Slack workflows can play a pivotal role in automating aspects of your operations.

At the core of operational excellence is an unwavering commitment to efficiency.

Leveraging Slack workflows is an easy way to bake efficiency into your workflow processes.

If you are looking to begin embracing automation and don’t know where to start, examining your existing technology stack is the best place to begin.

As of 2023, Slack has an impressive 20 million active users.

As a central platform in many technology stacks across businesses and organizations of all sizes, Slack can often make or break your team’s operational efficiency.

Fortunately, using Slack workflows, you can break down bottlenecks in your workflow processes and radically accelerate team productivity in just a few clicks.

As Slack continues to refine its tools and features, one of its standout offerings is the "workflows" feature.

In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Slack workflows and their potential for enhancing workplace collaboration.

What Are Slack Workflows?‍

Slack workflows are a set of automated sequences created within the Slack platform to perform specific tasks.

They act as virtual assistants that can carry out operations based on triggers and corresponding actions.

For instance, when a new team member joins a channel, a workflow can automatically send them a welcome message with vital resources for hitting the ground running as a team member.

These workflows are often used to automate repetitive tasks, integrate tools and applications, or simply guide team members through specific processes.

Slack provides a visual builder which enables users to seamlessly design and customize these workflows, making them as simple or as intricate as necessary to fulfill their purpose.

Why Use Slack Workflows?

1 - Efficiency

One of the most compelling reasons to experiment with Slack workflows is efficiency.

They help in reducing the manual effort required for repetitive tasks.

For instance, instead of sending a weekly reminder for a team meeting, a workflow can automate that reminder, ensuring consistency without manual intervention.

No matter what tasks you are preoccupied with, you can ensure that all team members receive timely information, such as weekly reminders.

2 - Consistency

Workflows ensure that specific tasks or communications are executed quickly every time.

This consistency is particularly beneficial for onboarding new team members, ensuring they receive the same information and resources as everyone else.

If you want to introduce clear-cut processes into your workflows, leveraging automation is the way to go.

When you put processes into the hands of Slack workflows feature, you remove the risk of human error.

3 - Integration

Slack workflows can integrate with other tools and applications.

Whether it's syncing with Google Calendar for meeting reminders or integrating with a Google Sheet for access to real-time data, workflows act as a bridge, making sure that your tools communicate effectively.

4 - Data Collection

Slack workflows can be used to gather feedback, run polls, or collect data without using third-party tools.

For example, after a team meeting, a workflow can automatically ask team members for feedback, helping leaders improve subsequent meetings.

Where Are Workflows In Slack?

To access workflows in Slack:

Open Slack and navigate to the channel or direct message where you want the workflow to operate.

Click on the "More actions" (represented by three dots or an ellipsis) on the top right of the channel.

From the dropdown menu, select "Tools" and then "Workflows."

You'll now be presented with options to view existing workflows, create new ones, or explore templates.

How Do I Manage Workflows In Slack?

Managing workflows in Slack is straightforward, thanks to its user-friendly interface.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1 - Creating A Workflow

As mentioned above, navigate to the desired channel, click "More actions," select "Tools," then "Workflows," and finally "Create a Workflow."

2 - Using Templates

Slack offers a range of pre-built templates for common tasks like onboarding, feedback collection, and reminders.

You can customize these templates according to your needs.

3 - Setting Triggers & Actions

Every workflow consists of a trigger (the event that starts the workflow) and one or more actions (what happens after the trigger is activated).

For example, a trigger might be "When a message is posted in a channel," and the action could be "Send a direct message to the user."

4 - Editing Or Deleting Workflows

If you need to make changes or remove a workflow, go to the "Workflows" section in the respective channel.

Here, you'll see a list of active workflows.

Click on the one you want to edit or delete and follow the on-screen prompts.

5 - Monitoring & Feedback

Once a workflow is active, it’s essential to monitor its performance and gather feedback from team members.

This helps in refining and improving the efficiency of the workflow.

After all, you should design these with the aim of driving operational efficiency.

Slack Workflows with StartingPoint: My Closing Thoughts

Slack workflows are a dynamic feature that can significantly enhance team collaboration and productivity.

As with any tool, the key lies in understanding its capabilities and applying them to fit your team's needs.

The next time you find yourself bogged down with repetitive tasks or searching for ways to integrate your favorite tools, consider leveraging the power of Slack workflows with StartingPoint.

‍Simply sign up for free with StartingPoint and start using our platform right away!