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Workday HCM is a cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software with a subscription-based pricing structure with multiple pricing tiers and plans tailored to the size and needs of an organization.

HR professionals use Workday HCM to manage various aspects of human capital management, including workforce planning, recruitment, talent management, and benefits administration.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Workday pricing, plans, and costs to make an informed purchase decision with confidence.

How Much Does Workday Cost?

Workday does not share pricing information publicly, but information on the different products offered is available. These include the HR platform, which serves as an HCM or HRIS, as well as an operational planning solution, and financial management and financial planning software solutions.

For specific pricing details, Workday encourages potential customers to request a quote. Additionally, Workday offers a free demo, which allows organizations to get a feel for the software with no obligation. Custom pricing tiers are available for enterprises and other specific business types, which can be tailored to meet the unique needs of different organizations.

Workday HCM Plans & Pricing Tiers

Here's an overview of the available Workday HCM plans:

Plan TypePriceWhat’s Included?
Free DemoFreeA customized walkthrough of the product’s functionality and feature set
Paid SubscriptionUpon requestWorkforce management, talent management, compensation management, benefits administration, time tracking, performance management tools, employee self-service portals, analytics and reporting dashboards, payroll management, and mobile app.
Workday Pricing Screenshot
Potential customers are encouraged to contact Workday for a custom quote.

Let’s break down the available Workday plans a bit further:

Workday HCM Free Demo

This gives users an overview of the platform so they can determine if it will meet the needs of their human resources requirements. The platform’s core HR capabilities can be explored in real-time, and prospective users can ask questions about their specific use case.

Workday HCM Subscription Plan

When a business is ready, they can opt into a paid plan. Workday’s HCM solution offers tools to support various HR functions including employee lifecycle management (including recruiting, hiring, and onboarding), performance development and succession planning, employee data management, and HR reporting.

Workday HCM Pricing Vs. Competitors

While Workday’s pricing model is not made public, the pricing varies based on the specific needs and size of the organization. This is relatively common for this type of software platform because of how broad-spanning it is to suit various business needs.

Some organizations will find the pricing to be competitive for their use case, while others may find other providers offer a better value for money. In particular, companies seeking enterprise software solutions for their HR needs may benefit from custom pricing.

Comparison Chart: Workday vs. Alternatives

Wondering how Workday pricing compares to other HCM software? Here’s a comparison chart that breaks down the costs of other HCM software side-by-side:

Tools Price
Deel Flat rate user pricing, with a free version for businesses with up to 200 people
Paycor Pricing upon request
Rippling From $8/user/month, (billed annually).
PrimePay Flat user pricing, upon request
Arcoro Pricing upon request
Oracle HCM Cloud From $13/user/month, with a minimum of 1000 employees
Eddy From $8/employee/month + a $49 base fee/month
eXo Platform From $5/user/month
Sage People From $10/user/month
UZIO From $4/month/employee
Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Compare Software Specs Side by Side

Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.

Compare Software

Alternatives to Workday

Workday is a solid HCM software, but there are plenty of other options out there. Depending on your use case, budget, team size, and other factors, you might consider shopping around for a solution that’s better suited to your needs. If you’re looking for alternative HCM software options to Workday, here are a few worth checking out:

How To Choose The Right Workday Plan

When deciding which Workday plan to go with, you’ll want to consider the added value and potential drawbacks that come with each plan. Scrolling through long lists of features can quickly lead to confusion and uncertainty, so here are a few factors to keep in mind as you evaluate and assess your options:

Workday Scalability and Team Size

Workday is suitable for various team sizes. Small teams of 50 can benefit from its flexible architecture, while large enterprises with over 100,000 employees can leverage its robust ERP capabilities. Workday’s ability to scale horizontally ensures it meets the needs of both small businesses and large corporations, adapting to different needs.

workday scability and team size screenshot
Workday scales for any team size, from small businesses to large enterprises.

