Giving feedback guide

Audience: Employees and managers 

Giving feedback builds our culture – and that’s a good thing. Employees have asked for a way to give feedback to one another and Workday gives us that capability. Feedback is one of the simplest ways we support each other and recognize great work. Workday is designed to help us: 

  • Celebrate contributions and impact 

  • