Slacks Aren't Private—6 Rules to Follow So Your Messages Don't Get You Fired

Remember water cooler chats? The water cooler or the break area were places you could step away from your desk and let the corporate mask slip. It was a space to let off steam about overbearing supervisors or difficult-to-work-with colleagues. However, now that 22 percent of people work remotely, many “water cooler chats” are restricted to company-provided networks like Slack or Microsoft Teams, and those messages are not private.

While it’s human nature to commiserate, many companies have admonished employees for gossiping. As more corporations rely on data to gauge productivity, they can use this same software to surveil your conversations. So, I can’t stress this enough: You really need to be careful about what you say in your work chats. We want you to keep your job in this chaotic market, so we’re breaking down six rules for slack etiquette to ensure your messages don’t get you fired.

1. Keep it neutral

It’s totally reasonable to have critiques about your job and employer. However, when airing your grievances to others, say less and stick to the bottom line. “Keep it neutral and avoid strong wording or stances,” Alisha Banks, Business Management Consultant, advises. While you’re within your right to challenge what is not working, be mindful of how you express your frustrations. For example, instead of saying you “hate” the new company-wide policies rolled out by management, speak about what you like. And for what you don’t, keep it neutral with a simple comment like, “I’m curious to see how these new policies will improve my workflow.” Remain objective and avoid empty complaints, as they can foster an uncomfortable environment for others and negatively affect their experience—giving your employer a reason to fire you.

2. Assume your employer reads your messages

Sometimes, we act before thinking and send off an emotionally charged message. And while you can delete or edit your Slacks, your employer can still view them afterward; oops. If it’s one of those days, and you can’t help but pop off over messages, may we suggest you do it with a tone of neutrality and follow it up with a solution? Using the example of new company-wide policies, refrain from reactive opinions and off-the-cuff remarks. Instead, use your passion to brainstorm with a teammate on alternative solutions to offer up to your supervisor. Most employers are solely focused on what’s best for the company, so tailor your complaints to be solution-oriented. Maybe when they read your messages, they’ll find your grievances warranted! If you really do need to blow off steam (we all have those days!), take the conversation offline and onto your personal devices. More than anything, we recommend venting to a friend, a partner, or your journal.

3. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t want to be repeated

From work wives to work besties, building close bonds in the workplace is natural and encouraged. However, it’s important to remember they’re still your colleagues, and you never know what’s being repeated to other workmates. Save the juicy gossip for your friends outside of work. “Obviously, be friendly to your colleagues, but remember these are your co-workers at the end of the day, and you don’t know who is telling who what, especially in this remote landscape,” says Banks.

4. Be mindful of your tone

Tone doesn’t always translate via texts, and if you primarily communicate with colleagues on Slack, it’s not guaranteed your messages won’t be taken out of context. When communicating online, keep it light and err on the side of optimism so your comments aren’t perceived as problematic. When used sparingly, emojis are a great tool to soften your delivery or convey a point succinctly and warmly.

5. Remain emotionally unattached

At the end of the day, you should work hard at your job, but remember it doesn’t define you. If it’s affecting your emotions, it might be time to take a step back and redefine your priorities. Expressing your frustrations occasionally can help relieve stress and even trigger an “aha moment” to a problem. But, if you’re often emotionally triggered at work, you may want to find an alternative outlet to let off steam. The age-old advice of taking a beat when angry before communicating applies at work, too. “Try not to be super emotionally attached to whatever is going on at work,” says Banks. And if you do find yourself activated at work, go for a short walk, do a short meditation in your car, or call a friend on your break to take your mind off things; opt for gentle practices that help center and ground you.

6. Set boundaries with coworkers

Sometimes, you’re not the one gossiping; instead, you’re a listening ear to disgruntled co-workers. This can be tricky because you’re technically still participating in the conversation, and your employer may assume you feel the same as your colleagues. Not to mention, work drama is distracting to your actual work, and you’ve got enough on your plate. “You don’t know who is watching, and at the end of the day, it’s better not to be involved in any drama,” Banks advises.

Set boundaries early and swiftly. Let your co-workers know you’re uncomfortable having those types of discussions at work, and if it’s important to you to hold space for them, suggest a meet-up outside of work. Gossip is best discussed over cocktails, anyway.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jasmine Desiree, Contributing Writer

Jasmine Desiree is an L.A.-based writer and editor who covers everything from beauty and lifestyle to interior design. Her writing can also be found in Coveteur, Architectural Digest, POPSUGAR, and more. She loves covering people, places, and trends that are innovative and influential to the culture.