What To Know
- Slack uses a combination of factors to determine when to set your status to Away.
- Slack can detect when you’re not actively using the app on your device, such as when you close the app or put your device to sleep.
- Select whether you want your status to be set to Away during non-work hours or only when you’re inactive.
Slack, the popular workplace communication tool, offers a feature that automatically sets your status to “Away” when you’re not actively using the platform. This feature is designed to help maintain privacy and prevent interruptions during periods of inactivity.
How Does Slack Automatically Set Away?
Slack uses a combination of factors to determine when to set your status to Away. These factors include:
- Time of day: Slack typically sets your status to Away outside of your set work hours.
- Activity: If you’re not actively using Slack for an extended period (usually 10-15 minutes), your status will automatically change to Away.
- Device: Slack can detect when you’re not actively using the app on your device, such as when you close the app or put your device to sleep.
How to Customize Automatic Away Status
You can customize the settings for your automatic Away status in Slack. To do this:
1. Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Preferences.”
3. Navigate to the “Status” tab.
4. Under “Automatic Away,” adjust the following settings:
- Set status to Away after: Choose how long Slack should wait before setting your status to Away.
- Set status to Away: Select whether you want your status to be set to Away during non-work hours or only when you’re inactive.
Benefits of Automatic Away Status
Slack’s automatic Away status offers several benefits, including:
- Privacy: It prevents people from seeing that you’re online when you’re not actively working.
- Reduced interruptions: It minimizes distractions during breaks or after work hours.
- Improved focus: It helps you stay focused on your tasks by minimizing distractions.
Limitations of Automatic Away Status
While automatic Away status is a useful feature, it does have some limitations:
- False positives: Slack may sometimes set your status to Away even when you’re still actively using the app.
- Lack of customization: You can’t set different Away statuses for different situations or devices.
- Not foolproof: People can still see when you’re online if they send you a direct message.
Best Practices for Using Automatic Away Status
To get the most out of Slack’s automatic Away status, follow these best practices:
- Customize the settings: Adjust the settings to match your work habits and preferences.
- Be aware of false positives: Keep an eye out for times when your status is set to Away unexpectedly.
- Use manual Away status: If you need more control over your status, use the manual Away status option.
Alternatives to Automatic Away Status
If Slack’s automatic Away status doesn‘t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- Third-party apps: There are apps available that offer more customizable Away status options.
- Manual Away status: You can manually set your status to Away whenever you need to.
- Do Not Disturb mode: This mode blocks all notifications and sets your status to Away.
Wrapping Up
Slack’s automatic Away status is a useful feature that can help you maintain privacy, reduce interruptions, and improve focus. By understanding how it works, customizing the settings, and following best practices, you can leverage this feature to enhance your Slack experience.
