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The Client
A global leader in education and learning technology, this organization serves students, educators, and corporate learners across multiple regions. Historically known for producing K–12 and secondary education textbooks, the company has shifted toward a predominantly digital and subscription-based model.
They also deliver workforce training and higher-education content to corporate audiences. With operations spanning North America, EMEA, and APAC, the organization supports millions of learners through a mix of print and digital solutions.
The Challenge
The client previously implemented Workday HCM in the United States but continued to rely on manual processes for absence requests and tracking across their international workforce. More than 20 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific were in scope—each using different local workflows, disconnected systems, or spreadsheets.
The lack of a unified absence management solution created inefficiencies, inconsistent data, and limited visibility into regional workforce trends. Additionally, after an unsatisfactory experience with a previous Workday partner, the client needed a team that could deliver a high-quality implementation, communicate effectively across global stakeholders, and manage both configuration and reporting needs.
The Solution
The Planet Group deployed a Workday Production Services team to lead the global Absence implementation. The delivery model included:
- An Engagement Manager overseeing project leadership, stakeholder alignment, timelines, and risk management
- Workday Absence Specialists—one focused on core absence configuration and another dedicated to reporting and analytics
- Timeline: Project kickoff in August, with go-live targeted for year-end, followed by a planned hypercare support period
The client also utilizes an offshore vendor for ongoing production support. Planet’s team aligned closely to ensure a seamless transition and consistent long-term management.
Business Impact
With Workday Absence Management rolled out across 20+ countries, the client now benefits from a fully automated, globally consistent absence management process.
The implementation enables them to:
- Improve accuracy and consistency of time-off and leave data
- Reduce administrative effort for HR teams across all regions
- Provide employees with a streamlined, self-service leave request experience
- Enhance reporting visibility for leaders and regional managers
By modernizing absence tracking, the organization strengthens global HR operations, increases efficiency, and supports a more reliable data strategy across its international workforce.
Contact The Planet Group today to learn how Workday’s first global staffing and AMS partner across North America and Europe can support your next phase of transformation.
