The platform offers two primary ways to communicate with your staff: Direct Messages and Channels.
1. Sending Direct Messages
Direct messages are ideal for one-on-one or small group conversations.
Initiating a Direct Message:
Navigate to the Messages tab.
Locate the "New conversation" button at the bottom and select "Send a direct message."
Type the name(s) of the staff member(s) you want to message into the recipient field. You can add multiple recipients.
Compose your message in the text input area.
Add any attachments by clicking on the plus icon.
Click the Send button.
Pinning Direct Messages (Optional): For important or frequently accessed direct message threads, you have the option to pin them to the top of your direct message list for easy access.
2. Creating and Using Channels
Channels are dynamic group conversations organized by staff positions. This is useful for communicating with specific teams.
Creating a Channel:
Navigate to the Messages tab.
Locate the "New conversation" button at the bottom and select "Create a new channel."
Name Your Channel: Enter a descriptive name for the channel.
Select Positions: Choose the staff positions that should be included in this channel.
Automatic Member Updates: Once created, any new staff member added to the platform with one of the selected positions will automatically be added to this channel.
Send your first message to finalize the channel.
Pinning Channels (Optional): For important or frequently accessed channel threads, you have the option to pin them to the top of your direct message list for easy access.
Sending Messages in a Channel:
Select the channel from your list of channels.
Type your message in the text input area.
Add any attachments by clicking on the plus icon.
Click the Send button. All members of the channel will receive your message.
Managing Channel Settings (Announcement Mode):
Within the channel, navigate to the Settings option.
Announcement Mode: You can toggle the setting "Announcement mode" to ON.
Save Settings: Once enabled, only administrators (and potentially designated authors) can send messages to the channel. Other members will have view-only access, preventing the channel from being flooded with responses.
Granting Author Access: Within the People option at the top, you also have the ability to grant specific staff members (e.g., coordinators) permission to send messages in announcement mode, making them "authors."
3. Integrated Messaging from Other Areas
The platform's messaging feature is often integrated into other sections for more efficient communication.
Messaging Shift Members from the Schedules Tab:
Navigate to the Schedules tab.
Click on a specific shift in the schedule.
Look for the Send Message option.
This will automatically populate a message to all staff members assigned to that shift.
You can also add other positions or individual staff members to this message if needed.
Messaging Individual Staff from Shifts:
Throughout the platform (e.g., in lists of staff members or within schedules), you may see an option to directly message an individual staff member (often an icon or a "Message" button next to their name).
Clicking this will open a direct message window with that staff member.
By utilizing direct messages and channels effectively, you can streamline communication with your staff, keeping everyone informed and connected. Remember to explore the settings within channels to manage communication flow as needed. If you have any further questions or feedback, please let us know at support@athletify.com!