Do Messaging Apps – Like Slack – Make Us More Productive?

In the old days, when everyone worked in an office if you had a question, you could just walk over to a colleague and talk.  But now, with remote work and different work schedules, we’ve seen an increase in the popularity of messaging apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and others.  While some of these tools make people more productive, we have seen where these apps are counterproductive to productivity.

There’s no doubt that messaging apps improve collaboration and even assist with faster decision-making, especially in an environment of team members who work remotely and in a traditional office setting.  Real-time communication organized by topic or project prevents users from searching through many emails to retrieve a message.

However, messaging apps are notorious for creating a “ping culture” where employees feel constantly distracted by incoming notifications. These interruptions can significantly hinder productivity, as studies have shown that refocusing on a task after being distracted takes time. Frequent notifications not only disrupt workflow but can also contribute to mental fatigue. The pressure to respond immediately may create an environment where employees cannot concentrate intensely on tasks that require sustained focus, especially if the messages are not urgent or relevant. They also can create an expectation that employees are available around the clock. Discussions can suffer from ‘group think,’ where workers are too focused on making quick decisions rather than looking at various options.

There are some things you can do to make sure that messaging apps only help and not hurt workplace productivity:

1) Establish guidelines around response expectations, work hours, and acceptable notification management to avoid creating an “always-on” culture.

2) Segment channels by topic, urgency, or project to keep conversations organized and reduce the risk of information overload.

3) Set aside times during the day when employees can work uninterrupted, and consider using “do not disturb” settings to minimize distractions.

4) Encourage asynchronous communication where appropriate, allowing team members to respond when convenient and reducing the pressure to reply immediately.

5) Teams should periodically evaluate whether the app meets productivity needs and make adjustments as necessary.

Messaging apps have proven their worth, but without clear guidelines and careful use, these tools can lead to distraction, burnout, and improved productivity. By adopting structured communication practices and promoting work-life balance, organizations can make messaging apps a valuable tool for productivity rather than a hindrance.