Slack is making a tiny, but vital change that superfans will love

Typing indicators are coming to Slack threads

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

If you’re the type of superfan who loves getting the most of theirSlackexperience, a new update should help you feel more in contact with your team than ever before.

Thecollaboration platformhas announced it is introducing typing indicators for threads, letting users know exactly when their colleagues or friends are replying.

The update, which mirrors what already happens in Slack channels, wasrevealedon Twitter by Johnny Rodgers, principal software engineer at Slack, and is rolling out now to users across the world to start enjoying.

Slack threads

Slack says the change should help users focus on the conversations they value the most, particularly in big businesses where users may be part of a large number of channels and conversations.

But if you aren’t a fan, they can be disabled by heading to the preferences menu, where in the “Messages & media” section, users can uncheck the box next to “Display information about who is currently typing a message.”

The update is the latest in a series of upgrades made by Slack as it looks to help users get more out of the platform.

Why Slack isn’t afraid of Teams or any other competitor>Our list of the best headsets for conference calls>Slack CEO seizes latest opportunity to take a swing at email

Other recent additions include the ability tolaunch quick video chats in Slack Huddles, its impromptu meeting tool, alongside audio calls. It also added multi-person screen-sharing, emojis and reactions, and message threads that pull through to the associated channel after the call has ended.

Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!

The company also recently launched a new-look version of theSlack Workflow Builder, its tool that allows any worker to automate their workflows, without having to wait on overburdened dev teams or write the code themselves.

The launches come after a recent survey by Slack found many workplace leaders arefeeling the pressure of the “new normal”, and are leaning back on “old habits” to compensate. Overall,hybridand remote workers were 52% more likely to say their company’s culture has improved over the last two years, with flexible work policies being the leading reason. As a result, 11% reported greater work-life balance, 25% less stress, and 6% higher productivity.

ViaThe Verge

Mike Moore is Deputy Editor at TechRadar Pro. He has worked as a B2B and B2C tech journalist for nearly a decade, including at one of the UK’s leading national newspapers and fellow Future title ITProPortal, and when he’s not keeping track of all the latest enterprise and workplace trends, can most likely be found watching, following or taking part in some kind of sport.

7 myths about email security everyone should stop believing

Best Usenet client of 2024

Quordle today – hints and answers for Saturday, November 9 (game #1020)