diff --git a/atomistics/workflows/__init__.py b/atomistics/workflows/__init__.py
index 63d0a639..1775358f 100644
--- a/atomistics/workflows/__init__.py
+++ b/atomistics/workflows/__init__.py
@@ -1,9 +1,13 @@
 from atomistics.workflows.elastic.workflow import ElasticMatrixWorkflow
 from atomistics.workflows.evcurve.workflow import EnergyVolumeCurveWorkflow
 from atomistics.workflows.langevin.workflow import LangevinWorkflow
-from atomistics.workflows.phonons.workflow import PhonopyWorkflow
-from atomistics.workflows.quasiharmonic.workflow import QuasiHarmonicWorkflow
 from atomistics.workflows.structure_optimization.workflow import (
     optimize_positions,
     optimize_positions_and_volume,
 )
+
+try:  # in case phonopy is not installed
+    from atomistics.workflows.phonons.workflow import PhonopyWorkflow
+    from atomistics.workflows.quasiharmonic.workflow import QuasiHarmonicWorkflow
+except ImportError:
+    pass