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](https://support.behca.com/hc/behca-support/articles/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.

## Related articles

- [Messages overview](https://support.behca.com/hc/behca-support/articles/messages-overview)
- [Starting a direct message](https://support.behca.com/hc/behca-support/articles/starting-a-direct-message)
- [Creating and managing channels](https://support.behca.com/hc/behca-support/articles/creating-and-managing-channels)