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On Slack



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Using Slack to communicate with your on-site or remote team?

Slack helps you manage your projects by bringing teams, files, and tools all into the same hub. No matter how many deliverables you’re tracking, you can see their progress easily in Slack. Try Slack for free. To join a Slack channel on your Android, iPhone, or iPad, start by opening the Slack app and logging in to your team's workspace. Tap the home icon, and then swipe right to open the main menu. Tap the Channel browser option, and then scroll through the list of available channels.

  1. Slack apps can create and share workflow steps for anyone to use in Workflow Builder. Learn how by reading our guide to workflow steps from apps.
  2. Slack is a communication tool that is created to streamline and simplify conversations. It's similar to other messages apps with the benefits of being searc.

Slack is a name that’s synonymous with text-based, workplace communication.

But did you know that with the right integrations, you can even track time in Slack?

In this article, we’ll first highlight why you should set up Slack time tracking. We’ll also highlight the best integrations that can help you easily track time in Slack.

This Article Contains:

Let’s get started.

What is Slack?

Slack is a virtual messaging platform that was specifically designed with business and team usage in mind. It helps you virtually communicate with your on-site and remote team members – no matter where they are.

But instant messaging isn’t the only thing you can do with a Slack account.

It also lets you:

  • Upload and share files with any employee.
  • Jot down notes and memos.
  • Host audio and video calls quickly.
  • Set reminders using the Slack bot.
  • Integrate with tons of workplace apps to enhance its functionality.

But that isn’t all.

For maximum ease of use, Slack supports multiple platforms and devices too.

It’s available as a:

  • Web app for browsers (Google Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
  • Mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
  • Desktop app for Mac, Windows and Linux.

How do You Use Slack?

If you’re not familiar with virtual chat-based environments, Slack might seem confusing at first. But don’t worry, we’ll give you a basic overview of how to use this versatile app.

1. Slack Workspace

In Slack, you start with a Slack Workspace. This is a single area used by a Slack team, which contains all the channels and chats of an organization.

2. Slack Channels

Present within a workspace, Slack channels are perfect for topic-centered discussions. A Slack channel is where teams share messages, files and tools.

Any employee can join or leave a Slack channel and you can use chat threads to organize a particular Slack conversation in a channel. This helps you have all relevant discussions within that specific thread.

3. Slack DMs

When you need to send a Slack message to just one person, you can’t send it on a team channel, right?

That’s where Slack Direct Messaging (DM) comes in.

A DM is a smaller Slack conversation outside a channel and can be between the user and up to 8 people. This is the perfect place for one-off chats or messages that should remain private.

Note: You can also find the Slack bot in the DM section.

4. Slack Calls

On Slack

With a Slack account, you can make voice or video calls to teammates.

But that isn’t all.

It also supports screen sharing from the desktop app when you need to explain something!

Note: On GoogleChrome, you can view other employee screens, but you can’t start screen sharing.

5. Sharing Files in Conversations

Slack lets you easily upload PDFs, documents, audio, video, screenshots and other files to a channel or direct Slack message. Uploaded files count towards the overall file storage limit on Slack. This is very similar to how usual cloud storage apps like Google Drive function.

6. Slash Commands

In Slack, a slash command is a quick way for you to type an instruction without having to click with your mouse. This way, you can save tons of time as you instantly access what you need without performing endless different actions!

Just type a “/” in the text box, and a list of possible slash commands will pop up.

Here are some examples of built-in slash commands:

  • /dnd for Do Not Disturb
  • /away to toggle your away status
  • /remind to set reminders

Note: Some integrable custom apps, like time trackers, have their own slash commands to start and stop time tracking quickly.

5 Reasons why You Should Track Time in Slack

Since Slack is a team communication tool, many people don’t think of using a time tracker with it.

After all, it’s just messages, right?

But you’d be surprised at how beneficial it is to track time in Slack.

Here’s why you should track time in Slack:

If you’re using Slack, you’re already benefiting from the rapid communication that a traditional communication channel like email lacks.

But with a time-tracker, you can get even more time-saving benefits:

1. Track Your Discussion Times

When you track time in Slack, you’ll be able to see how much time discussions take. This will give you an idea of how that time contributes to your overall project time-usage.

