In our latest episode of Workday Gold, we dove deep into a topic that’s crucial for every Workday team leader: how to create an environment where people actually want to work. With the Workday ecosystem increasingly competitive, retaining talent isn’t just about competitive salaries anymore – it’s about building a workplace culture that resonates with your team members.

Understanding Your Team’s Unique Motivations

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to managing your Workday team. Some team members are “live to work” types who thrive on technical challenges and are eager to explore new features. Others might be “work to live” individuals who prefer predictable tasks and value work-life balance. The key is asking your team members what matters to them and being intentional about supporting their individual goals.

Creative Ways to Celebrate Progress

During a Workday implementation project, we found an innovative way to visualize our progress: building a Lego Bugatti. The team calculated how many pieces they needed to add each day to complete the set alongside the implementation. When it came time to attach the wheels – one of the final steps – it became a ceremonial moment that brought the team together right before go-live.

Remote Work Challenges and Solutions

The shift to remote work has changed how we build team connections. While we can’t have the same in-person birthday celebrations we used to enjoy, teams are finding creative alternatives. Some organizations are organizing periodic in-person retreats that combine training, team building, and fun activities. Others are exploring unique ways to make remote employees feel valued, like sending personalized mini-figures or celebration packages.

Building a Strong Alumni Network

One fascinating approach some organizations take is celebrating when team members move on to new opportunities. By recognizing that you’re a stepping stone in someone’s career journey, you can build a powerful network of alumni who become advocates for your organization. In the tight-knit Workday ecosystem, these connections can be invaluable for future recruitment and collaboration.

Creating an engaging work environment doesn’t always require grand gestures or significant budget allocation. Sometimes, it’s as simple as enabling your team members to pursue their passions, whether that’s planning creative celebrations for your team or finding innovative ways to track project progress.