BambooHR vs. Workday: A Comparison

Zuri Baker
Aug 1, 2023
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BambooHR vs. Workday: A Comparison

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Effective human resource management is essential to the success of any organization. As businesses grow, the need for efficient HR software becomes increasingly apparent. Two prominent players in the HR software market are BambooHR and Workday. This blog will delve into a detailed comparison of these two platforms.

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10 Key Differences Between BambooHR and Workday

The differences here are categorized into ten. Their user interfaces, core HR functionalities, performance management tools, recruitment capabilities, payroll and compensation management, integration possibilities, reporting and analytics features, mobile app functionality, customer support, pricing, and scalability.

10 Key Differences Between BambooHR and Workday
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1. User Interface and Navigation

User Interface and Navigation

Below is a detailed comparison of BambooHR and Workday in terms of User Interface and Navigation aspects:

Aspect BambooHR Workday
User Interface

A simple and intuitive user interface.
Clean design with a user-friendly layout, making it easy for employees and HR professionals to navigate through the platform.

A modern and visually appealing user interface, often compared to consumer apps.
It offers a more engaging experience, leveraging contemporary design principles.

Dashboard

Provides quick access to essential HR functions, such as employee profiles, time-off requests, and announcements.
The dashboard is customizable, allowing users to arrange widgets based on their preferences.

Provides personalized dashboard.
Enables employees and HR administrators to tailor their home screen with relevant widgets and data, making it a highly customizable experience.

Menu Navigation

The menu navigation in BambooHR is straightforward, with categorized options, making it easy to find specific features and functionalities quickly.

The global search feature enhances navigation by providing a powerful search capability.
Users can quickly locate specific HR data or functions by typing keywords in the search bar.

Employee Profiles

Navigating through employee profiles in BambooHR is intuitive, providing a comprehensive overview of an employee's information, including personal details, job information, and time-off balances.

The employee directory in Workday presents an interactive organizational chart.


Easy to visualize reporting relationships and navigate between employees' profiles.

Mobile App

The mobile app extends its user-friendly interface to mobile devices, enabling users to access HR information on the go.
The app is designed to provide a streamlined experience for essential HR tasks.

Offers a comprehensive range of functionalities, extending beyond basic HR tasks.
It provides a mobile-optimized experience with smooth navigation for both employees and managers.

The choice between BambooHR and Workday in terms of User Interface and Navigation depends on the organization's size, the complexity of HR processes, and the preference for a simple, intuitive interface (BambooHR) or a visually engaging, highly customizable interface (Workday).

2. Core HR Functionality

The core HR functionalities of both BambooHR and Workday serve as the foundation for HR management in organizations. BambooHR offers a user-friendly platform with essential HR tools like employee database management and time-off tracking. On the other hand, Workday boasts more advanced features, such as a sophisticated employee records system, personalized onboarding, and dynamic organizational charts.

Core HR Functionality

Learn more about the skills every hr manager should have.

Aspect BambooHR Workday
Time-off Tracking

Enables employees to request time off.
HR teams can review and approve the requests online.

Absence management allows employees to request leaves.
It allows the managers to approve or deny requests and HR teams to track and manage employees’ absences efficiently.

Employee Onboarding

Onboarding features streamline the new hire process, ensuring a smooth transition for new employees into the company.

Allows HR teams to create personalized onboarding plans, manage tasks, and facilitate necessary paperwork, reducing administrative burden.

Document Storage

Offers a secure document repository for storing and organizing important HR documents, such as contracts and policies.

The platform provides document storage capabilities.
Allows users to securely store and access essential HR documents
Ensures data privacy and accessibility.

Organizational Charts

Provides basic organizational charts, visualizing the hierarchical structure of the company.

Enables HR professionals to build dynamic and interactive charts that illustrate team structures and reporting lines.

HR Analytics

Offers standard reporting features and basic analytics.
Helps HR teams to track essential HR metrics and generate responses.

Provides advanced reporting and data analysis.
Enables organizations to gain insights from workforce data, make data-driven decisions, and identify trends.

Enables organizations to gain insights from workforce data, make data-driven decisions, and identify trends.

