Workday Recruiting: March implementation update
The following message was shared with UW leaders and the HR Community of Practice on March 20, 2025.
As we advance toward implementing Workday Recruiting, we want to share a candid update on our progress, the challenges we are navigating, and the work ahead. This is a complex implementation, requiring close coordination across multiple teams, and we appreciate your continued engagement as we work through key issues.
We have made significant progress in key areas, including Workday Recruiting configuration, security and business process validation. However, we are also facing some critical challenges that require resolution before we can proceed to the next phase of implementation:
- Testing Readiness Delays – Several entrance criteria for the test phase remain unmet. Until these issues are materially resolved, we cannot proceed with testing. The team has developed action plans to address these gaps, but it will take a few more weeks to determine their full impact.
- Staffing Transitions & Knowledge Transfer – Changes in key roles, including data conversion and integration leads, added unexpected complexity. While new team members are now onboard, ramping up and sharing knowledge is taking time, adding pressure to an already tight schedule. The team is working hard to overcome delays and keep things moving forward.
- Interdependent Projects & System Complexity – Integrating Workday Recruiting with Workday HCM has revealed additional complexities that require careful remediation and adaptation. While this has added unexpected challenges, the team is actively addressing these nuances to ensure both systems work seamlessly together, maintaining data accuracy and alignment.
While we continue making progress, the outstanding challenges mean we are still assessing potential impacts on the overall timeline. At this stage, we are not making formal adjustments, but we recognize that the resolution of these issues will dictate next steps. We will provide another update once we have a clearer picture of any necessary shifts in timing.
We want to take a moment to recognize the extraordinary efforts of those involved in this implementation. Our project team, the Design Advisory Team and our partners in UW-IT are working tirelessly to ensure Workday Recruiting meets the university’s needs. We’re also pleased to share we’ve officially launched the Change Champions Network, a series of monthly sessions with recruiting colleagues across campus that will cover hiring process changes, training, cutover prep, and go-live planning – while also providing a space for feedback to support a smooth transition to Workday Recruiting. We’re deeply grateful for the dedication of all – their commitment is essential as we navigate this phase and work toward a successful launch.
For ongoing updates, please visit the Workday Recruiting Implementation webpage.
Thank you for your continued patience and partnership as we work through this complex but critical transition.