How to create workflow automations on Slack

intermediate 8 min read Updated 2026-03-18

Quick Answer

Slack workflow automations are created using Workflow Builder, accessible from the main menu. You can set up triggers like new channel messages or scheduled times, then define automated actions like sending messages, creating channels, or updating user statuses.

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Prerequisites

Slack workspace admin or member permissions
Basic understanding of Slack channels and messages
Access to Slack's Workflow Builder feature
Understanding of automation triggers and actions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Access Workflow Builder

Click on your workspace name in the top-left corner of Slack. From the dropdown menu, select Tools and then click Workflow Builder. If you don't see this option, contact your workspace admin to enable the feature or check if you have the necessary permissions.

You can also access Workflow Builder by typing /workflow in any channel's message box.

Create a new workflow

In the Workflow Builder interface, click the Create button or + New Workflow. Enter a descriptive name for your workflow in the Workflow name field, such as "Welcome new team members" or "Daily standup reminder". Add an optional description to help team members understand the workflow's purpose.

Use clear, descriptive names that explain what the workflow does to make it easier for team members to understand.

Choose a trigger

Select how your workflow will start by clicking Add Trigger. Choose from options like:

New message posted to channel - triggers when someone posts in a specific channel
Scheduled - runs at specific times or intervals
Webhook - triggered by external applications
Shortcut - manually triggered by team members

Configure the trigger settings, such as selecting the target channel or setting the schedule.

Start with simple triggers like shortcuts or scheduled messages before moving to more complex webhook integrations.

Add workflow steps

Click Add Step to define what happens when the workflow triggers. Select from available actions:

Send a message - post to channels or DMs
Send a form - collect information from users
Create a channel - automatically create new channels
Add people to a channel - invite users to specific channels

Configure each step by filling in the required fields, customizing message content, and selecting target channels or users.

You can add multiple steps to create complex workflows, and use variables from previous steps in later actions.

Customize step variables

Use the Insert a variable button to add dynamic content to your workflow steps. Variables can include information like:

User names and profiles
Channel names
Time and date stamps
Form responses from previous steps

Click the variable button and select the appropriate option to insert it into your message or action content.

Variables make workflows more personalized and dynamic - use them to address users by name or reference specific channels.

Test your workflow

Before publishing, click Test workflow to ensure it works correctly. Follow the test prompts to verify each step functions as expected. Check that messages appear in the right channels, variables populate correctly, and any forms or actions work properly. Make adjustments if needed by editing individual steps.

Always test workflows in a private channel or with a small group before deploying to larger teams.

Publish and activate

Once testing is complete, click Publish to make your workflow active. The workflow will now run automatically based on your configured triggers. You can view workflow activity and performance in the Workflow Builder dashboard. To share the workflow with team members, use the Share button to provide access or instructions.

Monitor your workflows regularly and gather feedback from team members to optimize and improve automation effectiveness.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Workflow Builder option is not visible in the Tools menu

Contact your Slack workspace admin to enable Workflow Builder. This feature may be disabled in your workspace settings or you may need upgraded permissions to access it.

Workflow triggers are not firing as expected

Check that your trigger conditions are correctly configured and that the workflow is published (not just saved as draft). Verify channel permissions and ensure the triggering events are actually occurring in the specified channels.

Variables are not populating correctly in messages

Ensure you're using the Insert a variable button rather than typing variable names manually. Check that the variable source (like a previous form step) is properly configured and providing the expected data.

Team members cannot see or use the workflow

Verify the workflow is published and not in draft mode. Check that team members have appropriate permissions for the channels involved in the workflow. Use the Share feature to provide access instructions to team members.

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