> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.work-relay.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.work-relay.com/automations/best-practices-screensteps/how-to-delay-the-execution-of-a-step.md).

# How to delay the execution of a step

## Example one

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Open Process Step Settings

Open Process Step Settings: [Time](/processes/process-steps/process-step-settings/time.md) and click on input field (1) to call a proper popup with formula builder (2):

![](/files/45cd96033a44a6337e1252d24d1c8986192e4b2e)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Choose the context object

Choose $Cursor as a context object and StartDate as a context object item. Place cursor into Expression field and click "Insert" button (3):

![](/files/93a0b76ee9d8dfe598bb1bf4c7ce1bf2960936dc)
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Create the required expression

Then use date/time function (4) to create required expression (5):

![](/files/fab604c5926ddda3f32e4cdf64a15a2005ad8ddc)

In this Start Date config, we define that current step should wait 30 minutes before it becomes active (and this is `{$Cursor.StartDate}`).

**How this works:** The system changes step and the current step (the one current $Cursor object points to) is the one that should "wait" - As there is a Start Date Config, Work-Relay will put this new step (in the system it's cursor, the current step) in "On Hold" status, and it will keep this status until the job gets there and evaluates whether the time has passed and if it has, the status will be updated to "In Progress", so the step will become active.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure a one-day delay

In this Start Date configuration (6), we define that current step should "wait" 1 day before it becomes active (and this is `{$Cursor.StartDate}`).

![](/files/d1a7860b41a57d065c3a21a3de12109ef41f9f4c)
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

For more information about date/time functions refer following article: [Functions](/automations/functions-and-formulas/introduction-and-usage.md).

{% hint style="info" %}
As this mechanism is based on jobs, it has approximately 10 minutes of accuracy tolerance in standard conditions.
{% endhint %}

## Example two

* In this example, the step will wait 2 days after the previous step has been completed before starting.
* The default number is days. You can also use `HOURS(24)` or `MINUTES(60)`.