such a scenario, using multiple direct messages to leave customary messages such as hi, good morning, or goodbye can be distracting for the productivity of any user. A good practice here is to include your key message in a single message and keep it easy to scan. The customary messages may be good etiquette when you meet each other, but not over Slack. Another good practice is to not overuse direct messages. 

2. Send unformatted messages

Slack is good in what it is known for—internal communication. But to communicate effectively, it is important that team members are able to go through the messages in the least amount of time. To achieve that, team members should not send unformatted messages. It is a good practice to use bullet points, numbers, and emojis to send properly formatted messages. This makes it easy to read and respond to individuals. By sending unformatted messages or sending large chunks of text, the team will end up wasting time from the working schedule understanding the messages being sent. 

3. Add people randomly to channels

Another bad Slack etiquette that you should avoid is adding people randomly to channels. This is especially damaging for distributed teams. Without any background and notice, your act of adding a few team members to a Slack channel will not only confuse them but will also not give them any clarity on what is expected from them. Have they been added because of a particular project that is coming up or to stay in touch with ongoing activity? These questions must be answered before people are added to channels.

4. Send regular messages after work hours

When handling distributed teams across various locations, you should avoid sending regular messages after work hours. The main words here are ‘work hours’, i.e., the work hours of the employees you are contacting on Slack. With distributed teams, you should be mindful of the fact that various people are working in different locations across various time zones. As a result, your distributed team must not have regular work messages after work hours. 

This would be good Slack etiquette to maintain a high-performing team with a strong work-life balance. You can use the schedule send option to schedule the messages at the right time as per their time zone.

5. Expect an instant response

Slack is one of the best tools for internal communication. However, you should remember that and not expect an instant response every time. Slack helps you collaborate better, but in a distributed team, each member may have a set of responsibilities, and the constant Slack messages can act as a distraction. On top of that, constant reminders and follow-up messages can prove to be a deterrent to productivity and collaboration. Good Slack etiquette would be to give enough space and time to your team members to come back to you.

6. Ignore availability status

Another practice that you should avoid is to ignore the availability status of your distributed team members. If the team members are using status messages to convey their current state, it is advisable to follow that and communicate with them accordingly. A colleague could be on vacation, in a meeting, out sick, or could have updated a custom status. It is a good practice to check the colleague’s status before pressing the send button. This is especially critical for a distributed team where Slack is the primary channel of communication, and you may not be aware of their current status.

7. Use channels for direct messages

Another no-no in Slack best practices is to use channels for direct messages. There is an option to create a channel for a particular topic, and it should be used in the same way. It is a bad idea to send direct messages to people on a channel. As your message would be read by all members in the channel for whom the message may not be relevant. On the other hand, it is also a bad idea to send a direct message to people for any information that is better sent as a single message on the channel. This way, you will not have to send the same message to several people. 

To sum up

These are some of the dos and don’ts of Slack etiquette that can help you utilize this powerful tool for seamless communication within your distributed team. You can also develop a Slack etiquette guide for your distributed team that can set the foundation for all communication that happens on Slack in your team. Also, it can act as a foundation for all the new team members that join you with time and helps in setting the right context for effectively using Slack. 

This Slack etiquette guide can detail what to do and what not to do on Slack when communicating with colleagues and detail other best practices such as updating your status, updating a profile picture, contact window, etc.

The set of dos and don’ts mentioned can help you structure your communication strategy on Slack. The main factor in the strategy should be to use it as a tool for effective internal collaboration and communication. In other words, Slack should be used for what it is and not for what it is not. 

The post Slack Etiquette Guide for Distributed Teams appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

If you’re wondering how to share google doc on slack simply do the following:

1. From any conversation, click the plus icon next to the message field.
2. Search for and select Add from Google Drive.
3. Choose a file, then click Select to share it.

7 Things You Can Do by Integrating Google Drive With Slack

Let’s take a look at all the things you can do through the Slack Googe Drive integration:

Create new Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets files

It’s important to have all your files in one place in order to stay organized, especially when working on a team. Google Drive is a great way to organize your files. The Slack-Google drive integration solves that problem by allowing you to create new documents within Slack. With this integration, you can easily create a new doc, slides, and sheet files.

To create a new doc simply /doc and a new window will appear like this:

Preview Google Drive files right in Slack

The Google Drive Slack Integration lets you preview your files right in Slack. So whether you want to discuss a sales proposal, share a strategy document, or review an upcoming customer presentation, all of that happens right within your Slack conversations.

