Workday Report Types: A Guide to Finding What Works for You
Workday reporting is a game-changer when it comes to making sense of business data. With so many types of reports available, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But don't worry—this guide will break it all down and help you figure out which report type suits your needs.
1. Standard Reports
Think of these as your ready-made solutions. Standard reports come pre-packaged in Workday and are built to handle the basics, like headcount, payroll summaries, or compensation data. If you're short on time or new to the platform, these reports will get you the information you need without any extra effort.
2. Custom Reports
When the standard options don't cut it, you can roll up your sleeves and create a custom report. You have full control—pick your fields, set filters, and tweak the layout however you like. Whether it's tracking workforce performance or analyzing financial data, custom reports let you design exactly what you need.
3. Matrix Reports
Matrix reports are like the Swiss Army knife of Workday. They let you lay out data in a grid or table format, making it easy to compare different metrics side by side. If you're tracking team performance across departments or comparing financial figures, this report type is for you.
4. Composite Reports
Need to bring multiple data sources together? Composite reports allow you to combine the outputs of different custom reports into one seamless view. These are perfect when you're dealing with big-picture insights that span across multiple categories, like workforce trends or operational performance.
5. Trending or Time-Based Reports
If you're tracking how things change over time—such as employee growth, revenue patterns, or project timelines—trending reports are your best friend. They highlight progression and make it easier to spot trends or identify potential challenges.
6. Workday Prism Analytics
For serious data geeks, Prism Analytics takes reporting to the next level. It lets you pull in external data, build dashboards, and analyze everything in one place. Whether you're forecasting finances or diving deep into workforce planning, this tool is built for advanced analytics and insights.
How to Choose the Right Report
The choice depends on what you need:
If you're looking for something quick and ready to use, go with Standard Reports.
For highly specific needs, create your own with Custom Reports.
When you're comparing data side by side, Matrix Reports work best.
For a big-picture view, pull everything together with Composite Reports.
If you're tracking changes over time, stick with Trending Reports.
And if you want to go deep into analytics, explore Prism Analytics.
Making the Most of Workday Reporting
Start simple: get familiar with the built-in Standard Reports and work your way up. Once you're confident, experiment with Custom and Composite Reports to handle more complex needs. And don't shy away from using filters and calculated fields—they're your secret weapon for unlocking deeper insights.
Workday reports aren't just about numbers—they're about storytelling. The right report can reveal opportunities, predict challenges, and guide better decision-making. So, dive in and start discovering what's possible.
Do you have a favorite report type, or are you exploring these for the first time? Let's talk through it!
