As a leading provider of enterprise cloud applications for finance and human resources, Workday ensures its platform is continually evolving to meet the needs of its users. Understanding how Workday releases work is crucial for organisations looking to maximize the value of their investment. Here’s a detailed look at what you need to know about Workday releases.
Biannual Release Schedule
Workday follows a predictable release schedule, rolling out major updates twice a year in March and September. These updates, known as Workday 1 and Workday 2 releases, bring significant enhancements and new features designed to improve functionality and user experience.
Feature Previews and Early Access
Before the official release, Workday provides feature previews, allowing organisations to explore and test new functionalities in a sandbox environment. This preview period is crucial for understanding the changes and planning for their adoption. Additionally, some customers participate in the Early Access Program, getting a first look at new features and providing valuable feedback to Workday.
Customer Notifications and Documentation
Communication is key to the success of Workday releases. Customers receive detailed notifications through various channels, including:
- Community Posts: Updates and discussions in the Workday Community.
- Emails: Direct notifications to customers.
- Release Notes: Comprehensive documentation outlining all changes and new features.
These resources ensure that users are well-informed and prepared for the upcoming changes.
Phased Update Process
Workday employs a phased approach to rolling out updates:
- Sandbox Update: Non-production environments are updated first, giving organizations time to test and adapt to new features.
- Production Update: After a few weeks, the production environments receive the updates.
This phased process helps mitigate risks and ensures a smooth transition.
Post-Release Support and Continuous Improvement 
After each release, Workday offers robust support to help customers navigate the new features. This support includes:
- Webinars and Training: Educational sessions to help users understand and utilize new functionalities.
- Documentation: Detailed guides and help articles available in the Workday Community.
- Community Support: Forums and discussions where users can share experiences and solutions.
Workday continually gathers feedback from its users, using it to refine and enhance future releases, ensuring the platform evolves in line with customer needs.
How Albida Can Help You Maximize Your Workday Release
As an experienced Workday implementation partner, Albida is here to assist you in maximising the benefits of each Workday release. Our expertise ensures that you can smoothly transition to new updates and fully leverage the latest features. Here’s how we can help:
- Comprehensive Training: Tailored training sessions to ensure your team is well-equipped to utilize new functionalities.
- Implementation Support: Expert guidance through the sandbox and production update phases to ensure a seamless transition.
- Ongoing Assistance: Post-release support to address any challenges and optimize your use of Workday.
Stay ahead with Workday’s latest updates and ensure your organisation gets the most out of each release. Contact Albida today to learn how we can help you harness the full potential of Workday’s continuous improvements. Let’s work together to keep your systems running smoothly and efficiently.