2. Measure How Long Tasks Take

With time-tracking, you can see how long it takes to perform a particular task inside Slack (such as onboarding new hires into the channel).

You’ll then be able to project how long it’ll take to complete tasks of a similar nature.

3. Monitor Attendance

When your time tracker is linked to Slack notifications, you can quickly see who’s clocked in or out. You’ll also be able to view what they’re working on to keep an eye on everyone.

4. Gauge Your Team’s Productivity

Accumulated time data can help you gauge how efficiently your team is performing. You’ll get an idea where work hours may be wasted, and where your team needs to put in more time.

5. Create Timesheet Reports

The gathered start and stop times will help you create accurate timesheet reports, which lets you see where your billable work hours were spent.

Time Tracking in Slack: All You Need to Know

One of Slack’s strongest suits lies in its ability to integrate with many apps. It may not have a native time tracker, but it can easily integrate with a third-party time tracking software.

That’s why the first step is to find a time tracking Slack integration that works for your needs. Many tools come with a free plan or trial period that doesn’t require a credit card.

After that, it’s merely a matter of following the installation steps for that time tracker.

To help you out, here are some great time tracking apps that work with Slack:

1. Time Doctor

Time Doctor is a powerful task-based time tracker that works through a start/stop timer button. Used by major companies like Verizon, as well as by SMBs like Firehouse Subs, it’s the perfect tool to skyrocket your team’s productivity.

Time Doctor’s Slack integration allows you to see what tasks your entire team is currently working on in real-time.

However, it’s important to know that the Slack integration is not used for time tracking, and it only works with the classic version of the Time Doctor app.

But don’t worry!

This doesn’t mean you can’t track time for your tasks — you can do it using the Time Doctor app.The Slack integration will simply make things easier for you and help you track what everyone’s working on.

Understanding Time Doctor Integration for Slack

With Time Doctor working as a Slack integration, you’ll be able to do the following in Slack:

  • Get notified in real-time when team members start working on a new task.
  • Choose who gets to see Time Doctor notifications in Slack.
  • Get notified in real time when a Time Doctor task is marked as completed.

How to Install Time Doctor for Slack (Step-by-Step Guide)

It’s easy to install Time Doctor for your Slack account.

But before you start, note that only Time Doctor account owners or administrators can enable the integration with Slack.

So if you’re one, just follow these simple steps:

Step 1

First, install the Time Doctor Classic desktop app.

Step 2

You now have to enable the Slack integration for the whole company from the company’s integration page.

For this, log in to the Time Doctor web dashboard and then:

Click the left menu bar > Click company logo > Company Integration

Step 3

On the Company Integration page, find and activate the Slack integration. Do this by clicking the “Turn it on” link.

Step 4

In the new page that appears, you’ll be asked for your team’s domain.

Enter your username and password for the domain, followed by the login prompt.

Note: If you’re already logged into Slack on your current browser session, then you won’t see these screens.

Step 5

Inform Slack that you’re granting access to Time Doctor.

Step 6

The Time Doctor-Slack integration is now live.

In Slack, you can choose the channel where Time Doctor notifications should appear, and which users will be invited to that channel.

And that’s it!

You’ll now be able to see who’s working on what in that specific channel.

This is how the real-time notifications will look like in Slack:

Using The Time Doctor Screenshots Feature For Slack (optional)

What else can the Time Doctor integration do?

Perfect for remote work, it lets you take screenshots of your teams’ computers to see which tasks they are working on — only during work hours, never during free time.

While this is an optional feature, it’s quite helpful when you want to see what projects or tasks your remote workers are working on.

You can expand screenshot thumbnails into medium or full-size versions. The activity level of the keyboard and mouse are also displayed beneath each screenshot.

2. Tracking Time

Tracking Time is a task-based time tracker. It helps business owners and managers track working times, manage projects, create accurate timesheet reports and more.

You can use it to collaborate with your Slack team to see what everyone is doing in real time.

This app has its own set of slash commands for Slack, like /tt start task_name,project_name to start tracking time for a project, or /tt tasks to display your tasks.

