For a variety of reasons, members of a business may need to collaborate remotely. For example, there may be freelance members or the premises may be closed following a strike. In order for employees to be able to continue their work normally and communicate with each other, the use of a communication tool such as Slack is essential.
What is Slack?
Slack is an online platform allowing them collaborative communications between members of a company. It presents itself as a more flexible alternative to the internal e-mailing of a company. Although it is not perfect and some criticisms can be made of it, it is attracting more and more companies.
Slack makes it possible to communicate information in real time, and this, in a simpler way compared to emails. Its messaging system allows you to send both general and private messages. It also offers many possibilities such as file sharing (text, image, video, etc.) and video or audio communications.
To use it, just connect to the platform and create an account there. You will then have access to the free version of Slack which already offers a large number of features. You can then send an email invitation to the members you want to add to your workgroup.
The platform has a well thought out and ergonomic design. To be able to work optimally, however, there are a few practical shortcuts to remember, but they are not very complicated. In addition, it is possible to work on Slack with a computer, a Smartphone or a tablet.
Communicate with Slack
In each workspace created by a company on the platform, it is possible to create specific exchange zones called "chains". Themes can be assigned to them so that they can be grouped according to activities within a company. It is therefore possible to create a chain for accounting, sales, etc.
It is also possible to create a chain that will allow members to trade, whether professional or not. So that there is no disorder, each member will only have access to a channel corresponding to his activities. For example, a graphic designer may have access to the marketing or sales chain depending on how the business operates.
Those who wish to have access to a channel must first have permission. Each member of a group can also create a discussion chain. However, to prevent communications from getting confused, it is possible to deactivate this feature.
The different channels for communicating in Slack.
Communication can be established in 3 ways. The first is the global method which allows information to be sent to all members of the company present. The second is to send messages only to members of a specific chain. The third is the sending of private messages, from one member to another.
To send notifications, there are a few shortcuts to know. For example, to notify a unique person in a chain, you must type @ followed by the name of the person you are looking for. To notify all members of a chain, there is the command @ nom-de-la-chaine.
To notify your colleges of your status (unavailable, busy, etc.), there is the "/ status" command. Other more fun commands are present, such as "/ giphy" chat which allows you to send a chat GIF. It is also possible to customize your emojis or create a robot (Slackbot) that responds automatically under certain conditions.
The pros and cons of Slack
Slack offers many advantages starting with the reduction in the number of e-mailings internal of a company. In addition, the messages exchanged are archived and will be easily found from the search bar. Some more or less useful options are also present with the example of #hashtag which allows you to easily find a comment.
Can be opened on a Smartphone, it also allows you to work from anywhere. In addition, it offers the possibility of integrating several tools such as Dropbox, Skype, GitHub ... These integrations allow you to receive notifications from these other platforms. Slack offers an API that allows each company to personalize its interactions with the platform.
In terms of security, the platform ensures that the data of its users is not compromised. So, he encrypts data during their transfers and during their storage. Authentication systems are advanced, and limit the risk of hacking as much as possible. It is therefore a platform where the privacy of communications is respected.
However, while Slack seems to have many advantages, it may not appeal to everyone. For example, it's easier to get overwhelmed with messages and notifications on the platform. In addition, it was designed in a spirit closer to that of young start-ups. The more traditional companies will therefore not be entirely seduced by the solutions it offers.