From there, anyone on your team will be able to download them directly from their computer or mobile device—perfect for when you need to get work done fast!

Get Updates in Slack 

If you’re a Slack user, you know how great it is to get updates in real-time. You can keep track of your team’s progress, see what others are working on and adding to it, and get notifications when someone needs something from you.

But did you know that with the Google Drive Slack integration, you can get updates in Slack on changes in Drive? That means you’ll get notified right away when:

• Comments are added to your files
• People request access to your files
• New files are shared with you

Reply directly to Comment Notifications from within Slack and have them Posted to the File

 Slack integration is the best thing to happen to Google Drive.

We’ve all been there. You’re working on a project and you get an email notification in Gmail, so you open up your browser, check it out, and then go back to your project… but then another one comes in while you’re working! And another!

Well, with Slack integration, you can reply directly to comment notifications from within Slack and have them posted directly to the file. It’s easy, it’s fast, and it makes all the difference in your workflow.

View, Edit, and Share Comments in Real-time

Slack is a great tool for collaboration, and Google Drive is a great tool for making sure that your documents are easy to use and accessible. What happens when you put the two together? You get the ability to view, edit and share comments in real-time. Let’s go into detail on each feature:

• Real-time comment editing: Now you can make any changes to your document right there on Slack! This will save so much time since you won’t have to constantly switch between apps just so that you can make an update or fix an error.
• Real-time comment viewing: With this feature enabled, anyone who has access can open up the file in their browser from anywhere at any time without having their own copy of it locally stored on their computer or device. This means no more dealing with slow uploads or waiting for someone else to send over changes because now everyone gets instant access regardless of location. Once again this makes things much easier than before because now everyone knows exactly what needs changing without having had any prior knowledge about it beforehand.

Find Files Faster with Built-in Search

 Searching for files in Slack just got a whole lot easier.

When you share a Google Drive file in Slack, the title and content of that file are indexed and stored on the Slack servers. This means when you search for something in the future, Slack will locate results based on both titles and content. Plus, their revamped search option makes it even easier to limit results when you click over to the Files tab and choose the Google Drive file type.

Access Google Drive features from any Device 

You can access Google Drive features from any device – tablet, mobile, or desktop – by using the same Google Drive account on all devices. You’ll also be able to use the same Google Drive folder structure on all devices, meaning that you won’t have to worry about organizing your files in different places depending on the device you’re using.

Another benefit of using a single account is that you will be able to use the same files across all devices as well. This means that once they’re uploaded into your cloud storage (which is accessible from anywhere), they’ll always be available on whichever device you’re working with!

Not only will this help keep things organized but it will also make it easier for coworkers who need access to certain documents and spreadsheets at-a-glance whether it’s via Slack or other collaboration tools.

In sum, integrating Google Drive with Slack makes it easier to work together. You can share files, add comments, and find files faster. You can add reminders for yourself and your teammates. You can view all the activities in a file at once. And you can access Google Drive features from any device—no matter where you are or what time it is!

The Takeaway

So there you have it, Slack and Google Drive integration in a nutshell—and with that, we’re ready, to sum up how your team can use them together. As you’ve seen from the examples above, there are many different ways to harness the power of these two tools when they work hand in hand. 

Now that you know what they can each do for you, all that’s left is deciding which features are most important on any given day! Always remember that even though Slack has many different functions within its own ecosystem (like Google Drive), sometimes it’s good to think outside the box too by using third-party apps like this one. So where will your imagination lead you?

The post 7 Things You Can Do by Integrating Google Drive With Slack appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

Salesforce has become the go-to customer relationship management software for many companies, and now it’s looking to tighten the integration between its platform and Slack.

The company announced a new set of developer tools that will allow companies to build bots that can be integrated into their Salesforce accounts. It’s all part of Salesforce’s efforts to make its platform more appealing to businesses as they look to automate their processes and integrate with other services.

Salesforce wants developers to use its platform because it gives them access to customers’ data in real-time — something that other platforms don’t offer. By integrating with Slack through these new tools, developers can create apps that tap into this data instead of relying on manual processes or requesting reports from sales reps after a sale is made.

Slack and Salesforce have announced a set of developer products and integrations that are said to make it easier to develop functionality and processes between them. The products are designed to allow developers to more easily move data and information between Slack and Salesforce, as well as create applications that work with both platforms. 

