Quick Summary
There are many options to consider when choosing an HR & payroll platform, but more features don’t always mean better results. This guide explains how platforms like Workday and ADP perform in key areas like payroll processing, HR tools, and support. You’ll also discover why many organizations are turning to Checkwriters for a simpler, more functional solution that balances automation with personalized support.
Struggling to Choose Between Workday and ADP?
For many HR teams, the challenge is usually finding the right tools. Workday and ADP both offer comprehensive payroll and HR platforms, but they serve very different types of organizations.
While Workday focuses on enterprise-level solutions with lots of configuration options, ADP is known for its long-standing payroll expertise and tiered offerings. But they may be very complex or expensive if you’re a small organization that just wants payroll and HR to run smoothly.
In this Checkwriters article, we’ll compare Workday and ADP across payroll, HR tools, ease of use, and customer support. We’ll also introduce a simpler alternative, Checkwriters, for teams that want reliable payroll and HR tools.
Why Listen to Us?
Checkwriters provides payroll and HR tools that help organizations stay compliant, save time, and manage employees with less complexity. From applicant tracking and timekeeping to HR compliance and reporting, our platform is designed to make payroll and HR simpler.
For instance, when the Diocese of Baker moved to Checkwriters, we helped them reduce time spent on manual tasks, giving the diocesan staff more time to focus on mission-related initiatives rather than admin work.
Workday vs ADP (Quick Comparison)
Here’s a quick look at how Workday and ADP stack up across core HR and payroll features:
| Features | Workday | ADP |
| Best for | Large enterprises in need of global HCM, deep analytics, and custom workflows | Small to large organizations seeking proven payroll and modular HR tools |
| Payroll & HR | Highly configurable, with integrated modules for HR, payroll, recruiting, and learning | Reliable processing, compliance tools, and benefits management across multiple plans |
| Ease of Use | Has lots of features, but it can be complex. | More accessible than Workday, but the UI can feel outdated |
| Customization | Extensive options for workflows, reports, and permissions | Limited to built-in options unless using higher-tier plans |
| Integrations | Strong API and marketplace, but integration setup is resource-intensive | Connects with major platforms, but is not very flexible |
While Workday is a good choice for strategic HR and workforce planning, ADP may be better suited for businesses that prioritize reliable payroll and prefer a more gradual approach to adding HR features.
But before you decide, let’s explain each tool in detail;
What Is Workday?
Workday is a cloud-based platform that provides enterprise-level HR, payroll, and finance solutions. It supports large organizations with complex operations by offering tools for talent management, workforce planning, payroll, and financial reporting, all in one system.
One of its standout features is the use of AI-powered tools like Workday Illuminate™. This helps automate tasks like anomaly detection and talent matching, making workforce operations more efficient.
Key Features
- Automated Payroll Processing: Workday integrates HR data with payroll to automate complex calculations, including taxes, deductions, garnishments, bonuses, and off-cycle pay.
- Global and Multi-State Payroll Support: Supports payroll across states or countries, ensuring compliance with diverse tax rules and local regulations.
- Time & Workforce Management Integration: Tracks time, attendance, scheduling, and absences in real time.
- AI-Powered Automation: Workday includes AI features like Workday AI and Illuminate to automate tasks, detect anomalies, and match candidates to roles faster
- Self-Service Employee Portal: Employees can view pay stubs, update personal info, request time off, and access tax forms via mobile or web portals.
Pricing
Workday uses a custom, quote-based pricing model. Contact their sales team for a customized quote.
Pros
- Offers real-time reporting and analytics to support better decisions.
- Provides AI-powered insights with features like Workday AI and Illuminate™
- Scales well for large and global organizations with complex needs
- Supports compliance and audit readiness with built-in tools and updates
Cons
- Setup and implementation can be complex
- AI recruiting tools have faced scrutiny for potential bias
- Can be very expensive for teams without significant budgets for implementation
- Limited appeal for teams that don’t need advanced forecasting or global capabilities
What Is ADP?
