What Slack is and why teams love it

Slack is a platform for team communication, file sharing and organizing joint work. If you want to understand what Slack is and what it is for, it is worth starting with its main features: workspaces, channels, messages and integrations.

What Slack is and why it is needed

Companies use Slack for communication inside work groups. The service lets you exchange messages in real time, share files and organize interaction between team members.

In addition, Slack helps bring work systems, software and other tools together into a single ecosystem for collaboration.

Main features of Slack:

• Workspaces. Users can create one or several workspaces for a company.
• Direct messages. Slack lets you send messages to individual team members, including those who work remotely.
• Team communication. You can talk with a single colleague or with the whole team.
• Channels. In Slack you can create topic channels. Discussions inside them help employees stay in touch and follow work issues.
• File sharing. Besides text messages, the service lets you share documents, images, video and audio files.

How to set up Slack and get started

To get started, a few steps are enough.

Step 1. Download Slack

Install the app on the device you plan to use the service from.

Step 2. Create a workspace

You will need an email address to sign up. The article recommends using a corporate email with the company’s domain.

After the workspace is created, an email with a confirmation code will arrive at the address you gave. Enter it and finish the setup.

Step 3. Add team members

You can invite colleagues by email or with a special invitation link.

Step 4. Create channels

Set up separate channels for different topics and projects. Add to each channel the employees who take part in the relevant tasks.

Step 5. Connect integrations

Slack lets you add other work tools. You can find the available apps in the service’s integration directory.

Tips for using Slack

Set up your profile. Add a photo, give your full name and information about your role in the company. That way colleagues can find you more easily.

Use mentions. With @mentions you can notify a specific member about a discussion. This is especially useful when a question needs a particular person’s attention.

React to messages. Reactions help you reply to messages without extra posts in the channel. If needed, you can add your own reactions.

Set up notifications. Choose which notifications you want to receive. The “Do not disturb” mode helps switch off alerts outside working hours.

Connect work tools. In Slack you can integrate file storage services, email and calendar so you can reach them from one workspace.

Is Slack worth using

Slack is worth trying if your team needs a tool for communication and organizing joint work.

It is not just a messenger. The service combines channels, direct messages, file sharing and integrations with other apps.

For remote teams, Slack can become a convenient way to stay in touch and discuss work issues in one place.