Workday Payroll Completed but Not Paid Meaning
If Workday shows payroll completed but you haven’t been paid, your salary has cleared internal processing but is still moving through banking systems. This article explains the meaning, common causes, timelines, and clear next steps.
PAYROLL PLATFORMS
Alex Morgan
1/14/20262 min read
Quick Explanation (For Busy Readers)
Payroll completed but not paid in Workday means:
👉 Your employer has finished payroll processing
👉 The payment has been released
👉 Your bank has not posted the money yet
Your paycheck is approved and sent, but not fully deposited.
How Payroll “Completed” Works in Workday
Payroll in Workday moves through stages:
Payroll calculated
Payroll approved
Payroll marked completed
Payment sent to bank
Bank posts funds to your account
If you’re stuck at step 4 or 5, your pay shows as completed but not paid.
Common Reasons This Happens
Bank Processing Time
Banks often take 1–2 business days to post deposits after payroll is released.
Payday on a Weekend or Holiday
Banks do not process payments on non-business days, causing delays.
Early Payroll Completion
Some companies complete payroll before payday, but funds release later.
New or Changed Direct Deposit
Updated bank details can trigger extra verification time.
Batch Processing Delays
Large payroll batches may take longer to clear the banking system.
How Long Before You Actually Get Paid?
Typical timelines:
Same day: Sometimes
Next business day: Very common
2–3 business days: Still normal
3+ business days after payday: Needs follow-up
In most cases, payment arrives automatically.
What You Should Do (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Confirm Official Payday
Check if today is the actual pay date.
Step 2: Review Payment Method
Confirm whether your pay is via direct deposit, check, or payroll card.
Step 3: Check Bank Activity
Sometimes deposits show as pending inside your banking app.
Step 4: Contact Payroll or HR
Ask clearly:
“Payroll shows completed in Workday. Has the payment been released to the bank?”
This usually gets a direct answer.
What This Status Does NOT Mean
Your paycheck was canceled
Your employer refused to pay
Your wages were lost
“Completed but not paid” is a timing issue, not a denial.
When You Should Be Concerned
Take action if:
It’s more than 3 business days after payday
Coworkers have been paid but you haven’t
The status changes to failed, on hold, or reversed
Legal Note for U.S. Employees
Employers are legally required to pay wages on time. Repeated delays may violate state wage laws, even if payroll shows as completed.
Seeing Workday payroll completed but not paid can be frustrating, but it usually means your money is already on the way. Most cases resolve within a couple of business days without any action. If the delay crosses expected timelines, contact payroll and keep records.
Read More:
Workday paycheck delayed meaning