Legacy federal government HR systems: A billion dollar problem, says Workday survey

“HR systems are no longer just administrative tools — they are essential for ensuring an agile, high-performing workforce,” the report emphasizes. Leadership should integrate HR modernization into their broader digital transformation plans and support it with policy and investments, Workday and MeriTalk advise.

It is important to automate and digitize HR processes, moving away from paper and spreadsheets to cloud-based platforms and AI tools, according to the report. For instance, automated talent acquisition, onboarding, and workforce-management modules can allow HR staff to focus on planning rather than data entry.

Advanced analytics and shared data environments are also important drivers of HR modernization. Analytics can provide real-time workforce insights through dashboards that aggregate personnel, skills, and performance data so that leaders can track trends and predict skills gaps. Agencies should also consider shared services for standardization and visibility, according to Workday and MeriTalk.