Workday Oregon FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which web browsers does Workday support?

The latest versions of the following desktop browsers are supported by Workday:

Google® Chrome

Mozilla® Firefox

Microsoft® Edge

Apple® Safari (Mac OS X only)

Opera® Browser

What is HRIS?

A Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is a software application that automates many personnel management and position budgeting processes and provides a means of acquiring, storing, analyzing, and distributing information to various stakeholders.

What does the new HRIS look like now?

The past, antiquated mainframe system was over 25 years old. Below is a graphic differentiating the pas system (Position & Personnel Data Base and Position Inventory Control System) user interface from Workday, the current HRIS solution, user interface:

What is Workday?

The HRIS industry leader in cloud-based, enterprise applications that combine a lower cost of ownership with an innovative approach for enterprises

provider of applications for financial management, human capital management (HCM), payroll, student systems, and analytics

A cloud-based system that leverages a modern technology platform to provide its customers greater information accessibility

Why has Oregon state government chosen to implement a new HRIS?

State government’s data needs far outpaced its capacity to capture, organize, and analyze HR data. The past system relied on paper-driven processes that did not address the critical HR business needs of today. Decision-makers were hindered by limited reporting capabilities and the lack of basic information important to modern HR management. Oregon’s past technology was difficult to modify and update, and the skill sets required to support it were increasingly hard to find.

Many agencies used agency-specific manual or automated systems (i.e. “shadow systems”) to supplement the past HRIS, as the enterprise system could not support their business requirements. Shadow systems result in inconsistency and unpredictability, ultimately leading to a lack of state government cohesion.

The business case, prepared in 2014, outlined the business need for HRIS replacement and provided a cost benefit analysis of a number of alternative solutions. The analysis resulted in the recommendation of a “Software as a Service” (SaaS) system, hosted and maintained by a vendor.

The requested Policy Option Package (POP) for the HRIS Project, included in DAS’ Governor’s Recommended Budget, amounted to $19 million funded through agency assessments.

What are some benefits of Workday?

Workday provides Oregon state government improved employee productivity, reduced operational complexity, and quick compliance with ever-changing legal and regulatory requirements. Benefits include:

Workflow approvals

No installed software

Regular updates

Role based security

Cloud technology

Intuitive user interface

Mobile readiness

One data source

Solution integration

User friendly experience

Does Workday impact every employee in state government?

Yes, Workday gives all users (i.e. state employees, volunteers and contractors) greater control over their personal information through 24/7 access to information over a secure network. All users can access their personal data from any computer or mobile device with internet access. The system’s self-service functionality for both managers and employees allows users to update their personal contact information, view information about their position, utilize built-in tools for professional development, and access directory and other HR-oriented information.

What is “self-service” and how does it relate to Workday?

Employee self-service (ESS) is an available feature within most HRIS. ESS allows employees to take care of many different human resource-related tasks that would otherwise need to be completed by human resources personnel or management.

ESS allows employees to directly change personal information such as address, phone number and emergency contacts information. Previously, Oregon state governmanet employees and their managers relied heavily on paper processes for important HR related iformation and processes (e.g. new hire documents, required federal forms, etx.)> With Workday's self-service functionality, most (if not all) HR paper processes occur online through Workday. ESS and manager self-service (MSS) reduce the time it takes to process an employee task (I.e. "transaction"), reduce the level of manual effort involved in completing transactions and allow all users to have immediate secure access to information as is appropriate.

What is a Supervisory Organization?

Supervisory Organizations (“sup orgs”) group employees into a management hierarchy and are a required foundation for Workday Human Capital Management (HCM). Sup orgs provide the structure for how users (i.e. employees, volunteers and contractors) are organized, how HR business processes are enabled and how HR data is linked in the system. Sup orgs are not used to manage finances and financial responsibilities, which are addressed primarily through Cost Center.

Who is considered a Manager in Workday?

Every supervisory organization (“sup org”) is headed by a manager. All staff in that sup org report to that manager. Any state government employee who has individuals reporting to them is given the Workday role entitled "Manager." The Manager role in Workday is not related to an employee's business title.

What can a Manager view and do in Workday?

Workday's Manager Self-Service (MSS) provides supervisors with relevant job, position and compensation information about their teams. MSS also includes access to reports with team information that are integrated with HR-related analytics.

How will Oregon state government employees be engaged about Workday Oregon updates and news?

Workday Oregon will continue to engage Oregon state government employees through emails and the announcements feature within Workday.

Where can I receive information or provide feedback on Workday?

Employees can obtain Workday information through the Workday Oregon website at http://www.oregon.gov/das/hr/pages/workday.aspx, Workday Learning and the Workday Announcements feature. Workday feedback can be directed to your Workday Agency Readiness Contact to be brought forward to the Central Workday Team.

When did Workday go live?

Workday went live February 2019. Contact your Manager or HR Partner for information on how your agency is using Workday.

How does Workday account for data backups and disaster recovery?

Workday's Workday Security datasheet provides thorough information regarding data backups, cloud data disaster recovery efforts and security measures.

What is an Agency Readiness Contact (ARC) with respect to Workday?

Agency Readiness Contacts (ARCs) act as a Workday Oregon conduit for readiness activities. State government organizations (i.e., agencies, boards and commissions) have one employee designated to interface with the Workday Central Team on a consistent basis. ARCs ensure that their organizations are both prepared for Workday enhancements and equipped for business readiness.

To Locate Your Workday Support

Workday Help Desk

Back to the Workday Homepage