3. Performance Management

Performance Management

Both BambooHR and Workday offer performance management tools to evaluate employee performance and set goals. BambooHR focuses on continuous feedback and performance reviews, emphasizing communication and growth. In contrast, Workday's performance management module offers sophisticated evaluations, 360-degree feedback, and advanced reporting features, making it suitable for companies with complex performance assessment needs.

The choice between BambooHR and Workday for performance management will depend on an organization's size, complexity, and specific requirements. Smaller businesses that prioritize simplicity and continuous feedback may find BambooHR a better fit, while larger enterprises seeking a more comprehensive performance evaluation system may opt for Workday's advanced capabilities.

4. Recruitment and Applicant Tracking

Recruitment and Applicant Tracking

When it comes to recruitment, BambooHR provides applicant tracking, job posting, and candidate evaluation features. Workday's recruitment and talent acquisition suite encompasses applicant tracking, candidate sourcing, and recruitment marketing capabilities. Workday's recruitment module offers more advanced tools, making it ideal for companies with high-volume hiring requirements.

Aspect BambooHR Workday
Applicant Tracking

Offers applicant-tracking capabilities that allow HR teams to manage and track job applicants throughout the hiring process.
Users can post job openings, receive applications, review resumes, and communicate with candidates directly through the platform.
The system helps streamline recruitment, making it more efficient for smaller to mid-sized organizations.

The applicant tracking system is more advanced, providing a comprehensive solution for managing the entire recruitment lifecycle.
It includes candidate sourcing, recruitment marketing, and seamless integration with job boards and social media platforms.
This applicant tracking system is well-suited for larger organizations with high-volume hiring needs and complex recruitment processes.

Candidate Evaluation

Offers basic candidate evaluation tools, allowing recruiters and hiring managers to review applicant information, assess qualifications, and schedule interviews.
It covers essential evaluation features.
It may need more sophisticated evaluation capabilities found in Workday.

The applicant tracking system goes beyond traditional evaluations, offering advanced candidate evaluation features.
These may include skills assessments, pre-employment tests, and automated candidate scoring based on predefined criteria.
The system aids HR teams in identifying the most qualified candidates efficiently.

Candidate Sourcing

Does not have built-in candidate sourcing features.
Organizations using BambooHR for recruitment may need to rely on external sources, such as job boards and social media, to attract potential candidates.

Workday's applicant tracking system includes candidate sourcing tools, allowing recruiters to proactively search for potential candidates within the system's database or other integrated sources.
This feature empowers HR teams to build a talent pipeline and reduce dependency on external job boards.

Recruitment Marketing

Does not have built-in recruitment marketing capabilities.
Organizations using BambooHR may need to use third-party tools or manual methods for recruitment marketing efforts.

Offers recruitment marketing features that enable organizations to create and manage recruitment campaigns to attract top talent.
These campaigns may include branded job postings, targeted email campaigns, and personalized messaging to engage potential candidates.

BambooHR's applicant tracking system is well-suited for smaller to mid-sized organizations with relatively straightforward recruitment needs. It offers basic applicant tracking and candidate evaluation features. On the other hand, Workday's applicant tracking system is a robust solution tailored for larger enterprises with complex recruitment requirements. It provides advanced candidate evaluation, candidate sourcing, and recruitment marketing functionalities to streamline high-volume hiring processes.

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5. Payroll and Compensation Management

BambooHR offers basic payroll management features, ensuring employees' salary details are accessible alongside their other HR information. Workday's compensation management is more comprehensive, allowing organizations to design complex compensation packages, manage merit increases, and align compensation with performance data.

Payroll and Compensation Management
According to the research by Research and Markets, the global payroll software market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 9% during the forecast period 2019–2025. The research report identifies BambooHR and Workday as the major vendors among some other platforms, operating in the global payroll software market.
Payroll Management
BambooHR Workday
  • BambooHR offers basic payroll management features that allow organizations to manage employees' salary details alongside other HR information.

  • BambooHR does not provide an integrated payroll processing system within its platform.

  • Workday offers a comprehensive and integrated payroll management system as part of its overall HCM (Human Capital Management) suite.

