In a recent LinkedIn post, Lloyd George Gordon discusses the persistent challenges organizations face with Workday software releases, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach to ensure successful adoption and value realization. Gordon points out that despite Workday releases being predictable events, many internal teams find themselves in a reactive scramble when new versions arrive.
Gordon highlights the common scenario where teams are caught off guard, struggling to identify what has changed, what is critical, and what requires testing. He acknowledges the workload pressures on internal Workday teams, but stresses that preparation must occur before the release date.
“Yet every release, teams still end up scrambling to work out what’s changed, what actually matters, what needs testing and what they should be doing with the new functionality.”
The Importance of Pre-Release Planning
Gordon argues that effective release readiness extends beyond simply preventing system failures. It involves a strategic understanding of the release’s implications for the business. As Lloyd George Gordon notes, the goal is not just to implement the changes but to derive genuine value from them.
Key Areas for Release Readiness
According to Lloyd George Gordon, robust release readiness should address several critical questions:
- Which changes will truly impact the Workday environment?
- What specific areas require testing, and where are the potential risks?
- Which new features offer the most significant business value and should be prioritized?
- What level of stakeholder attention is necessary for a smooth transition?
- What opportunities exist to genuinely enhance Workday’s utility for the business?
Gordon differentiates between simply getting through a release and actually extracting value from it, suggesting that the latter requires foresight and strategic planning.
“Getting through a release and getting value from a release are two very different things.”
Leveraging Resources for Better Outcomes
To assist teams in this crucial preparation phase, Gordon shares that he and his team have developed resources to facilitate a more organized approach. He mentions a practical Workday Release Readiness Checklist designed to help teams assess their current standing before the pressure of an impending release intensifies.
Furthermore, a more comprehensive Workday Release Readiness Assessment has been created, which delves deeper into impact, risk, testing priorities, and feature adoption strategies. Gordon offers to share this detailed assessment with interested parties who reach out directly.
“If you want a copy of the deck, drop me a message and I’ll send it over.”
Engaging the Workday Community
Concluding his post, Lloyd George Gordon invites discussion within the Workday community, posing a question to his network about their own release readiness strategies. He asks whether teams are already actively preparing or if this critical task remains on their to-do lists.
This engagement aims to foster a shared understanding and collective learning around managing Workday updates effectively. As Lloyd George Gordon puts it:
“And I’d be interested to hear how other Workday teams are approaching this one.”
Gordon’s insights underscore the importance of moving beyond a reactive stance to a proactive, strategic management of Workday releases, ensuring that technological updates translate into tangible business benefits.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Lloyd George Gordon on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on September 3, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →