Breaking Barriers: Workday’s Journey for Inclusion Excellence

At Workday, we’re steadfast in our commitment to a workplace where all employees feel welcomed, supported, and are presented with opportunities to contribute in meaningful ways. We Value Inclusion, Belonging, and Equity for all, we call it VIBE™, and it radiates throughout our workplace, weaving itself into the fabric of our everyday interactions, employee experiences and long-term strategic outlook.

Workday’s journey towards inclusion excellence transcends compliance, delving deep into the realm of employee experience. We believe that everyone, irrespective of their background or abilities, should have the opportunity to be part of the growth and success of our business. By fostering an inclusive environment that values diverse skills and perspectives, we not only empower our employees to reach their full potential but also create a ripple effect that resonates with our customers and the communities we serve. It’s through this unwavering commitment to universal inclusion that we spark innovation, drive collaboration, equip and enable our Workmates’ full participation in all aspects of work. Our relentless pursuit of inspiring a brighter workday for all is a journey we’re on together!

From Roots to Wings: Tracing Workday’s Disability Inclusion Experience

• 2018 marked the beginning of our disability inclusion journey, with the launch of the People with Disabilities Employee Belonging Council (EBC), laying a foundation to raise awareness, educate and evolve collective thinking around diversity.
• In 2019, the Caregivers of People with Special Needs group formed, demonstrating Workday’s ongoing support for our employees.
• The years 2020 and 2021 also marked significant milestones, including our first time participating in the Disability:IN Equality Index, for which we achieved a score of 80 out of 100 possible points. While we scored well, it’s important to note the evaluation also provided us with a comprehensive list of improvements, which are now part of Workday’s FY25 disability inclusion roadmap.
• Our progress continued through 2023, partnering with key stakeholders to understand the sentiment and experience surrounding disability inclusion. Our ultimate goal: to create a center of excellence, bringing the expertise needed to develop and deploy a comprehensive disability inclusion strategy.

Looking ahead, our commitment to prioritize disability inclusion as part of our broader VIBE work remains resolute, signifying Workday’s continued dedication to an inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and have equitable access opportunities so they can thrive and excel.

From Grassroots to a Center of Excellence: Forever Forward, Together

Workday recognizes the pivotal role of establishing a Disability Inclusion Center of Excellence (CoE), signifying our unwavering intention to evolve and improve accessibility and inclusion. By centralizing our focus and resources within a CoE, we not only amplify our efforts but also help ensure a sustained commitment to our number one core value, our employees! Through this deliberate approach, we aim to catalyze meaningful change, spark creativity, and set new benchmarks for inclusive practices that resonate both within our walls and beyond.

In January, we kicked off our Disability Inclusion strategy with an all employee event featuring panelists and a renowned keynote speaker, all of whom are advocates, activists, practitioners, allies, and changemakers in the disability inclusion space. We heard stories of trials and triumph, with several of our esteemed participants sharing experiences about their own disabilities. The event also served as an opportunity to highlight the four areas of impact we’ll be focused on:

• Environment: Workday will strive to create physical, social, digital, and cultural surroundings where people with disabilities can not only work but also interact and thrive.
• Workmate & Customer Practices: takes into account the policies, procedures, and actions to help ensure people with disabilities are included and supported in the workplace.
• Workmate Enablement: Workmate Enablement initiatives will focus on providing the necessary tools, resources, and training to cultivate a culture of disability awareness and inclusion.
• Leadership Commitment: Leadership Commitment will play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of inclusivity and inspiring both Workmates and customers to actively participate in sustaining an inclusive experience for all.

We’re excited to embark on this journey and expect to learn a lot along the way. Our progress will be witnessed in barrier-free environments, inclusive policies, and a sense of belonging among Workmates. Through the collective strength of our diverse community, we’ll continue to strive towards enriching the lives of our Workmates and customers alike, reinforcing a culture where diversity isn’t just embraced, it’s celebrated. Together, we’re building a future where every Workmate, customer, and community member alike, can truly let their brilliance shine.

A brighter work day is just around the corner ☀️. Explore career opportunities here. For more #WDAYLife content, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.