Workday Payroll Pending After Payday – Why It Happens and What to Do
Workday payroll pending after payday? Learn the real reasons behind the delay, how long it usually takes, and the exact steps employees should follow to get paid faster.
PAYROLL PLATFORMS
Abram pandey
1/20/20262 min read
What Does “Workday Payroll Pending After Payday” Mean?
When payroll shows pending in Workday after payday, it usually means the payroll process has started but the payment has not yet been released to your bank.
Your employer may have:
Approved payroll internally
Submitted payroll for processing
Not yet completed bank settlement
In simple terms, payroll is in progress, not canceled or denied.
Common Reasons Workday Payroll Is Still Pending After Payday
Payroll Processing Delays
Payroll runs often take 1–2 business days after approval. If payroll was finalized late, payments may spill into the next banking day.
Bank Processing Time
Even after Workday releases payment, banks may take 24–48 hours to credit the amount, especially for ACH direct deposits.
Weekend or Holiday Impact
If payday falls on a weekend or bank holiday, deposits are usually delayed until the next business day.
Employer Approval Delays
Sometimes payroll is submitted late due to:
HR approval delays
Finance reconciliation issues
Last-minute payroll corrections
Direct Deposit Verification Issues
If you recently updated:
Bank account number
Routing number
Account type
Workday may place the payment on hold for verification.
How Long Should You Wait If Payroll Is Pending?
In most cases, Workday payroll pending after payday resolves within 1–3 business days.
You should wait:
24 hours if payday just passed
48 hours if a weekend or holiday is involved
If the status remains pending beyond 3 business days, action is recommended.
What You Should Do Next (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Check Payroll Status in Workday
Log in to Workday and verify:
Payroll status
Pay date
Payment method (direct deposit or check)
Step 2: Review Your Payslip
If the payslip is generated, payroll is usually approved and just awaiting bank processing.
Step 3: Confirm Bank Details
Make sure:
Account number is correct
Routing number matches your bank
Account is active and not restricted
Step 4: Contact HR or Payroll Team
If payroll is still pending after 3 business days, contact:
HR department
Payroll administrator
Finance or shared services team
Avoid contacting Workday directly, as Workday does not control payments. Employers do.
Will You Still Get Paid?
Yes. In almost all cases, pending does not mean canceled.
Most delays are administrative or banking-related, and payment is eventually released without employee intervention.
Can Payroll Be Reversed or Lost?
No. Once payroll is approved in Workday:
Funds are tracked
Payments cannot disappear
Failed deposits are returned and reissued
Worst-case scenario: payment is delayed, not lost.
If your Workday payroll is pending after payday, stay calm and give it 1–3 business days. Most delays resolve automatically once processing or bank settlement completes.
If the issue continues, HR is the fastest and most effective point of contact.
This is a common payroll issue, not a sign of non-payment.
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