How to Create Slack Workflows
Build no-code automations in Slack with Workflow Builder. Standup bots, onboarding flows, request forms, and more.
Step-by-step
How to Create Slack Workflows
Open Workflow Builder
Click your workspace name in the top left, then select 'Tools' > 'Workflow Builder'. You can also access it from the sidebar by searching for 'Workflow Builder'.
Choose a trigger
Select what starts the workflow: a shortcut (manual trigger), a new channel member joining, a scheduled time, a webhook, or an emoji reaction. Scheduled triggers are great for recurring standups.
Add workflow steps
Add steps like 'Send a message', 'Collect information via form', 'Send to channel', or use third-party connector steps (Google Sheets, Jira). Chain multiple steps together.
Configure messages and forms
Design the messages and forms your workflow sends. Use variables from previous steps (e.g., the user who triggered it, form responses). Format messages with rich text, mentions, and links.
Test and publish
Click 'Publish' to activate the workflow. Test it by triggering it yourself. Edit anytime from Workflow Builder — changes take effect immediately. Monitor usage in the workflow analytics.
Tips
Pro tips
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Start with a simple daily standup workflow — it's the most common and easiest to build
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Use scheduled triggers for recurring tasks: weekly reports, Monday planning prompts, Friday retrospectives
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Combine form collection with channel posting to create request systems (IT help, PTO requests, design requests)
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Workflow Builder is available on paid plans only — free plan users can run but not create workflows
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