Communication

Direct Messaging

Send private messages to anyone in your organization

Available to Everyone

Both managers and employees have access to direct messaging with the same features. Everyone can message anyone in the organization.

1

Access Messages (Both Roles)

30 seconds

For Managers

In the left sidebar, click "Messages"

  • You'll see the Messages page
  • Shows all your conversations
  • Page title: "Messages"

For Employees

In the left sidebar, click "Messages"

  • You'll see the Messages page
  • Shows all your conversations
  • Same features as managers
2

Start a New Conversation (Both Roles)

1 minute

Click "New Message" button

Look for the button at the top of the page.

  • A list of all users appears
  • Shows everyone in your organization
  • You can message anyone (managers and employees)

Search for a user (optional)

Use the search box to find someone.

  • Type their name to filter the list
  • Works with first name, last name, or email

Click on the person

Select who you want to message.

  • Opens a one-on-one chat window
  • Shows their name at the top
  • Type your message at the bottom
3

Send and Receive Messages (Both Roles)

30 seconds

Type your message

Use the text box at the bottom of the chat.

  • Type anything you want to say
  • No length limit

Press Enter or click Send

Send the message.

  • Message appears immediately
  • Other person sees it right away
  • Your messages appear on the right
  • Their messages appear on the left

See when they read it

Unread messages show unread count.

  • Unread count shows on conversation list
  • Once they open the chat, count disappears
4

View Conversation List (Both Roles)

30 seconds

Go back to Messages page

Click "Messages" in the sidebar.

  • Shows all your active conversations
  • Most recent conversation at the top
  • Unread messages show a number badge

See conversation preview

Each conversation shows the last message.

  • Last message preview
  • When it was sent (e.g., "2 hours ago")
  • Who sent it

Click any conversation

Opens that chat.

  • Full message history loads
  • Oldest messages at top
  • Newest at bottom
5

Search Conversations (Both Roles)

30 seconds

Use the search box

At the top of the Messages page.

  • Type a person's name
  • Filters your conversation list
  • Shows only matching conversations

Find old messages

Open a conversation to see full history.

  • All past messages are saved
  • Scroll up to see older messages
  • No messages are deleted automatically

Key Features

Real-time messaging

Messages appear instantly

Unread count badges

See how many unread messages

Full message history

All messages saved forever

Message anyone

Chat with managers or employees

You're All Set!

You now know how to use direct messaging in XShift AI. Start conversations, stay connected with your team, and communicate privately.

Direct Messaging for Employee Scheduling Software | XShift AI