How I handle slack culture from a startup employee
When I joined start-up life, it was so exciting! It’s so fun to be a part of something that is being built from the ground up. With that excitement though definitely comes pressure, and if you’re not careful then burn out too.
Slack is a common app that is used by start-ups. It’s essentially an internal messaging system, similar to teams. It’s nice to be able to have the option to message your co-workers for something quick rather than sending an email that ends up taking more time for a response. Also, it’s a little less formal. I can just message my boss or coworker “hey quick question” instead of drafting an email. It saves time and cuts to the chase without all the frill of corporate lingo. Also, it’s super accessible. You have an app on your desktop but also on your phone so that when you’re on the go, you don’t miss a beat.
The downside? Well… you never miss a beat. And sometimes you might want to disconnect. So here’s some things I’ve done to help out that.
1. Opt for a work phone separate from your personal phone. Your messaging apps can be downloaded to your work phone and that keeps your personal life post the 9-5 completely logged off.
2. If you do want to keep your app on your personal phone, what I did was set online and offline hours. After 5pm eastern, I’d set slack to show that it’s outside of my working hours. This was KEY because I live on the east cost but my company is on the west. People don’t always realize or remember that. This way if I’m not responding, they can see why and leave me alone haha.
3. Setting a grace period for responding for myself. When you get a message, it can be so tempting to respond immediately. But there is not need! You can triage those messages and decide. If I’m in the middle of something, I’ll wait until I’m finished the respond. That helps so much because it takes the pressure off of myself to respond immediately.
Do you use slack or teams and have you tried any of these tips?
In today's fast-paced startup environment, communication tools like Slack have become essential for connectivity and efficiency. However, managing the constant flow of messages can be overwhelming, leading to burnout for many employees. To thrive in such settings, consider creating a separate work phone to keep your personal life distinct from work-related communications. This allows you to truly disconnect after hours. Moreover, setting online and offline hours on your messaging apps can signal colleagues about your availability, helping to manage expectations. During off-hours, people can see when you are not available, allowing for healthier boundaries. Similarly, implement a grace period for message responses; quick replies may seem urgent, but taking a moment to prioritize tasks can alleviate pressure and enhance productivity. Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of work-life balance, with many suggesting strategies for limiting after-hours communications. By putting these practices into place, employees can maintain their well-being while still meeting the demands of their roles. Engaging with current tools effectively can make the startup journey more enjoyable and sustainable.
