The bi-annual Workday update (2026R1) is almost here — and whether it’s your first Workday release or your tenth, staying ahead of key dates and preparing your tenants can feel overwhelming. Avaap’s Workday AMS team is here to help you navigate the 2026R1 release with confidence.
Below is an outline to the Workday 2026 Release 1 timeline, milestones, and post‑release checklist so your organization is prepared, compliant, and ready to take advantage of every new feature. For personalized support, contact your Avaap AMS Engagement Manager anytime.
Workday 2026R1 Release Dates: Key Deadlines to Know
Understanding the timeline is the first step in planning your release activities.
- 2026R1 Feature Release Documentation: January 28, 2026
- 2026R1 Preview Refresh / Release: February 7, 2026
- Release Preparation Window: February 7 – March 14, 2026
- Production Release: March 14, 2026
Mark these dates on your calendar to ensure your team stays aligned throughout the release cycle.
How to Prepare for Workday 2026R1: Key Pre‑Release Activities
- February 7 – March 14, 2026
During the preparation window, your team should:
- Run task audits prior to and following release tenant updates
- Test the 2026R1 feature release in Preview
- Review the What’s New report and Release Notes
- Monitor for any delivery date changes
- Communicate with Workday to resolve questions or issues
- Plan organizational change management activities
- (Optional) Lock your Production tenant prior to release
These actions ensure you identify potential impacts early and prepare your teams for new functionality.
2. Go-Live Day: March 14, 2026
Once your Production tenant is updated:
- Review any delayed features
- Configure released features
- (Optional) Unlock your Production tenant
- Begin adopting new features and functionality
- Revisit Release Notes for updates to fixes, enhancements, and retirements
This is the ideal time to ensure your configuration stays optimized and aligned with Workday’s new capabilities.
Workday 2026 Release 1 Checklist: Post‑Production Activities
After Workday updates your Production tenant (starting March 14, 2026), complete the following:
1. Unlock User Accounts
If you locked accounts during the update:
- Use Manage User Accounts → Unlock user accounts
2. Activate Workday Account Sessions
If user sessions were terminated:
- Go to Manage Workday Maintenance Window → Activate sessions
3. Re‑Enter Configuration Adjustments
Reapply any configuration changes made to your Sandbox Preview tenant.
4. Rerun Audits
- Run audits completed in earlier checklists
- Resolve all audit issues
5. Review Retirement Notes
- Track new feature retirements and upcoming deprecations
- Document required follow-up actions
6. Review Fix & Feature Notes Weekly
- Filter by your functional areas
- Subscribe to notes relevant to your organization
Staying current ensures you’re aware of changes impacting HCM, Finance, Payroll, Reporting, Integrations, and more.
Why Partner with Avaap’s Workday AMS Team?
A Workday release is more than a system update — it’s an opportunity to optimize your configuration, enhance user experience, and adopt features that drive efficiency.
Avaap’s Workday AMS team helps you:
- Evaluate impacts specific to your tenants
- Plan and execute comprehensive testing
- Support change management and communication
- Maximize the value of your Workday investment
If you’re looking for post-production support or a more efficient release process, we’re here to help.
If you’re preparing for Workday’s 2026R1 update, don’t miss our upcoming webinar where Avaap’s experts break down the most impactful changes across HCM, Financials, and Student. In just 90 minutes, you’ll gain practical guidance on configuration updates, testing priorities, and the real‑world implications that go beyond what’s included in the standard release notes.
Get the insights your team needs to approach the 2026R1 release with confidence.