Workday HCM vs PerformYard | 2025 HR Guide

When evaluating performance management solutions, organizations often find themselves choosing between comprehensive HCM platforms like Workday and specialized tools like PerformYard. While both offer performance management capabilities, their approaches differ significantly—with PerformYard focusing exclusively on streamlining employee feedback, goal setting, and review processes.

Workday delivers an HCM solution with performance management as an add-on. Meanwhile, PerformYard offers a dedicated performance management platform designed specifically for organizations seeking simplicity and focus in their employee development programs.

Comparing Approaches: Dedicated vs. Add-On

PerformYard's dedicated approach to performance management prioritizes user experience and process flexibility without the complexity of navigating through unrelated HR functions. This focused design can benefit organizations looking to implement or improve their performance management processes quickly.

Workday's performance module, as part of its comprehensive suite, offers data integration across HR functions but may require more resources to configure and maintain.

Workday vs. PerformYard: Feature Comparison


Feature
Workday HCM 
PerformYard
User Interface
Complex with multiple capabilities; steeper learning curve
Intuitive, modern interface with minimal learning curve
Flexibility
Configurable within Workday's framework; changes may require IT support
Highly adaptable with drag-and-drop process builder and unlimited form customization
Feedback Capabilities
Formal review-focused with basic continuous feedback options
Comprehensive feedback ecosystem with real-time recognition, praise walls, and 360° feedback
Goal Management
Goals separated within broader talent modules; challenging to update
Dynamic OKR framework with visual goal trees and real-time progress tracking
Implementation Typically longer timeline as part of broader HCM deployment 2-4 week implementation with dedicated success manager
Reporting Complex reporting tools requiring specialized knowledge One-click actionable insights and customizable HR dashboards
Integrations Strong within Workday ecosystem; some third-party connections available Open API with native integrations to popular HRIS, communication, and productivity tools
Cost Structure Enterprise pricing model; higher total cost Transparent, scalable pricing with all features included
Mobile Experience Limited functionality in mobile app Full-featured mobile experience with offline capabilities
Admin Control Changes require IT involvement or consultant support HR-managed administration with no coding required
Customer Support Tiered support model with potential long response times
Direct access to dedicated performance management experts

Customization and Process Design

A significant advantage of PerformYard is its flexibility in adapting to your organization's unique performance philosophy. The platform allows HR teams to design review cycles, feedback frameworks, and goal structures that reflect your company culture without extensive configuration requirements.

Workday offers customization capabilities as well, but these often require more technical expertise or consulting support.

When PerformYard Makes Sense for Your Organization

PerformYard typically serves organizations better when:

  • You need a performance management solution that can be implemented quickly
  • Your HR team wants direct control over process design without IT dependencies
  • Your organization values simplicity and user adoption in performance tools
  • You're seeking a dedicated partner focused exclusively on performance management excellence
  • Your budget priorities favor targeted solutions over comprehensive platforms

Final Considerations

When evaluating performance management solutions, consider how each platform aligns with your specific organizational needs, resources, and existing systems. While Workday provides a comprehensive approach integrated with broader HCM functions, PerformYard offers a focused solution that simplifies implementation and management of performance processes.

For many organizations seeking to enhance their performance management programs without the complexity of enterprise HCM platforms, PerformYard's specialized approach delivers the right balance of capability, usability, and value.