[GoodDreams]

When pairing I’m annoyed when a non-urgent IM or email notification pops up and I lose my pair’s focus. Some folks have their text messages and social media notifications popping up too, preventing concentration for more than a few minutes.

[rorykoehler]

That's a problem with notifications not IM. On my work machine slack notifs are on and all other IMs off. On my phone slack is off and all other IMs on. Email notifs are off everywhere. I process email at the beginning of the day and end of the day (unless it's related to a timeblock in my calendar) . Clear delineation of devices, services and roles they play helps to avoid the issue you describe. Slack also has notification snoozing feature for when I need to focus.

[GoodDreams]

To clarify, I manage my notifications. I was referring to when pairing with people on their computer.

[kenneth]

Do not disturb mode is built just for that.