Slack is a workplace communication tool with one single platform for messaging, tools, and files. It urges the sharing of documents, images and other assets among employees.
Slack has changed how we work and communicate everyday here at IronTech. We use Slack nonstop throughout our day, from beginning to end. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all currently working remotely, Slack makes that simple.
Why we love Slack.
One of Slack’s most beneficial features is the ability to create separate channels with whoever you would like to be in it. These can be private and if you wish, public. Channels can be based on what ever you want them to be- teams, separate projects, or office locations. Direct messages (DMs) are best for conversations that are meant to be private. It is a convenient way to have a one on one conversation or ask questions. DMs can have up to eight people in them.
Take advantage of Slack Calls within Slack. With Slack Calls you can make a call and connect with any teammate or teammates in your workspace. This is a simple way to have a quick discussion without leaving Slack. The quality is awesome, and takes less time to call on Slack than picking up your cell phone.
Slack help keeps EVERYTHING organized. When you have different channels, it is easy to keep conversations in one place. If speaking about a specific project, you won’t be clogging up an email or group message. Slack also makes previously sent attachments and pictures straightforward to find, you can find everything in each individual channel.
Slack allows users to have a profile full of information available to other employees in the workplace. You can set a status update: in a meeting, commuting, out sick, vacationing, or working remotely. Your Zoom link and scheduling link can be added to your profile as well. This feature is very helpful when working remotely.
The best integrations.
Integrations are tools that enable you to build your existing work tools and apps into Slack. You would be surprised at how many integrations and apps you can integrate into slack. Some for example include, Google Drive and 1Password. Two of our favorite integrations happen to be Zoom and Slack.
Zoom is an integration that we use every single day at IronTech. You can start Zoom meetings directly from Slack, this makes video conferencing convenient and effortless. Zoom is a videoconferencing application for virtual meetings and conferences.
Teamline is a project management tool that we also use every single day. Teamline eliminates the need for long to-do lists and project management software. It gives every teammate in your Slack workplace a complete view of tasks assigned to them, across each channel. You can assign tasks directly from Slack. Slack sends you notifications on upcoming tasks and tasks overdue. You have the option in Teamline to add checklists, descriptions of tasks, assign team members, and add attachments. Our team seems to coordinate well using Teamline, it is easy to keep everyone on the same page with what is going on and what needs to be done.
It is a safe working environment.
Slack has a multi-factor authentication (MFA) option for all user accounts. Apply this setting when setting up your account. This is an additional layer of security and is something you should be implementing as much as possible. Having multi-factor authentication in place will drastically reduce the chance of an attacker accessing your information.
We highly recommend giving Slack a try. It has been a game changer for us and I am sure it will be for you too.