Messaging apps like Slack and Skype are becoming more common in the workplace and seen as a way to enhance communication and productivity. But, it turns out, they might have the opposite effect.
Here’s Five Fast Facts About Messaging Apps:
- 💬 What and What? - Messaging apps are exactly what they sound like. They’re an easy way to communicate with co-workers. Slack, for example, is marketed as a tool to increase teamwork and allow remote teams to interact with one another. It’s also supposed to cut down on the time answering emails.
- ✉️You On? - Turns out constant availability isn’t always a good thing. Slack notifications are just as distracting as phone calls and emails. Worse yet, messaging someone in real time is SUPER distracting. So, if you’re in a conversation, you’re focused on that rather than your work.
- 🍆 More and More - Messaging app users still use email, too. Apparently Slack is where people send memes and emojis and gossip. However, email is now for longer discussions about TPS reports.
- 📚 Big Waste - A recent study shows employees at large companies individually send more than 200 Slack messages a week.
- 👊 What an Idiot - Another big problem with messaging apps: they’re a breeding ground for bullying. It’s easier to talk trash on your coworker or boss when no one else knows you’re doing it. If there are Millennials using it, you can bet your booty that they’re not chuckling about TPS reports.
🔥Bottom line: Messaging apps are definitely an example of “too much of a good thing.” On paper, they may seem like a perfect solution for a better workplace. But it’s easy to forget those companies are selling something they want you or your company to buy. The worst part? There’s no simple way to fix it at this point unless you get rid of it entirely.
Do you use messaging apps at work?
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