Slack Setup Guide
Configure Kudos in Slack for seamless recognition and maximum team engagement
Proper Slack setup is crucial for recognition program success. This guide walks you through installation, configuration, and optimization to ensure your team embraces recognition from day one.
Quick Setup (5 minutes)
Click above to install Kudos in your workspace. You'll need admin permissions.
Installation Steps
Authorize Kudos
Click "Add to Slack" and review the permissions Kudos needs:
- • Read basic team information
- • Post recognition messages
- • Create slash commands
- • Send direct messages for notifications
Choose Installation Scope
Select where to install Kudos:
Entire Workspace (Recommended)
All channels and teams can use Kudos
Specific Channels
Limit to certain teams or departments
Configure Settings
Complete initial setup in the configuration screen:
- • Set your company values/recognition categories
- • Choose notification preferences
- • Select public recognition channel
- • Configure privacy settings
Essential Configuration
Channel Setup
#kudos
Main recognition channel where all public kudos appear
- • Make public to all members
- • Pin to sidebar for visibility
- • Set as default post channel
#kudos-help
Support channel for questions and tips
- • Add program champions as admins
- • Pin FAQ and guides
- • Enable threading for Q&A
#kudos-leaders
Private channel for program administrators
- • Private to managers/champions
- • Weekly metrics posts
- • Strategy discussions
#team-[name]-kudos
Department-specific recognition channels
- • Private to department members
- • More casual recognition
- • Team-specific values
Slash Commands
Available Commands
/kudos @teammateGive kudos to a teammate
/kudos-statsView your recognition statistics
/kudos-leaderboardSee top recognizers this month
/kudos-helpGet help and tips
/kudos-valuesView company values and categories
Permission Settings
Admin Controls
Workspace Owners
Full access to settings and analytics
Admins
Configure recognition categories and settings
Managers
View team analytics and reports
All Members
Give and receive kudos
Notification Configuration
Individual Notifications
Channel Notifications
Customizing Recognition Categories
Align with Company Values
Customize recognition categories to match your company values:
Default Categories
- 🏆 Excellence
- 🤝 Collaboration
- 💡 Innovation
- 🎯 Results
- ❤️ Culture
Custom Examples
- 🚀 Customer First
- ⚡ Move Fast
- 🔍 Attention to Detail
- 🌟 Going Above & Beyond
- 🛡️ Ownership
Integration Features
Workflow Builder Integration
Create automated recognition workflows:
- • Trigger kudos from form submissions
- • Auto-recognize project completions
- • Schedule recognition reminders
- • Connect with other tools via Zapier
Bot Configuration
Customize the Kudos bot behavior:
- • Set bot display name and avatar
- • Configure response messages
- • Enable/disable emoji reactions
- • Set reminder frequency
Best Practices for Setup
Start Simple
Begin with basic settings and 3-5 recognition categories. You can always add more complexity later based on team feedback and usage patterns.
Test Before Launch
Create a test channel with a small group to ensure everything works smoothly. Test all commands, notifications, and integrations before company-wide rollout.
Document Everything
Create a simple guide with screenshots showing how to give kudos. Pin this in your #kudos-help channel and share during onboarding.
Set Clear Expectations
Communicate what good recognition looks like, how often team members should participate, and how the program aligns with company culture.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Kudos commands not working
- • Verify Kudos app is installed in the workspace
- • Check user has permission to use slash commands
- • Try refreshing Slack (Cmd/Ctrl + R)
- • Reinstall the app if issues persist
Notifications not appearing
- • Check notification settings in Slack preferences
- • Verify Kudos bot isn't muted
- • Ensure user hasn't disabled DMs from apps
- • Check channel notification settings
Can't see #kudos channel
- • Ensure channel is public or user is invited
- • Check if channel was archived
- • Verify user hasn't left the channel
- • Admin may need to add users manually
Need Help?
Our support team is here to ensure your Slack setup is perfect.