ADP (Automatic Data Processing) is one of the longest-standing payroll and HR providers in the U.S., serving businesses of all sizes. It is known for its advanced payroll features, offering a wide range of HR tools through products like RUN (for small businesses) and Workforce Now (for mid-sized and larger companies).
Many organizations choose ADP for its reputation, reliability, and experience in payroll processing and tax compliance. But if it doesn’t work for you, here’s a list of ADP alternatives.
Key Features
- Payroll Processing: Handles multi-state payroll with automated tax filing and direct deposit.
- Tax Compliance: Automatically calculates, files, and pays federal, state, and local payroll taxes.
- Employee Self-Service: Employees can view pay stubs, manage tax forms, and update personal info via web or mobile.
- Recruiting and Hiring (ADP Recruiting Management): Helps post jobs, manage candidates, and streamline hiring.
- Reporting and Analytics: Offers standard and custom reports for payroll, tax, and workforce metrics.
Pricing
ADP follows a quote-based pricing model that varies by company size and selected features. Contact their sales team for a custom quote.
Pros
- Provides access to HR experts and compliance guidance
- Supports businesses of all sizes with scalable, modular solutions
- Integrates with a wide range of business apps and accounting systems
- Backed by strong brand recognition and a proven industry track record
Cons
- Customer service can be inconsistent, based on user feedback
- Setup and customization may require third-party support or consultants
- Reporting tools may feel complex for smaller teams
- Pricing can increase quickly with added modules
A Better Alternative to Workday and ADP: Checkwriters
Workday and ADP are both well-known for their broad HR and payroll capabilities. But for many organizations, these platforms can feel overly complex, especially if you don’t have a dedicated IT team.
Checkwriters offers a simpler, more service-driven alternative. Our platform combines payroll, HR, onboarding, and time tracking in one intuitive system that’s easy to manage.
Unlike Workday, which is built for large enterprises with complex workflows, Checkwriters is ideal for growing organizations that want advanced, functional tools without unnecessary complexity. And while ADP is a trusted name, many of its core features come as paid add-ons, and personalized support may depend on your pricing tier.
With Checkwriters, you get automation where it matters and dedicated human support when you need it. It’s a balanced solution designed to help your team stay compliant, efficient, and in control without sacrificing service or simplicity.
Key Features
- Full-Service Payroll: Handle payroll from start to finish with automated processing, built-in direct deposit, and customizable pay schedules.
- Employee Onboarding: Collect forms, gather digital signatures, assign tasks, and deliver training documents, all before day one, so employees are ready to go.
- Applicant Tracking: Easily post jobs, track applicants, and move candidates through a custom hiring pipeline.
- Time & Attendance Tracking: Track employee hours, manage shifts, record breaks, and monitor overtime and PTO within one system.
- Employee Self-Service: Give employees access to update personal information, review pay stubs, and manage direct deposit, all from a secure portal or mobile app.
- Custom Workflows: Automate routine HR and employee management tasks such as managing onboarding checklists or scheduling performance evaluations, without relying on IT or third-party tools.
- Built-In Reporting: Run detailed reports on payroll, attendance, and more. Customize filters, export data, and track workforce trends to support compliance and decision-making.
Pricing
Checkwriters offers quote-based pricing tailored to your organization’s size and needs. Schedule a demo for a custom quote.
Pros
- Streamlines hiring with digital onboarding and applicant tracking
- Offers mobile app access for both employees and managers
- Automates HR tasks with custom workflows for onboarding and document collection
- Tracks time and attendance with built-in approval workflows
- Enables fast, hassle-free setup without the need for outside consultants
Cons
- Best suited for U.S.-based organizations.
