Getting Ready to Implement Workday: Key Steps and Talent Considerations

Employers • By OWJ • Published on September 1

Getting Ready to Implement Workday: Key Steps and Talent Considerations

Implementing Workday, a leading cloud-based enterprise software platform, can significantly streamline your organization's human resources, payroll, and financial management processes. However, preparing for a successful implementation requires more than just a software decision—it involves strategic planning, comprehensive readiness assessments, and, importantly, assembling the right team of skilled professionals.

In this blog, we'll explore how to get ready for a Workday implementation and the types of skilled Workday talent you should consider hiring to ensure a smooth and efficient transition. Plus, we'll guide you to the best place to find this specialized talent—Only Workday Jobs.

Steps to Prepare for a Workday Implementation

  1. Conduct a Readiness Assessment
  2. Before diving into the technical aspects of implementation, it's crucial to understand your organization's current processes, needs, and goals. A readiness assessment will help identify gaps in your existing systems and highlight areas where Workday can add the most value. It will also help outline the timeline, resources, and budget needed for a successful implementation.
  3. Define Your Implementation Strategy
  4. Your strategy should encompass the scope of the Workday modules you plan to implement (HCM, Financial Management, Payroll, etc.), the sequence of implementation, and the desired outcomes. Decide whether a phased or "big bang" approach is best for your organization. This decision will impact how you staff your implementation team.
  5. Develop a Project Plan
  6. A comprehensive project plan will include milestones, key deliverables, and a detailed timeline. It should also outline the roles and responsibilities of each team member. Remember, a successful project plan is agile enough to accommodate changes as needed throughout the implementation process.
  7. Engage Stakeholders Early
  8. Implementation success often hinges on the support and buy-in of key stakeholders across the organization. Engage them early in the process to ensure alignment on goals, expectations, and timelines. Their input will be valuable in tailoring the Workday solution to meet specific organizational needs.
  9. Invest in Change Management
  10. Change management is critical to the success of your Workday implementation. Develop a robust change management plan that includes communication strategies, training programs, and continuous support for end-users. This will help ensure a smooth transition and high adoption rates across your organization.

The Types of Skilled Workday Talent You Need

To effectively implement Workday, you'll need a diverse team of professionals with expertise in various aspects of the platform and project management. Here are the key roles to consider:

  1. Workday Project Manager
  2. This role is essential for overseeing the entire implementation process, coordinating between various teams, and ensuring the project stays on track and within budget. A Workday Project Manager should have experience with Workday implementations and a strong background in project management methodologies.
  3. Workday Functional Consultants
  4. Functional consultants are responsible for configuring the Workday system to align with your organization's business processes. They specialize in different modules, such as HCM, Payroll, Financials, or Time Tracking. Look for consultants with hands-on experience and certifications in the specific Workday modules you plan to implement.
  5. Workday Technical Consultants
  6. These experts handle the technical aspects of the implementation, including data migration, integrations with other systems, and custom reporting. A solid understanding of Workday Studio, Workday Extend, and other integration tools is essential. Technical consultants ensure that all technical components are correctly configured and integrated with existing systems.
  7. Workday Security Administrator
  8. Security is a critical aspect of any cloud-based solution. A Workday Security Administrator will set up and manage security groups, roles, and user permissions to ensure that sensitive information is appropriately protected. They will also monitor security protocols and handle any security-related issues during and after the implementation.
  9. Workday Change Management Specialist
  10. This role focuses on managing the organizational change associated with the Workday implementation. A Change Management Specialist will develop training materials, conduct user training sessions, and provide ongoing support to ensure user adoption and satisfaction.
  11. Data Migration Specialist
  12. Accurate data migration is crucial for a smooth transition to Workday. A Data Migration Specialist will oversee the extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL) of data from legacy systems into Workday. They must ensure data integrity and accuracy throughout the process.

Find the Right Talent at Only Workday Jobs

Finding the right Workday professionals can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be. Only Workday Jobs is a specialized job platform dedicated to connecting employers with Workday-skilled talent. Whether you're looking for seasoned project managers, functional or technical consultants, or security experts, Only Workday Jobs has a pool of qualified candidates ready to help you achieve a successful Workday implementation.

Conclusion

A successful Workday implementation requires careful planning, a clear strategy, and the right team of professionals. By following the steps outlined above and hiring the right talent, you can ensure a smooth transition and maximize the value of your Workday investment. Start your search for skilled Workday professionals today at Only Workday Jobs and set your organization up for success.