diff --git a/plugins/chat/spec/system/page_objects/chat/chat_channel.rb b/plugins/chat/spec/system/page_objects/chat/chat_channel.rb
index ebf544dcba7..8919b1ee46e 100644
--- a/plugins/chat/spec/system/page_objects/chat/chat_channel.rb
+++ b/plugins/chat/spec/system/page_objects/chat/chat_channel.rb
@@ -62,6 +62,7 @@ module PageObjects
       end
 
       def send_message(text = nil)
+        find(".chat-composer-input").click # makes helper more reliable by ensuring focus is not lost
         find(".chat-composer-input").fill_in(with: text)
         click_send_message
       end