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Communication Channels

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

Written by Marisa Crowder

When sending a communication in Nectar, you can choose from multiple delivery channels depending on how you want to reach your audience.

You can send through one or multiple channels at the same time.

What are the available communication channels?

Nectar supports the following channels:

  • Email

  • Microsoft Teams

  • Slack

  • SMS/Text Message

  • Nectar Recognition (in-platform & push notificiation)

    • WhatsApp

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 [email protected]

Learn how to set up a custom domain.

How does Microsoft Teams work?

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

  • Direct Message to users
    Sends a message to users who have the Nectar app installed.

  • Post to channels
    Sends the communication to one or more Teams 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. The message composer includes a live segment counter so you can see your segment count before sending, plus a Remove special characters option to avoid unintentional Unicode encoding.

  • Add a custom message

  • View a text preview before sending

❗ Note: SMS is attempted first for domestic (US/Canada) numbers. WhatsApp serves as the fallback if SMS fails, and is the default channel for international numbers.

Usage limits: SMS and WhatsApp share a monthly allotment. Admins can track usage in Comms Settings and Flows Settings. Overages are allowed but auto-invoiced on the 1st of the following month. See SMS Messaging Character Limits for full details on segments and billing.

How does WhatsApp work?

WhatsApp is available as a delivery channel in Comms and Flows, making it easy to reach employees who don't have a work email address or a domestic phone number — including deskless and international workforces.

WhatsApp can be added to any Flow step or included as a channel on a Comm, just like Email or SMS.

Key details:

  • Messages are sent via Twilio approved templates, capped at 1,000 characters.

  • Billed per message (not per segment), and only on successful delivery — more cost-effective than SMS for longer messages, since it is billed per message, not per segment.

  • When both SMS and WhatsApp are enabled: SMS is attempted first for domestic numbers. WhatsApp is the fallback for SMS failures and the default for international numbers.

To enable WhatsApp: Go to Comms Settings → Channels tab — the same place you manage Email and SMS. Admins must opt in before the channel becomes available.

Nectar Recognition

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

There are multiple ways to share communications here.

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 WhatsApp for international employees or those without work email or a domestic phone number

  • Use Recognition for visibility within Nectar

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

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