Chats: Working Tool or Great Way to Slack Off?

In the remote work world, company chat platforms can be either your best friend or your biggest distraction. They can help keep everyone connected—or devolve into a meme-sharing free-for-all. 

That said, it’s important for senior leaders to understand that in our digital-first world, culture is being built through digital systems with greater degrees of frequency. The chat system you and your team use and the way in which you use it will impact everything from employee morale to business outcomes to profitability.

Here’s how companies can set up chat guidelines that keep things professional & productive while still being human and—dare we say?—fun.

1. Define the Mission (No, Really)

Before the gifs and emojis start flying, let's get clear on why we're here. Are we using chat for quick updates, brainstorming, or sharing the latest cat video? Setting clear objectives will help keep the cat videos in the right channel and the work discussions on track. Because nobody wants to scroll through 50 messages about someone's dog to find that one critical update.

2. Channel Surfing for Productivity

Not all conversations are created equal. That’s why it’s essential to create channels for different topics. Think of it like organizing your kitchen: you wouldn’t put the cereal in the fridge, right? So, let’s keep project discussions in their own channel, company announcements separate, and save the random memes for the #watercooler chat. This way, important work conversations don’t get lost in a sea of gif reactions.

3. Time Zones and Zombies: Set Response Time Expectations

Just because someone sends a message at 10 PM doesn’t mean you need to respond before your morning coffee kicks in. Remember, we’re humans, not zombies glued to our screens (unless it's for a scheduled movie night). Set clear expectations around response times to prevent burnout and ensure everyone respects each other’s time. Clarify if responses are expected even during other meetings or deep work sessions, and specify if chat should be used for emergencies or if another tool is preferred.

4. Embrace the Social Butterfly

Work isn’t all spreadsheets and deadlines—it's also about connection. Utilizing digital tools for connection in the remote work place is akin to walking in the door of the office and saying, “How was your weekend?” to the reception desk or stopping in the kitchen for a cup of coffee and asking your colleague how their weekend was. It never hurts to check in on a colleague and ask how they’re doing via chat, and team members should be told this explicitly during onboarding.

Encourage team members to share personal updates or fun anecdotes in designated channels, like #random, #pets, or #travel. A little social interaction can go a long way in making remote work less like a digital ghost town and more like a lively community. Just remember to keep it in the right channel!

5. Say It Like You Mean It (And Make It Brief)

Effective communication is key to preventing misunderstandings and ensuring productivity. Encourage your team to be clear and concise. Use bullet points for clarity, and get to the point quickly. This isn't the place for your next great American novel; it's a tool for quick, effective communication.

And remember, if something isn’t clear to you, don’t make assumptions - ask for clarity.  In the remote workplace, we lack many of the body language and tone signals we get during in-person work.  Being curious and asking for clarification is key to filling in those gaps.

6. Update the Rules of the Game

As with any good game, the rules can change. Regularly review and tweak your chat guidelines based on team feedback. Maybe the #pets channel has gotten a little too lively, or perhaps the project discussions need more structure. Stay flexible and adapt as needed to keep things running smoothly.

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By setting clear objectives, organizing channels, respecting time zones, encouraging social interaction, promoting clear communication, and staying adaptable, managers can keep company chat platforms productive and human-centered. With the right balance, chat can be a tool for collaboration and connection—without turning into a time-wasting black hole. So, chat wisely and enjoy the occasional cat gif!