ADP Workforce Now vs. Workday HCM: Comparison & Expert Reviews for 2025
ADP Workforce Now offers a comprehensive human capital management solution that simplifies your HR processes. Workday HCM provides a unified platform designed to enhance your workforce planning and management. While both tools aim to streamline HR functions, they differ in their integration capabilities and user experience.
In this article, you'll find a detailed comparison of the tools' features, pros and cons, and pricing, with a focus on their human capital management (HCM) functionalities.
ADP Workforce Now vs. Workday: An Overview
ADP Workforce Now
Workday
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ADP Workforce Now vs. Workday Pricing Comparison
| ADP Workforce Now | Workday | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 30-day free trial | Free demo available |
| Pricing | From $62/month | Pricing upon request |
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Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowADP Workforce Now vs. Workday HCM Pricing & Hidden Costs
ADP Workforce Now pricing operates on a per-employee, per-month basis and may include additional costs for setup and premium features.
Workday HCM pricing follows a subscription model typically based on the number of users and modules, with potential extra fees for implementation and support.
To select the tool with the right pricing for your needs, evaluate the specific features your team requires and compare the total cost of ownership, including any hidden fees, to ensure alignment with your HR goals.
ADP Workforce Now vs. Workday Feature Comparison
With ADP Workforce Now’s robust payroll system, you can manage payroll processing efficiently, and ensure timely, error-free payments, making it ideal for small to mid-sized businesses.
Workday HCM’s comprehensive talent management features are great for larger organizations that need in-depth workforce planning and analytics.
While ADP Workforce Now excels in payroll efficiency, Workday HCM shines in providing a holistic view of employee performance and development.
| ADP Workforce Now | Workday | |
|---|---|---|
| API | ||
| Application Tracking | ||
| Attendance Tracking | ||
| Budgeting | ||
| Calendar Management | ||
| Compliance Tracking | ||
| Employee Database | ||
| Employee Engagement | ||
| Employee Incentive Management | ||
| Employee Onboarding | ||
| Employee Training | ||
| Expense Tracking | ||
| External Integrations | ||
| Feedback Management | ||
| Forecasting | ||
| Payroll | ||
| Project Management | ||
| Time Management | ||
| Timesheets | ||
| Vacation & Absence Calendar |
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Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowADP Workforce Now vs. Workday HCM Integrations
| Integration | ADP Workforce Now | Workday HCM |
| QuickBooks | ✅ | ❌ |
| Salesforce | ✅ | ✅ |
| Microsoft 365 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Google Workspace | ✅ | ✅ |
| Slack | ✅ | ✅ |
| DocuSign | ❌ | ✅ |
| Xero | ❌ | ✅ |
| IBM Watson | ❌ | ✅ |
| API | ✅ | ✅ |
| Zapier | ✅ | ✅ |
With ADP Workforce Now's integration with QuickBooks, you can seamlessly manage payroll and accounting with greater financial accuracy, which is helpful for small businesses.
In contrast, Workday HCM's integration with IBM Watson is great for companies looking to leverage AI for advanced data analytics and insights.
While ADP Workforce Now enhances financial operations through QuickBooks, Workday HCM elevates strategic planning with AI-driven analytics.
ADP Workforce Now vs. Workday HCM Security, Compliance & Reliability
| Factor | ADP Workforce Now | Workday HCM |
| Data Privacy | ADP Workforce Now implements robust data encryption and offers user access controls to protect sensitive information. | Workday HCM employs advanced data encryption and comprehensive access control policies. |
| Regulatory Compliance | ADP Workforce Now complies with major regulatory standards like GDPR and SOC 2 to ensure data protection. | Workday HCM maintains compliance with global standards such as GDPR and ISO 27001. |
| Uptime Reliability | ADP Workforce Now guarantees a high uptime with continuous monitoring and support for critical HR operations. | Workday HCM offers reliable service with a strong track record of uptime and support. |
| Encryption | ADP Workforce Now uses industry-standard encryption to secure data both at rest and in transit. | Workday HCM implements end-to-end encryption for data protection. |
| Access Control | ADP Workforce Now provides customizable user access levels to ensure only authorized personnel can access specific data. | Workday HCM offers detailed access controls to manage user permissions effectively. |
Both ADP Workforce Now and Workday HCM offer strong security and compliance features, but Workday HCM's global compliance capabilities might appeal more to international organizations.
To evaluate these tools further, first assess your organization's specific regulatory requirements and data protection needs. Next, review their compliance certifications and security protocols and prioritize the vendor that supports your needs more completely.
