What it does
Pause handles leave balances, requests and team summaries through Slack and a web application. It supports team-specific workdays, multiple approvers and policies for leave that does or does not reduce an allowance. Google Calendar connections can show absences and decline conflicting meetings; paid access follows a thirty-day trial.
With Pause connected to Slack, type /pause in a channel or chat and choose Apply for a Leave. Enter the leave type, dates and an optional reason, then select Apply. The browser route is Calendar, Apply, followed by the same details and Submit. An administrator's own request is approved automatically; other requests go to the assigned approver.
Approvers open the Pause bot notification and choose Approve or Decline. On the web, the envelope icon opens pending requests. The employee receives the decision through Slack and email. Unanswered requests can also be approved automatically, so teams should establish how approvers will handle outstanding items.
Configure working days and approvers for each team, then choose deductible or non-deductible leave types and monthly or annual credits. Google Calendar can publish team leave and decline meetings during absence. The subscription charges per user each month after a thirty-day trial.
Employees join through an email invitation, set a password and log in. Their administrator should already have assigned the team, leave policies and approver; a connected Slack workspace provides another way to use the account.
Strengths
- Employees and approvers can handle leave directly in Slack
- Calendar integration connects time off with meeting availability
Watch out for
- Administrator requests and unanswered requests can be approved automatically
Best for
- Slack-based agencies coordinating time off and shared calendars
Sources
- Pause Pricing — #1 Leave Management Software for Startups (Oct 27, 2026)
- Pause — #1 Leave Management Software for Startups (Oct 27, 2026)
- How do I apply for leave using Pause? | Pause (Oct 27, 2026)
- How do I approve or decline leave requests? | Pause (Oct 27, 2026)
- Quick guide: Getting started with Pause | Pause (Oct 27, 2026)