Slack Integration for Out of Office Assistant

Overview

Slack integration provides mobile activation and management capabilities for Out of Office Assistant rules. Through Slack commands and notifications, users can activate, modify, and monitor absence rules directly from their mobile devices or Slack desktop application, enabling on-the-go absence management and team coordination.

Integration Benefits

Mobile Activation Capabilities

• Remote Rule Activation: Activate absence rules from anywhere using Slack mobile app

• Emergency Rule Creation: Quick rule setup for unexpected absences (sick leave, emergencies)

• Rule Status Monitoring: Check current rule status and activity from Slack

• Team Notifications: Automatic team notifications when rules activate or deactivate

Workflow Efficiency

• Single Interface: Manage absences without switching between applications

• Real-time Updates: Immediate notifications and status updates through Slack

• Team Coordination: Seamless communication with coverers and team members

• Mobile-First Design: Optimized for mobile device usage and quick interactions

Business Continuity

• Always Available: Access absence management 24/7 from any device with Slack

• Quick Response: Rapid rule activation for unexpected situations

• Team Awareness: Instant team visibility into absence changes

• Backup Management: Alternative interface if Jira access is limited

Prerequisites and Requirements

Slack Workspace Requirements

Workspace Administration:

• Active Slack workspace with administrative access

• Permission to install third-party apps in workspace

• Appropriate user role for app installation (Workspace Admin or Owner)

• Workspace policy allowing external integrations

User Requirements:

• Active Slack account in target workspace

• Slack mobile app installed (for mobile activation)

• Basic familiarity with Slack commands and app interactions

• Access to same Jira instance with Out of Office Assistant

Jira and Out of Office Assistant Requirements

Account Linking:

• Active Jira Cloud account with Out of Office Assistant access

• Valid subscription to Out of Office Assistant

• Same email address used for both Slack and Jira accounts (recommended)

• Browse Projects permission minimum in Jira

Integration Setup Process

Step 1: Access Slack Integration

Navigation Path:

1. Open Out of Office Assistant: Apps → Out-Of-Office Assistant

2. Navigate to Integrations: Click the “Integrations” tab

3. Locate Slack Integration: Find “Slack” section with Slack logo

Step 2: Slack App Installation

Installation Process:

1. Click “Add to Slack” Button: Initiates Slack app installation flow

2. Slack Authentication: Redirect to Slack login if not already authenticated

3. Workspace Selection: Choose target Slack workspace for installation

4. Permission Review: Review app permissions and integration scope

Required Slack Permissions:

• Read User Information:

  • Content and info about you

  • View profile details about people in your workspace

  • View information about your identity

• Read Workspace Information:

  • Content and info about your workspace

  • View people in your workspace

  • View profile details about people in your workspace

Step 3: Permission Authorization

App Permission Consent:

1. Review Permissions: Carefully review all requested Slack permissions

2. Understand Scope: Confirm which channels and data will be accessible

3. Grant Authorization: Click “Allow” to approve app installation

4. Installation Confirmation: Receive confirmation of successful installation

Workspace Admin Approval (if required):

1. Admin Review: Workspace admin reviews integration request

2. Policy Compliance: Verify integration meets workspace policies

3. Installation Approval: Admin approves app for workspace use

4. User Notification: Users notified when app becomes available

After a successful connection, the Out of Office Assistant for Jira and Slack is connected and ready to use. Click "Continue" and go to your Slack workspace.

Using the integration for Slack

The integration of the Out of Office Assistant for Jira with Slack enables users to create new Out of Office rules or manage existing ones effortlessly.

These Out of Office rules are designed for the current user in Jira projects where they are a team member.

a) Adding a Rule

In the Home section of the Out of Office Assistant app for Slack, you can easily add an Out of Office rule by clicking on "Add rule."

Here, you can:

• Enter an Out of Office message that will be posted as a comment on Jira issues.

• Assign one or more coverers who will handle issues assigned to you in Jira while you are away.

• Specify the start and end dates for your rule (see the next section).

b) Defining the Start and End of Your Rule

You have two options for defining when your rule starts and ends:

• Using the Slack status

• Selecting specific dates

Using the Slack Status

This option is selected by default. You can activate the rule when your Slack status changes to "ill" or "on vacation" . The rule will automatically deactivate once the status is cleared.

Note: Clearing the Slack status does not delete the rule. Consequently, the same rule will reactivate when the status changes back to one of the specified icons.

Picking Start and End Dates

Alternatively, you can choose specific start and end dates.

To activate this option, click on the corresponding radio button in the pop-up form.

c) Managing Existing Rules in Slack

After adding a rule, it will appear in the app's Home section.

Here, you can review the dates, coverers, and the Out of Office message.

• To modify any details, simply click on the "Modify Rule" button.

• You can also delete the rule entirely or toggle it between active and inactive states.

When you navigate to Jira, you will find the Out of Office rule listed alongside all other rules. The rule can also be modified in this list, and any changes will be reflected in Slack.

d) Managing Existing Rules in Slack and Jira

Once a connection is established, you can manage and modify rules in both Slack and Jira. This means that rules created in Slack can also be modified in Jira, and vice versa.

However, there are some important considerations:

• The Slack app only allows one active rule at a time that applies to all projects, so it cannot read any rule created in Jira that is specific to a single project or a JQL filter.

• If multiple active rules exist in Jira, the app will only recognize the first rule that applies to all projects. If that rule is deleted, the next active rule will be selected.

• When a status-based rule is created in Slack, it will appear in Jira as an open-ended rule (with no end date). If the status is neither nor , the rule will be inactive.

• If an inactive status-based rule is activated manually from Jira, it will no longer be linked to the Slack status. Instead, it will convert to a date-based rule with no end date (unless specified otherwise).

• Similarly, if an active status-based rule is deactivated manually from Jira, it will also become a date-based rule with no end date.

Messages and Bot Functionality

The app does not include any bot functionality and does not send messages to users or any Slack channels.

Integration Status: ✅ COMPLETE

Next Steps: https://resolution.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/OoO/pages/4848353590