3. Toggl

Toggl doesn’t have a native integration with Slack.

But, you can use it through a browser extension (available for Google Chrome and Firefox).

Once you’ve downloaded the add-on, the Toggl Button will appear at the top right corner of your browser (within Slack).

After you’ve signed into Toggl, you can start using the Toggl Button to send Slack time tracking information to your Toggl account.

Other Apps You can Integrate Slack with

Remember how we mentioned that Slack could integrate with many third-party apps?

Since time trackers aren’t all that you need for productivity, Slack can integrate with various other kinds of tools to make sure you stay on top of your employees.

Here are some other handy apps that work with Slack that you can easily find in Slack’s app directory. Additionally, we’ll also highlight how tracking time will help you get the most out of these other integrations too:

1. GitHub

GitHub is a software development platform.

With a Slack integration, you can get updates on what’s happening on GitHub without ever leaving Slack. This could be for activities like generating new issues or new pull requests.

If you have time tracking enabled, you can keep track of existing task progress and predict how long a task will take based on current activity.

2. Asana

Asana is a popular task management and project management tool. When integrated with the Slack app, managers can create new tasks in Asana without leaving Slack. You can also get real time project updates in Slack channels.

And with time tracking, you can track how long those tasks take and view how time management contributes to your project schedules in Asana.

3. Jira

Jira is an Agile project management tool developed by Atlassian.

At its heart, Jira is an issue tracking platform for software developers.

With a Slack integration, you can create new Jira issues or add to existing ones directly from Slack. You can also receive customizable notifications on Jira issues in your Slack channels.

If you also track time in Slack, you can see the time spent on issues, which will help improve future sprint estimates based on previous sprint cycles.

4. Trello

Trello is a team collaboration tool for projects.

When integrated with Slack, you can add new Trello cards directly from Slack. You can attach a Slack conversation to Trello cards and change due dates from Slack.

A time tracking software will help track time spent on any Trello card, and gives managers an overview of task management and time management on Trello projects.

You can also check out this video for the top Slack integrations that you can use in 2021 to boost the productivity of your remote team:

Concluding Thoughts

Slack is a versatile communication tool that can integrate with tons of different apps. And while there are various kinds of integrations, integrating it with a time tracker is a must.

Remember, with efficient time tracking, you can not only keep track of time management in Slack – but also cut down the need to switch between apps.

Using an external time tracker like Time Doctor can help you easily track which tasks your remote team is working on in Slack. It also allows you to monitor any remote team member through screenshots — making sure they’re performing their work properly.

So why not download Time Doctor and see how it can help you be more productive on Slack?

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Liam Martin is a co-founder of Time Doctor—a time tracking and productivity monitoring software designed for tracking hours and productivity of remote teams.

Last updated on March 30, 2020 - My Free Marketing newsletter 👀

I ❤️ Slack.

Our entire 50-person, 8-figure team at Sumo and AppSumo use the Slack app religiously. And so does my small team at OkDork.

Slack helps us:

  1. Coordinate projects in real-time — much quicker than email
  2. Manage our to-dos easily
  3. Have a little fun (because business isn’t always serious, you know? 🌮🎉💪)
  4. And tons more...

Whether you’re about to use Slack for the first time, or you’ve been using Slack for awhile, I’m going to show you 19 tips to do more on Slack easier and quicker.

You'll learn...

  1. How to stop distracting notifications (and get more done)
  2. Save TONS of time with super easy keyboard shortcuts
  3. Some easy tricks to save notes in Slack — so you can keep everything organized easily in one place
  4. Plus more

Let's dive in.

19 Productivity Tips to Help Your Team Get the Most from Slack

1. Use Slack in your browser

I used to keep Slack constantly open in the dock bar of my MacBook. The little red icon would be a distraction whenever I wanted to get something done.

Even if I tried to ignore Slack's constant pings, I couldn't resist.

When I started optimizing my MacBook, I made a big change: I removed Slack from my dock bar.

I recommend you remove Slack yourself so you’re less likely to be tempted to check it and distract yourself. A better option I've been testing is to use Slack in your browser, rather than the desktop app.

