How do anonymous questions work in Slack channels?

Since Slack doesn't natively support anonymous questions, various methods have emerged to achieve this functionality. These include leveraging Slack's Workflow Builder, integrating third-party apps like Polly, Simple Poll, SurveyMonkey, and Workato, creating custom integrations using Slack's API, or employing a combination of Google Forms and Zapier. The common thread is to decouple the question from the questioner's identity before posting it to the channel. This often involves using bots or forms that strip identifying information or relying on external services designed for anonymous feedback collection. Jira Service Management also offers a solution by allowing anonymous requests through its portal, which are then routed to a Slack channel.

Key findings

• No Native Support: Slack does not natively offer an anonymous question feature.
• Workflow Builder: Slack's Workflow Builder can be used to create a custom solution.
• Third-Party Apps: Apps like Polly, Simple Poll, SurveyMonkey, and Workato provide ready-made anonymous question functionality.
• API Integrations: Custom integrations using Slack's API allow for more control over the anonymous process.
• Forms and Zapier: Google Forms and Zapier can be combined to create a simple anonymous question system.
• Jira Service Management: Jira Service Management can be integrated for anonymous request submission.

Key considerations

• Anonymity: Ensure the chosen method effectively hides the identity of the questioner.
• Ease of Implementation: Solutions vary in complexity, consider your technical expertise and available resources.
• Functionality: Evaluate if the solution meets your specific needs, such as moderation or reporting.
• Cost: Third-party apps may have associated costs depending on usage and features.
• Data Security: Understand how the chosen solution handles and protects sensitive data.

Anonymous questions in Slack can be implemented in several ways, as Slack does not offer a native feature. These methods include using Slack's workflow builder, third-party apps like Polly and Simple Poll, custom integrations with Slack's API, Google Forms with Zapier, or platforms like Jira Service Management. The core principle involves masking the questioner's identity before the question is posted to the channel, often utilizing bots or forms that strip identifying information.

Key opinions

• No Native Feature: Slack lacks a built-in function for anonymous questions, necessitating workarounds.
• Workflow Builder: Slack's workflow builder can be used to create custom anonymous question systems.
• Third-Party Apps: Apps like Polly and Simple Poll offer pre-built anonymous question and polling functionalities.
• API Integrations: Slack's API allows for the creation of custom solutions using web forms and bots to ensure anonymity.
• Google Forms + Zapier: Google Forms, with anonymous settings and Zapier integration, provides a simple solution.
• Jira Integration: Jira Service Management can be integrated with Slack to handle anonymous requests.

Key considerations

• Privacy: Ensure anonymity is maintained throughout the process, especially when using custom solutions.
• Implementation Complexity: Solutions range from simple (Google Forms) to complex (API integrations), choose based on technical resources.
• Feature Set: Third-party apps offer varying feature sets; select one that aligns with your needs.
• Admin Oversight: Admins often need to manage the setup and ensure the anonymity process is functioning correctly.
• Cost: Third-party apps may incur costs depending on the features and usage.

There are no answers provided to summarise.

Key opinions

Key considerations

Slack does not natively support anonymous questions, but several third-party apps and integrations can be used to achieve this. These solutions typically involve routing questions through a separate service, like Polly, SurveyMonkey, Workato, or Microsoft Forms. Anonymity is maintained by preventing the question from being directly linked to the user within Slack. These apps often have features for setting up polls, surveys, and Q&A sessions with anonymous submission options, ensuring a safe space for sharing feedback.

Key findings

• No Native Support: Slack lacks a built-in feature for anonymous questions.
• Polly Integration: Polly enables anonymous feedback and Q&A sessions within Slack.
• Workato Workflows: Workato allows creating workflows where questions are submitted to a bot and posted anonymously.
• SurveyMonkey Integration: SurveyMonkey integrates with Slack to collect anonymous feedback through surveys.
• Microsoft Forms: Microsoft Forms can be used to create anonymous surveys and share them in Slack.

Key considerations

• Privacy: Verify that the chosen solution effectively anonymizes the user submitting the question.
• Setup Complexity: Consider the level of technical expertise required to implement and manage the chosen solution.
• Feature Set: Evaluate whether the features offered by the solution meet the specific needs of the organization.
• Cost: Be aware of any costs associated with using third-party apps or integrations.
• Data Handling: Understand how the chosen solution handles and stores user data, especially when dealing with sensitive information.