  • This feature allows organizations to process payroll efficiently, handle tax calculations, manage deductions, and handle various payroll-related tasks seamlessly.

While BambooHR offers basic payroll management capabilities, it does not provide an integrated payroll processing system. Its compensation management features are relatively straightforward, without advanced tools for handling complex compensation planning.

Compensation Management
BambooHR Workday
  • BambooHR's features are relatively straightforward, providing HR professionals with an overview of employee compensation data.

  • It lacks advanced compensation planning capabilities and needs to offer tools for designing complex compensation packages or managing merit increases based on performance data.

  • Workday's compensation management tools are robust and flexible

  • It enables organizations to design and manage complex compensation structures, including salary, bonuses, equity, and other incentives.

  • With Workday, HR administrators can easily align compensation with performance data, making it easier to reward high-performing employees and foster a culture of meritocracy.

Payroll and Compensation Management

Workday provides advanced functionality for managing merit increases. HR teams can set up automated workflows for annual merit reviews, ensuring employee performance data directly influences compensation decisions.

Workday's compensation management module integrates seamlessly with its performance management tools. This integration enables HR professionals and managers to make informed decisions about compensation adjustments based on employees' performance, competencies, and achievements.

6. Integration Capabilities

Integration Capabilities

Integration with other business tools is critical for streamlined operations. BambooHR offers a range of integrations with popular platforms like Slack, Zapier, and G Suite. Workday, known for its robust integration capabilities, provides connections to various finance, ERP, and time-tracking systems. Workday's broader integration options make it a preferred choice for large enterprises with a diverse tech stack.

Aspect BambooHR Workday
Integration with Other Software Systems

Allows users to connect with popular platforms, such as Slack, Zapier, and G Suite.

Provides connections to a wide range of third-party systems.
The ideal choice for large enterprises with a diverse tech stack.

Custom Integrations

Provides APIs and webhooks for custom integration and data syncing.

Allows organizations to create tailored solutions and sync data across platforms.

Third-Party Integrations

Integrates with third-party applications such as performance management, employee management, and learning management systems.
Provides users with an ecosystem of interconnected tools.

Boasts an extensive marketplace of pre-built integrations.
Enables organizations to extend the platform with additional functionalities without the need for extensive custom development.

Integration Ease

Generally straightforward to set up, with accessible documentation for developers.

The integration framework is designed to be user-friendly.
It provides a seamless experience for administrators and IT teams.

Reporting and Data Sync

Integrations often focus on data syncing between systems, enabling HR teams to access up-to-date information from various applications in one place.

Integrations provide real-time data syncing and reporting capabilities, ensuring that HR professionals can access the latest data from connected applications instantly.

The integration capabilities of BambooHR and Workday are crucial aspects to consider when choosing an HR software solution. While BambooHR offers a range of integrations with popular platforms and provides customization options, Workday stands out with its robust integration framework and extensive marketplace of pre-built integrations. Both platforms enable organizations to streamline their operations by connecting various systems, but the choice ultimately depends on the specific needs and complexity of each business's tech stack.

7. Reporting and Analytics

Data-driven insights are invaluable for informed decision-making. BambooHR offers standard reporting features, while Workday's reporting and analytics suite provides in-depth data analysis and customizable dashboards. Workday's analytics tools, including predictive analytics, empower organizations to extract valuable HR insights from their data.

Reporting and Analytics

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Reporting & Analytics
Aspect BambooHR Workday
Reporting Features

Standard reporting capabilities.

In-depth and advanced data reporting tool with a wide range of customization.

Data Analysis

Limited data analysis options and customization.

Comprehensive data analysis capabilities including predictive analytics.

Dashboards

Basic customizable dashboards.

Highly customizable and interactive dashboards for various user roles.

HR Analytics

Basic HR metrics and insights with essential metrics.

Robust HR analytics, enabling detailed analysis of employee and organizational data for strategic decision-making.

Predictive Analytics

Not Supported.

Advanced predictive analytics tools for forecasting trends and outcomes.

Data Visualization

Limited visualization options.

Rich data visualization options including charts, graphs, and graphical representations.

