How to Search in Workday: A Complete Guide to Finding Reqs, Reports, People, Tasks, and More

Workday is a robust enterprise system that handles everything from recruiting and HR to finance and reporting. But if you’re new to Workday—or even if you’re a regular user—you might find yourself asking:

• “How do I search for a requisition (req)?”

• “Where can I find a specific report?”

• “How do I look up a person or a task?”

Understanding how to effectively search in Workday is essential for maximizing productivity and avoiding frustration. In this guide, we’ll break down how to search for anything in Workday, whether it’s a job requisition, a report, a colleague, or a business process.

Workday’s Global Search Bar: Your Primary Tool

At the top of the Workday homepage, you’ll find the global search bar—this is your go-to for finding anything in the system.

Key Features of the Search Bar:

• Smart suggestions: Workday predicts what you’re looking for as you type.

• Filtered results: You can narrow down results by category—Tasks, Reports, People, etc.

• Keyword-friendly: Workday understands natural language and common abbreviations.

How to Search for a Requisition in Workday (Req Search)

If you’re involved in hiring or talent acquisition, you’ll often need to find a job requisition (or “req”).

Steps to Search for a Req:

1. Click the global search bar.

2. Type “Job Requisition” followed by keywords or Req ID (if known).

3. Use filters like:

   • Open Requisitions

   • My Open Job Requisitions

   • All Job Requisitions

4. Select the desired req to view or edit.

Pro Tips:

• Use Req IDs for fast access.

• Save frequently used searches under “Favorites” for quick access.

• Look for report options tied to requisitions like Job Requisition Summary Report for broader views.

How to Search for a Report in Workday

Workday is packed with standard and custom reports that provide insights into HR, payroll, finance, and operations.

Steps to Search for a Report:

1. Type “report” in the global search bar.

2. Use specific keywords like:

   • “Payroll Summary Report”

   • “Headcount by Organization”

   • “Compensation Review Report”

3. Click on the matching report to open it.

Custom Reports Tip:

If your company has created custom reports, you can search by their full name or use wildcard characters like * if you’re unsure of the exact title.

How to Search for People in Workday

Looking up colleagues in Workday is common for checking job titles, departments, or organizational charts.

Steps to Search for a Person:

1. Enter the person’s full name, partial name, or employee ID into the search bar.

2. Click on their profile to view:

   • Job details

   • Manager

   • Team structure

   • Contact info

Additional Features:

• Use the “My Team” app to view direct reports.

• Search by job titles like “HR Manager” to find people in specific roles.

How to Search for Tasks in Workday

Tasks are the backbone of Workday’s workflows. From approvals to requests, everything is initiated or completed via tasks.

Steps to Find a Task:

1. Search using phrases like:

   • “Create Job Requisition”

   • “Submit Time”

   • “Approve Expense”

2. Use the “My Tasks” or “Inbox” app to track pending or completed tasks.

How to Search Business Data and Transactions

Workday allows users to search real-time business data across different modules.

Examples of Business Data You Can Search:

• Cost Centers

• Supervisory Organizations

• Projects

• Locations

• Job Profiles

How to Search:

1. Use terms like:

   • “Supervisory Org: Marketing”

   • “Project: 2025 Expansion”

2. Results will show up under their respective categories—click to drill into details.

Tips for Smarter Searching in Workday

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why can’t I find a specific report in Workday?

It may be restricted based on your role or not shared globally. Contact your HRIS or system admin for access.

Q2: Can I search using abbreviations or nicknames?

Yes, Workday’s smart search often recognizes common terms and abbreviations.

Q3: How do I find my pending approvals?

Use the Inbox icon or search “My Tasks” to view pending actions.

Q4: How do I know what I’m allowed to access in Workday?

Your permissions depend on your role. If something is missing, it likely needs admin approval.

Q5: Is there a mobile version for Workday search?

Yes. The Workday app supports global search, although it may have a simplified interface.

Key Takeaways

• Workday’s global search bar is the fastest way to navigate the system.

• Use clear, role-specific keywords to find reports, tasks, and people.

• You can search for job requisitions, business data, and even custom reports.

• Save commonly used searches and explore Workday filters for efficiency.

• Mastering Workday search boosts productivity and reduces navigation errors.

By learning how to search effectively in Workday, you’re not just saving time—you’re making better, faster decisions. Whether you’re an HR manager, recruiter, analyst, or employee, knowing how to find what you need is a powerful skill.