Industry-Specific Workday Features

Depending on your industry, you might be looking for specific features to streamline your processes. Workday offers industry-specific features like inventory and supply chain management tools tailored for various sectors including healthcare and technology. It also has a Professional Services Automation (PSA) feature that helps professional services organizations manage teams and projects efficiently.

workday industry specific features screenshot
Workday offers industry-specific features tailored to various business sectors.

Workday Integration Capabilities

Connecting your HCM software to your other systems including your HR software, recruiting CRM, and other SaaS tools is essential for maintaining workflows and data consistency. Workday offers native integrations through its Integration Cloud, which includes pre-built connectors and templates for various third-party systems. Some key integrations include LinkedIn, Slack, ADP, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace.

Workday also supports industry-standard APIs and provides tools like Workday Studio and Enterprise Interface Builder for building custom integrations. Workday also offers an API framework to configure custom integrations.

workday integrations screenshot
Workday integrates seamlessly with numerous third-party applications and systems.

Workday Security Safeguards

Workday uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm with a key size of 256 bits for protecting data at rest and in transit. They also offer robust security features, including role-based access control, single sign-on (SSO), and multifactor authentication (MFA).

Workday's security options vary between plans, offering customizable settings, detailed audit trails, and compliance with international standards such as ISO 27001, 27017, and 27018. Be sure to find out what security safeguards are in place depending on your plan selection and business needs.

workday security safeguard screenshot
Workday ensures top-tier security with robust safeguards and compliance measures.

Workday Pricing FAQs

Here are answers to a few common questions about Workday pricing:

What additional costs should I anticipate with Workday?

When implementing Workday, additional HR software costs may include:

  • Training and support: Fees for training sessions and ongoing customer support.
  • Customization and integration: Costs for customizing the platform to fit specific business needs and integrating it with existing systems.
  • Consulting services: Fees for consulting services to assist with implementation and optimization.
  • Add-ons and modules: Costs for additional modules or features not included in the base package.

Are there any discounts or promotions available for Workday?

Workday offers promotions through various contracting vehicles like the California Software License Program (SLP), which provides extensive software discounts to public organizations via authorized resellers. Additionally, Workday has cooperative agreements with E&I Cooperative Services, enabling significant savings for member institutions.

How often does Workday change its pricing structure?

Workday does not frequently change its pricing structure. However, any changes are typically communicated well in advance to existing customers.

What factors influence the cost of Workday?

Several factors influence the cost of Workday, including:

  • Number of users: The more users, the higher the cost.
  • Modules and features: Additional modules and advanced features increase the overall cost.
  • Company size: Larger organizations may have different pricing tiers compared to smaller businesses.
  • Customization needs: Extensive customization can lead to higher costs.

Is there a free plan available for Workday?

Workday does not offer a free plan, although a free demo is available for prospective buyers. This allows users to get a customized walkthrough of the product and understand the user experience, key functionalities, and whether it’s a good fit for their business needs.

How can I get a quote for Workday?

To get a quote for Workday, you can visit the Workday website and request a quote through their pricing page. You will need to provide details about your organization and specific needs to receive an accurate estimate.

Is Workday Good Value?

In my opinion, Workday offers substantial value for organizations seeking a versatile and reliable human capital management (HCM) solution.

Its extensive features, including payroll, talent management, and time tracking, cater to a wide range of HR needs. The custom pricing is justified by its functionality and the quality of support provided.

It’s also worth noting that Workday’s user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easier for HR teams to navigate and perform tasks efficiently. Workday's strong integration capabilities with other enterprise systems enhance its appeal, particularly for large organizations with complex IT environments.

Verdict: Workday is a valuable investment for organizations that need a comprehensive HCM solution with strong integration and support capabilities.

Want to learn more about Workday HCM? Check out their site for additional information.

Price:

Pricing upon request

Trial:

Free demo available

What’s Next?

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Faye Wai
By Faye Wai

Faye Wai is a HR Technology Analyst and contributor to People Managing People, with a background in branding, public relations, and content marketing. She has vet vendors as an end-user in both consultancy and in-house capacities, providing her with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities within the people operations sector.