BambooHR vs. Workday HCM: Comparison & Expert Reviews For 2025
BambooHR offers a user-friendly HRMS that simplifies HR processes for small to medium-sized businesses. In contrast, Workday HCM provides a robust solution for larger enterprises needing comprehensive workforce management. While BambooHR focuses on ease of use, Workday HCM is renowned for its extensive capabilities and scalability.
In this article, you'll discover a detailed comparison of these tools, exploring their features, pros and cons, pricing, and more to help you choose the right HRMS for your needs.
BambooHR Vs. Workday: An Overview
BambooHR
Workday
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BambooHR Vs. Workday Pricing Comparison
| BambooHR | Workday | |
|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Free demo available |
| Pricing | From $6.19/user/month (billed annually) | Pricing upon request |
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowBambooHR vs. Workday HCM Pricing & Hidden Costs
BambooHR pricing follows a subscription model, with costs varying depending on the features you choose, plus some additional fees may apply for implementation and premium support.
Workday HCM pricing is typically customized based on the size of your organization and the specific modules you need, which can lead to additional expenses for integration and training.
To select the right tool for your needs, evaluate the total cost of ownership, including potential hidden fees, and consider how each vendor's pricing aligns with your long-term HR strategy.
BambooHR Vs. Workday Feature Comparison
With BambooHR's intuitive onboarding tools, you can streamline new employee integration, making it ideal for small businesses focused on efficient hiring processes. Workday HCM's robust analytics capabilities are great for large enterprises needing to make data-driven decisions in complex environments. While BambooHR simplifies onboarding, Workday HCM excels in offering detailed insights, each catering to different organizational needs.
| BambooHR | Workday | |
|---|---|---|
| API | ||
| Application Tracking | ||
| Attendance Tracking | ||
| Compliance Tracking | ||
| Employee Database | ||
| Employee Engagement | ||
| Employee Incentive Management | ||
| Employee Onboarding | ||
| Employee Training | ||
| Expense Tracking | ||
| External Integrations | ||
| Feedback Management | ||
| Payroll | ||
| Time Management | ||
| Timesheets | ||
| Vacation & Absence Calendar |
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Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowBambooHR vs. Workday HCM Integrations
| Integration | BambooHR | Workday HCM |
| Greenhouse | ✅ | ❌ |
| Lever | ✅ | ❌ |
| Slack | ✅ | ✅ |
| Microsoft 365 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Google Workspace | ✅ | ✅ |
| Checkr | ✅ | ❌ |
| GoodHire | ✅ | ❌ |
| Salesforce | ❌ | ✅ |
| ServiceNow | ❌ | ✅ |
| DocuSign | ✅ | ✅ |
| API | ✅ | ✅ |
| Zapier | ✅ | ❌ |
With BambooHR's integration with Slack, you can enhance team communication and streamline HR tasks, which is perfect for small teams needing real-time collaboration.
Workday HCM's integration with Salesforce is great for large enterprises aiming to align HR data with sales insights.
While BambooHR boosts internal communication, Workday HCM enhances data integration, each benefiting different business needs.
BambooHR vs. Workday HCM Security, Compliance & Reliability
| Factor | BambooHR | Workday HCM |
| Data Encryption | BambooHR encrypts data both in transit and at rest using AES-256. | Workday HCM employs AES-256 encryption for data protection both in transit and at rest. |
| Regulatory Compliance | BambooHR complies with GDPR and CCPA to ensure data privacy. | Workday HCM adheres to GDPR, CCPA, and more stringent global standards. |
| System Reliability | BambooHR provides a 99.9% uptime service level agreement (SLA), ensuring consistent access. | Workday HCM offers a 99.9% uptime SLA with robust global data centers. |
Both BambooHR and Workday HCM offer strong security and compliance, but Workday HCM excels with broader regulatory adherence.
When evaluating these tools, focus on the specific compliance needs relevant to your industry and review the vendors' adherence to those standards to ensure they meet your security priorities.
