Start tracking focused work from Slack
Begin a Desktime timer when you announce your focus block in a Slack channel, so you can get into the work without switching tools.
Trigger
Channel Message Received
Triggered when a message is posted in a Slack channel (public, private, or multi-party IM). Does NOT match direct messages.
Action
Start Project Task
Tool to start tracking time for a specified project and optional task. use when you need to begin timing work on a project and optionally tag a task.
Why this helps
Opening a separate tracker to start a focus block creates friction right when it is easiest to get pulled into something else.
- Start project tracking from the place you already coordinate work.
- Reduce the setup steps before a focus block.
- Keep project time records tied to your Slack intent.
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 conversationally to start Desktime tracking from a Slack message.
- 3Describe the start phrase and project or task context in one plain-language instruction.
- 4Pick the Slack channel message trigger, choose a channel for run reports, and test with one real start message.
Questions about this workflow
Does this start tracking from a direct message?
This workflow uses the Slack channel message trigger, which does not match direct messages.
How should I write the start message?
Use a clear phrase such as "starting focus on the launch brief" and include enough project or task context for Notis to identify what to start.
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
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