How to build Slack Workflow Builder automations

Quick Answer: To build Slack workflows, click the Automations icon in the sidebar, select "New Workflow," choose a trigger (shortcut, form, channel event, or schedule), add steps (send message, collect form data, update channel topic), and publish. Available on all paid Slack plans.

How to Build Slack Workflow Builder Automations

Slack Workflow Builder provides no-code automation for team processes directly within Slack channels.

Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Open Workflow Builder

Click the Automations icon in the left sidebar, or go to Tools > Workflow Builder. Click "New Workflow."

Step 2: Choose a Trigger

Select what starts the workflow:

  • Shortcut: Triggered manually from the channel message composer
  • New channel message: Fires when a message is posted in a specific channel
  • Emoji reaction: Fires when a specific emoji is added to a message
  • Schedule: Runs at a set time (daily standup, weekly report)
  • Webhook: Triggered by an external service

Step 3: Add Steps

Build the workflow by adding sequential steps:

  • Send a message: Post a formatted message to a channel or DM
  • Collect information: Display a form to gather structured input
  • Send an email: Route information outside Slack
  • Update channel topic: Modify the channel topic programmatically
  • Add to a channel: Invite users to a channel automatically
  • Connector steps: Trigger actions in connected apps (Google Sheets, Jira, Asana)

Step 4: Use Variables

Reference data from previous steps using variables:

  • Form responses from "Collect information" steps
  • Triggering user's name, channel, and timestamp
  • Message content from the triggering event

Step 5: Publish

Click "Publish" to make the workflow available. Share the shortcut in relevant channels.

Common Slack Workflow Examples

Workflow Trigger Steps Use Case
Daily standup Schedule (9 AM) Form + summary post Async standup collection
PTO request Shortcut Form + DM to manager + calendar Leave management
Bug report Shortcut Form + create Jira issue + confirm Bug intake
New hire welcome Channel join Welcome message + resource links Onboarding
Meeting notes Emoji reaction (:memo:) Collect notes + post to channel Documentation

Editor's Note: We built 5 Slack workflows for a 40-person company in 2 hours. The daily standup workflow (scheduled form collection + summary post to #standup) replaced a 15-minute daily meeting, saving 50 person-hours per month. The PTO request workflow eliminated email-based leave requests entirely. Total setup time for all 5: under 2 hours with no coding.

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Last updated: | By Rafal Fila

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