‘We’ve learned over the past year that the workplace isn’t snapping back to the way it was,’ said Bret Taylor, President and Chief Operating Officer of Salesforce. ‘Together, Slack and Salesforce Customer 360 will give every company in the world a single source of truth for their business and a single platform for connecting employees, customers, and partners with each other and the apps they use every day.’

This means the Slack-first Customer 360 will give businesses the ability to connect employees, customers, and partners with each other and the apps they use every day, all within their existing workflows. This is a huge win for companies that want to connect employees, customers, and partners with each other and the apps they use every day. 

What Does the Salesforce-Slack Integration Promise?

Salesforce and Slack are teaming up to create the digital HQ for success from anywhere. The combined companies will connect people, apps, and data in ways that drive frictionless workflows across Salesforce, all within a single interface centered around people working together from anywhere. 

This is a game-changer for productivity – no more flipping between apps or searching for information buried in emails. Everything you need will be right at your fingertips, giving you more time to focus on what you’re good at: selling! So get ready to say goodbye to the office and hello to success from anywhere.

How Does The Decision Benefit Us?

For Developers 

The first of these products is the Slack for Salesforce Connector, which allows developers to connect their Salesforce accounts to Slack. This will allow developers to receive notifications in Slack about events that happen in Salesforce, such as new leads or sales. In addition, the connector will also allow developers to access Salesforce data from within Slack, making it possible to get information about customers or sales without leaving the chat application. 

Developers rejoice! The new Salesforce Flow in Slack toolkit lets you build automation using Salesforce data and actions, all within the chat interface we’ve come to know and love. The possibilities are endless – imagine being able to create a new record in Salesforce without ever leaving Slack. Whatever you can dream up, the Salesforce Flow in Slack toolkit will likely make it possible. 

The Salesforce-Slack Integration Toolkit will make it easier for developers to build integrations between Slack and Salesforce. This includes a command-line interface (CLI) tool that will allow developers to easily create and deploy integration code and a set of pre-built integrations that can be used out-of-the-box. 

Salesforce and Slack are teaming up to help developers build amazing Slack apps that leverage Salesforce data and automation. The new Salesforce Platform for Slack will make it easier than ever for developers to create apps that integrate with Salesforce, making it a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes. 

For Businesses

The recent acquisition of Slack by Salesforce is a landmark event in the history of the tech industry. By bringing together two of the most popular collaboration platforms, businesses will now be able to reap the benefits of both tools in a single integrated package. 

For businesses that rely heavily on collaboration, the acquisition is a dream come true. With Slack and Salesforce working together, businesses will be able to improve communication and productivity while also reducing costs. The potential for business growth is immense, and the acquisition is sure to benefit both companies involved.

Improved Communication and Collaboration 

With this new platform, businesses will be able to take advantage of the power of Slack to improve communication and collaboration, while also being able to use Salesforce data to drive business decisions. This is a win-win for businesses and developers alike, and we can’t wait to see what amazing things people build with it.

The two companies have been working together for some time now, with Slack being one of the first applications to be built on the Salesforce Platform. The new set of developer products and integrations are said to make it easier to develop functionality and processes between them. 

This will include a new set of APIs that will allow developers to easily connect Slack with Salesforce data, as well as new tools that will help developers build apps that work across both platforms. 

What is Does the Future Hold for Salesforce+Slack? 

Finally, at first glance, Salesforce’s new Platform for Slack might not seem like such a big deal. After all, the two companies have been partners for years, and there are already a number of Salesforce products that integrate with Slack. However, this new platform represents a significant shift in how Salesforce views its relationship with Slack. 

Up until now, Slack has been seen as an independent product that just happens to play nice with Salesforce products. But with the launch of the Platform for Slack, Salesforce is starting to position Slack as an essential part of its product ecosystem. In doing so, Salesforce is hoping to make it easier for customers to use its products together and, more importantly, convince them to buy more products from Salesforce. 

Of course, whether or not this plan will succeed remains to be seen. With Teams, GChat, and other rivals nipping at Slack’s heels, it’s clear that Salesforce will need to do more than just integrate its products if it wants to keep Slack relevant.

The post Salesforce+ Slack. The Best of Both Worlds, Together At Last appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

Slack’s screen sharing feature is a great way to collaborate with others on projects or simply show someone what you’re working on. Here’s how to use it:

How to Share Screen on Slack?

Open the Slack app or open your Slack workspace in your browser. In a direct message, select the Call button in the right-hand panel to begin a call.   

A pop-up window will appear with a few options for sharing your screen. You can choose to share your entire screen, a particular window, or a specific application. Once you’ve made your selection, click Share Screen.