ADP Workforce Now vs. Workday HCM Ease of Use
| Factor | ADP Workforce Now | Workday HCM |
| User Interface | ADP Workforce Now provides a straightforward interface with clear navigation, making daily tasks easy to manage. | Workday HCM offers a clean and modern interface, but it can be complex for new users due to its extensive features. |
| Onboarding Experience | ADP Workforce Now allows for quick setup with minimal technical requirements, ideal for smaller teams. | Workday HCM's setup process is detailed and may require IT involvement for optimal configuration. |
| Setup | ADP Workforce Now allows for quick setup with minimal technical requirements, ideal for smaller teams. | Workday HCM's setup process is detailed and may require IT involvement for optimal configuration. |
| Support | ADP Workforce Now delivers responsive support with live chat and extensive online resources. | Workday HCM provides strong support with dedicated account managers and a rich knowledge base. |
| Customization | ADP Workforce Now offers basic customization options to tailor the platform to your needs. | Workday HCM enables extensive customization to adapt to complex organizational structures. |
ADP Workforce Now is easier to navigate for everyday tasks, but Workday HCM offers more customization and can be overwhelming initially. ADP Workforce Now's simplicity is great for small teams, while Workday HCM's depth is better for those needing detailed configurations.
ADP Workforce Now vs Workday: Pros & Cons
ADP Workforce Now
- It provides excellent recruiting tools with integration to major job boards.
- It offers a user-friendly self-service portal for employees to manage their details.
- It simplifies payroll with efficient processing and error prevention alerts.
- Advanced HR functions require add-ons, which can increase costs.
- Performance management features are scattered and less cohesive.
- It lacks advanced customization options for workflows and reports.
Workday
- The user-friendly interface makes it easy for your team to navigate and manage HR tasks efficiently.
- It offers advanced talent management tools that enhance your team's capabilities.
- Workday HCM is highly configurable, allowing you to tailor HR processes to fit your needs.
- Mid-market companies might find the premium pricing challenging due to high costs.
- Its Applicant Tracking System and Payroll modules might not match specialized third-party solutions.
- The implementation process can be complex and may require full-time consultants.
Best Use Cases for ADP Workforce Now and Workday
ADP Workforce Now
- Retail Companies ADP Workforce Now handles high employee turnover and scheduling needs effectively.
- Healthcare Providers It manages complex compliance requirements and diverse staffing needs seamlessly.
- Finance Departments It offers robust payroll solutions that ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Recruitment Teams Its excellent recruiting tools simplify job posting and candidate management.
- Human Resources HR teams benefit from its user-friendly interface and efficient onboarding features.
- Small Businesses It provides essential HR functions without overwhelming smaller teams with unnecessary complexity.
Workday
- Large Enterprises Workday HCM’s scalability and robust features support your complex HR needs across global locations.
- Healthcare Organizations The system’s compliance tools help you manage regulatory requirements in your HR processes.
- Finance Sector Workday HCM’s analytical tools can enhance your workforce planning and decision-making.
- Technology Companies Its talent management features can help you attract and retain top tech talent in a competitive market.
- Human Resources Departments The intuitive interface and comprehensive tools streamline HR tasks for your team.
- Multinational Corporations Workday HCM supports multi-currency and multi-language capabilities, crucial for your global operations.
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Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowWho Should Use ADP Workforce Now, and Who Should Use Workday HCM?
In my opinion, ADP Workforce Now is best suited for small to mid-sized businesses looking for straightforward HR solutions without the need for deep customization. If you're part of a smaller team with limited IT resources, ADP Workforce Now's ease of use and quick setup can be a big advantage.
On the other hand, I believe Workday HCM is ideal for larger organizations that need extensive customization and detailed analytics to support complex HR processes. If your company requires a robust system with advanced features and has the budget to match, Workday HCM might be the right choice for you.
Differences Between ADP Workforce Now and Workday
| ADP Workforce Now | Workday | |
|---|---|---|
| Automation | ADP Workforce Now automates payroll processes, reducing manual tasks. | Workday HCM excels in automating complex HR workflows and analytics. |
| Customization | ADP Workforce Now provides basic customization to fit small business needs. | Workday HCM allows extensive customization for detailed organizational structures. |
| Integrations | ADP Workforce Now integrates well with QuickBooks and other small business tools. | Workday HCM offers integrations with advanced tools like IBM Watson for analytics. |
| Pricing | ADP Workforce Now uses a per-employee, per-month model, which is predictable for budgeting. | Workday HCM relies on a subscription model, often based on users and modules, which can vary in cost. |
| User Interface | ADP Workforce Now has a straightforward interface that's easy for small teams to navigate. | Workday HCM offers a modern interface with extensive features, which may be complex at first. |
| Visit ADP Workforce NowOpens new window | Visit WorkdayOpens new window |
Similarities Between ADP Workforce Now and Workday
| Cloud-Based Access | Both ADP Workforce Now and Workday HCM are cloud-based solutions, ensuring you can access HR tools anywhere, anytime, with reliable uptime. |
|---|---|
| Compliance | Both solutions help you stay compliant with regulations like GDPR, but Workday HCM provides more extensive global compliance options. |
| Data Security | Both platforms prioritize data security with strong encryption protocols, ensuring your team's information is protected. |
| Employee Management | Both offer comprehensive HR management features like employee records and benefits administration, though Workday HCM adds deeper analytics. |
| Integrations | Both support a wide range of integrations, allowing seamless connectivity with tools like Slack and Microsoft 365 to enhance your HR processes. |
| Visit ADP Workforce NowOpens new window Visit WorkdayOpens new window | |