Gmail and Chat Grow Together: Google Aims to Simplify Team Communication

Google is equipping its Workspace with a new integration feature: users can now share email conversations from Gmail directly in Google Chat. The innovation is intended to improve team collaboration in companies and educational institutions and to facilitate switching between different communication channels.

The feature allows users to start a chat directly from a Gmail thread with the email recipients, a subgroup, or completely new conversation partners. The original email is automatically forwarded in the background and appears as a link in the chat message. A bidirectional link ensures that all participants have access to the full context without having to switch between different browser tabs.

Typical Use Cases

Google names several use cases for the new feature: For example, teams can switch from asynchronous email communication to real-time chat for time-critical issues without losing context. It also simplifies discreetly discussing an email with colleagues before replying to the entire distribution list. Further scenarios include sharing customer messages with multiple employees or continuing important announcements through chat discussions.

The feature is available by default to all users who have Chat in Gmail enabled. However, administrators do not have separate control options – the feature is available as soon as both Gmail and Chat are activated for the organization.

Phased Rollout

Google is rolling out the new features in phases: For domains with Rapid Release, distribution began on December 2, 2025, and should be completed within one to three days. Customers with Scheduled Release will receive the feature starting December 9; here, the rollout can take over 15 days. Initially, the integration is only available on desktop systems; smartphone support is currently in a limited testing phase.

The feature is available for all Google Workspace editions, including Business Starter, Standard, and Plus, Enterprise variants, Frontline editions, and nonprofit accounts. Education customers will have to wait – Google announces the rollout for educational institutions for the coming months. Information on the new linking of Gmail and Chat can be found in the Google Blog.

(fo)