Slack's Connect Feature: A New Era of Communication or Potential Disruption?

Many, including myself, experienced some concern upon the recent addition of the Connect feature to Slack, as initially announced in October. The proliferation of communication channels is already substantial. Beyond the constant stream of email inquiries, platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook contribute to the ongoing influx of messages – with Clubhouse also vying for attention.

Was Slack, traditionally a secure space for workplace productivity and casual conversation, now joining the fray? The company has indeed launched Connect, enabling secure direct messaging with individuals both within and outside of an organization. Currently, this functionality extends to employees at over 74,000 organizations.

Is Connect a Benefit or a Risk?

This new capability presents itself as either a valuable tool for streamlined communication or a potential gateway for unwanted intrusions into workplace chats. The outcome will largely depend on individual roles and organizational policies.

We contacted Slack for further details regarding the extent to which organizations will embrace this expanded connectivity. A company spokesperson provided the following clarification to TechCrunch:

Essentially, the feature is not automatically enabled; it requires deliberate activation by IT administrators. Without administrative approval, users will be unable to send or receive direct messages through the Connect system.

Addressing Initial Concerns

The shift towards remote work during the pandemic prompted this change, as highlighted by an IDC survey revealing that 43% of respondents identified communication and collaboration with external stakeholders as their primary challenge.

However, the initial rollout of Connect appeared somewhat rushed. Following user feedback regarding the potential for misuse of email invitations for harassment, Slack swiftly removed the customization option for those messages.

In a subsequent statement to TechCrunch, the company explained:

Key Features and Integrations

Despite initial adjustments, Connect offers several advantages. These include integration with third-party applications such as Calendly (for scheduling), CrossBeam (for account mapping), and DocuSign (for document signing).

Furthermore, the feature allows for more precise control over external networking permissions, defining the scope and security of communications with partners.

Slack Connect is currently being deployed and supports collaboration between up to 20 organizations within a shared workspace, according to the company.

• Slack Connect enables direct messaging with external parties.
• The feature is opt-in, requiring IT admin approval.
• Third-party integrations enhance functionality.
• Organizations can manage permissions for external communication.