University of Wisconsin–Madison
Human Resources

Overview of Performance Management Cycle in Workday

The Performance Management cycle occurs at the start of a performance-eligible position and throughout the probation period. It then continues on an annual cycle following the fiscal year. Note: the entire cycle can restart if a worker transfers to a new position. 

Overview of the new cycle in Workday

Performance Management Cycle
New Employee Goals and Expectations

  • Occurs when starting new performance-eligible position.​

  • Manager documents job responsibilities and initial goals.
Probation Midpoint Evaluation

  • In between Goals and Expectations and Annual Evaluation. ​

  • Manager and employee complete the evaluation in Workday.

Probation Final Evaluation

  • End of probation period.​

  • Manager and employee complete the evaluation in Workday.​

  • Manager enters overall performance rating.
Midpoint Evaluation
  • Initiated by Talent Administrator for entire organization
  • Manager and employee complete the evaluation in Workday
  • Completed during first quarter  
Annual Evaluation

  • Initiated at the same time for the entire organization.​

  • Manager and employee complete the evaluation.​

  • Manager enters overall performance rating.​

  • Deadline for completion is three months after initiation.

Overview of Updated Rating Scales

Individual Item Rating Scale

For Workday, every job responsibility must receive a rating scale designation. Also, "Developing" is no longer an option, but it could be used to describe one or more Workday ratings. 

Previous PMDP ratings

  • Exemplary
  • Successful
  • Partially Meeting Expectations
  • Developing
  • Not Meeting Expectations
  • Unable to Rate or Not Rated

Workday Rating: Individual Item Rating

  • Exceeding Expectations
  • Meeting Expectations
  • Partially Meeting Expectations
  • Failing to Meet Expectations
  • Not Applicable 

Overall Rating Scale

Only the Manager will assign an overall rating for the review. 

**Note: "Failing to Meet Expectations" triggers a notification to the Talent Partner (Supervisory) and the Talent Partner (Local). 

Previous PMDP Ratings

  • Meeting Expectations
  • Not Meeting Expectations

Workday Rating: Overall Rating

  • Exceeding Expectations
  • Meeting Expectations
  • Partially Meeting Expectations
  • Failing to Meet Expectations**

Updated: Mar. 21, 2025
Source URL: https://hr.wisc.edu/hr-guides/for-hr-professionals/overview-of-performance-management-cycle-in-workday/

Did you find what you need?