--- title: Add Delay For New And Existing Workflows in GAT Flow description: "## Add Delay For New And Existing Workflows in GAT Flow Why Use Workflow Delays? GAT Flow’s **Delay Workflow** feature allows Google Workspace admins to pause actions for a specified duration before automatically executing the next step. Instead of managing…" url: "https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/tech-tips/add-delay-for-new-and-existing-workflows-in-gat-flow/" updated: "2026-07-07" category: "Users Audit & Management / On-boarding, Off-boarding & Modifying" tags: - GAT Flow --- # Add Delay For New And Existing Workflows in GAT Flow ## Add Delay For New And Existing Workflows in GAT Flow Why Use Workflow Delays? GAT Flow’s **Delay Workflow** feature allows Google Workspace admins to pause actions for a specified duration before automatically executing the next step. Instead of managing temporary changes manually, you can automate entire user lifecycles in a single workflow. Key Benefits: - **Automate Temporary Access:** Set actions like email forwarding or temporary privileges to automatically revert, eliminating the risk of human error. - **Streamline Offboarding:** Create grace periods (e.g., forward a departed employee’s email for 30 days before deleting the account). - **Phased Onboarding:** Stagger account creation, training group invites, and tool access over a new hire's first few weeks. - **Prevent Leftover Access:** Automatically revoke a short-term contractor's or vendor's access as soon as their project ends, keeping your domain secure without extra manual work. ### Video [https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZrD9UM6KhYQ?feature=oembed&color=red&rel=0&controls=1&start=&end=&fs=0&iv_load_policy=0&autoplay=0&mute=0&modestbranding=0&cc_load_policy=1&playsinline=1](https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZrD9UM6KhYQ?feature=oembed&color=red&rel=0&controls=1&start=&end=&fs=0&iv_load_policy=0&autoplay=0&mute=0&modestbranding=0&cc_load_policy=1&playsinline=1) ## Delay on workflows The Admins can add "**delay workflow**" **before and after any of the Actions available.** This delay is used to **separate the actions** and **when they are run.** **Example:** - **Add email forwarding** to the selected**delay for a few days,**then **remove the forwarding** - **Add users to the Shared Drive**, **delay for 2 weeks**, and then **remove access to the Shared Drive** - **Add an auto-reply for the user**, **delay for 1 month**, and then **remove the auto-reply** ### Create workflow Navigate to **Flow > Create workflow** **Note:** This delay can be used for **Event**and**Recurring workflows** too. Fill in the details for the Define Workflow type - **Name** - enter a name for the workflow - **Description** (optional) - enter a description for the workflow - **Type** of workflow - **Offboard ** - Modify and Onboard can also be selected - **Next** - click to proceed and select the users ![Name - enter a name for the workflow Description (optional) - enter a description for the workflow Type of workflow - Offboard  Modify and Onboard can also be selected Next - click to proceed and select the users](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2026-07-07-14_59_47-.png) In the next step,**Search for a user** - search for the user (or users) you'd like to set the forwarding for. - **Enter the users** individually, by group, or as part of an Org. Unit, or import them directly via spreadsheet. - **Next** - click to proceed and take actions on the chosen users ![In the next step, Search for a user - search for the user (or users) you'd like to set the forwarding for. Enter the users individually, by group, or as part of an Org. Unit, or import them directly via spreadsheet. Next - click to proceed and take actions on the chosen users](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2026-07-07-15_18_19-.png) Next, in **Choose actions,** select the actions you want to take. Click on the **+ button** (1), then **Add action**(2) ![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2026-07-07-15_20_35-Greenshot.png) Search and select the action you want. ### Delay workflow The delay workflow can be set for any time needed. **Note:***Delay workflow - Delays workflow for the specified time. You should also expect a marginal time delay for processing after the delay action.* **Double-click** (1) to open and **fill in its details (2)** ![Count - enter the value you need Unit - select any of the units available Minutes - enter the minutes for the delay Hours - enter the hours for the delay Days - enter the days for the delay Weeks - enter the weeks for the delay Months - enter the months for the delay Custom - select a specific time when the workflow resumes.](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2026-07-07-15_24_45-.png) - **Count** - enter the value you need - **Unit** - select any of the units available - Minutes - enter the minutes for the delay - Hours - enter the hours for the delay - Days - enter the days for the delay - Weeks - enter the weeks for the delay - Months - enter the months for the delay - Custom - select a specific time when the workflow resumes. **Double-click** to open and fill in its details for all actions. ![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2026-07-07-15_19_42-.png) ### Send approval request When the actions are selected, send a request for approval. Note: If [pre-approval is enabled,](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/tech-tips/how-to-set-up-preapproval-acces-for-flow/) no approval will be required. Click on**Send approval request ** **Note:** This workflow can be [saved as an action set](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/tech-tips/flow-action-set-for-onboarding-google-workspace-users/) for use again at any time. ### Result The workflow will run. - The first part will be executed. - The **delay** will kick off - The status of the workflow will be "delayed". - Will be resumed when the time comes - The workflow will continue automatically This can be viewed in Workflow > Job status will be**delayed** ![](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2026-07-07-15_33_06-Greenshot.png) ### Conclusion The **Delay Workflow** feature in GAT Flow transforms routine, multi-step user management into a hands-off, automated process. By removing the need for manual tracking, calendar reminders, and second-stage interventions, Google Workspace admins can confidently schedule complex user lifecycles from start to finish. Whether you are implementing a phased onboarding sequence, a secure offboarding grace period, or setting up temporary project access, adding a delay ensures your domain remains secure, compliant, and efficient with minimal effort. ## Related Posts - [Scheduled Time-Based Workflows](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/tech-tips/scheduled-time-based-workflows/) - [Conditional Event Workflows for Google Workspace](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/tech-tips/events-workflows-with-conditions/) - [Conditional Workflow: Complex Use Cases in GAT Flow](https://gatlabs.com/knowledge/tech-tips/conditional-flow-advanced/)