Create & Configure
How to Set Workflow Step Durations
Learn how to set due dates for Workflow steps using business hours, days, weeks, or months.
Overview
Section titled “Overview”When creating a Workflow, the Duration determines how much time is allowed for a step before it is due.
When adding or editing a step, enter the duration and select the unit of time:
- Business hours
- Days
- Weeks
- Months
For example, you can set a step to be due in 4 business hours, 2 days, 1 week, or 1 month.
How to Set a Workflow Step Duration
Section titled “How to Set a Workflow Step Duration”When creating or editing a Workflow Template:
- Navigate to Settings → Workflow Templates.
- Create a new Workflow or select an existing template to edit.
- Navigate to Add Steps.
- Select the step you want to edit.
- Enter a number in the Duration field.
- Select business hours, days, weeks, or months.
- Complete the remaining step details and save your changes.
The step editor displays your steps on the left and the details for the selected step on the right, making it easy to move between steps while building your Workflow.
What Do the Duration Options Mean?
Section titled “What Do the Duration Options Mean?”All Workflow durations are calculated using business time.
Business hours: Working hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
Days: One working day, or 8 business hours.
Weeks: One working week, or 5 working days.
Months: One working month, or 20 working days.
Business hours are currently the same for all Swivel accounts and cannot be customized.
How to Reorder Workflow Steps
Section titled “How to Reorder Workflow Steps”To change the order of your steps, use the drag handle next to a step and move it to the desired position.
You can also select a step from the list to edit its details or remove a step you no longer need.
If a step has a long name, the name may be shortened in the list. Hover over it to view the full step name.
Add a Description or Make a Step Required
Section titled “Add a Description or Make a Step Required”Use the Description field to add instructions or additional context for completing a step.
Turn on the Required switch when the step must be completed as part of the Workflow.
Where Can I Set a Step Duration?
Section titled “Where Can I Set a Step Duration?”You’ll see the same Duration options when adding or editing Workflow steps from:
- Workflow Templates → Add Steps
- Settings → Workflow Templates → Steps
- Workflow Detail → Add Step
- Calendar → Workflow Steps
The Duration field works the same way across each of these areas.
What Happens to My Existing Workflows?
Section titled “What Happens to My Existing Workflows?”No action is needed.Existing Workflows will keep their current durations and due dates. This update does not change the timing of any existing Workflow steps.
Are weekends included when calculating Workflow due dates?
Section titled “Are weekends included when calculating Workflow due dates?”No. Workflow durations are based on business time, which is Monday through Friday.
What are Swivel’s business hours?
Section titled “What are Swivel’s business hours?”Workflow business hours are currently 9:00 AM–5:00 PM CST, Monday–Friday.
Can I customize my business hours?
Section titled “Can I customize my business hours?”Not currently. Business hours are the same across all Swivel accounts.
What does a week mean in a Workflow?
Section titled “What does a week mean in a Workflow?”One week equals 5 working days.
What does a month mean in a Workflow?
Section titled “What does a month mean in a Workflow?”One month equals 20 working days.
Will changing the duration options affect my existing Workflows?
Section titled “Will changing the duration options affect my existing Workflows?”No. Existing Workflow durations and due dates remain unchanged.
Do Workflows and Automations calculate time the same way?
Section titled “Do Workflows and Automations calculate time the same way?”No. Workflow step durations use business time, while Automations can use calendar-day timing. This means the same numerical duration may result in different due dates depending on whether you’re using a Workflow or an Automation.