Most organizations have some sort of an IM tool like Slack, Hipchat, MS Teams, and so on. While very helpful in getting quick answers, maintaining a virtual watercooler chat, and sharing cat photos, IM tools have also generated significant backlash as “interruption platforms” and “productivity killers” among people who require uninterrupted concentration to get their work done. Based on years of experience with IM tools at various organizations I offer a number of tips for managing the higher availability requirements of a multi-office, DevOps-embracing company while leaving enough “flow time” for uninterrupted, deep work every day.