Do people not realize how customizable Slack is? Everything that bugs OP can be turned off, there’s do not disturb mode. away mode, you can mute every alert with granularity, etc.
The idea that “I don’t use this communication channel that all my coworkers do and everything is fine” seems risky at best.
"Adjusting notifications, muting channels, leaving channels and pretending to be away helped in alleviating the distraction. However, returning to the app tended to be a time sink; what would be a minute-long exchange in person now took far longer. "
I don't think that's Austen's point, no. It's more that completely disengaging from a primary communication tool within your company is risky. It might work out for you. There's also a big chance you'll be left out of important conversations, decisions, and been seen as not a team player because the rest of the organization now has to adapt around one person's communication preferences.
Communication is tough. There are so many different, competing styles and needs that you'll never build the perfect tool. It's more about building the right habits and processes around your tools.
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Do people not realize how customizable Slack is? Everything that bugs OP can be turned off, there’s do not disturb mode. away mode, you can mute every alert with granularity, etc.
The idea that “I don’t use this communication channel that all my coworkers do and everything is fine” seems risky at best.
"Adjusting notifications, muting channels, leaving channels and pretending to be away helped in alleviating the distraction. However, returning to the app tended to be a time sink; what would be a minute-long exchange in person now took far longer. "
Are you actually saying not using slack is risky? Do people not talk in your universe? Send emails? Text messages?
I don't think that's Austen's point, no. It's more that completely disengaging from a primary communication tool within your company is risky. It might work out for you. There's also a big chance you'll be left out of important conversations, decisions, and been seen as not a team player because the rest of the organization now has to adapt around one person's communication preferences.
Communication is tough. There are so many different, competing styles and needs that you'll never build the perfect tool. It's more about building the right habits and processes around your tools.