Hi Workmates,
There’s a major update making waves in the Workday® community — the launch of Workday® Data Cloud.
This isn’t just another feature drop. It’s a signal that Workday® is becoming much more than a transactional system — it’s evolving into a data and intelligence platform built to power decisions, automation, and AI across the enterprise.
What Is Workday® Data Cloud?
At its core, Workday® Data Cloud brings HR and Finance data together in one secure, governed environment — no extraction, replication, or rebuild required.
You can now access, analyse, and share real-time data directly, all under Workday’s trusted security and compliance framework.
Key capabilities include:
- Zero-copy data sharing – securely connect with Snowflake, Databricks, or Salesforce without duplication.
- Live Data Query – explore up-to-the-minute data using SQL.
- Curated data catalogue – structured views of HR, Finance, and Payroll objects.
- Governed APIs and connectors – full traceability and compliance.
Why It Matters
1. Faster, Smarter Decisions
Say goodbye to overnight exports and slow reports. HR and Finance can now query real-time data — headcount trends, cost forecasts, retention risk — all in context.
2. A Stronger Foundation for AI
Workday® Data Cloud provides clean, connected data that fuels AI-driven insights, predictions, and generative tools.
3. Seamless Collaboration
HR, Finance, and Operations can finally work from the same live dataset, improving alignment and trust in every decision.
4. Strong Governance, Full Control
Built on Workday’s security framework, Data Cloud ensures compliance without compromising access.
5. Lower Complexity and Cost
No more manual ETL jobs or redundant storage — just one streamlined data environment.
What It Means for HR and Finance
For HR teams:
- Real-time visibility into workforce trends.
- Deeper insights into talent, diversity, and retention.
- Smarter planning through connected data.
For Finance teams:
- Live forecasting tied to workforce shifts.
- Faster budgeting and spend analysis.
- One shared source of truth across the enterprise.
Together, HR and Finance can finally speak the same data language — transforming how strategic decisions get made.
Looking Ahead
As Workday® Data Cloud rolls out through 2026, expect:
- Early access for AI and analytics use cases.
- New integrations with major data providers.
- Smarter, real-time Workday® agents powered by live data.
- A growing ecosystem for partners to build AI and analytics apps.
This is just the beginning of Workday®’s journey toward a truly intelligent enterprise — where data, automation, and AI come together to power every decision.
Final Thought
Workday® Data Cloud isn’t just a technical upgrade — it’s a vision for how HR and Finance will work in the AI era.
By giving teams secure, real-time access to people and financial data, Workday® is helping organisations become faster, smarter, and more connected than ever before.
If you’d like to explore how these developments could shape your Workday® journey, click here to connect with the Clientside team — we’d be delighted to share what we’re seeing across the Workday® community.
Amieya | Community Engagement Lead