You can open and close the page as you need to check in with your team.

Plus, if you’re like me, you’ll probably have too many browser tabs open and probably forget about checking Slack while you’re grinding...

2. Disable notifications

I try to keep disruptions to a minimum. (This is why I disable iPhone notifications.)

Slack is no different.

With notifications switched off, I push myself to only open Slack when I have a purpose.

  1. If I have a question for my team
  2. If I have to update a team member on project status
  3. If I want to post a cool link for people to learn something new

This means I’m not constantly distracted by updates and messages while I’m trying to focus.

To set up my Slack notifications for optimal focus, when I use the desktop app, I turn off all desktop notifications.

Pro tip: Use Command + , to open up the preferences in Slack in macOS.

Then, I continue optimizing notifications...

  1. Mute most channels so I'm not bothered
  2. Disable the red icon to hide unread activity
  3. Mute all sounds within Slack

You can also experiment with more notifications settings in Slack's “Preferences” menu.

BONUS: Get time-saving tips for Google Chrome next

3. Set highlight words

By default, Slack notifies you anytime your name and username is mentioned.

But maybe, you want to stay in the loop on keywords or phrases. For example:

  • Site down
  • Email

To stay on top of important notifications without getting distracted by unrelated conversations, set your “My keywords.”

To set highlight keywords:

  1. Open up Preferences
  2. Click the Notifications tab
  3. Find “My keywords” and enter words and phrases you’d like to be notified of in the text box

I have a few keywords to alert me to any issues... or grab a bite to eat.

Pro tip: If you NEVER want be notified for any highlight words (only have notifications when someone pings you directly), you can clear out your highlight words.

4. Quick edit with just one key

Here's why I like Slack more than email: You can edit any Slack message you write.

  • Ping the wrong person?
  • Misspelling?
  • Pasted the wrong link?

No problem, you can edit or delete your message with one quick key.

To quickly edit without leaving your keyboard, click the up arrow on your keyboard in the channel you typed the message, and Slack will automatically open the editor.

Pro tip: After you edit your message, you can just click“Enter” to easily save the message without leaving your keyboard.

5. Set a reminder using Slackbot

When you create Slack account, you’ll be partnered with a helpful assistant named @slackbot. Most people take one quick glance at Slackbot’s tips... and then ignore him forever.

Poor, lonely Slackbot. 😞

Not only does this hurt Slackbot’s feelings, but you’re missing out on the Reminders functionality of Slackbot — which can be a HUGE time-saver.

Forget creating a to-do list in your iPhone, copy-and-pasting in Evernote, or creating a calendar event to remind yourself.

Instead, go to Direct Messages and select Slackbot (usually the first option), and type the following:

/remind [me / @someone / #channel] [what] [when]

Hit Enter, and your trusty sidekick Slackbot will handle the rest.

Here are some reminders I use:

  • /remind me to drink water every weekday at 3pm
  • /remind @brandon to update me on the latest video tomorrow
  • /remind #general it’s Ash’s birthday today

Pro tip: At Sumo, we have a number of tasks and meetings on a weekly basis. We use Slack to automate the reminders.

For example, here’s our weekly reminder to share any kudos and praise in our Monday meeting.

6. Catch up on Slack at set times

One of the best email hacks out there is to only check in on your scheduled at set times. The same applies for Slack.

Only check Slack when you’re not trying to focus on super important, high-focus work. You could even go as far as to set times when you’ll be active and online.

I try to check Slack three main times:

  • Again at lunchtime
  • Just before I head offline for the evening

I try my best to stay disconnected and put my full focus into my important tasks during “off” times.

(Sometimes it works well... but sometimes I cheat and check messages during other times… 😅)

You can also set “Do Not Disturb” times on Slack to optimize focus.

This is one of my favorite features, and I tend to block out notifications during work hours so that I can fully focus on my most important tasks.

To do this, click the bell icon next to your team name and select “Do Not Disturb schedule…”

Next, Under Do Not Disturb, select your preferred hours for silencing notifications from Slack.

With pre-defined times to check Slack + a “Do Not Disturb” schedule, you'll be able to more clearly focus on your work and important deliverables.

