We’ve all been there—someone on your team does something on Slack that just grinds your gears. Here are some common habits that might be annoying your coworkers (and you might not even know you’re doing them). Full disclosure: I’ve made many of these mistakes myself.
The Basics
Post, Then Ghost – Don’t ask a question and immediately go offline. You started the conversation—stick around a few minutes to continue the discussion.
Don’t Change the Subject – Someone posts something important, and you immediately pivot to something only semi-related? Not cool.
Complete Your Profile – An incomplete profile slows everything down. If people don’t know who you are or what team you’re on, they don’t know how to respond.
Timing Matters
Respect Do Not Disturb – If someone has set DND status, don’t push through it unless it’s truly urgent.
Time Your Messages – Slack has a scheduling feature—use it. Don’t send direct messages during someone’s offline hours.
Thread Management
Respond with Threads – If someone asks a question in a channel, reply in the thread. Your response likely doesn’t deserve its own top-level post.
Keep Long Posts in Threads – Post a short message in the channel, then reply to yourself with the details.
Remove Wrong People – Figured out who you actually need to talk to? Start a new thread. Don’t keep dragging people into conversations they don’t belong in.
Delete Courtesy Replies – If someone deletes a post message, do them a favor and delete your reply too.
Message Quality
Don’t Just Say “Hi” – Avoid sending a “hey” or “hi” message and waiting for a response. Slack is asynchronous. Say what you need to say upfront instead of expecting a back-and-forth dialogue.
Slow Down on Edits – Making three corrections in the first minute after posting? Take a breath before hitting enter. (I’m most guilty of this).
Use the Snooze Feature – Drowning in messages? Reply to what you can, snooze what needs follow-up.
Be a Human Being
Don’t Bury Posts – Someone just shared a celebration or recognition? Don’t immediately post something else and push their content up where no one will see it.
Recognize Good Work – When something good happens or someone does something well, acknowledge it. Throw an emoji on there. People will notice their supporters and repay.
No Negative Emojis – Don’t thumbs-down someone’s ideas unless they’re asking for a poll. That’s an offline conversation.
Arguments Belong Elsewhere – If you’re getting into it with someone on Slack, stop immediately and talk directly. Slack arguments never work out in anyone’s favor.
Align Your Slack Tone with Your In-Person Tone – Some people are so nice in person but come across as completely different people on Slack. Text doesn’t convey tone—be mindful of how you’re coming across.
Some of these are easier than others (I’m definitely guilty of a few myself). But being aware of these habits can make Slack a much better experience for everyone on your team.