The Timesheets Auto-Approval feature, using the Workflow automation builder, enables clients to automatically approve (or reject) employee timesheets when a predefined set of rules is met.
This article shows how you can configure this feature from the Automation section on the Deel Platform.
Once set up, compliant timesheets that meet the specified conditions will be automatically processed, helping you save time, reduce human error, and stay compliant with labor regulations across markets.
In this Article
How to Automate Timesheet Approvals using Workflow Builder
Default Approve forecasted shifts Template
How to Automate Timesheet Approvals using Workflow Builder
Clients can build a workflow automation for timesheet approvals (from scratch or from a template) and tailor it to their specific worker type, country, and shift conditions.
Step 1 - Access the Automation Section
Every Auto-Approval workflow, template or custom starts in More ▸ Automation.
From the Deel dashboard, click More in the top navigation bar.
Select Automation.
Step 2 - Create a New Workflow
To create a custom timesheet auto-approval workflow, click on New workflow.
Choose “Start from scratch”.
Step 3 - Add a Trigger
In the Trigger card click Select.
Expand Time tracking and configure the trigger:
• Condition: From
• Status: Pending approval
Click Add trigger.
Note
The workflow will run only once per worker the first time this condition is met.
Step 4 - Add the Auto-Approval Filter and Action
In the Action card, click Select.
Add Filter Condition:
- Choose Work Time Type as the field.
- Select the data value.
- Set the condition to Equals.
- Click Submit.
Add Action:
- Choose Resolve Approval Request as the action.
- Define the approval outcome (e.g., auto-approve).
- Click Submit.
Step 5 - Finalise & Publish
Give the workflow a clear name and optionally add recipients for failure email notifications.
Click Publish to activate the workflow.
You will be returned to the Automation dashboard, where the new workflow appears in the list.
Default Approve forecasted Shifts Template
Clients with salaried EOR that use forecasted shifts can use this pre-configured Forecasted Shifts Approval workflow to enable automated approvals for forecasted shifts. Please note that the forecasted shifts match the schedule assigned to each EOR salaried worker.
This ensures that when the status of a forecasted shift changes from Forecasted → Pending approval, the system workflow auto-approves the shift. Because these hours are auto-approved, managers cannot review, reject, or edit them.
To know more about forecasted shifts, refer to this article How to Enable and Manage Forecasted shifts
Frequently Asked Questions
[ACCORDION] How does workflow execution and notifications works?
Once activated, the workflow listens for timesheet status updates. Whenever a timesheet (worked or forecasted) meets your defined conditions, the workflow immediately executes the Resolve approval request → Approve all action.
If execution fails for any reason, Deel automatically sends an email to the notification recipients you configured.
[ACCORDION] Can I edit or delete the default system workflow?
No. The default workflow for forecasted hours is locked and cannot be modified or removed to ensure regulatory compliance.