Using Channels and Direct Messages Effectively in Slack

Slack provides multiple ways to communicate and collaborate. Choosing the right communication method helps keep information organized, improves transparency, and makes it easier for others to find answers later. In general, channels should be the primary place for collaboration. Direct messages should be used for private, individual, or sensitive conversations.

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Using Slack Channels

Depending on UNLV’s Slack configuration and your permissions, you may encounter different channel types.

  • Public Channels: Public channels are visible and searchable to people who have access to the workspace. These are useful for open discussions, shared knowledge, announcements, and topics that benefit a broader audience. Public channels include a pound sign (#) in front of the channel name.
  • Private Channels: Private channels are limited to invited members. Use private channels when the conversation should be restricted to a specific group. Private channels are indicated with a closed lock sign in front of the name.

    Screenshot of slack channels with the public channel hashtag symbol and private channel lock channel highlighted in yellow.
  • Multi-Workspace Channels: Multi-workspace channels allow people from different workspaces in the same Enterprise Grid organization to collaborate in one channel. These can be useful for cross-department or institution-wide work.
  • Organization-Wide Channels: Some channels may be available across the Enterprise Grid organization. These are typically used for broad announcements or information that applies to a large audience.

Use a channel when:

  • Information may benefit multiple people.
  • You are asking a question others may also have.
  • You are sharing a project, department, team, or community update.
  • You are collaborating on ongoing work.
  • You are announcing information relevant to a group.
  • The information may need to be found later.
  • The conversation involves people across departments, teams, or workspaces.

Examples:

  • Asking how to complete a common process
  • Sharing project progress
  • Coordinating an event
  • Posting departmental updates
  • Requesting feedback from a group
  • Sharing a solution that may help others

How to Browse and Join Channels

  1. Select Channels in the sidebar.
  2. Select Browse channels.

    Slack sidebar showing the Channels section with a plus (+) button, a search icon, and a More Actions menu (three vertical dots). Numbered callouts identify: 1. Create Channel, 2. Browse Channels, and 3. More Actions.
  3. Search for a channel by name, topic, department, or keyword.
    1. Review the channel name, description, and membership.
    2. Hover over the row and click Join. Some channels may be private and require an invitation.

      Slack Directories window with the Channels tab selected. The page includes a search bar, a Create Channel button, channel filters, and a list of available channels such as #general, #random, and #service-swarm showing membership and descriptions. A banner at the top explains that channels organize team conversations and includes a Create a channel button.
       

Channel Best Practices

In an Enterprise Grid environment, channels support collaboration across departments, campuses, units, and teams. Whenever possible:

Choose the Right Channel:

  • Review the channel description before posting.
  • Keep messages relevant to the channel purpose.
  • Read recent messages before asking a question.
  • Move recurring discussions from DMs into channels.
  • Search for an existing channel before requesting or creating a new one.

Help and Get Help By Keeping Information Public:

  • Search Slack before posting a question that may already have an answer. Avoid posting the same message in multiple channels unless necessary.
  • Start conversations in channels, instead of DMs, when others may benefit from the information.
  • Share solutions where others can benefit. Use clear and descriptive language that can make answers easier to find later.
  • Document decisions and updates in channels instead of private conversations.
  • Use threads for replies to reduce noise and make it easier to skim the main channel.

Use Threads to Keep Conversations Organized

Threads keep related replies connected to the original message. Using threads helps keep busy channels easier to read.

  1. Hover over the message you want to reply to.
  2. Select Reply in thread.
  3. Add your response.
  4. Use the option to also send your reply to the channel only when the whole channel needs to see it.

    Slack message action menu showing icons that appear when hovering over a message. Numbered callouts identify: 1. Quick Reactions, 2. Choose Other Emoji, 3. Reply in Thread, 4. Forward Message, 5. Save for Later, and 6. More Actions.

When to Use Direct Messages

Use a direct message when:

  • The conversation is private.
  • The message is intended for one person or a small group.
  • The topic involves an individual situation.
  • You are following up on a personal request.
  • The discussion should not be shared broadly.

Examples:

  • Scheduling a one-on-one meeting
  • Asking a quick question meant only for one person
  • Following up on an individual task
  • Discussing a private concern

If multiple people are discussing the same topic through separate direct messages, consider using an existing channel or asking whether a new channel is appropriate.

Choosing the Right Communication Method

Ask yourself:

  1. Will others benefit from this information?
    • If yes, use a channel.
  2. Is the information private, sensitive, or confidential?
    • If yes, use a direct message only if Slack is appropriate for that information. FERPA or HIPAA protected information should not be shared via Slack.
  3. Could someone need this information later?
    • If yes, a channel is usually the better choice.
  4. Is this discussion relevant to a team, department, project, or community?
    • If yes, use a channel.
  5. Is this a quick one-on-one follow-up?
    • If yes, a direct message may be appropriate.

Learn More About Slack

Need Help?

Please contact the IT Help Desk for assistance with your ACE password, UNLV Slack workspace, Slack profile information, and other questions.

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