Workday releases bring system updates and new features every six months. While these updates can be valuable, they also introduce risk if not handled correctly. A missed deadline, forgotten configuration, or overlooked setting can quickly affect your core HR or finance processes.
To help you stay ahead, we’ve outlined the key dates for the upcoming September release and what actions you need to take. Whether you’re working in HR, IT, or finance, a structured approach makes all the difference.
SuccessDay helps clients across industries prepare for these updates with clear steps and hands-on support. Below is a practical breakdown of what to expect from August to September.
Key Release Dates and What to Do
| Phase | Start Date | End Date | What to Do |
| Feature Release Documentation | 6 August | – | Review documentation and list features to test |
| Preview Refresh | 16 August | – | Move in-progress config to avoid loss, check login access |
| Testing & Preparation | 16 August | 20 September | Perform regression testing, validate changes, update internal guides |
| Review Webinars | 2 September | 9 September | Join sessions for insights and demos |
| Production Release | 20 September | – | Deploy required features or log them in your adoption plan |
Review the Feature Release Documentation
From 6 August, Workday will share documentation on upcoming features. This is your chance to assess what’s changing and decide what applies to your organisation.
Start by checking:
- Which features are auto-enabled
- Which ones require action before go-live
- Where your core processes might be affected, such as approvals, security roles, or payroll logic
Work through the documentation with your functional leads. If a feature impacts daily operations, it needs to be flagged early.
Get Ready for the Preview Refresh on 16 August
The Preview environment will be refreshed on 16 August. This means:
- Any configurations not deployed to Production will be wiped
- Your Preview password will be replaced by your Production password
Make sure to move in-progress work out of Preview by 15 August at the latest. Remind your team that login details may change and could impact access to the environment.
We often see teams lose partially built setups or miss security adjustments simply because they didn’t act in time.
Use the Testing Window Wisely
Between 16 August and 20 September, you have time to test everything before the Production release goes live. This window is critical.
Focus on:
- Regression testing of core flows like hiring, onboarding, payroll, and integrations
- Checking how UI updates affect your users and training materials
- Identifying and testing features that require setup in Production
Avoid making unrelated changes in Preview during this period. The UI may differ from Production, and it’s not the time to introduce unnecessary risk.
If your team needs support with structured testing or assessing the impact of the changes, SuccessDay can step in.
Join the Workday Webinars
From 2 to 9 September, Workday will host its release webinars. These cover key features, demonstrations, and potential impact areas.
Attend the sessions relevant to your modules and take notes on:
- Configuration tips
- UI changes
- Anything that needs follow-up before go-live
Use these webinars to confirm what you’ve planned so far or to adjust based on new insights.
Prepare for Production Release on 20 September
On 20 September, the new release goes live in your Production tenant. This is your last chance to make sure any features that require setup are fully deployed.
If you tested new functionality in Preview but aren’t ready to deploy in Production, include those features in your post-release adoption plan. Make sure ownership is clear and timelines are realistic.
Also plan to monitor your live environment in the days following the release. Build in time for quick fixes or adjustments where needed.
Avoid Disruptions with a Clear Plan
Workday releases can go smoothly, but only if you stay ahead of the timeline. The biggest risks come from skipped testing, forgotten configurations, and unclear ownership.
At SuccessDay, we support clients throughout the release cycle. We help you identify which features to test, guide regression testing, and ensure nothing falls between the cracks. Whether you need hands-on support or just a clear checklist, we can help you get it right.
Reach out to our team for a quick scan or full support. We’ll help you turn the release into a value-add rather than a risk.
