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# Workflow action: Delay
There are many actions you can utilize when it comes to workflows and automating repetitive tasks; one of them being delay. We will explain how you make use of it.
{% hint style="info" %}
**IN THIS ARTICLE**
[Delay](#delay)
[Common use cases](#common-use-cases)
{% endhint %}
## Delay
The delay action enables you to pause the workflow for a certain time. Follow these steps to get started:
* Go to **Manage**, click **Workflows**, and open an existing workflow
* Click on the plus button to add a new action
* Select the Delay action and choose the delay duration; for example, you can decide to delay for 10 hours and 30 minutes
## Common use cases
### Add a delay before sending an email
When you invite a new partner, you must make sure they activate their account. You can use the [*Partner invitation status changed* trigger](/automation/triggers/workflow-trigger-partner-invitation-status-changed.md) with a sequence of 2 emails and 1 task.
Firstly, you add a 3-day delay to give your partner the time to activate the account. If their account has not been activated after this, you can send an email with a link. Add another delay of 7 days, send the final email, and add a delay of 3 days to create a task to remind you to call the partner to see why they have not activated their portal.
When you create a Workflow with a sequence of actions, you must find the proper cadences. Delays are made for that.
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