Overview

WorkChat is a secure communication tool that allows you and your staff to send messages and images in real time without exchanging personal contact information. WorkChat can be further customized to fit exactly the type of communication you’d like for your staff to have access to. For example:

• Use in broadcast-only mode so managers can send out one-way messaging to all staff.
• Empower employees to start and post in custom channels to communicate with one another.

You can also use WorkChat from the iPhone/iPad app or the Android app. If you have manager or admin access privileges, you can manage WorkChat settings for your workplace.

Channels

A WorkChat channel is like a virtual room; everyone in the channel can send and receive messages. When you have unread messages, a red dot appears on the conversation and on the WorkChat icon icon at the top of the page.

Workplace channel

The workplace channel includes everyone that belongs to the account. Use this channel when you need to send a broadcast message to all of your staff. The workplace channel is pinned to the top of all WorkChat channels and cannot be deleted. By default, only the admin and managers can post in the WorkPlace channel. Adjust your settings to allow other users to post in the channel as well.

In the channels list, the workplace channel shows the account logo and name set by your employer.

Group channels

If enabled on your account, you can create group channels to chat with multiple coworkers. For example, you might create a group channel for team members that work together on a project or work a specific position.

In the channels list, group channels show the profile pictures of the first two people added to the channel.

1-on-1 channel

Start a 1-on-1 channel when you need to chat with a specific person.

In the channels list, 1-on-1 channels show the profile picture of the person you’re chatting with.

Using WorkChat to communicate

To access WorkChat, click WorkChat near the top of the page. The app displays your WorkChat channels.

If you don’t see WorkChat icon, WorkChat is not available for your workplace.

Starting a channel

1. From the WorkChat channels list, click New WorkChat.
2. If you want to give the channel a custom name, click Name this channel (optional) and enter a name.
3. Select the people you want to include in the channel.
   • To start a 1-on-1 channel, select a single person.
   • To start a group channel, select multiple people.
   • To filter the list of people by schedule or position, click Filter button.
   • To search for a person, click the To line and begin typing a first or last name.
4. Click Next.
5. Send a message to start the channel.

Sending a message

1. From the WorkChat conversation list, click an existing channel or create a new one.
2. Type a message in the box, then click Send or press enter.

Your message is delivered to everyone that belongs to the channel.

Sending a photo

All WorkChat channels allow you to send photos. PNG, JPEG, and GIF image formats are supported.

1. From the WorkChat channel list, click an existing conversation or create a new one.
2. Click Add Photo.
   
3. Browse to the location of the photo and select it.
   A thumbnail of the photo appears above Add Photo.
4. If you want to send a message with the photo, type a message in the box.
5. Click Send or press enter.

Your photo is delivered to everyone that belongs to the channel.

Renaming a channel

You can rename any group or 1-on-1 channel.

1. From the WorkChat channel list, click the channel you want to rename.
2. In the top-right corner of the channel, click Information icon.
3. Click the channel name, then enter a new name.
4. Click Save.

Adding coworkers to a channel

1. From the WorkChat channel list, click the channel you want to add coworkers to.
2. In the top-right corner of the conversation, click Information icon.
3. Click Add Coworkers.
4. Click each coworker that you want to add.
   To search for a person, click the To line and begin typing a first or last name.
5. Click Done.
6. Click Back to return to the channel.

Leaving a channel

If you leave a channel, you cannot rejoin it yourself. However, you can ask someone in the channel to add you. You cannot leave the workplace channel.

1. From the WorkChat channel list, click the channel you want to leave.
2. In the top-right corner of the conversation, click Information icon.
3. Click Leave Channel.
4. Click Leave to confirm.

Can’t see WorkChat?

If you don’t see WorkChat, it may be disabled. Your employer has the option to turn WorkChat on and off.