When you’re on the video call and are sharing the screen, you will several other options at the bottom of the screen. Two of these interesting features are Draw and Draw together.

Some Rules For the Slack Screen Sharing 

• Slack’s screen sharing feature is a great way to collaborate with team members on projects. However, there are a few rules that apply when using this feature. Only one user can share their screen at any one time, and the user who is sharing their screen becomes the active user for the duration of the screen-sharing session. 
• This means that no other camera feeds become prominent. If another user wants to share their screen, they will need to wait for the first user to finish sharing before they can start. Screen sharing can be a great way to collaborate on projects, but it’s important to be aware of these rules before using the feature.
• In addition, the presenter’s screen video will be disabled during Slack screen sharing in order to avoid interruptions and distractions. Slack message notifications will also be muted to allow the presenter to focus on their presentation. This will ensure that the audience can see and hear the presentation without any distractions. By disabling the Slack screen sharing, the presenter can be sure that their message is being communicated effectively.

How to Stop Sharing?

Lastly, To stop sharing the screen simply click on the red icon shown below and you will return to a standard video call.

If you’re sharing your entire screen or a particular window, you’ll see a preview of what you’re sharing in the bottom-left corner of your screen. If you’re sharing an application, only that application will be visible to others.

To stop sharing your screen, click the Stop Sharing button in the bottom-right corner of your screen.

Why Use The Slack Screen Sharing Feature?

When it comes to screen sharing there can be several pros. By the Slack screen sharing feature, you can easily share your screen with a colleague or friend and view their Slack workspace on your own device and do much more. This is great for remote teams who need to collaborate on projects.

Draw Feature

One feature that makes Slack screen sharing a little more fun and unique is the option to draw. The Draw feature on Slack Screen Sharing is a great way to annotate documents or share ideas with team members in real-time. To use the Draw feature, simply click on the pencil icon in the top right corner of your Slack window. 

This will bring up a palette of colors to choose from. Once you’ve selected a color, you can start drawing on your document. Your teammates will be able to see your drawings in real-time, and you can even use the eraser tool to make corrections. The Draw feature is a great way to get your point across without having to type out a long explanation. Plus, it’s just plain fun!

Draw Together Feature

Slack Screen Sharing is a great way to share your screen with others in real-time. Not only does it allow you to see what others are seeing, but you can also draw on the screen to highlight important points. The draw-together feature is especially useful for team collaboration. With it, you can draw attention to a specific area of the screen and add annotations in real-time. This makes it easy to explain ideas or give instructions. And because everyone is looking at the same thing, there’s no need to worry about miscommunication. Slack Screen Sharing is a valuable tool for any team that wants to work together more effectively.

Who Can Use Slack Screen Sharing?

Starting at just $6.67 per month, Slack Lite users have access to features like Slack screen sharing that other similar messaging apps don’t provide. And if you need more than the basics, there are two paid tiers of service—Standard and Plus—that offer additional features like unlimited Slack screen sharing and storage, advanced security controls, and priority customer support. For enterprise-level businesses, there’s also an Enterprise Grid tier that offers even more features and customization options. No matter what your needs are, Slack has a plan that’s right for you.

Are There Any Alternatives?

There can be days when your Slack screen sharing won’t work. For days like those, you’ll want to look for an alternative where you can share your screen with your colleague/client, etc. Let’s look at some of the best alternatives:

Alternative #1: Facetime on Mac

Are you a Mac user? This alternative is the perfect solution for you.

Here’s what You Need

Share your screen

And that’s it! Everyone can see what’s on your screen until you stop sharing, but they can’t control anything on your device. If you get any notifications while sharing your screen, others won’t be able to see them.

Alternative #2: Zoom

To share your screen or content:

1. Click Share Screen located in your meeting controls.

Select one of these screen share options:

Basic:

Share your entire desktop, specific application windows, whiteboard, or iPhone/iPad screen.

Note: Users can select multiple desktop programs at once instead of sharing their entire desktop, but all selected programs must be on the same screen to be visible. Only the user employing this feature will need to be on version 5.4.3 or higher while viewers can be connected with older versions. Hold the Shift key on macOS or the Ctrl key on Windows to select more than one application.

Advanced:

Slides / PowerPoint as Virtual Background: This allows you to utilize a slideshow presentation as your virtual background, providing a more immersive presentation.

Portion of Screen: Share a portion of your screen represented by a green border. The border can be adjusted as needed during the share by clicking and dragging any side or corner.

