Slack: getting started

Slack: getting started



Why we use Slack instead of Signal or WhatsApp

If you're used to group chats for work, Slack might feel like one more app to manage. But it solves real problems that Signal or WhatsApp weren't designed for:
Feature
Slack
Signal/WhatsApp
Organised channels: separate spaces per project or team
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Threads: reply without spamming the whole group
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Out of office / holiday status: colleagues see you're away before messaging
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Notification schedule: auto-quiet outside your working hours
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Searchable message history: find decisions from months ago
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Schedule messages: write now, send Monday morning
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Integrations with work tools: Asana, Google Drive, calendar…
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Bots and automations: reminders, standup bots, workflows
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Work stays separate from personal phone: no mixing work and personal chats
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The bottom line: Signal and WhatsApp are great for quick personal messages. Slack is designed for work: it keeps conversations organised, lets you set clear boundaries around your availability, and keeps work chat out of your personal phone.


Explainer video

If you're completely new to Slack, this video might be helpful to understand what Slack is and how it works:


Step 1: Install Slack on desktop

Slack works in your browser, but the desktop app gives you better notifications and is generally faster.
  • Red Apple Mac:  slack.com/downloads/mac 
  • Window Windows:  slack.com/downloads/windows 
Already have a Slack account from a previous or side job? No problem, you can be in multiple workspaces at the same time.


Step 2: Install Slack on mobile (optional)

The mobile app is useful when you're away from your desk. After installing, go straight to the notification settings below (otherwise Slack will ping you for everything).
  • Red Apple iPhone / iPad:  slack.com/downloads/ios 
  • Robot Android:  slack.com/downloads/android 


Step 3: Fill out your profile

  •  Fill out your profile  


Step 4: Configure your notifications

One of the biggest productivity killers is getting random notifications while you're deep in focus. We recommend to turn off notifications to make Slack feel calm rather than overwhelming:
  •  Pause your Slack notifications  (Profile picture > Notifications > Pause)

Alternatives:
  •  Set notifications per device (mobile vs. desktop) 
  •  Set notifications per channel:  mute any channels you're in, but don't need to follow closely.
  • Make sure you don't receive notifications  outside your working hours  or  when you're on holiday 


Step 5: Learn more

Useful features to know:
  •  Set your status  - your colleagues see this before they write you, e.g.:
  • Calendar In a meeting
  • Face with Thermometer Out sick
  • Palm Tree Vacationing
  • House with Garden Working remotely
  • Messages:
  •  Use threads to organise discussions 
  •  Schedule a message 
  •  Save messages for later 
  • Slack bots: Slack has a number of built-in bots and apps that can save you time. A few worth knowing about:
  • Every workspace has a  built-in Slackbot . You can use it to set personal reminders — just type something like /remind me to send the report tomorrow at 9am in any message box. It's also where Slack sends you automated notifications and onboarding tips.
  • Slack's built-in  Workflow Builder  lets you automate small recurring tasks — for example, posting a weekly check-in question to a channel, or sending a welcome message to new members automatically. No coding needed.
  • When you  connect tools  like Asana or Google Calendar to Slack, they act as bots: they post updates directly into a channel so you don't have to switch apps to stay informed. Ask your workspace admin which integrations are already set up. You'll find all available apps and bots under Apps in the left sidebar of Slack.
Need help? Type /help in any message box to open Slack's built-in assistant. Or use  Slack's help center .