Workday Payroll Not Processed – What It Means and What to Do
Workday payroll not processed? Learn what this status means, why payroll may not be processed, how long it takes to fix, and the exact steps employees should follow.
PAYROLL PLATFORMS
Abram Pandey
1/20/20262 min read
What Does “Workday Payroll Not Processed” Mean?
When payroll shows not processed, it means payroll has not entered the processing stage at all.
This is different from “pending” or “processing.” It usually indicates:
Payroll was not approved
Payroll was stopped
Payroll did not pass validation checks
No money has been sent to the bank yet.
Why Is Workday Payroll Not Processed?
Payroll Approval Missing
Payroll must be approved by HR or finance before processing. If approval is delayed, payroll will not move forward.
Payroll Cutoff Missed
Each company has a strict payroll cutoff. If data changes happen after the cutoff, payroll may be held.
Errors in Payroll Data
Common issues include:
Missing timesheets
Incorrect hours
Unapproved leave
Invalid tax or bank details
System or Validation Errors
Internal system checks may fail due to:
Incorrect employee classification
Pay component errors
Configuration issues
Manual Payroll Hold
Payroll may be paused due to audits, compliance checks, or corrections.
How Long Does It Take to Fix Payroll Not Processed?
Resolution time depends on the cause:
Simple approval delays: same day or next business day
Data corrections: 1–3 business days
Manual reviews: up to one payroll cycle
Once corrected, payroll usually processes quickly.
How to Check If Payroll Is Actually Stopped
In Workday, review:
Payroll status
Approval status
Payslip availability
If there is no payslip and status says not processed, payroll has not started.
What Should You Do If Payroll Is Not Processed?
Step 1: Check for Notifications
Workday often shows alerts for missing approvals or data issues.
Step 2: Verify Timesheets and Personal Details
Ensure:
Timesheets are submitted and approved
Bank and tax details are accurate
Step 3: Contact HR or Payroll Immediately
Ask:
Why payroll was not processed
What action is required from you
When processing will resume
Do not wait beyond payday if payroll is unprocessed.
Will You Still Get Paid?
Yes. Not processed does not mean unpaid permanently.
Once the issue is fixed:
Payroll is reprocessed
Payment is issued
Any delay is corrected
In some cases, off-cycle payments may be used.
Quick Summary
“Not processed” means payroll has not started
Approval or data issues are the most common causes
Contact HR immediately if this appears near payday
Payment is delayed, not canceled
Read More:
Workday Payslip not showing? causes and fixes
Workday payroll is completed but not paid meaning
Workday Paycheck delayed: Reasons your salary is late