The One Thing I Wish Was Mandatory on Slack (and It’s Not What You Think)

I’ve worked remotely for years now. Across time zones, languages, and even continents. And in that time, I’ve learned a lot about what works and what doesn’t when it comes to building a sense of team when you're not in the same physical space.

Behind every message is a real person. Let’s not forget that — even in remote work.

But there’s one thing I believe — maybe more strongly than I should — that I wish was mandatory on Slack: Profile pictures.

Yep, you read that right. A simple photo. Not your company logo. Not your dog. Not an emoji. Just a photo of you.

Let me explain.

Why it matters more than you think

When I first started managing remote teams, I noticed how often I was messaging with people I’d never met. Sometimes for weeks. We’d collaborate on dashboards, troubleshoot messy data, brainstorm solutions for clients… and I had no idea what they looked like.

No face. Just a name. Sometimes not even that — just initials.

And honestly? It felt weird. Like I was working with usernames, not humans.

I remember one moment in particular. I was wrapping up a call with a contractor who had been working with us for months. She finally turned on her camera during a team check-in — and I was stunned. She was warm, expressive, and immediately more relatable. I thought to myself, I wish I’d seen her face earlier. It would’ve changed how I communicated with her completely.

Connection is currency in remote work

Working remotely already creates distance — physical, emotional, even cultural. We miss out on watercooler talk, quick hallway chats, or even just a smile across the room.

So we need to be more intentional about humanizing our digital spaces. And profile pictures, as simple as they are, go a long way.

• They help me put a face to the name.

• They make communication feel personal instead of transactional.

• They remind me that there’s a person — with a life, a story, and feelings — behind the message bubble.

It’s like bringing a little spark of humanity into a tool that can otherwise feel cold and robotic.

No, it doesn’t have to be perfect

I’m not asking for a studio photoshoot. You don’t have to look “professional.” You don’t even have to smile if you don’t want to. I just want to know who I’m working with.

For my own team, I’ve made it a gentle rule: profile pictures help us see each other. Even if we’re spread out across different cities — or countries. Especially then.

When I see your face, I feel like I know you a little more. And that makes it easier to collaborate, give feedback, laugh together, or even have those awkward difficult conversations when needed.

If we can’t be in the same room, let’s at least show up

To me, showing up with a photo is a small act of presence. It says, “Here I am. I’m part of this.” And in remote work, that presence is everything.

So yes — if I ruled the Slackverse, I’d make profile pictures mandatory. Not for appearances, but for connection. For team spirit. For humanness in the middle of project deadlines and status updates.

What do you think? Do profile pictures help you feel more connected on remote teams? Or am I just overthinking a tiny square?

I’d love to hear your experience. Drop a comment below. Let’s talk about the little things that make remote work feel real.

With love,

Annie💛