8. Mobile App Functionality

Mobile App Functionality

In the mobile-centric world, access to HR tools on the go is essential. BambooHR and Workday both offer mobile apps for employees and managers. BambooHR's app provides a streamlined experience for essential HR tasks, while Workday's app delivers a broader range of functionalities, enabling more robust HR-related interactions on mobile devices.

BambooHR Workday
  • The BambooHR mobile app offers basic functionality for employees and managers. Users can access essential HR tasks, such as viewing their personal information, checking their time-off balances, and requesting time off directly from their mobile devices.

  • The app features a user-friendly interface with a clean design, making it easy for employees to navigate and perform necessary HR actions.

  • Employees can update their details, view company announcements, access their payslips, and submit time-off requests conveniently through the mobile app.

  • While the app covers essential HR tasks, it may need some of the more advanced features available on the desktop version of BambooHR.

  • Workday's mobile app offers more functionalities than BambooHR. It provides a more comprehensive experience, allowing users to perform HR-related tasks directly from their mobile devices.

  • Employees and managers using the Workday app can perform more advanced HR interactions, such as approving time-off requests, conducting performance evaluations, and initiating hiring processes for job requisitions.

  • Workday's mobile app features a personalized dashboard that can be customized to display each user's most relevant information and tasks.

  • The app empowers employees to handle more HR-related tasks independently, reducing the need for manual intervention and streamlining HR processes.

  • Workday's mobile app allows managers to access and manage their teams, view organizational charts, and handle other managerial responsibilities.

  • With communication features integrated into the app, employees can collaborate effectively with their team members and supervisors.

Workday's mobile app offers a more comprehensive and feature-rich experience than BambooHR. It caters to the needs of both employees and managers, providing advanced functionalities for HR-related tasks and seamless collaboration, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking for a robust HR mobile solution. On the other hand, BambooHR's app focuses on providing essential HR functions that are user-friendly, suitable for organizations seeking a straightforward and accessible mobile HR solution.

9. Customer Support and Training

Customer Support and Training

Customer support and training are crucial factors for successful software adoption. BambooHR offers responsive customer support and a comprehensive help center, with resources for users to troubleshoot issues independently. Workday provides dedicated customer success managers and a range of training options for employees and administrators, ensuring they get the most out of the platform.

Customer Support
Aspect BambooHR Workday
Support Availability

Business hours (Emails and Phone)

24/7 (Email, Phone, and Chat)

Dedicated Support manager

No

Yes

Help Center

Comprehensive help center with resources.

Extensive knowledge base and self-service options.

User Community

Active online community and user forums.

Workday community for knowledge sharing.

Onboarding Assistance

Basic onboarding support for new customers.

Extensive onboarding and implementation support.

  • BambooHR provides customer support during business hours through email and phone. While Workday offers 24/7 customer support via email, phone, and chat, ensuring users can reach out for assistance at any time.
  • Workday provides a dedicated customer support manager who serves as a single point of contact for clients, offering personalized assistance and problem-solving.
  • Both platforms have robust knowledge bases, but Workday's Help Center provides extensive resources and self-service options to cater to a broader range of user needs.
  • Both platforms have active user communities, but Workday's Workday Community fosters knowledge sharing and collaboration among users.
Training Options
Aspect BambooHR Workday
Training Resources

Webinars, video tutorials, guides

Online learning center, webinars, video tutorials

Training Sessions

Regular webinars for new and existing users

Personalized training programs for customers

Certification Programs

No

Workday offers certifications for admins and users

Learning Management System

No

Workday learning for organizational training

  • BambooHR offers training resources such as webinars, video tutorials, and guides to help users familiarize themselves with the platform's features and functionalities.
  • Workday provides an Online Learning Center with webinars and video tutorials to support user training efforts.
  • Workday offers personalized training programs for customers, ensuring they receive tailored training based on their organization's needs and workflows.
  • Workday offers certification programs for administrators and users, allowing them to gain expertise and recognition in handling the platform effectively.
  • Workday also offers a Learning Management System known as Workday Learning, which enables organizations to deliver and track organizational training efficiently.

BambooHR and Workday strongly emphasize customer support and training. BambooHR provides support during business hours and offers basic onboarding assistance. It offers valuable training resources but lacks a certification program or a learning management system. 

