Slack is changing the way we chat at work. Here's an etiquette guide to help you survive a messaging-obsessed office.

Reuters

Don't chat your boss "JFC."

• As Slack becomes more integrated in modern offices, employees (like myself) sometimes slip up and use iMessage lingo in company chat rooms.
• While you should avoid acronyms with swear words like "WTF," communicating casually with your coworkers can help foster friendships.
• Just remember your boss and company management can read everything you say on Slack, so don't discuss sensitive information.
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I used to think of myself as a professional, hard-working employee - until the day I swore at my boss.

Well, kind of.

He had started a chat conversation over Slack to alert me of a shocking development in my careers beat. While I can't recall the exact comment, I remember I found his news so disturbing I instinctively typed: "JFC."

Read more: 13 things that should never surprise a boss

My boss questioned what I meant by the acronym, and I instantly felt my face get red with shame. The acronym stood for "Jesus F****** Christ" - not only did I take the Lord's name in vain, I used a swear word.

While I only occasionally use that phrase (and I don't swear that much verbally), over chat I'll routinely use "WTF" and "LMAO" with my friends. But now, chatting is part of the modern office - Slack grew from 0 to 8 million daily users in just four years, and Microsoft says its competitor tool Teams might be growing even faster.

You can be more casual on Slack than over email, and chat platforms can even help you form friendships at work. Still, there are some things - like swearing - that should stay out of the office entirely.

Here is the ultimate Slack etiquette guide for your workplace: