As we step into the new year, we’re excited to introduce updates that enhance your workspace security, increase team productivity, and make the work of Rocket.Chat admins easier and more streamlined. Let’s dive into the latest updates that will help you stay organized and connected like never before.

The recent revelations of China’s hack of western telecommunications providers across multiple countries are a red flag for corporate and government leaders who care about their sensitive data. The exfiltration of massive amounts of Internet data from western mobile and fixed line networks tells us that end-to-end encryption of internal data is table stakes, and that data protection requires a zero-trust, zero-knowledge, and post-quantum-friendly approach.

As a team leader, I’ve always believed that performance reviews are more than just a checkpoint—they’re a chance to connect with your team on a deeper level. It’s about more than just reviewing work; it’s about diving into the skills and growth opportunities that drive careers forward. For my team, performance reviews are key moments to reflect on progress, celebrate achievements, and identify areas for improvement.

Have you ever been right in the middle of something important, realizing that there’s a very important message you need to check, but it’s on another device? Maybe it’s on your desktop app, but you’re stuck on your phone scrolling through to find it. These little interruptions tend to slow everything down when time is of the essence. This is where mobile and online messaging apps come in.

Ever asked how your team really feels about work? Not on a casual lunch, not in that one weekly meeting where everyone nods and says all’s fine, but really ask? It’s quite easy to believe everything will be OK since projects are on track and deadlines met. But there may be frustrations, burnout, or ideas waiting to be voiced beneath the surface. That is where your employee engagement survey comes in: the “truth serum” of your workplace.

Recognition matters — and when it’s done right, it can energize your entire team. These five free employee appreciation social media templates make it simple for HR leaders to celebrate wins in a way that’s authentic, engaging and impactful.

How many times have you sent a text with vital information, be it a doctor’s note, patient data, or an important update for a colleague, and immediately thought, “Is this safe?” If you’re in healthcare-or any other field that deals with sensitive information in general-that should be the first question on your mind. It’s no longer just about speed and convenience; it’s about protecting your business and following laws like HIPAA.

Ever have one of those days where you send a quick message to a teammate, only to find out hours later they replied in a completely different chat thread? Or when a document you swore was uploaded to the team folder has mysteriously vanished? It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and all too common. Effective communication should be smooth, not like a treasure hunt. That is where internal and office communication apps step in to save you from the daily chaos of being disconnected by tools.

There’s something powerful about a workplace where laughter echoes, ideas flow freely, and each person feels like they really belong. Let’s face it, though-too many days, the grind takes over and that magic of connection gets lost. Team members are sitting side by side and working remotely, working on tasks, but that spark which lets them feel a part of something big starts to burn out.

In today's work environment, the emphasis on employee health and wellness is more critical than ever, particularly as many teams transition to hybrid models. While workplace safety primarily revolves around physical injury prevention—from minor slips and falls to more significant machinery-related incidents—a less visible concern is emerging: eye health. As remote and hybrid work becomes a staple, the rise in screen time brings many vision problems that can severely affect productivity.