How to Optimise Workday Post-Go-Live for Long-Term Success

Implementing Workday is a major milestone, but the real challenge begins after go-live. Without continuous optimization, organizations risk underutilizing the system and failing to achieve their expected return on investment (ROI). To ensure long-term success, companies must adopt a proactive approach to Workday management.

In this blog, we’ll explore key strategies to optimize Workday post-go-live, including system monitoring, user training, governance, and leveraging new features.

1. Establish a Post-Go-Live Support Model

The transition from implementation to steady-state operations requires a structured support model.

Consider these key elements:

• Super User Network: Identify Workday champions within each department who can support their teams.

• Help Desk & Tiered Support: Set up a clear process for troubleshooting issues and escalating critical tickets.

• Continuous Communication: Maintain an open feedback loop with users to address challenges and optimize workflows.

2. Invest in Ongoing Training & Change Management

User adoption doesn’t stop at go-live. Employees need regular training to maximize their use of Workday’s capabilities.

• Customized Training Programs: Tailor training to different user roles, focusing on their specific tasks within Workday.

• On-Demand Learning: Utilize Workday Learning or internal knowledge bases to provide self-service training materials.

• Change Management Strategies: Keep employees engaged by explaining the “why” behind system updates and process changes.

3. Monitor and Optimize Business Processes

Workday offers robust tools for analyzing workflows and identifying inefficiencies. Post-go-live, organizations should:

• Conduct Regular System Audits: Identify process bottlenecks and adjust configurations to improve efficiency.

• Review Business Processes: Align Workday’s workflows with evolving organizational needs.

• Benchmark Against Best Practices: Compare system usage against industry standards to identify areas for improvement.

4. Stay Updated with Workday Releases

Workday rolls out two major updates per year, introducing new features and enhancements. To stay ahead:

• Engage with Workday Community: Keep up with release notes, participate in user forums, and leverage customer insights.

• Test New Features in Sandbox: Evaluate updates in a non-production environment before deploying them.

• Align Enhancements with Business Goals: Prioritize new functionalities that align with your company’s evolving needs.

5. Leverage Workday Extend & Integrations

For organizations with unique requirements, Workday Extend enables custom applications tailored to specific business needs. Additionally, integrating Workday with other enterprise systems (e.g., payroll, ERP, CRM) ensures a seamless data flow, enhancing efficiency.

6. Foster a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Long-term Workday success depends on an organization’s commitment to ongoing improvement. Encourage feedback, promote system innovation, and align Workday’s capabilities with strategic business goals.

Conclusion

Post-go-live optimization is a continuous journey, not a one-time task. By investing in user adoption, process improvements, system updates, and strategic integrations, organizations can maximize their Workday investment and drive long-term business success.