On 20 September 2025 Workday will release 2025R2. One of the most impactful changes in this release is the new Workday Absence Calendar. This update is mandatory for all Workday customers. If the transition is not completed in Production before the deadline, absence processes will no longer function.
Why this release matters
The Absence Calendar brings time off and leave of absence together in one unified view. Employees will experience a more modern interface and fewer clicks. For HR and managers, the update creates a consistent and more user-friendly process. However, without proper preparation the transition can lead to confusion, errors or even blocked approvals.
Your preparation checklist
Based on our consultants’ testing and client readiness projects, these are the areas that need attention:
- Audit security access so the right people can use the new tasks.
- Check delegations to avoid approvals getting stuck.
- Test the new calendar in every role including employee, manager and administrator.
- Review and rename absence types to avoid confusion between similar terms such as unpaid time off and unpaid leave.
- Update dashboards and worklets to ensure the new request absence task is visible.
- Prepare your support desk and communications with targeted messages for HRIS teams, managers and employees.
The deadline is critical
The switch to the new Absence Calendar is not optional. If the changes are not completed in Production before 20 September 2025, absence processes will stop working. A structured preparation avoids disruption and ensures employees experience the improvements as intended.
Looking ahead
While the transition requires effort, the benefits are clear. The new Absence Calendar provides a single system for absence management, reduces clicks for users and introduces a more intuitive design. With the right preparation the update will not only be smooth but will also strengthen the employee experience.
At SuccessDay we help organisations prepare for Workday releases with readiness checks, tenant audits and communication support. Our consultants know the pitfalls and can guide you to a smooth transition.
Not sure if your organisation is ready for Workday 2025R2? Contact us to discuss how we can support your Absence Calendar transition.