Video: Share locally stored video content through Zoom’s native video player.

Content from 2nd Camera: Share a secondary camera connected to your computer; for example, a document camera or the integrated camera on your laptop.

Files: Share a file from a third-party sharing service like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive. Follow the on-screen prompts to sign in to the third-party service and grant Zoom access.

Click Share

When the sharing process is started and 80% of devices acknowledge receiving the shared screen, you will see a notification banner stating Participants can now see your shared screen, or whatever you have chosen to share.

Alternative #3: TeamViewer

The third option is to use TeamViewer which is also a great solution to share and view someone’s screen.

I’ll cut to the chase, Slack screen sharing is a great feature. It’s fast, and easy to use and it allows you to share your screen with somebody else without them even having to install the Slack desktop client on their computer. It saves time, it saves bandwidth and it means that many more people can see your screen than ever before. What else could you want?

The post How to Use Slack Screen Sharing? appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.

If you work with a team, you’ll know the feeling! Sometimes you can get stuck trying to find all those emails, messages, and files. Slack makes it easy for everybody to stay on track and keep organized.

The easiest way to improve your productivity and oftentimes fun with Slack is by learning some handy keyboard shortcuts.

Tl;dr: I created this blog as a list of keyboard shortcuts for Slack. 

Slack Keyboard Shortcuts For Windows and Linux

The Slack keyboard shortcuts for Windows are the same as on Linux.

Navigation

To navigate Slack on Windows or Linux, you can use the following shortcuts: 

• Go to a Conversation: Ctrl+K
• Go to Direct Messages (DM): Ctrl+Shift+K
• Go to Channels: Ctrl+Shift+L
• Go to Mentions: Ctrl+Shift+M (Desktop app only)
• Go to People: Ctrl+Shift+E
• Go to Saved Items: Ctrl+Shift+S
• Go to next Section: F6
• Go to previous Section: Shift+F6
• Go to next Unread: Alt+Shift+Down
• Go to previous Unread: Alt+Shift+Up
• Go to next Channel/DM: Alt+Right
• Go to previous Channel/DM: Alt+Left
• Go to next Workspace: Ctrl+Tab (Windows), Ctrl+] (Linux)
• Go to previous Workspace: Ctrl+Shift+Tab (Windows), Ctrl+Shift+[ (Linux)
• Go to a specific Workspace: Ctrl+[number under workspace icon] (Desktop app only)
• Go to Channel Info: Ctrl+Shift+I
• Go to New Message: Ctrl+N
• Go to Preferences: Ctrl+, (Desktop app only)
• Go to Threads: Ctrl+Shift+T (Desktop app only)
• Toggle right pane: Ctrl+.
• Toggle Full-Screen View: Ctrl+Shift+F
• Search current Channel/Conversation: Ctrl+F
• Go to previous Search: Ctrl+G

Navigating Unread Messages

If you look at the Slack website, it shows all unread content in DMs and channels. feature. If you wish to deactivate this feature, simply click the name of the Workspace at the top left. Next, go to Preferences > Sidebar > Show All Unreads, and remove the checkmark next to this option.

You can use the following Slack keyboard shortcuts to open and navigate this menu:

• Toggle All Unread view: Ctrl+Shift+A
• Mark message as Unread: Alt+Left Click
• Move between messages: Up or Down arrows
• Open or collapse Channels: Left or Right arrows

Marking Messages

You can use the following Keyboard shortcuts for Slack to mark messages:

• Mark all messages in the current Channel/DM Read: Esc
• Mark all messages Read: Shift+Esc
• Set message as oldest Unread: Alt+Left Click (Windows), Ctrl+Alt+Left Click (Linux)

Message Actions

Once selected, you can use the following shortcuts for the message:

• Edit message: E
• Add emoji: R
• Open thread: T or Right arrow
• Pin or Unpin message: P
• Share: S
• Save or Unsave message: A
• Mark Unread: U
• Delete message: Delete

Formatting Messages

Want to format messages? Use these Keyboard shortcuts for Slack:

• Edit last message: Ctrl+Up
• Select text to beginning of current line: Shift+Up
• Select text to end of current line: Shift+Down
• Insert return: Shift+Enter
• Add emoji: Ctrl+Shift+\
• Bold: Ctrl+B
• Italicize: Ctrl+I
• Create numbered list: Ctrl+Shift+7
• Create bulleted list: Ctrl+Shift+8
• Apply formatting to markdown text: Ctrl+Shift+F
• Undo message formatting: Ctrl+Z
• Strike-through: Ctrl+Shift+X
• Quote selected text: Ctrl+Shift+9
• Code selected text: Ctrl+Shift+C
• Code block selected text: Ctrl+Alt+Shift+C