BambooHR vs. Workday HCM Ease of Use
| Factor | BambooHR | Workday HCM |
| User Interface | BambooHR offers a clean, intuitive interface that's easy to navigate for quick task completion. | Workday HCM's interface is robust, offering extensive features but can be complex to navigate for new users. |
| Onboarding Experience | BambooHR simplifies onboarding with step-by-step guides and checklists. | Workday HCM provides a comprehensive onboarding process, which may require more initial training. |
| Setup | BambooHR's setup is straightforward with minimal IT support needed. | Workday HCM setup can be intricate, often requiring dedicated IT involvement. |
| Support | BambooHR offers responsive customer support with various online resources. | Workday HCM provides extensive support options, including dedicated account managers for larger clients. |
BambooHR is praised for its simplicity and ease of use, making it ideal for small teams needing quick implementation without extensive training.
In contrast, Workday HCM, while powerful, can be challenging due to its complexity, but it offers unparalleled depth for those needing comprehensive solutions.
BambooHR vs Workday: Pros & Cons
BambooHR
- The modern, intuitive interface makes it simple to find information and complete tasks. The free trial includes dummy data so you can test out the user experience easily.
- Automated approval workflows streamline processes and reduce manual effort, thus enhancing overall efficiency.
- Employee self-service features help staff access their data, request time off, sign documents, and more.
- Users can set permissions to control access and ensure data security, although it does not support multi-department roles, limiting flexibility for organizations with complex structures.
- Pricing details are not transparent, making it challenging for potential customers to gauge the cost-effectiveness of the solution before committing.
- Limitations on payroll feature and integration partners in free trial makes it challenging to test the system fully before making a purchase decision.
- The extensive array of views and features can be overwhelming and unnecessary for simple operational requirements.
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 BambooHR And Workday
BambooHR
- Tech Startups BambooHR’s intuitive design and self-service features are perfect for tech startups that need to onboard new hires quickly.
- Creative Agencies Your team will benefit from BambooHR’s easy-to-use interface, streamlining time-off requests and employee data management.
- Nonprofits BambooHR allows you to focus on your mission by reducing administrative overhead with its efficient HR management tools.
- Retail Retail businesses can simplify scheduling and PTO tracking, making it easier to manage a diverse workforce.
- Human Resources Departments HR teams will appreciate BambooHR’s ability to centralize employee data and automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for strategic planning.
- Remote Teams BambooHR’s cloud-based platform supports remote teams by providing easy access to HR information and self-service tools from anywhere.
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.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
Get Expert AdviceOpens new windowWho Should Use BambooHR and Workday HCM?
In my opinion, BambooHR is best for small to medium-sized businesses looking for a straightforward, user-friendly HRMS that doesn't require extensive IT support. It's a great fit for teams that value simplicity and quick onboarding.
On the other hand, I see Workday HCM as the ideal choice for large enterprises needing a comprehensive and scalable solution, especially those with complex HR needs and the resources to support a more intricate setup. If your team thrives on robust analytics and integration with other enterprise systems, Workday HCM is the way to go.
Differences Between BambooHR And Workday
| BambooHR | Workday | |
|---|---|---|
| Automation | BambooHR automates basic HR tasks for small teams | Workday HCM provides advanced automation for complex HR processes. |
| Integrations | BambooHR integrates easily with tools like Slack and Zapier. | Workday HCM connects with enterprise systems like Salesforce. |
| Onboarding | BambooHR simplifies onboarding with intuitive guides. | Workday HCM offers comprehensive onboarding requiring more training. |
| Pricing | BambooHR uses a straightforward subscription model. | Workday HCM customizes pricing based on enterprise needs. |
| User Interface | BambooHR offers a clean and easy-to-navigate interface. | Workday HCM provides a feature-rich but more complex interface. |
| Visit BambooHROpens new window | Visit WorkdayOpens new window |
Similarities Between BambooHR And Workday
| Cloud-Based | BambooHR and Workday HCM are cloud-based, ensuring accessibility anytime and anywhere for your team's HR needs. |
|---|---|
| Customer Support | Both offer customer support around the clock, though Workday HCM includes dedicated account managers for larger clients. |
| Customization | Both systems allow you to tailor features to fit your team's needs, though Workday HCM offers deeper customization for large enterprises. |
| Data Security | Both BambooHR and Workday HCM prioritize data security with AES-256 encryption and compliance with major regulations like GDPR. |
| Reporting | Each provides robust reporting tools to help you make informed decisions, with Workday HCM offering more advanced analytics. |
| Visit BambooHROpens new window Visit WorkdayOpens new window | |