Workflow diagrams make it easier to see how work gets done, who is responsible, and where delays can happen. Whether you’re managing a project, running day-to-day operations, or improving a specific process, a clear workflow diagram helps teams stay aligned and efficient. In this guide, we’ll walk through practical workflow diagram examples across different functions—HR, marketing, sales, finance, and more—so you can quickly adapt them to your own needs and streamline the way your team works.
Workflow Diagram Examples for Every Business Function
1. Simple workflow diagram example
This example shows a simple Agile workflow, starting with tasks in the backlog and moving through stages like in progress, review, and done. It gives teams a clear view of how work moves step by step, making it easier to track progress and spot delays.
2. Process workflow diagram example
This example shows the steps in a talent management process, starting from hiring and onboarding to performance reviews and employee growth. It makes it easy to see what happens at each stage and how the process flows smoothly from one step to the next.
3. Business workflow diagram example
A business-focused workflow that illustrates how different departments or stakeholders interact. Great for visualizing approval flows, service delivery, or customer-facing processes. Use this template to align teams and standardize operations in your organization.
4. Project workflow diagram example
Plan and track project tasks from initiation to completion. This template helps project managers and teams outline dependencies, responsibilities, and timelines in one view. Customize it in Creately to keep your projects organized and on schedule.
5. Marketing workflow diagram example
Map out the steps of a marketing campaign, from content creation to publishing and review. This template highlights collaboration across teams, approval stages, and deadlines, making campaign execution more structured and efficient.
6. Sales workflow diagram example
Visualize your sales pipeline and lead management process. This template helps you track lead qualification, deal progress, and handoffs between sales reps.
Sales Process Workflow
Lead Processing Workflow Example
7. Software development workflow diagram example
A template designed for development teams to manage coding, testing, and deployment workflows. It helps coordinate tasks across dev, QA, and ops teams, ensuring smooth handoffs and fewer errors in the release cycle.
8. Document management workflow diagram example
This workflow illustrates how documents are created, reviewed, approved, and stored. Use it to streamline compliance processes, control document versions, and ensure proper authorization before publication.
9. Manufacturing workflow diagram example
Visualize the flow of materials, quality checks, and production steps in manufacturing. This template helps track dependencies, reduce delays, and optimize production efficiency across factory teams.
10. Invoice processing workflow example
A clear breakdown of the invoice lifecycle — from receipt to verification, approval, and payment. This template ensures financial accuracy, speeds up approvals, and reduces bottlenecks in accounts payable.
11. Production workflow diagram example
Capture the stages of product development or service delivery. This template helps teams monitor resources, handoffs, and outputs, ensuring a smoother and more predictable production process.
12. Design workflow diagram example
This example shows the steps in a website design process, from planning and wireframing to design, review, and launch. It helps teams see the order of tasks, who is involved at each stage, and how the project moves from idea to finished website.
13. HR workflow example
Map out HR processes like recruitment, onboarding, or employee offboarding. This template helps standardize HR tasks, reduce manual work, and ensure a consistent experience for employees across the organization.
Recruitment Process Template
Employee Offboarding Process
Why Use Creately for Workflow Diagramming
Creately makes it easy to draw, share, and improve workflow diagrams. You don’t need advanced design skills—just drag, drop, and connect shapes to map out your process. Here’s how it helps:
Start with ready-made templates: Pick from a library of workflow templates for HR, marketing, sales, finance, and more. This gives you a head start without having to build from scratch.
Use simple drag-and-drop tools: Add steps, decisions, and connectors quickly. The quick-access toolbar lets you change colors, text, and styles in just a few clicks.
Get a boost with Creately AI: Generate workflows automatically, expand processes, or suggest improvements with AI-powered assistance.
Add details to every step: Attach notes, documents, or links to any shape. This keeps all related information in one place so teams don’t have to dig through files.
Work together in real time: Invite your team to edit the diagram with you. Everyone can comment, make changes, or leave feedback instantly, no matter where they are.
Keep versions and share easily: Every change is saved, so you can go back if needed. You can also share your diagram as a link, embed it in docs, or export it as a PDF or image.
