Workday HCM Review 2025
Leading cloud-based enterprise HCM and performance management platform
Workday is a leader in enterprise cloud applications for human capital management (HCM), offering a comprehensive suite that includes core HR, talent management, performance reviews, compensation, workforce planning, and analytics. Used by over 10,000 organizations globally including Fortune 500 companies, Workday provides an intuitive, mobile-first experience with powerful analytics and AI capabilities. Their performance management module enables continuous feedback, goal alignment, and development planning integrated with all HR processes.
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Rating Breakdown
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comprehensive, unified platform covering all HR needs
- Excellent user experience and mobile interface
- Powerful analytics and reporting capabilities
- Strong performance management with continuous feedback
- Regular feature updates and innovation (2 releases/year)
- Reliable cloud infrastructure with 99.9% uptime
Cons
- Premium pricing - most expensive HRIS option
- Complex implementation requiring 9-18 months
- Requires minimum 250 employees (not suitable for SMEs)
- Configuration complexity requires trained administrators
- Some features require additional modules at extra cost
Key Features & Services
Unified HCM Platform
Single cloud-based system for all HR processes including core HR, talent management, performance, compensation, learning, and recruiting. Unified data model eliminates silos and ensures consistent employee experience across all touchpoints.
Continuous Performance Management
Modern performance approach with continuous feedback, check-ins, goal cascading from company to individual, development conversations, and flexible review cycles. Supports OKRs, competency-based reviews, and calibration sessions.
Advanced People Analytics
Powerful analytics capabilities including predictive models for attrition, skills gap analysis, diversity metrics, workforce planning scenarios, and executive dashboards. Real-time insights enable proactive decision-making.
Mobile-First Experience
Award-winning mobile app enables employees and managers to access HR services, complete performance reviews, provide feedback, approve requests, and view analytics on-the-go. Over 70% of transactions happen on mobile.
AI-Powered Capabilities
Machine learning features including skills inference, career recommendations, talent marketplace matching, automated job requisition creation, and intelligent document processing. AI continuously learns from usage patterns.
Global Compliance & Scalability
Built-in compliance for 150+ countries and territories with local tax, labor law, and reporting requirements. Scales from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of employees without performance degradation.
Pricing & Plans
Pricing Model: Annual Subscription per Employee | Starting From: From $100 per employee/year
Core HCM
- Core HR & employee records
- Organization management
- Basic reporting
- Employee self-service
- Mobile app access
- Minimum 250 employees
HCM + Talent
- All Core HCM features
- Performance management
- Goals & feedback
- Succession planning
- Compensation planning
- Learning management
Enterprise Suite
- All HCM + Talent features
- Advanced analytics & People Analytics
- Workforce planning
- Recruiting & ATS
- Benefits administration
- Dedicated success manager
What Clients Say
"Workday transformed our HR operations. The unified platform eliminated data silos and the analytics capabilities are outstanding. Implementation was complex but worth it for enterprise-grade capabilities."
"Best HRIS we've used. Performance management is seamless, employees love the mobile app, and reporting is powerful. Premium pricing but justified for organizations our size."
"Comprehensive platform with excellent features. Implementation took 14 months and required significant change management. Post go-live support has been good. Worth it but be prepared for the journey."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Workday HCM cost in Singapore?
Workday pricing is per employee/year: Core HCM costs $100-$150, HCM + Talent (including performance management) costs $180-$250, and Enterprise Suite costs $250-$400+ per employee annually. For a 500-employee company, expect $90,000-$125,000 annually. Minimum 250 employees required. Implementation costs additional $200,000-$1M depending on complexity. While premium-priced, Workday provides comprehensive functionality eliminating need for multiple point solutions.
How long does Workday implementation take?
Workday implementation timelines: (1) Core HCM only: 6-9 months, (2) HCM + Talent modules: 9-12 months, (3) Full suite with recruiting, compensation: 12-18 months. Timeline depends on company size, complexity, data migration needs, and integration requirements. Workday requires thorough business process design and change management. Most implementations use certified Workday partners (Deloitte, Accenture, IBM). Plan for 15-20% of subscription cost for first-year implementation services.
Is Workday suitable for small to medium companies?
Workday requires minimum 250 employees and is optimized for mid-market (500-5,000 employees) and large enterprises. Companies under 250 employees should consider alternatives like BambooHR, JustLogin, or Workday Peakon Employee Voice (engagement-only). The investment (subscription + implementation) makes sense for companies with 500+ employees or those planning significant growth. Workday provides enterprise capabilities but requires enterprise-level commitment and resources.
What performance management capabilities does Workday offer?
Workday Performance Management includes: (1) Flexible review cycles (annual, semi-annual, continuous), (2) Goal cascading from company OKRs to individual goals, (3) Continuous feedback and check-ins, (4) 360-degree feedback, (5) Development planning integrated with learning, (6) Calibration sessions and talent reviews, (7) Manager dashboards showing team performance, (8) Compensation integration linking pay to performance. Supports multiple review templates and competency frameworks.
How does Workday integrate with other systems?
Workday offers robust integration capabilities: (1) Pre-built connectors for payroll, benefits, and productivity tools, (2) Workday Studio for custom integrations, (3) REST API for real-time data exchange, (4) EIB (Enterprise Interface Builder) for batch integrations, (5) Workday Cloud Connect for certified partner integrations, (6) SSO integration with all major identity providers. Most common integrations are payroll systems, time clocks, and benefits providers. Integration development typically handled by implementation partners.
Does Workday support multi-country operations?
Yes, Workday is built for global operations supporting 150+ countries with: (1) Local compliance (tax, labor law, reporting), (2) Multi-currency and multi-language, (3) Country-specific workflows and approvals, (4) Global org structures with local variations, (5) Regional data privacy compliance (GDPR, PDPA), (6) Consolidated global reporting. Ideal for MNCs managing employees across multiple Asia-Pacific countries from Singapore headquarters. Reduces complexity of multiple local HRIS systems.
What kind of analytics does Workday provide?
Workday People Analytics includes: (1) Pre-built dashboards (headcount, turnover, diversity, compensation), (2) Custom report builder with drag-and-drop, (3) Predictive analytics (attrition risk, flight risk), (4) Workforce planning scenarios, (5) Skills gap analysis, (6) Compensation benchmarking, (7) Talent pipeline visualization, (8) Executive dashboards for board reporting. Real-time data (no overnight batch processing) enables proactive decision-making. Advanced analytics features use machine learning.
What are the alternatives to Workday for enterprises?
Enterprise HRIS alternatives to Workday: (1) SAP SuccessFactors: comparable features, similar pricing, better for companies already using SAP ERP, (2) Oracle HCM Cloud: strong for Oracle ecosystem customers, slightly lower cost, (3) ADP Workforce Now: good for companies prioritizing payroll, less expensive, (4) UKG Pro: strong time/attendance, lower cost than Workday. Workday leads in user experience and innovation but commands premium pricing. Most enterprises evaluate 2-3 options before deciding. Choice often driven by existing technology investments and strategic priorities.
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Services Offered
- Core HR Management
- Performance Management & Reviews
- Goal Setting & Alignment
- Continuous Feedback
- Talent & Succession Planning
- Compensation Management
- Learning & Development
- Workforce Planning & Analytics
- Recruiting & Onboarding
- Time Tracking & Absence Management