7. Jot down quick memos or notes

Tired of switching between apps when you want to save a quick note or jot down some ideas?

Me too.

Just like with Slackbot reminders, you can make life easier by consolidating your note-taking to Slack.

All you need to do is direct message Slackbot (or yourself), and your notes will stay there forever.

If there are certain notes you want to highlight, you can easily Star them to revisit (or set yourself a reminder to check them again soon).

Here are the types of notes I record in Slack:

  • Passwords
  • Meeting notes

Pro tip: During your next meeting, write some notes for yourself using Slackbot. As a bonus, set a reminder with Slackbot in 1 week to revisit your notes.

8. Star important messages

One of my favorite features in Slack is the Star beside each message.

Clicking the Star allows you to bookmark any important message — and keep all these important messages in one place.

These starred messages will save in “Starred Items” in the top right corner of your Slack window. You can keep everything easily accessible from your Starred Items menu:

  • Messages from other people you need to remember
  • Important links or resources you constantly need
  • Passwords or other information you reuse again and again

Pro tip: Star important messages, like useful links, project ideas, or to-do items you want to do later. This helps cut down on keeping a Google Doc or notepad list with random ideas.

How To Create A Poll On Slack

9. Add emojis to the latest message (with autocomplete!)

Who doesn’t love emojis? 🌮 💪 🚀

Most Slack users have fun with the hundreds of emojis to choose from (our team at Sumo has found creative uses for dozens of them).

But with so many emojis to choose from, it’s easy to get lost trying to find the one you want.

Instead of clicking on the emoji icon and wasting time looking, you can use an emoji keyboard shortcut.

Simply type +:[character] and start typing to find what you’re looking for — Slack will autocomplete the rest.

For example, if you start typing +:t, you’ll see emojis for taco, thumbsup, tada, and more.

When you find what you’re looking for, you can just click the “Tab” key to autocomplete the emoji.

Then, press“Enter” to send the emoji... all without leaving your keyboard.

Use this shortcut to your advantage when looking for emojis. Emojis can take cold, boring text and make it more fun. 🙌 🎈 🎂

10. Only show unread channels

If you work for a larger organization, you might have hundreds (or thousands) of channels.

Even with our small team at OkDork, we have tons of channels:

  • #general
  • #random
  • #podcast
  • #optimizations
  • #advertising

And more.

If you're a member of more than 5 channels, I recommend you set your side panel channels only to show unread channels. Then, Star any channels or direct messages you want to lock in place.

To do this, go to Preferences > Advanced > Channel List and select “My unreads, along with everything I’ve starred”.

This helps keep your channel sidebar list clean and not distracting.

Click here for Google Chrome tips to 10x your productivity

11. Send direct messages via any text box

Want to send a quick message to a team member without having to find their name in you Direct Messages list?

As your team gets bigger, and your Direct Messages list grows, it can be a PITA to send a message:

  1. Scroll through your DM list
  2. Try to find your team member
  3. Don't see them in your sidebar, have to search for them

Instead of wasting time searching, you can message ANYONE from ANY channel using the “/msg” command.

Pro tip: All you need to type is /msg @user [your message] from any channel or direct message, and it’ll be sent to the right person

12. Go straight to the last unread message

Trying to find a thread after you left the conversation can be annoying.

Who wants to scroll all the way down multiple channels?

This shortcut keyboard shortcut will save you the headache of searching. Instead, you'll automatically jump right down to the latest message.

  • Mac: Option + Shift + ↓
  • Windows: Alt + Shift + ↓

Pro tip: Use this shortcut to quickly scan between latest unreads in any channel, especially if it’s #general or #random chats that can get a bit noisy.

13. Go back to the previous channel or message

As your team grows, or you join more organizations and groups using Slack, your number of channels also grows.

And with more channels, it means more jumping back-and-forth trying to track everything going on.

Instead of clicking around like a madman, use the following key combinations to switch between your current and previous channel like a pro

  • Mac: Command + [
  • Windows: Alt + ←

Pro tip: Think of this like the “back” and “forward” buttons on your Internet browser. Save time, especially if you’re chatting with one colleague and then jumping to a convo with another person.