Workday provides 24/7 customer support with a dedicated support manager and extensive onboarding and implementation support. Workday's training options include personalized programs, certification opportunities, and a comprehensive learning management system, making it a preferred choice for organizations seeking a more robust and tailored training experience.

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10. Pricing and Scalability

Pricing is often a deciding factor for businesses of all sizes. BambooHR offers transparent pricing based on the number of employees, while Workday's pricing is typically tailored to each organization's unique needs, making it more suitable for large enterprises with complex requirements. As companies grow, Workday's scalability and flexibility become increasingly advantageous.

Pricing
BambooHR Workday
  • BambooHR offers a transparent and straightforward pricing model based on the number of employees within the organization.

  • The pricing structure usually includes a monthly or annual subscription fee, and the cost increases with the number of employees using the system.

  • This pricing approach makes BambooHR particularly attractive for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with a relatively predictable and stable workforce.

  • BambooHR's pricing model is known for its affordability and suitability for companies with limited HR software budgets.

  • It is worth noting that while BambooHR's pricing may be more budget-friendly for smaller organizations, it may become less cost-effective as the company grows significantly in size.

  • Workday's pricing model is typically less transparent than BambooHR’s and is often tailored to each organization's unique needs and requirements.

  • Workday's pricing is more complex, involving various factors like the scope of functionalities needed, the number of users, implementation requirements, and ongoing support services.

  • This pricing approach makes Workday more suitable for larger enterprises that require a more customized and comprehensive HR software solution.

  • Workday's pricing may be higher than BambooHR for smaller companies, but it offers significant value for larger organizations with more extensive HR needs and the budget to invest in a robust HR software platform.

BambooHR's transparent pricing and user-friendly design make it a preferred choice for small to medium-sized businesses with straightforward HR needs and limited budgets.

Scalability
BambooHR Workday
  • BambooHR is designed to cater effectively to small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) ' needs.

  • It offers a user-friendly and streamlined experience well-suited for organizations with simpler HR processes and fewer employees.

  • While BambooHR can handle growth and an increase in the number of employees, it may need to be better equipped to handle the complexities and scale required by larger enterprises with thousands of employees.

  • Workday is built to be highly scalable and can accommodate the needs of large, complex enterprises with thousands of employees spread across various locations.

  • Its robust architecture allows it to handle extensive HR data, multiple hierarchies, and various HR processes in a unified system.

  • Workday's scalability extends beyond HR, as it can integrate with other business systems, making it a comprehensive solution for organizations with extensive technical infrastructures.

  • Workday's ability to handle global operations, complex reporting requirements, and intricate HR processes makes it an ideal choice for multinational corporations and companies experiencing rapid growth and expansion.

Pricing and Scalability

Workday's scalable architecture and tailored pricing options position it as a comprehensive solution for large enterprises with complex HR requirements and the ability to invest in a more customized HR software platform.

Final Thoughts

BambooHR and Workday are remarkable HR software solutions catering to organizational needs and priorities. Each platform brings unique strengths, enhancing human resource management and organizational efficiency. Investing in the right HR software is an investment in your company's future. BambooHR and Workday, as leading solutions in the HR software market, offer distinct benefits to different types of businesses.

The choice between BambooHR and Workday hinges on company size, budget, scope of HR operations, and strategic goals. By carefully assessing these considerations, businesses can determine which platform aligns more closely with their unique needs, ensuring a successful implementation that optimizes HR processes and contributes to the organization's overall success.

Organizations need to equip their employees with the knowledge to operate various HR softwares to ensure seamless experience and productivity. Training providers such as, Edstellar, enables professionals to  streamline HR processes, enhance employee experiences, and drive overall business success in the long run through virtual and onsite corporate training programs.

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Zuri Baker

Zuri is a Human Resource & Recruitment specialist with over 20 years of experience. His expertise lies in HR policies, recruitment strategies, and employee relations. Zuri has a proven track record of building successful teams and fostering positive work environments. His writings provide valuable insights into the world of HR and recruitment, offering readers practical advice on how to attract, retain, and develop talent. His deep understanding of HR dynamics makes him a trusted voice in the field.

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