This article covers notifying people with @mentions, finding conversations, and how managers review Messages — including chats they are not in.
@mentions in channels
In a channel composer, type @ and choose a person or a group shortcut.
A mention notifies that person right away, even if they muted the channel. Other channel messages may wait about a minute, and can group into one “N new messages” alert.
Group shortcuts only notify people who are already in that channel. They do not add anyone new.
| Shortcut | Who is notified (in this channel) |
|---|---|
| @here | Everyone in the channel |
| @managers | Members who are Managers or Billing users |
| @staff | Members with the Staff role |
| @guests | Members with the Guest role |
| @group | Members who belong to the company group you pick |
If the shortcut would notify at least one other person, BEHCA asks you to confirm before sending (how many people will be notified).
- Mentions are not available in the composer of an existing direct message (there is only one other person).
- When you start a new DM, you pick the recipient in To (name search) — that is not the same as an in-thread @mention.
- Chat mentions do not send email.
Daily Tracking notes have similar @ shortcuts, but those notify the care team / company roles for a profile note, not a chat channel. In Messages, the same tags stay inside the channel.
The same shortcuts appear when a Manager adds Members to a new or edited channel — there they add people as members, they do not send a message. See Creating and managing channels.
Search and filter
Everyone
Use the search box above the conversation list to filter your Channels and Direct Messages by title or participant name. This only searches conversations you already belong to.
Managers and Billing users
Managers and Billing users can also search message text across the company (type at least two characters). Results can include conversations you are not a member of — those open as View only.
Placeholder text on the web: Search chats and messages… for managers/billing, or Filter conversations… for others.
Manager review (View only)
Managers and Billing users may open any active company conversation — including DMs — without joining as a participant.
When you open a thread this way:
- A banner explains you are Viewing as manager — read only.
- You cannot send, type, archive, or Document from that view.
- Opening it does not mark messages read for the real participants.
Search results for chats you are not in show View only next to the result. The sidebar still lists only conversations you participate in. View only comes from search or a direct link.
A disclaimer in Messages reminds everyone: Managers may review messages, including DMs.
Unread badges
- Conversation list: unread marker on threads with new messages.
- Top navigation: badge on the Messages icon for your total unread count.
Muted conversations reduce ordinary notifications but still appear in your list; @mentions can still alert you.
Common questions
- Can staff search everyone’s DMs? — No. Only Managers and Billing users get company-wide message search and View only access.
- Does View only add me to the chat? — No.
- Why didn’t my @mention email anyone? — Chat mentions never send email; they use in-app / push only.