Mastering Reminders in Slack

Slack is more than just a communication tool—it’s a hub for productivity, helping teams collaborate efficiently. Among its many features, one stands out for ensuring no task slips through the cracks: Slack reminders. Whether it's a quick one-off nudge or a recurring reminder for ongoing tasks, this feature simplifies team coordination and project management. 

This guide dives into what Slack reminders are, why they matter, and how to set them up—both as one-time and recurring reminders. You'll also learn some pro tips for getting the most out of this feature. 

What Are Slack Reminders? 

Slack reminders are automated notifications designed to help you and your team stay on top of important tasks, events, or deadlines. They ensure “I forgot” is never an excuse, whether you're managing a team meeting agenda or following up on project milestones. 

Slack offers two types of reminders:

• One-Time Reminders – Notifications set for a single instance, perfect for short-term tasks. 

• Recurring Reminders – Notifications set to repeat at specific intervals (daily, weekly, monthly), ideal for ongoing or repetitive responsibilities. 

These reminders are delivered directly into your chats or team channels, keeping everyone aligned and productive. 

Why Use Slack Reminders? 

Slack reminders are a small but mighty feature with significant benefits. Reminders can help you:

• Stay Organized – No more missed deadlines or forgotten tasks. 

• Enhance Team Coordination – Use in shared channels keeps everyone on the same page. 

• Save Time – Quickly automate recurring tasks, freeing you to focus on higher-value work. 

• Boost Accountability – Encourage individual and team responsibility with regular prompts. 

Using reminders can help your team streamline operations, foster better communication, and increase efficiency. 

 How to Set Up a One-Time Reminder in Slack 

One-time reminders are best for ad-hoc or short-term tasks. To get started:

Step 1: Navigate to your chat 

Go to your personal chat or the chat/channel where you need the reminder to apply. 

Step 2: Type /remind and select “Set yourself a reminder”

Step 3: Fill out the Details 

A pop-up form will appear. Add key details like:

• Day and time – When the reminder should notify you. 

• Description – The text for your reminder, e.g., "Send the onboarding documents." 

Step 4: Save the Reminder 

Hit the "Save" button, and Slackbot will confirm the reminder. 

Step 5: Manage the Reminder 

When the reminder pops up, you can:

• Snooze it for later. 

• Mark it as complete once done. 

Simple, right? Let's step it up with recurring reminders! 

 How to Set Up a Recurring Reminder in Slack 

Recurring reminders are perfect for repetitive tasks—think weekly meetings, monthly reports, or regular check-ins. 

Setting Up the Reminder 

Here’s the syntax to create a recurring reminder:

/remind [@someone or #channel] [what] [when] 

Step 1: Go to the Relevant Channel or Chat 

Decide whether this reminder is for a specific person, a channel, or just for yourself. 

Step 2: Type the Command 

Here are a few examples:

• For Personal Use: /remind me to send invoices every Monday at 9am 

• For a Channel: /remind #general to submit weekly updates every Friday at 3pm 

• For a Team Member: /remind @JohnDoe to schedule social posts every Tuesday at 4pm 

Step 3: Confirm the Reminder 

Slackbot will send a confirmation once the reminder is set. 

Managing Recurring Reminders 

• Delete a Reminder – Made a mistake? Just click "Delete" in the Slackbot confirmation. 

• View Reminders – Type /remind list to see all your pending and completed reminders in one place. 

Pro Tip: If you need to edit a recurring reminder, you’ll need to delete it and start fresh. Slack doesn’t currently allow editing recurring jobs directly. 

 Use Cases for Recurring Reminders 

Wondering how recurring reminders can improve your workflow? Here are examples that might inspire you:

1. Daily Stand-Ups 

Prompt your team to provide updates on their daily goals:

/remind #team "Post your daily progress update" every weekday at 9am 

2. Weekly Tasks 

Keep deliverables like newsletters or sprint reviews on schedule:

/remind @Sam to send the weekly newsletter draft every Friday at 10am 

3. Monthly Check-Ins 

Ensure critical discussions like budget reviews happen on time:

/remind me to review quarterly goals on the 1st of every month 

4. Team Birthdays or Events 

Celebrate team moments:

/remind #general "Wish @Emily a happy birthday!" on July 15th at 9am 

5. Automated Processes 

Set reminders for ongoing processes, like code reviews or report submissions. 

By leveraging these reminders, you can create a more structured and efficient work environment. 

 Wrapping Up 

Slack reminders—particularly recurring ones—are a straightforward solution for keeping teams on track and tasks manageable. Whether you're managing large-scale projects or small daily responsibilities, these reminders prevent oversights and and establish a culture of accountability. 

Implement reminders to streamline workflows today, and take your Slack setup to the next level! 

Looking for even more customization? Integrate tools like Ravenna to automate Slack workflows, including sophisticated ticketing and task management systems. 

Your team’s next level of efficiency is just one reminder away.