Workday
Ashley Goldsmith
Where new hires come from
Where employees go
Inside Workday
Hiring and Retaining Top Talent in Software, Platforms & Core Technology
The software, platforms, and core technology sector — including leaders like Workday, ServiceNow, and Salesforce — is at the forefront of innovation, yet faces unique challenges in attracting, retaining, and developing top talent. While the industry enjoys strong fundamentals — with only 11% of companies below average in short- or long-term retention, 89% achieving above-average or excellent industry recognition, and 100% rated above average or excellent in skills, educational attainment, and promotion rates — the intense competition for highly specialized roles creates a persistent talent war. Organizations must compete not only with peers but also with startups, adjacent tech sectors, and global innovators for employees skilled in AI, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and enterprise architecture.
Despite these strengths, retaining top performers and maintaining career progression requires continuous effort. Employees expect dynamic career paths, opportunities for meaningful work, and ongoing skill development to stay at the forefront of technology. Rapid innovation cycles, high demand for niche technical expertise, and “always-on” work cultures can contribute to burnout, making retention an ongoing challenge even for companies with above-average performance metrics. Firms that succeed are those that combine competitive compensation, strong development programs, transparent promotion pathways, and a culture that empowers employees to innovate and grow — securing their place as employers of choice in a fiercely competitive industry.
Workday: Winning the Software Talent Wars
Among Technology – Software, Platforms & Core Technology companies in the Fortune 500, Workday stands out as the best in quality of hire, ranking 1st in both short- and long-term retention, 4th in education, skills, and certifications attainment, 4th in promotion rate, and 6th in industry recognition. This performance reflects Workday’s strong focus on hiring top talent and investing in employee development to maintain engagement and career progression.
Workday’s success stems from several strategic initiatives:
- Comprehensive Learning & Development: Through Workday Learning, employees have access to thousands of courses, certifications, and skills-based learning paths to build expertise across technology, leadership, and business domains.
- Career Mobility & Growth: Workday emphasizes internal mobility through transparent career paths, mentorship programs, and leadership development tracks that allow employees to explore different roles and functions across the organization.
- Employee Experience & Engagement: The company prioritizes a supportive culture that blends flexibility, recognition, and employee empowerment, including feedback-rich performance processes and personalized career coaching.
- Competitive Compensation & Benefits: Workday combines market-leading salaries, equity awards, and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain high-performing talent in a competitive market.
- Focus on Innovation & Meaningful Work: Employees are encouraged to work on challenging, high-impact projects, fostering engagement, learning, and long-term retention.
By integrating robust development programs, career mobility, and a high-performance culture, Workday has established itself as a benchmark for hiring and retaining top talent in the Software, Platforms & Core Technology industry, showing that even in a fast-paced, competitive market, deliberate investment in people pays measurable dividends.