Techniques are disclosed for efficient utilization worker threads in a workflow-as-a-service (WFaaS) environment. A client device may request a workflow for execution by the client device. The client device may receive the requested workflow and initialize a set of worker threads to execute the workflow and a set of heartbeater threads to monitor the set of worker threads. Upon receiving an indication of a processing delay, the client device may capture the state of the workflow, suspend execution of the workflow, and store the workflow in a temporary queue. While the processing delay persists, the client device may use the set of worker threads to execute other tasks. When the processing delay terminates, the client device may resume execution of the workflow.