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Do you think chat apps like Slack are stressful and distracting? Do they make you feel burned out?
I’ve been using a system that makes me feel connected without being stressed out. Maybe there’s something in here for you.
Here’s how I use Slack
I’ve been using a system that makes me feel connected without being stressed out. Maybe there’s something in here for you.
Here’s how I use Slack
First, I use Slack in a web browser on desktop, not the desktop app. I initially did this to cut back on the number of apps I installed, but Slack is a lot less intrusive when regulated to a browser tab.
I have all browser notifications disabled, including Slack. Slack occasionally reminds me how much it doesn’t like this, but to no avail.
That’s gonna be a hard pass, Slack.
That’s gonna be a hard pass, Slack.
**knock brush!!**
The sound that gives everyone shivers. Yea I have that disabled. How folks work with this on is beyond me. So distracting.
The sound that gives everyone shivers. Yea I have that disabled. How folks work with this on is beyond me. So distracting.
On mobile, I use the Slack app. No way around it, Slack won’t run in a browser 
No matter, I’ve also blocked all Slack notifications on my iPhone. I won’t be alerted of any Slack messages unless I manually open the app.
No matter, I’ve also blocked all Slack notifications on my iPhone. I won’t be alerted of any Slack messages unless I manually open the app.
Since I’m not “in Slack” at all times, it’s helpful to manage my team’s expectations for when they can expect a response.
One way I do this is setting working hours. Especially useful since most of my team are in different timezones.
One way I do this is setting working hours. Especially useful since most of my team are in different timezones.
I often close the Slack browser tab if I’m in a meeting or am focusing. If I’m going to be away for more than ~30min, I’ll let my team know not to expect a quick reply.
I also make heavy use of Slack’s “Remind me” feature. If something comes up after hours or I’m in the middle of something else, I don’t have to stop what I’m doing to address it. It’ll be there later when I have time.
This is how I keep Slack at bay when I don’t want (or need) to be interrupted.
I *do* periodically glance at the browser tab to see if the Slack icon lights up with something I need to address, but it’s much less of a “drop what you’re doing and look at me now!” experience.
I *do* periodically glance at the browser tab to see if the Slack icon lights up with something I need to address, but it’s much less of a “drop what you’re doing and look at me now!” experience.
I’m frequently around for back-and-forth messaging (usually 50% of the workday or more), but it’s when *I decide* I’m available.
I’m not at Slack’s beck and call.
I’m not at Slack’s beck and call.
I realize I’m privileged to have a job where I don’t need to respond to messages within seconds.
Not everyone is so lucky.
Not everyone is so lucky.
But if you’re able, making a few changes to the app’s defaults can make Slack work for *you* instead of you working for *Slack*.
