Messaging in Deputy keeps your team connected and aligned, all in one place.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key messaging features available in the Mobile App so you can collaborate, share updates, and stay on the same page as your team members, even when you're on the go.

Note: The screenshots in this article are from the iOS version of the app. Visuals and layout may differ slightly on Android devices.

• Starting a message
• Location-based channels
• Group Chats
  • Who can create and manage group chats
  • Create a new group chat
  • Add and remove team members in a group
  • Edit group chat name and accessing group information
  • Leave a group chat
  • Archive a group chat
• Using pinned messages
• Adding attachments
• Read receipts
• Voice recordings
• Polls
• Kudos

Starting a message

To start a direct message or group message, tap the Messaging button in the bottom navigation bar. 

Tap the + button  in the top right corner. 

Choose to start a direct message or group chat.

You can scroll through the list of team members or quickly find someone by typing their name in the search bar.

Location-based Channels

For customers with a Pro plan or Messaging+ subscription, each location in your Deputy account has its own messaging channel, created automatically when you turn on Deputy Messaging for the first time. 

When a team member is added to a location, they’re automatically added to that channel. If someone works across multiple locations, they’ll see and be able to participate in each location-based channel. 

Note: If your Messaging+ subscription expires or you’re no longer on a Pro plan, existing location-based channels will switch to read-only.

Group Chats

Who can create and manage group chats

The ability to create and manage group chats depends on the Messaging permissions settings configured in your Deputy account. By default, group chats can be created and managed by users with a System Administrator access level. 

If you don’t see the option to create or manage group chats, please reach out to your System Administrator to check permissions. 

Create a new group chat

Tap the + icon, select Create Group, and add team members.

Add and remove team members in a group

To add team members, tap the group info icon in the top right corner. This will open the group chat's settings. Tap Add Members.

To remove team members, go to the group chat’s settings, find the member’s name, and tap Remove from group.

Edit group names and accessing group information

Open the relevant group chat, then tap the group info icon in the top right corner. You can edit the group name, view member details, and adjust settings from this section if you have permission to manage groups.

Tap on the pencil icon in the top right corner.

Edit the group chat's name in the text box. You can use letters, numbers and emojis to distinguish your group names. Tap Save.


 

Leave a group

In the group chat’s settings, select Leave Group to exit the chat.

Note: Once a team member leaves a group, they can't rejoin unless someone with manage group permissions adds them back.

Archive a group chat

Archiving a group chat removes it from your active list, but preserves the chat history for future reference.

To archive a group chat, tap the group info icon in the top right corner to open the group chat's settings. Scroll down and tap Archive conversation.

To view archived group chats, tap on the three-dot icon on the top left of the screen, then select View archived messages. A list of archived group chats will appear. 

Note: You can only archive group chats if you have permissions to manage groups.

Using pinned messages

A pinned message highlights important information in a chat, making it easy for everyone to find. It’s useful for sharing updates, links, meeting times, shift details, or reminders without them getting lost in the conversation.
 

Find the message you want to pin, then press and hold the message until a drop-down menu appears. Select Pin to conversation.

To view pinned messages, tap the group info icon in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Pinned Messages.

Adding attachments

In any message or group chat, tap the paperclip icon to upload images, files, or documents from your device.

If it's your first time uploading a photo from your phone’s library, you may need to grant the Deputy app permission to access your photos in your phone’s settings.
 

Read receipts

Read receipts allow you to see when your message has been seen by the recipient(s). They appear as small checkmarks below each message.

The number next to the checkmarks tells you how many people in the chat have viewed your message.

To check who has read your message, press and hold the relevant message until an action menu appears. Select Message info to see a list of team members who have read it.

Voice recordings

The voice recording function allows Deputy users to send spoken messages instead of typing. Voice recordings can save time, especially in complex or nuanced conversations or when you need to share updates on the go.
 

In the message bar section, tap the microphone icon to record and send a voice message.

Polls 

You can create group polls in Messaging to quickly gather team feedback. Team members can vote with a single tap, and you’ll see results update in real time. 

 

Kudos

Use Deputy Kudos as a way to recognize team member achievements and efforts. Managers can use this as a tool to boost team morale and engagement.

Teams using Messaging and Messaging+ can send 7 Kudos per week, per person. For customizable Kudos limits and Kudos reporting, subscribe to Deputy HR.