End a tracked task with a private message
A quick Slack DM can mark the moment you stop working and close the associated Desktime timer, even when you do not want to post in a channel.
Trigger
Direct Message Received
Triggered when a new direct message (DM) is sent to a user in Slack. Catches all DMs across all DM channels.
Action
Stop Project Task
Tool to stop tracking time for a specified project and optional task. use when you have finished work and need to record end time.
Why this helps
When a work session ends quietly, it is easy to forget to stop the timer and carry the unfinished task into the next block.
- Close the timer from a private check-out note.
- Reduce inaccurate time from forgotten sessions.
- Make pausing and resuming work feel more deliberate.
Setup
Build it in a few focused steps.
- 1Connect Slack and Desktime to Notis once in the portal.
- 2Create an automation in the portal or ask Notis to stop Desktime tracking when you DM a completion or pause note.
- 3Describe the stop phrase and any task context in one plain-language instruction.
- 4Pick the Slack direct message trigger, choose a run-report channel, and test with one real stop DM.
Questions about this workflow
Will this run for channel messages?
No. This workflow listens for direct messages; use a channel message trigger for channel posts.
What wording works well?
A concise note like "finished the budget review" or "pausing now" clearly signals that the tracked task should stop.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
Supported Triggers and Actions
Notis builds workflows that link Slack to Desktime. A trigger fires from one place; an action lands in another.
Slack triggers
Desktime actions
Recurring trigger
Notis starts this workflow on a schedule, such as daily, weekly, or during business hours.
Create Project with Optional Task
Tool to create a new project with an optional initial task. use when you need to set up a new desktime project programmatically.
Webhook trigger
Notis starts this workflow when an external tool or custom backend sends an HTTP request.
Get Account Details
Tool to retrieve detailed information about the authenticated user's company account. use after confirming the api key is valid to fetch company name, work settings, account timezone, and timestamp.
New Channel Created Trigger
Triggered when a new channel is created in Slack.
Get All Company Employees
Tool to list all employees in the company, including their roles and statuses. use after confirming valid credentials to fetch the organization’s roster.
Channel Message Received
Triggered when a message is posted in a Slack channel (public, private, or multi-party IM). Does NOT match direct messages.
Get Employee Data
Tool to fetch data for all employees within the company. use after verifying the api key is valid.
Direct Message Received
Triggered when a new direct message (DM) is sent to a user in Slack. Catches all DMs across all DM channels.
Get Employee Projects
Tool to retrieve information about projects assigned to employees, including project names, durations, and statuses. use when you need to fetch per-employee project tracking data for a specific date.
Message Reaction Added
Triggered when a reaction is added to a message in Slack. Supports optional filtering by channel and emoji name.
Get Employee Projects and Apps
Tool to retrieve an employee's tracked projects and application usage. use when you need combined project/app time data for a given employee and date (defaults to current user and today). example: "get projects and apps for employee 711867 on 2025-07-28."
Message Reaction Removed
Triggered when a reaction is removed from a message in Slack. Supports optional filtering by channel and emoji name.
Get Projects List
Tool to retrieve all active projects for the company, including related tasks. use when you need projects overview after authentication.
Reaction Added Trigger
DEPRECATED: use `SLACK_MESSAGE_REACTION_ADDED` instead. Triggered when a reaction is added to a message in Slack.
Ping DeskTime API
Tool to check the api's availability and confirm the service is operational. use when you need to verify that the desktime api is reachable and responsive.
Connect any two apps with Notis in the middle.
Slack and Desktime, or any other combination from 1,000+ integrations.
When this happens · Trigger
Do this · Action
Save your first hour today.
7-day trial of any paid plan, with 20$ of usage included.
No card. Works with personal or business Desktime.