Using the Google Chat Bonusly bot

Learn how to give recognition with the Google Chat Bonusly bot and about the other features it offers!

Adrianne Hipsher avatar
Written by Adrianne Hipsher
Updated over a week ago

In this article, you'll learn what the Bonusly bot can do for you in Google (formerly Hangouts Chat). If your organization uses Bonusly and Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) together, you can give recognition to your colleagues directly from Google Chat.

When you add the Bonusly bot to a Google Chat Space, it will announce recognition, help you give recognition, and offer assistance! If you haven't already, follow the steps in our Integrating Bonusly with Google Chat article to get Google Chat ready for recognition! πŸŽ‰Β 

Giving recognition

With the Google Chat Bonusly bot, you can give recognition without leaving your Google Chat window. To get the Bonusly bot's attention, type @Bonusly like so:

GIF showing how to enter the @bonusly text in the chat field and then clicking on the Bonusly bot information to make the @Bonusly text hyperlinked blue in order for the bot function to work.

Tip: The '@Bonusly' text must be hyperlinked blue for the bot to work and give recognition. So after typing in '@Bonusly' select the bot information that pops up to turn the text blue. Be sure to type in the text instead of copying and pasting for the bot function to work! 😊

Now you can type out your recognition! Bonusly recognition posts follow a specific formula:

  1. +amount-of-points
    Enter the amount of points you want to give to the person or people you're recognizing

  2. @user
    @ mention the person or people you wish to recognize

  3. Reason for recognition
    Write out your appreciation and remember to keep it specific, timely, and personal

  4. #don't-forget-the-hashtag
    Add the Company Value Hashtag that your colleague or colleagues embodied

All together, the formula looks like:Β 

@Bonusly +amount-of-points @user Reason for recognition #don't-forget-the-hashtag

As an example, your recognition post will read something like this:

@Bonusly +10 @harry styless testing if the integration works! #be-an-excellent-teammate

Β 
Once you hit return, the Bonusly bot will post the recognition for you!
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Example of a successful recognition given within Google Chat, showing the text typed in for recognition and the Bonusly bot returning a text confirming the recognition was given.

Getting help

You can ask the Bonusly bot in Google Chat to remind you of the recognition post format, tell you how many points you have left , and list the usernames you can recognize.

  • To get a reminder of the recognition post format and your remaining points, simply enter @Bonusly help, and the bot will reply with the information like so:

When @Bonusly help is typed in the bot will respond by providing examples on how to give recognition.
  • To find out which users you can recognize, enter @Bonusly users. The bot will show you a user list similar to this one:

When typing in @Bonusly users you are prompted with a list of all users you can give recognition to.

Adding on to recognition

While you cannot add on to a recognition post inside Google Chat, you can click ADD ON to get redirected to the post in Bonusly's web app and add on to recognition there. πŸ‘Β 

Add on is highlighted within a given recognition as a way for anyone in the Space in Google Chat to be able to add on recognition.

That's it! You're all set to use Bonusly's Google Chat integration and recognize your coworkers! Check out our FAQ below for any other questions you may have. Happy recognizing! πŸŽ‰Β 

FAQ

Can I direct message (DM) the Bonusly bot to give recognition?

The Google Chat Bonusly bot will not give recognition via a direct message. The Bonusly bot doesn't handle direct messages, and will return an error message if you try to send it a DM:

If Bonusly bot is added to direct message in the Chat column of Google Chat, the bot will let you know you cannot perform any giving functions through this method.


Questions? Send us a note to [email protected]; we'd be happy to help!

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