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Workday vs. Dayforce: Choose Your Ideal HCM

Workday: Built for Enterprise Efficiency and Growth

Workday is a leading name in the Human Capital Management (HCM) space, offering a comprehensive suite of enterprise solutions. From talent acquisition to workforce planning and analytics, Workday’s platform is built for large organizations with complex needs. Its robust architecture and extensive features provide enterprise-grade capabilities that support scalability and strategic decision-making. Workday’s implementation process often takes 6 to 14 months.

Dayforce: Unified Platform for Workforce and HR Excellence

Dayforce is a versatile HCM platform that integrates workforce management with HR functionalities, delivering a unified experience for organizations. Known for its strength in payroll processing, compliance, and employee scheduling, Dayforce also supports talent management and employee engagement initiatives. This holistic approach enables companies to streamline operations, optimize workforce efficiency, and maintain compliance, making it a solid choice for organizations looking for an all-in-one solution.

From Reviews to Recognition: A Detailed Comparison of Key Features

Questions Need to Ask Workday Dayforce ClayHR
Does your platform support goal tracking and alignment?
Does your platform offer employee check-ins?
Does your platform support signature flow for performance reviews?
Can you add an external reviewer to performance reviews?
Does your platform include skills evaluation in performance reviews?
Does your platform support OKRs in performance management?
Does the platform support setting and tracking goals within performance reviews?
Does your platform include an awards feature for employee recognition?
Does your platform offer gift card options for employee rewards?
Does your platform offer a points-based recognition system?

From Applications to Onboarding: How Top ATS Solutions Measure Up

Questions Need to Ask Workday Dayforce ClayHR
Does your platform support career planning for employees?
Does your platform offer succession planning features?
Does your platform have a candidate portal for job applications and profile management?
Does your platform offer a Chrome extension for LinkedIn to capture candidate details?
Does your platform support position requisition management?
Does your platform provide position approval flows?
Does your platform include requisition approval flows?
Does your platform provide offer letter approval flows?
Does your platform support candidate funnels?
Does your platform provide funnel automation features?
Does your platform automate workflows?
Does your platform support recruitment agencies?
Does your platform use AI to create job descriptions, responsibilities, and requirements?

The Essential Extras: Additional HR Features That Matter

Questions Need to Ask Workday Dayforce ClayHR
Does your platform allow custom fields in reports?
Can your platform generate and schedule reports automatically?
Does your platform support expense management features?
Does your platform offer shift and roster management capabilities?
Does your platform provide custom tables?
Does your platform include audit history functionality?
Does your platform support Ask HR (AI Assistant) for candidates?

The Perfect HCM Match: Choosing Based on Your Business Priorities

Choosing the right HCM platform depends on your organization’s unique priorities and requirements. Workday is a strong choice for large enterprises with complex HR processes that require advanced customization, detailed reporting, and enterprise-grade scalability. Its robust features, such as performance review templates and audit history, make it ideal for organizations looking for structured solutions to manage extensive operations.
On the other hand, Dayforce excels in workforce management and payroll, making it a great fit for organizations prioritizing compliance, expense tracking, and streamlined scheduling. Its simplified tools for managing performance reviews and check-ins cater to businesses seeking operational efficiency and ease of use.
Ultimately, both platforms offer powerful solutions tailored to specific needs—making it crucial for organizations to assess their priorities, workflows, and growth plans before deciding which platform aligns best with their goals.

Critical Questions to Evaluate Your Next HCM Platform

  1. How quickly can the platform be implemented without disrupting current workflows?
  2. Does the platform provide customizable solutions to meet the unique needs of your organization?
  3. How does the platform enhance employee performance and engagement through features like performance reviews, recognition, and career planning?
  4. Is the platform equipped with AI-powered features to enhance employee experience and decision-making?

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