Monday, April 10, 2023

Enabling organizational communication with announcements in Google Chat

What’s changing

We recently announced new capabilities for Space Managers to ensure effective conversations within Google Chat. To build upon those features, we’re also giving Space Managers the ability to configure spaces for sharing organizational announcements. Using the new announcement-only configuration, message posting and other capabilities are limited to designated Space Managers, who can: 
  • Create a space with restricted post setting 
  • Post 
  • Reply in thread 
  • Add files 
  • Designate another member as a Space Manager 
  • Modify the space settings 
A space must be configured as announcement-only during initial set-up by clicking “only Space Managers can post.” However, at any time, an existing Space Manager can assign the role of Space Manager to another space member, allowing them to post messages and perform other tasks as noted. 


Who’s impacted 

End users 


Why you’d use it 

Announcements facilitate one-way controlled communication in Google Chat. This can be important in a variety of scenarios, such as using a space for bulletin board-like updates rather than a resource for conversation. 


Additional details 

We’re moving the “Allow people outside of your organization to join” to the Advanced section of the space creation settings. 

Getting started 

  • Admins: There is no admin control for this feature. Visit the Help Center to learn more about optimizing Chat spaces for your organization. 
  • End users: 
    • Upon creating a space, navigate to the Advanced settings and select the “Only Space managers can post” option. You cannot modify the setting to restrict posting to Space Managers after a space is created. 
    • If you are not a Space Manager, the following will appear in the Chat text bar: “Posting is limited to Space Managers.” 
    • Visit the Help Center to learn more about creating an announcement space and your role as a Space Manager. 

Rollout pace

Web: 
Mobile: 

Availability 

  • Available to all Google Workspace customers, as well as legacy G Suite Basic and Business customers 
  • Not available to users with personal Google Accounts 

Resources