Slack Etiquette: Tone and Timing
Slack is the heartbeat of tech companies. Because it's text-based, your tone can easily be misunderstood. Here is how to communicate like a Silicon Valley pro.
The "No-Hello" Rule
In a fast-paced environment, sending just "Hi" or "Hey" and waiting for a response is considered inefficient. Bad: "Hi Alex." (waits 5 minutes) Good: "Hi Alex, do you have the link to the Figma file for the onboarding flow?"
Softening Requests
Direct commands like "Give me the file" sound rude in English. Use "softeners" to sound more professional:
- "Could you send me the link?"
- "Would you mind checking this bug?"
- "When you have a chance, can you review my PR?"
The Language of Emojis (Reacji)
In tech, we use reactions to save time:
- 👀 (Eyes): "I am looking at this now."
- ✅ (Check): "This is done."
- 🙌 (Hands): "Great job / Thank you."
- ➕ (Plus): "I agree with this point."
@channel vs. @here
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@channel: Notifies everyone in the channel, even if they are offline. Use only for emergencies.
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@here: Notifies only people who are currently online. Use for general questions or non-urgent updates.
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Can you update the ticket?
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Could you update the ticket by end of day?
-
Would you be able to update the ticket by end of day?
Asking for help
- Could you help me with this deploy?
- Would you mind helping me with this deploy?
- I could use some help with this deploy if you have a minute.
A trap to avoid
After Would you mind, use the -ing form, not the infinitive.
- Incorrect: Would you mind to send me the link?
- Correct: Would you mind sending me the link?
Practice
Rewrite these direct requests for a neutral workplace email:
- Give me feedback on the slide deck.
- Call me after the meeting.
- Approve my vacation request.
Possible answers:
- Could you give me feedback on the slide deck?
- Would you be able to call me after the meeting?
- May I ask you to approve my vacation request?