Quick Answer: If you use presence tools, transparency is usually the better approach. Frame it as solving a technical problem (Slack’s auto-away during real work) to maintain accurate availability signals. Focus the conversation on outcomes and communication, not surveillance.

For cloud-based presence scheduling, see Idle Pilot or start free.

How to Talk to Your Manager About Slack Presence Tools

The Awkward Question

You use a presence scheduler or considered using one. Should you tell your manager? Will it look like you’re trying to appear available when you’re not?

The answer depends on your workplace culture, but transparency is usually the better path.

Why This Conversation Matters

Hiding tool usage creates anxiety. If discovered, it looks worse than being upfront. And the underlying issues (unclear expectations, presence anxiety) don’t get addressed.

Frame the Problem, Not the Solution

Start with the problem, not “I use a tool”:

Not this: “I use a presence scheduler to stay green on Slack.”

Try this: “Slack marks me away during focused work and meetings, which doesn’t reflect my actual availability. I’ve been looking at ways to maintain more accurate presence during work hours.”

The Key Points to Make

1. Slack Presence Is Technically Flawed

Explain the technical reality:

• Slack only detects Slack-specific activity
• Working in other apps, reading, or being on calls doesn’t count
• The 10-minute timeout is arbitrary and non-configurable

2. Away Status Creates Communication Friction

The business impact:

• Teammates delay reaching out
• “Are you there?” messages interrupt work
• Presence doesn’t reflect actual availability

3. Your Goal Is Accurate Availability Signaling

Frame your intent:

• You want presence to match your real schedule
• You’re not trying to appear available when you’re actually away
• You still use status messages and DND appropriately

4. Focus on Output

Connect to what matters:

• Your work quality and deadlines haven’t changed
• Your response times are consistent
• The tool helps communication, not avoidance

Sample Conversation Starters

For Proactive Discussion

“I wanted to talk about how we handle Slack presence on our team. I’ve noticed the green dot doesn’t reflect actual availability, especially during focused work. Some remote workers use scheduling tools to maintain presence during work hours. How do you think about this?”

If Asked About It

“Yes, I use a presence scheduler. Slack marks me away during meetings and deep work, which isn’t accurate. The scheduler keeps me green during my actual work hours. My response times and output haven’t changed.”

If There’s Pushback

“I understand the concern. Would it help if I shared my actual schedule? I’m genuinely available during the hours I show as active. The alternative is constant Slack-checking that interrupts focus work.”

Questions Your Manager Might Ask

”Why do you need this?”

“Slack’s auto-away triggers during legitimate work. Reading documents, being on calls, or writing code all show as ‘away’ even though I’m working and responsive."

"Isn’t this gaming the system?”

“I see it as making the system accurate. My presence now reflects my real availability instead of arbitrary Slack timeouts."

"How do I know you’re actually working?”

“The same way as always: deliverables, response times, meeting attendance. Those haven’t changed. This is about presence accuracy, not work avoidance."

"What if everyone did this?”

“Honestly, presence would be more accurate for everyone. People would show available when they’re actually available during work hours, not when they happen to be clicking in Slack.”

If Your Workplace Has Strict Policies

Some workplaces prohibit any third-party tools or have explicit monitoring expectations. In those cases:

1. Check your employee handbook
2. Ask IT about approved tools
3. Consider whether the workplace is a good fit

Using prohibited tools secretly is risky and probably not worth it.

FAQ

Should I tell my manager I use a presence tool?

In most cases, transparency is better than hiding it. Frame the conversation around Slack’s technical limitations and your goal of accurate availability signaling, not around avoiding work or monitoring.

How do I explain presence tools without sounding like I’m slacking?

Focus on the problem (Slack marks you away during real work) and your goal (maintaining accurate availability during actual work hours). Connect it to your work output and responsiveness, which shouldn’t have changed.

What if my company has strict monitoring policies?

Check your employee handbook and IT policies first. If third-party tools are prohibited, using them secretly creates more risk than benefit. Consider whether the underlying surveillance culture is something you want to work within.

For more on workplace presence norms, see Slack Presence and Team Trust or Presence Norms.