Communication Channels

This article goes through the different communication channel options in Communication Settings. Emails. Text. SMS. Teams. Slack.

Written by Marisa Crowder
April 24, 2026

What are the available communication channels?

Nectar supports the following channels:

• Email
• Microsoft Teams
• Slack
• SMS/Text Message - US only
• Nectar Recognition (in-platform & push notification)

Each channel includes its own settings and customization options.

How does the Email channel work?

When sending via Email, you can configure:

• Subject line (optional)
• Preview text (optional)
• From name (sender name displayed)
• From email
• Reply-to email

Note: Your sending domain must be verified in Settings. If not, emails will be sent from comms@nectarhr.com

How does Microsoft Teams work?

You can send communications directly through Microsoft Teams in two ways:

• Direct Message to users
• Post to channels

Additional options include:

• Custom message
• Teams message preview

Note: The Nectar Bot must be added to your Teams channels to post messages there.

How does Slack work?

Slack messaging works similarly to Teams.

You can:

• Send Direct Messages to users via the Nectar app (under Apps in Slack)
• Post to channels

Additional options:

• Custom message
• Slack message preview

Note: The slack integration must be installed for this option.

How does SMS/Text messaging work?

You can send communications via text message.

• Add a custom message
• View a text preview before sending

❗ Note: SMS messaging is currently only available in the United States.

Nectar Recognition

Nectar Recognition allows you to display communications directly within the Nectar platform.

What is the Communications Page option?

• Displays the communication within the Communications page in Nectar.
• Visible to selected recipients.

You can create/select Communication Categories (optional) which will allow you to select categories to filter this communication by on the Communications page for your users.

🌟 Categories can also be added and managed later on the Communications page in Recognition

What is the Announcement Banner?

The Announcement Banner displays your communication prominently on the Home Feed.

You can customize:

• Announcement title
• Description
• Image (PNG recommended)

Image options:

• Upload a custom image
• Select a default image
• Remove the image entirely

If no image is selected, a default communication image will display.

Additional settings:

• Keep in banner until (set expiration date/time)
• Preview before publishing

Tip: Images used in communication channels may also appear as banners in the Recognition feed for better visibility.

Troubleshooting:

If your image does not appear:

• Confirm the image is selected for the banner
• Verify recipient settings are correctly configured

Once published:

• The banner appears at the top of the Home Feed
• Users can click to expand the message
• Users can react with emojis

What are Push Notifications?

You can enable Push Notifications to alert users via the Nectar mobile app when a communication is published.

Note: Push notifications are only available for companies using Nectar’s Rewards & Recognition product.

How do I choose the right channel?

You can select one or multiple channels depending on your communication goals:

• Use Email for detailed messaging
• Use Teams or Slack for quick, collaborative updates
• Use SMS for urgent notifications
• Use Recognition for visibility within Nectar

Combining channels helps ensure your message reaches your audience wherever they are.