Slack is an essential tool in the modern remote work environment, with over 47 million professionals relying on it everyday. Yet, many users barely scratch the surface of what Slack can do.

Without smart habits, Slack can easily become overwhelming; constant notifications, endless channels, and the pressure to always be “online.”

The good news? With a few simple hacks, you can transform Slack into a tool that boosts productivity, strengthens communication, and enhances your professional presence.

Here are the top Slack hacks every remote worker should know in 2025:

1. Improve your productivity

• Use “Do Not Disturb” mode during deep work sessions.
• Set keyword notifications (e.g., “deadline,client name”) so you only get pinged when it
• Mute channels that are informative but not urgent.

2. Organize your channels

• Create a personal “reading list” channel by starring important one
• Filter your channels by the list of priorities, here's how to:
  
  • Right next to the organization's name, click on the settings;
  • Then select “Create new section”;
  • Select the type of channel;
  • Add the channels in the best way to help you monitor them;

3. Use Slack as a knowledge hub

• Pin key messages in every channel (guidelines, deadlines, links).
• Use Saved Items for personal bookmarks.
• Try Slack’s search modifiers (from:, in:, has:link) and add the channels to find information in seconds.
• Use the filters to improve your search capacities, here's how to do it:
  
  • Just click on the top search bar;
  • Then click on “filters”;
  • Start by adding all the info you need;

4. Communicate better with shortcuts

• Use /remind to schedule follow-ups for yourself or your team.
• Send voice notes or huddles when a conversation is getting too long.

5. Automate your routine with workflows

• Use Workflow Builder to automate daily check-ins, collect feedback, or onboard new teammates.
• Integrate apps like Google Drive, Asana, or Notion so you can get updates without switching tabs.

6. Build your professional presence

• Write a clear profile with your role, skills, and time zone.
• Set a status update that tells teammates when you’re available (e.g., “Heads down, back at 3PM”).
• Use professional language—Even in a casual tool like Slack, professionalism still matters.

7. Master Slack keyboard shortcuts

Want to look like a Slack “power user” while saving precious minutes every day? Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to navigate, reply, and organize information without breaking your workflow.

Here are some of the most useful shortcuts for remote professionals:

• Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + K → Quickly opens the Direct Messages menu to start a conversation without searching for contacts.
• Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + T → Opens the Threads view, perfect for tracking important discussions.
• Ctrl/Cmd + G → Goes directly to a specific group message.
• Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + Y → Shows or hides the right sidebar, giving you more space for your chat window.
• Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + M → Opens your Mentions & Reactions, so you never miss key interactions.
• Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + A → Displays the Activity panel, where all notifications are organized in one place.
• Ctrl/Cmd + U → Upload a file directly into the conversation without dragging it in.
• Ctrl/Cmd + Enter → Sends your message immediately a fast alternative to clicking “Send.”
• Ctrl/Cmd + P → Opens Preferences, letting you quickly adjust Slack settings.

Best Practices to Elevate Your Slack Game

• Be concise. Respect your teammates’ time.
• Thread your replies. Keep conversations organized.
• Acknowledge messages. Even a quick emoji tells people you’ve seen their note.
• Balance async & sync. Use Slack for quick updates, but jump on a call if it’s getting complex.

By mastering these hacks and best practices, you’ll not only work smarter but also communicate more effectively and stand out as a remote professional.

• Looking for more ways to thrive as a freelancer or remote worker? Read this guide
• Ready to take your remote career to the next level? Explore Higlobe for freelancers and discover a better way to work and get paid globally.

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