14. Move up and down your sidebar easily

Using your mouse to click on a Channel or a direct message is fine… but you want to be a pro, right?

When you’re in the flow, you don’t want your fingers to leave the keyboard.

Use this shortcut to move up or down the messaging list quickly.

  • Mac: Option + ↑ or Option + ↓
  • Windows: Alt + ↑ or Alt + ↓

Pro tip: Jump back-and-forth between different conversations with people who are pinging you — without taking your hands off the keyboard.

15. Jump into a conversation

Looking to jump to a conversation with a team member, but don’t want to use the “moving up and down the list” shortcut until you find them?

There’s another solution.

Use Command + K on macOS, or Ctrl + K on Windows, and you’ll see a search box pop up.

Type in any character and select a channel or a team member you want to message.

Pro tip: This can be the quickest way to find a team member without having to search their name in your sidebar. Use it often to save time.

16. Search for keywords

Searching for conversations about a certain project or topic?

There’s an easy keyboard command for that:

  • Mac: Command + F
  • Windows: Ctrl + F

Download Slack

The search window appears right away, and you can plug in any keyword you’d like.

Pro tip: You can also use some advanced search functionality in Slack to save even more time. Here are advanced search queries and commands to use in Slack.

17. Type '/shrug' in the text box to create: ¯_(ツ)_/¯

We all need to shrug every now and then, right?

18. Mute distracting channels in channel settings

Ding!

Ding!

Ding!

Sometimes, you’ll have someone on your team who loves to chat, and you hear constant, distracting notifications.

Or sometimes, your team members are discussing a project you aren’t involved in.

Slack Web App

Frankly, it’s annoying and distracting to receive every notification from these unrelated conversations or unimportant channels.

To stop receiving notifications from a specific channel, go to the channel setting, and mute the channel. Peace of mind.

Pro tip: Even when a channel is muted, you’ll see an in-Slack notification by default when your name or username is mentioned (unless you turn off default highlighting).

19. Edit your notification preferences

Muting a channel is the first thing you can do with notifications, but you also don’t want to miss out on your other preferences.

You can also change how your notifications are handled:

  • Alert for just your name or username, or a keyword, or all channel activity
  • Mute @here and @everyone messages
  • And more...

To make it easy to change your notification preferences, here’s the keyboard combination:

  • Mac: Command + ,
  • Windows: Ctrl + ,

You can set your notification display and sound in the Preferences menu which pops up.

Personally, I usually block all notifications in the preference setting because I don’t want to get disturbed.

When I need to check any conversation or update I do it intentionally, instead of being distracted during my main grinding hours.

Pro tip: Set your “Do Not Disturb” period so your team members don’t expect an immediate reply from you. If you want to go full head-down mode, turn off all notifications.

Now You Can Slack Like a Pro

Using the 19 tips we outlined, you’ll MASSIVELY improve your communication with your team, your productivity… and you’ll save yourself the annoyances of normal Slack use.

Let’s recap:

  1. Use Slack in browser
  2. Disable notifications
  3. Set highlight words
  4. Quick edit with just one key
  5. Set a reminder using Slackbot
  6. Catch up on Slack at set times
  7. Jot down quick memos or notes
  8. Star important messages
  9. Add emojis to the latest message (with autocomplete)
  10. Only show unread channels
  11. Send direct messages via any text box
  12. Go straight to the last unread message
  13. Go back to previous channel or message
  14. Move up and down your sidebar easily
  15. Jump into a conversation
  16. Search for keywords
  17. Have fun with /shrug
  18. Mute distracting channels
  19. Edit notification preferences

What's next?

If you made it this far, I have a bonus for you.

BONUS: I want to hook you up with $100 in free Slack credit. When you click here, you’ll get $100 in free credit when you upgrade to a paid plan.

Poll
  1. Leave a comment below with your favorite learning from this article
  2. Retweet the tweet below

19 advanced @Slack tips to save time and get more done. https://t.co/QHAYVqUjaCpic.twitter.com/Md9LVsqbwQ

On Slack

— noah kagan (@noahkagan) July 27, 2017