Despite having a spot in the corner of the Gmail web interface, Google Chat doesn't often get the attention it deserves. According to WIRED, it is a more capable and feature-packed messaging app than you might give it credit for, with seamless connections to other Google apps and services. For enterprise teams using Google Workspace, these nine tips can help streamline communication, reduce clutter, and improve productivity.
Make Your Own Space
In Google Chat, Spaces work like supercharged group chats. They are places where you can more easily work on projects or discuss topics with a selection of people you choose. Unlike standard group chats, Spaces can have names and descriptions, and can be used to assign tasks to specific people. File sharing is also more elegantly handled in Spaces. To create a new Space on the web, click the New chat button (top left), then Create a space. You are asked to give it a name, and an optional emoji to represent it. Once created, buttons appear for inviting new members, sharing files, and assigning tasks. Click the Space name to find settings, including message history options.
Thread Your Chats
Google Chat supports threaded messages, allowing users to spin off separate tangents within conversations without interrupting the larger flow. WIRED notes that these threads are available in one-to-one chats, group chats, and Spaces. Hover over a message (on the web) or long-press on a message (on mobile) to find the option to reply in a new thread. The icon looks like a spool of thread.
Pin the Most Important Messages
Individual chats can easily get lost in the pile. Google Chat lets you pin important conversations to the top of the list. On the web, click the three dots next to a chat in the left-hand navigation pane to find the Pin option. On mobile, press and hold a chat in the messages view (tap the speech bubble icon at the bottom to bring it up). This ensures critical project discussions stay visible.
Put Conversations Into Sections
Another way to organize your Google Chat conversations is to put them in sections—similar to using folders for emails. You could have sections for different departments, clients, or projects. These sections organize your conversation lists on the web and in the mobile apps. On the web, click the three dots next to a chat in the left-hand navigation pane, then pick Move conversation. You can then either select an existing section or create a new one. You cannot create sections on mobile, but you can view them by tapping the icon showing two rectangles at the bottom of the main chat list.
Schedule Messages for the Future
Google Chat comes with message scheduling built in, though only on the web app. Write out your message in the compose box, then click the small downward arrow just to the left of the standard Send button, and you can pick a specific time and date in the future. Messages can be scheduled for delivery up to 120 days in advance, which is useful for coordinating across time zones or sending reminders after hours.
Use Google Chat With Other Google Apps
One of the advantages of using Google Chat as a messaging app is how well it ties into other Google products. You can easily attach links from Google Calendar or files from Google Drive. It is also possible to create a task in Google Tasks from a message, by clicking the three dots next to it (on the web) or long-pressing it (in the mobile apps). Another option on the same pop-up menu is Forward to inbox, which sends the message (and several surrounding messages) to your linked Gmail inbox in a neatly formatted email. WIRED suggests this can be used to send important information such as addresses or phone numbers to your inbox, or to back up images you want to keep.
Set Your Status
Setting your status in Google Chat helps colleagues know your availability. While the source text was truncated on this tip, it is standard functionality across chat apps and integrated with Google Calendar status.
Summary of Enterprise Benefits
| Tip | Business Outcome |
|---|---|
| Spaces | Better project governance with task assignments and file sharing |
| Threaded chats | Reduced clutter, clearer topic discussion |
| Pin messages | Quick access to critical ongoing conversations |
| Sections | Organized conversation lists for cross-functional teams |
| Schedule messages | Timely communication across time zones |
| App integrations | Reduced context-switching via Drive, Calendar, Tasks, Gmail |
| Status settings | Improved awareness of team availability |
For enterprise decision-makers evaluating collaboration tools, these features demonstrate that Google Chat is more than a basic messenger—it is a productivity hub that, when used effectively, can enhance team coordination and information management across the organization.
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