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Only check it on a schedule, keep it closed, and turn off all notifications

hoherd 3y ago
Keeping it closed is such a sobering experience. Sometimes I will close Slack to make an effort to get into focus mode, and run `sleep 3600 && open /Applications/Slack.app` to make sure I'm not leaving my coworkers hanging forever, but also let me get some time boxed focus time in.
data_ders 3y ago
If knowledge were the only requirement, everyone would have six-pack abs and millions in the bank? I agree that your suggestion is rational, but the article brings up addiction and lack of control which I feel describes me. I’d love a “just block it”, escape hatch of a solution but maybe I’m SOL and have to learn mindfulness
- wahnfrieden 3y ago
  One actionable thing is to organize your department and more widely to accept more async style communication and non-urgent/urgent style communications where you can comfortably disconnect without fear of missing out on something urgent
the_af 3y ago
> "Only check it on a schedule, keep it closed, and turn off all notifications"" Not possible at "remote first" workplaces.
- wahnfrieden 3y ago
  Organize your peers to make it possible
  - the_af 3y ago
    Impossible with 300+ people in the org, and the expectation that everyone is available during work hours. It's best to assume that not every workplace functions in a way compatible with this universal "let's turn off Slack and only check it once an hour" scenario. Also, these decisions cannot be made on an individual basis -- that's the best way to get fired -- but everyone else must be on board, at least your immediate peers. If you're not their boss, and they don't see the benefit, this will gain no traction. The reality is that no, not everyone can remove Slack notifications and only check it once an hour or whatever.
    - q3k 3y ago
      Try it. When someone complains you can always go back. But they probably won't. It's the same with bullshit meetings. Just decline the invitation and you'll be surprised how little anyone will usually care.
      - the_af 3y ago
        No, I cannot "try it", it goes against official company policy. I will not risk my job on random advice from people working in a different country and for a different company. Is it so hard to accept that "universal" advice is seldom universal, and that your circumstances may not apply to everyone?

Keeping it closed is such a sobering experience. Sometimes I will close Slack to make an effort to get into focus mode, and run `sleep 3600 && open /Applications/Slack.app` to make sure I'm not leaving my coworkers hanging forever, but also let me get some time boxed focus time in.

data_ders 3y ago

If knowledge were the only requirement, everyone would have six-pack abs and millions in the bank? I agree that your suggestion is rational, but the article brings up addiction and lack of control which I feel describes me. I’d love a “just block it”, escape hatch of a solution but maybe I’m SOL and have to learn mindfulness

wahnfrieden 3y ago
One actionable thing is to organize your department and more widely to accept more async style communication and non-urgent/urgent style communications where you can comfortably disconnect without fear of missing out on something urgent

the_af 3y ago

> "Only check it on a schedule, keep it closed, and turn off all notifications"" Not possible at "remote first" workplaces.

wahnfrieden 3y ago
Organize your peers to make it possible
- the_af 3y ago
  Impossible with 300+ people in the org, and the expectation that everyone is available during work hours. It's best to assume that not every workplace functions in a way compatible with this universal "let's turn off Slack and only check it once an hour" scenario. Also, these decisions cannot be made on an individual basis -- that's the best way to get fired -- but everyone else must be on board, at least your immediate peers. If you're not their boss, and they don't see the benefit, this will gain no traction. The reality is that no, not everyone can remove Slack notifications and only check it once an hour or whatever.
  - q3k 3y ago
    Try it. When someone complains you can always go back. But they probably won't. It's the same with bullshit meetings. Just decline the invitation and you'll be surprised how little anyone will usually care.
    - the_af 3y ago
      No, I cannot "try it", it goes against official company policy. I will not risk my job on random advice from people working in a different country and for a different company. Is it so hard to accept that "universal" advice is seldom universal, and that your circumstances may not apply to everyone?