Human Resources

Workday Recruiting: October implementation update

The following message was shared with UW leaders and the HR Community of Practice on October 30, 2024.

Back in March, we shared the exciting news that UW Human Resources (UWHR) received approval to move forward with implementing Workday Recruiting. Since then we have developed a robust program team in collaboration with UW-IT and contracted with Workday to be our implementation partner.

Today, we’re pleased to announce that we have officially entered the first stage of our Implement, Adapt, and Evolve strategy. This iterative approach ensures we can launch the essential features of Workday Recruiting quickly while continuing to refine the system as we move forward.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect from each phase:

Implement (Fall 2024 – Summer 2025)

The program team is heads-down in the design and configuration of the Workday Recruiting module, which will go live with core functionality in Summer 2025. During the Implement phase, we’ll regularly keep you informed about what’s changing – and what’s staying the same – to help ensure a smooth transition. Here are the milestones you can expect to hear about:

  • Fall 2024 – Winter 2025:
    • Focus on system design, configuration and testing
  • Spring 2025:
    • Training for hiring partners provided
    • Cutover planning shared with unit administrators
    • Direct communication with in-process candidates and their hiring departments to help minimize disruption
  • Summer 2025:
    • Go-live: Workday Recruiting replaces UWHIRES and the new job application portal for candidates becomes available
    • Ongoing support and training resources shared

Adapt (Summer 2025 – Spring 2026)

After the initial go-live, we’ll move into a 9-month Adapt phase. During this time, the program team will roll out new platform features and rely on feedback and data to further refine and enhance the system and recruiting processes.

Evolve (Spring 2026 and Beyond)

Finally, the program team will transition to ongoing Workday Recruiting operations as we enter the Evolve phase, where we will continue to adjust the system and business processes based on needs and workforce data. This ongoing commitment to improvement will ensure Workday Recruiting grows with the UW and remains a valuable tool for years to come.

Your Partnership Matters

As hiring partners, your involvement in this process is critical. You’ll be on the frontline of using Workday Recruiting and helping prepare your teams for the transition. To ensure we capture needs and concerns, we’ll have two opportunities for HR leaders to provide input:

  • Workday Recruiting Assessment: In the coming weeks, we will be sending a survey to, and hosting focus groups for, campus HR leaders. If you receive the survey, please take 10-15 minutes to complete it; look for an invitation to participate in focus groups to follow. Your feedback will help us identify the support and resources needed to make this transition successful.
  • Change Champions Network: In December, we’ll also reach out to department leaders to help identify individuals who can work closely with the program design team and share information with their units.

Thank you for your partnership. Together, we can ensure a successful transition to a modern, integrated recruiting platform that both improves the applicant experience and serves UW’s evolving needs.