Working With Files

For files, use these shortcuts:

• Upload file: Ctrl+U
• Create snippet: Ctrl+Shift+Enter

When on A Call

During a call, you can use the following shortcuts:

• Toggle Mute: M
• Toggle Video: V
• Open Invites: + or A
• View and select an emoji: E+ (select 1-9)

Slack Keyboard Shortcuts For Mac

Are you a Mac user? Worry not. Here’s a list of all the Mac Slack keyboard shortcuts you can use:

Navigation

To navigate Slack on a Mac, you can use the following shortcuts: 

• Go to Conversation: Cmd+K
• Go to Direct Messages (DM): Cmd+Shift+K
• Go to Channels: Cmd+Shift+L
• Go to Mentions: Cmd+Shift+M (Desktop app only)
• Go to People: Cmd+Shift+E
• Go to Saved Items: Cmd+Shift+S
• Go to next section: F6
• Go to previous section: Shift+F6
• Go to next unread: Option+Shift+Down
• Go to previous unread: Option+Shift+Up
• Go to next Channel/DM: Cmd+[
• Go to previous Channel/DM: Cmd+]
• Go to next Workspace: Cmd+Shift+]
• Go to previous Workspace: Cmd+Shift+[
• Go to a specific Workspace: Cmd+[number under workspace icon] (Desktop app only)
• Go to Channel Info: Cmd+Shift+I
• Go to New Message: Cmd+N
• Go to Preferences: Cmd+, (Desktop app only)
• Go to Threads: Cmd+Shift+T (Desktop app only)
• Toggle right pane: Cmd+.
• Toggle Full-Screen View: Ctrl+Shift+F
• Search current Channel/Conversation: Cmd+F
• Go to previous Search: Cmd+G

Navigating Unread Messages

Just like for Windows, you can deactivate the “all unread content in DMs and channels” feature. Simply select the workspace name at the top left. Then, click Preferences > Sidebar > Show All Unreads.

You can use the following Slack keyboard shortcuts to open and navigate this menu:

• Toggle All Unread view: Cmd+Shift+A
• Mark message Unread: Option+Left Click
• Move between messages: Up or Down arrow
• Open or collapse Channels: Left or Right arrow

Marking Messages 

• Mark all messages in the current Channel/DM Read: Esc
• Mark all messages Read: Shift+Esc
• Set message as Oldest Unread: Option+Click

Message Actions

Once selected, you can use the following shortcuts for the message:

• Edit message: E
• Add emoji: R
• Open thread: T or Right arrow
• Pin or Unpin message: P
• Share: S
• Save or Unsave message: A
• Mark Unread: U
• Delete message: Delete

Formatting Messages

Want to format messages using a Mac? Use these shortcuts:

• Edit last message: Cmd+Up
• Select text to beginning of current Line: Shift+Up
• Select text to end of current line: Shift+Down
• Insert return: Shift+Enter
• Add emoji: Cmd+Shift+\
• Bold: Cmd+B
• Italicize: Cmd+I
• Strike-through: Cmd+Shift+X
• Apply formatting to markdown text: Cmd+Shift+F
• Undo message formatting: Cmd+Z
• Quote selected text: Cmd+Shift+9
• Code selected text: Cmd+Shift+C
• Code block selected text: Cmd+Alt+Shift+C
• Create numbered list: Cmd+Shift+7
• Create bulleted list: Cmd+Shift+8

Working With Files

For files, you can use these shortcuts:

• Upload file: Cmd+U
• Create snippet: Cmd+Shift+Enter

When on A Call

During a call, you can use the following shortcuts on Mac:

• Toggle Mute: M
• Toggle Video: V
• Open Invites: + or A
• View and select an Emoji: E+ (select 1-9)

Navigating Workplaces

For Mac, press the ‘Command’ key instead of the ‘Ctrl’ key

• Switch to a specific workplace: Ctrl + [number]
• Switch to next workplace: Ctrl + Tab
• Switch to previous workplace: Ctrl + Shift + Tab

I hope this blog helps you be more productive using Slack. Go forth and conquer! 

The post Unlock Slack Superpowers: Slack Keyboard Shortcuts for Peak Productivity appeared first on AttendanceBot Blog.