- May not be as widely known as Workday or ADP
Workday vs ADP vs Checkwriters: Feature Comparison
Payroll Processing & Compliance
| Feature | Workday | ADP | Checkwriters |
| Payroll Automation | Offers unified payroll processing with global capabilities | Automates payroll with multi-state and global options | Automates payroll processing with expert support for faster, more accurate runs. |
| Tax Filing & Compliance | Includes tax updates and filing support | Handles federal, state, and local filings; may require add-ons or higher-tier plans. | Ensures high accuracy with proactive compliance updates and expert guidance included. |
| Audit & Reporting Tools | Generates custom payroll reports | Offers standard and advanced payroll reports | Delivers audit-ready reports with easy filters and expert-assisted review for more accurate recordkeeping. |
| Garnishment & Deductions Handling | Supports complex deduction and garnishment rules for global workforces. | Manages wage garnishments and deductions with automation. | Supports garnishments and deductions, with clear documentation and automation |
HR Management & Employee Lifecycle
| Feature | Workday | ADP | Checkwriters |
| Employee Records Management | Centralized employee profiles with detailed lifecycle data | Digital employee files with core HR functions. | Intuitive HR dashboard with centralized employee records and easy access for HR teams. |
| Onboarding & Offboarding | Offers customized onboarding workflows; setup can be complex. | Standard onboarding tools with e-signatures; more customization may require add-ons. | Streamlined onboarding with applicant tracking, digital forms, and compliance guidance built in. |
| Compliance Monitoring | Tracks compliance status | Offers compliance alerts and tools | Built-in compliance monitoring with alerts for labor law changes and policy tracking. |
| Performance Management | Supports ongoing performance tracking and development planning | Includes performance tools as part of higher-tier Workforce Now plans. | Offers goal-based evaluations and structured feedback check-ins. |
Time & Attendance Tracking
| Feature | Workday | ADP | Checkwriters |
| Time Tracking | Integrated time tracking with configurable rules | Includes online timesheets and scheduling tools | Built-in time tracking with real-time data, approvals, and policy controls for accurate payroll. |
| Leave Management | Manages PTO and leave requests | Supports PTO tracking and leave requests | Simplifies PTO and leave management with manager approvals and automated accruals. |
| Overtime Calculation | Supports complex overtime calculations | Supports overtime tracking and calculation. | Automates overtime tracking based on up-to-date policy and employee classification. |
| Mobile Clock-In | Allows employees to clock in via the app. | Supports clock-in via mobile with geofencing options on higher-tier plans. | Mobile punch-in included with secure access, ensuring accurate, user-friendly tracking on the go. |
Why Do HR Teams Choose Checkwriters?
Customer-Centric Experience
Many payroll and HR platforms offer support tiers that involve going through lots of help center resources, which is often counter-productive. Checkwriters takes you by the hand and offers a dedicated support rep who knows your organization and provides hands-on guidance. From onboarding to payroll runs and compliance questions, help is always one call or email away.
Expert Guidance
Staying compliant with labor laws and tax rules is complex, and many platforms leave users to figure it out on their own. Checkwriters offers built-in expert guidance, giving you timely updates, personalized support, and answers when you need them. From setting up payroll correctly to handling regulatory changes, our team helps you stay informed and compliant without navigating layers of support.
Comprehensive Platform
Checkwriters provides a comprehensive payroll and HR solution that covers everything from applicant tracking and onboarding to time tracking, payroll, and performance management. Instead of juggling multiple tools or paying for extra modules, you get everything + dedicated support built in. It’s a complete system designed to simplify operations and scale with your team.
Compliance & Accuracy
While other tools require you to stay updated with labor laws and regulations, Checkwriters is different. We pair automated payroll processing with built-in compliance features that empower you to make more informed decision. That means you receive real-time alerts about federal, state, and local labor law updates and potential payroll issues before payments are made.
Streamline Payroll and HR with Checkwriters
Workday and ADP both serve large, complex organizations, but not every business needs that level of scale or complexity. For many teams, the real challenge isn’t getting lots of features they may not need; it’s getting reliable support, maintaining compliance, and managing HR tasks without extra hassle or high costs.
Checkwriters offers a more practical alternative: a unified payroll and HR solution that simplifies core tasks, helps you stay compliant, and provides real-time access to expert support. From onboarding to payroll processing and performance management, it’s designed to keep your team efficient.
Request a demo today for a seamless, expert-supported payroll and HR experience.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not intended to be construed as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Employers should closely monitor the rules and regulations specific to their jurisdiction(s) and should seek advice from counsel relative to their rights and responsibilities.