ClickUp Guide: How to Keep Slack Always Active on Desktop

Staying visible and responsive in team chats is crucial, which is why this ClickUp guide walks you through how to keep Slack always active on desktop so your status does not unexpectedly switch to away during the workday.

When you are collaborating across time zones or managing multiple projects, an idle status can send the wrong signal to your team. By following a few simple settings adjustments and best practices, you can keep your Slack presence active and aligned with how you actually work.

Why Your Slack Status Goes Inactive

Before changing anything, it helps to understand why Slack marks you as away in the first place. Slack tracks activity on your desktop and sets your status based on:

• Mouse movement and keyboard input on your computer
• Activity inside the Slack app window
• Whether your computer is asleep, locked, or offline
• Mobile app usage when desktop is idle

If Slack does not detect activity for a period of time, it automatically flips your status from active (green) to away (empty circle). This default behavior is helpful for most users, but it becomes frustrating when you are:

• Reading long documents or specs without touching your mouse
• On calls, in meetings, or recording videos
• Working heads-down in other apps while Slack runs in the background

The goal is to stay accurately visible to teammates who rely on real-time communication, and the steps below support that.

Basic Steps to Keep Slack Active on Desktop

You can reduce unwanted idle time with a combination of Slack settings and operating system tweaks. The following general steps outline the process:

1. Update Slack to the latest desktop version.
2. Disable or adjust system sleep settings.
3. Keep the Slack window open while you work.
4. Use notification controls to prevent disruption.
5. Apply status tools to reflect your availability.

Once the basics are in place, you will notice your status stays active more consistently during normal work hours.

Configure Desktop Settings to Support ClickUp Workflows

Many teams manage tasks, docs, and communication between Slack and ClickUp. To avoid going idle while deep in a ClickUp workspace or document, start by fine-tuning your computer’s power and display options.

ClickUp-Friendly Power Settings on Windows

If you use Windows while collaborating between Slack and ClickUp, adjust the Power & Sleep settings:

1. Open Settings > System > Power & Battery.
2. Under Screen and Sleep, extend the time before your screen turns off.
3. Set When plugged in, PC goes to sleep after to a higher value or Never, depending on your company policy.
4. Apply the changes and keep Slack open while you work in ClickUp.

These adjustments prevent your device from sleeping too quickly while you are still actively working in other applications.

ClickUp-Friendly Energy Settings on macOS

On macOS, you can modify Energy Saver or Battery & Display settings to support focused work in Slack and ClickUp:

1. Open System Settings.
2. Go to Displays or Battery (depending on OS version).
3. Increase the Turn display off after time.
4. Disable Put hard disks to sleep when possible if needed.
5. Ensure Prevent automatic sleeping when the display is off is enabled in some versions.

With a longer sleep timer, Slack will stay active while you are reading ClickUp tasks, specs, or project timelines on your desktop.

Adjust Slack Settings for Reliable Activity

Slack itself provides tools to keep your status accurate and let teammates know when you are available or heads-down on ClickUp tasks.

Keep Slack Open While Using ClickUp

Slack’s presence detection works best when the desktop app is running and visible. To maintain this:

• Launch the Slack desktop app at the start of your day.
• Do not rely only on the browser version when you also have ClickUp or other apps in multiple tabs.
• Minimize Slack instead of closing it when switching into ClickUp for deep work.

This simple habit keeps your status from dropping to away just because you closed the window.

Use Custom Status While Working in ClickUp

When you are focused on a detailed sprint board, doc, or dashboard in ClickUp, set a custom Slack status that better reflects your real availability:

1. Click your profile picture in Slack.
2. Select Update your status.
3. Choose an emoji and write a short note such as “In ClickUp planning” or “Deep work – reviewing tasks”.
4. Set a time duration that matches your focus block.
5. Click Save.

A clear status message prevents confusion and reassures teammates that you are working, even if you are slower to respond.

Productivity Tips for Slack and ClickUp Users

Keeping Slack always active on desktop is not just about status; it is about building a smooth workflow between communications and the project management you do in ClickUp.

Route Notifications Between Slack and ClickUp

You can streamline alerts by connecting your workspace tools:

• Use Slack channels for real-time conversation, quick questions, and team announcements.
• Use ClickUp for structured tasks, deadlines, and documentation.
• Configure app integrations so key updates from ClickUp appear in designated Slack channels.
• Mute noisy channels that distract from your ClickUp work, while keeping critical ones active.

This way, you stay responsive where it matters most and your desktop presence accurately reflects ongoing work.

Balance Focus and Availability

Staying always active does not mean constantly interruptible. Use a balanced approach:

• Block calendar time for deep work in ClickUp and reflect this via Slack status.
• Set short, regular check-in times on Slack for DMs and mentions.
• Use Do Not Disturb in Slack during intense ClickUp work sessions.
• Return to fully active mode for collaboration windows and standup meetings.

With this pattern, your team sees a consistent presence without sacrificing productivity.

Common Pitfalls That Make Slack Go Idle

Even with adjustments, a few habits can still trigger unwanted away status:

• Closing Slack instead of minimizing it while working in ClickUp.
• Letting the laptop lid close during long calls or screen-shares.
• Not touching the keyboard or mouse for extended periods when reading long docs.
• Using only the mobile app while the desktop is inactive.

When possible, keep a small amount of activity on the desktop during long sessions. Even simple actions, like scrolling or navigating between Slack and ClickUp, can help maintain your active status.

More Resources to Improve Your Workspace

To go beyond status tweaks and design a fully optimized digital workspace, you can explore additional guidance from productivity and workflow specialists. A useful starting point is the consulting content available at Consultevo, which covers systems, tools, and process improvements for modern teams.

If you want to review the original detailed tutorial and settings breakdown, visit the source article on keeping Slack active on desktop directly at this Slack always active guide.

Make Slack and ClickUp Work Together Smoothly

By fine-tuning your power settings, adjusting Slack preferences, and using clear status messages while you are deep in ClickUp, you can prevent your desktop presence from flipping to away at the wrong moment.

Adopt the steps described above, experiment with small adjustments, and share the process with your team. With a stable active status and a well-structured workflow between Slack and ClickUp, collaboration becomes smoother, expectations are clearer, and your daily work feels more under control.

Need Help With ClickUp?

If you want expert help building, automating, or scaling your ClickUp workspace, work with ConsultEvo — trusted ClickUp Solution Partners.

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