One (of the many) panes that we walk new users through is the Notifications, explaining where/what/how each of their choices will affect how they are notified.

Since in our business type (health care) we have a constant stream of chats going on about clients, meds, delivery issues, etc.  So much so, that there are times that I see other staff with that (99+) next to group chats or other staff direct messages, and when I ask them about it - they have stated that they see the note in the pop-up and take action - sometimes never clicking on the group/name to clear the counters.

Notifications Evil… oh yes.  They get so many from all different departments that they are overwhelmed at times.

We’re almost to the point of templating off the email notifications to posts/DMs/etc. just so their email inbox doesn’t get spammed as well when staff goes on a break, or lunch.

But a necessary evil…

Tag.

For me, it's definitely 'Master of My Domain.' 

It took some dedicated time to go through every single notification setting for both the desktop and mobile apps, especially for messages in different teams and direct chats. But honestly, it's been a game-changer for my focus. Now, I only get pinged for truly urgent items or direct mentions, and everything else waits until I choose to look. It really helps me stay in flow!

What about you all? If you chose 'Master of My Domain' too, what's your top tip for customizing settings? Or if you're struggling, what's your biggest notification challenge? 

Wow, thanks so much for diving in with such an incredibly detailed and honest take, ​@Joe Cache ! This is exactly the kind of real-world insight we were hoping to get with our first 'Weekend Warm-up. 

Your point about the (99+) counter and how staff act on pop-ups without clearing the numbers is super valuable– it really shows how notifications can become a 'necessary evil' when things are so busy, especially in a fast-paced environment like healthcare. And your strategy for templating email notifications to manage inbox clutter during breaks? Brilliant!

​@Joe Cache ​@Mary-Community_Moderator 
Mine are just right...for the most part. 
But I’m sort of crazy about making sure my messages don’t get the better of me - and I do a really bad thing...and mark things as unread to get back to them. 

​@BeckyH How is that a bad thing?!?  I do that for emails as well - a virtual yellow sticky in my book.  (I mean come on - I ONLY have 8430 email in my inbox…  )

I find that even after a couple of months and revisiting staff settings - There are some that still don’t know the basics of the Message window (Favorites, Teams, etc.) and just have a list of hundreds of staff on the side - having to scroll down to find someone…  When I show them the ‘Unread’ switch, there’s audible gasping!

Huh! Okay...you’re making me feel better. 
I thought it was a best practice not to do that...but not every best practice is the best practice, right?
 

This conversation is gold!

It sounds like both of you have mastered the art of the "intentional unread"! Turning a seemingly 'bad habit' into a surprisingly effective personal productivity hack! 

Hey everyone! Hope you're all enjoying your Friday! Just a friendly reminder that our very first 'Weekend Warm-up' poll on notification overload is still live and buzzing. If you haven't shared your thoughts or voted yet, there's still plenty of time before the weekend's over! Jump in and let us know your notification strategy (or struggles!).