Slack Reminder Examples and How to Set Them Up

best practices Oct 28, 2023

If you're using Slack as your primary communication platform, understanding its features can be a game-changer for daily planning. One standout feature is Slack reminders, a tool designed to keep you on top of your tasks and deadlines. In this article, we'll show you how to leverage this tool to stay organized and productive, whether you're an entrepreneur, a project manager, or a team leader.

From setting reminders for your quarterly OKRs to simple self-reminders, we'll provide you with practical Slack reminder examples. We'll also highlight why Slack's reminder feature is a shining example of the platform's effectiveness. So, let's get started and learn how to make your Slack communication more effective.

Table of Contents

  1. Why use Slack reminders?
  2. Increase Productivity
  3. Improve Communication
  4. Streamline Workflow
  5. How to Set Up Slack Reminders
  6. Step 1: Choose the Right Channel
  7. Step 2: Select the Reminder Command
  8. Step 3: Define the Reminder Details
  9. Examples of Slack Reminders
  10. Birthdays and Work Anniversaries
  11. Daily Stand-up Meeting Reminder
  12. Project Deadline Reminder
  13. Task Completion Reminder
  14. Takeaway

Why use Slack reminders?

Think about the ways that Slack reminders could help you. They're designed to keep you on track and focused. Instead of worrying about forgetting something important, you can set a Slack reminder. Let's explore some of the benefits of using Slack reminders.

Increase Productivity

You're a busy professional. Your to-do list is long, and the deadlines are tight. Slack reminders can be your secret weapon to improve productivity.

When you set a reminder, you're free from remembering everything on your own. This frees up your mental space, helping you concentrate on the task.

Moreover, by using Slack commands such as /remind + [@Name] + [Task] + [When], setting reminders becomes a breeze. You can also set reminders for your team members, ensuring everyone stays on track.

Improve Communication

Good communication is vital in any team. But what if you could make it even better? With Slack reminders, you can.

You can set reminders about essential messages or tasks. This keeps you informed and ensures you communicate effectively with your team.

For instance, if there's an important update you need to share with your team, you can set a reminder to do so at a suitable time.

Streamline Workflow

Slack reminders can also help to streamline your workflow.

Using the /remind list command, you can view all your current reminders, including past and incomplete ones. This gives you a clear overview of your tasks, allowing you to plan your day better.

If you need to delete a reminder, it's as simple as listing all the reminders on your Slack.

How to Set Up Slack Reminders

The process of setting up Slack reminders is straightforward. With a few simple steps, you'll be on your way to enhanced productivity and improved communication within your team.

Step 1: Choose the Right Channel

First, you need to decide where you want your reminders to appear. This is crucial. It's a question of where the reminder will be most effective. Do you need a general reminder for all the team members in a particular channel? Or is it a personal reminder only meant for you?

You can set a reminder in any Slack channel, direct message, or Slackbot channel for personal reminders. To choose, simply navigate to the desired channel.

Step 2: Select the Reminder Command

Next, it's time to get familiar with the reminder command - /remind. This is the magic word that triggers Slack's reminder function. Just type /remind into the message box. A template will appear, guiding you to set up your reminder.

Step 3: Define the Reminder Details

Finally, you have to fill in the details of your reminder. Specify who the reminder is for, what it's about, and when it should pop up. Be as straightforward as possible so there's a clear understanding.

The format for defining a reminder is /remind [@someone or #channel] [what] [when]. So, an example is /remind @john to submit the report by 2 PM.

You'll soon see how these reminders can streamline your workflow, enhance productivity, and improve communication within your team.

Examples of Slack Reminders

Slack reminders are a powerful tool to keep your team on track. Here are a few examples of using reminders to boost productivity and maintain a smooth workflow.

Birthdays and Work Anniversaries

You can also use Slack reminders to celebrate birthdays and work anniversaries. Using the command /remind #channel "Happy Birthday @username" on February 15th or /remind #channel "Happy Work Anniversary @username" on June 1st will ensure your team never misses out on celebrating each other's milestones.

Using CultureBot, you can automate these tedious and repetitive tasks, freeing up your time for more important and meaningful work.

CultureBot offers a range of customizable options for both the message and the birthday gift, ensuring that you can observe these significant occasions meaningfully. Using CultureBot, you can effectively communicate your appreciation and recognition to your employees.

Daily Stand-up Meeting Reminder

With Slack, you'll never miss a beat. Set a reminder for your daily stand-up meeting and start your day on the right foot. Use the command /remind #channel "Daily stand-up meeting" at 9 am every weekday. This will prompt Slack to send a reminder to the specified channel, ensuring everyone's ready and prepared for the day ahead.

Project Deadline Reminder

Project deadlines can sneak up on the best of us. But with Slack reminders, you're always one step ahead. To set a project deadline reminder, use the command /remind #channel "Project deadline is on Friday" every Thursday. This provides a heads-up to your team, keeping the project timeline at the forefront of everyone's mind. Remember, a well-informed team is a productive team.

Task Completion Reminder

It's easy for tasks to get lost in the shuffle of a busy workday. By setting a task completion reminder, you can ensure each task gets the attention it deserves. The command /remind @username "Complete task" in 2 days will alert the specific team member, reminding them of their pending task. This helps to prioritize work, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.

Slack reminders are for more than just work-related tasks. They can also help foster a positive team culture, ensuring everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Takeaway

Slack reminders are your secret weapon for boosting productivity, enhancing communication, and streamlining workflow. It's as easy as choosing a channel, inputting a command, and defining the details. With this tool, you're not just setting up alerts - you're setting up success. From daily stand-ups to project deadlines, task completions to birthdays, these reminders keep you and your team on track. They're not just about meeting timelines. They're about prioritizing tasks and fostering a positive culture. So, why wait? Start using Slack reminders today and experience their difference in your day-to-day operations. You've got the knowledge, the examples, and the steps. Now, it's time to put them into action.

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Oswald Reaves

A serial startup founder and entrepreneur, Oswald is a co-founder of the Slack-based employee experience and team engagement platform, CultureBot . Oswald is originally from North Carolina.