Workday® Acquires Sana – What it Means for HR Operations
When Workday® announced in September 2025 that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Sana, an AI company specialising in enterprise knowledge and learning tools, it was more than just another corporate headline. For HR operations teams, this acquisition signals a step-change in how Workday® could support people processes in the years ahead.
With HR functions under constant pressure to improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and deliver better employee experiences, the integration of Sana’s technology has the potential to make Workday® smarter, more proactive, and more supportive of HR operations professionals.
Who is Sana?
Founded in 2016, Sana has built a reputation as one of the leading innovators in AI for the workplace. Its products are already used by over a million people across global enterprises, making them proven at scale. The company is best known for two flagship tools:
- Sana Learn – An AI-native learning platform that combines content creation, course generation, and personalised tutoring. Organisations using Sana Learn have reported dramatic improvements in engagement and speed, such as cutting course creation timelines from months to days.
- Sana Agents – A no-code system for building AI assistants that can automate repetitive workflows, anticipate user needs, and deliver proactive insights, all within a secure and compliant framework.
Together, these tools go beyond traditional search or learning management systems. They blend knowledge, action, and personalisation — which is exactly what HR operations needs as workloads grow more complex.
Why This Matters for HR Operations
1. Quicker Access to the Right Information
HR teams often spend too much time searching for policies, guidance, or historical records. Sana’s AI-powered search will allow Workday® users to find answers across connected systems — from Workday® itself to repositories like Google Drive or SharePoint. This means less time spent chasing documents and more time focusing on delivering support.
2. Automation of Routine Processes
With Sana Agents, HR operations could automate tasks such as onboarding checklists, performance review scheduling, and compliance tracking. These agents reduce manual effort, ensure consistency, and free up HR staff to concentrate on higher-value activities.
3. Smarter Learning and Development
Workday Learning is already a strong solution, but with Sana Learn, HR operations will be able to offer employees more personalised, AI-driven learning experiences. This includes rapid course creation, tailored learning pathways, and interactive AI tutoring — enabling faster reskilling and higher engagement across the workforce.
4. A More Proactive Employee Experience
By combining Sana’s AI capabilities with Workday’s deep data about people and roles, HR operations can move from being reactive to proactive. For example, managers might receive early nudges about upcoming probation reviews, or HR teams could be alerted to engagement risks before they escalate. This allows operations teams to anticipate needs and address them before they become issues.
5. Built-in Security and Compliance
Given HR’s responsibility for sensitive personal data, any new technology must be secure and auditable. Sana’s agent framework is designed to ensure that every AI-driven action is logged and compliant with company policies, offering reassurance that automation will not compromise governance.
The Bigger Picture
For HR operations teams, this acquisition is not just about new features; it’s about a broader shift in how Workday® will be used day to day. The platform is moving towards becoming the “front door for work” — a place where knowledge, processes, and proactive support come together in one unified experience.
This could mean:
- Fewer silos between systems and data sources.
- Faster resolution of employee queries.
- Greater efficiency through automation.
- Stronger impact of HR on the wider business.
Looking Ahead
The acquisition is expected to close in early 2026, and it may take time before Sana’s capabilities are fully integrated into Workday®. Some features may become part of core Workday® products, while others may be offered as premium add-ons.
However, the direction of travel is clear: HR operations professionals will increasingly work with AI-powered tools that reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and enhance the employee experience.
Final Thought
For HR operations, the acquisition of Sana represents more than technological innovation. It’s an opportunity to streamline processes, deliver greater value to employees, and position HR as a proactive, data-driven partner to the business.
As Workday® evolves, operations teams who understand and embrace these capabilities will be at the forefront of shaping the future of HR.
Curious how these changes could affect your team or project? Get in touch with us at Clientside to explore how peer collaboration and AI can accelerate your Workday® success.
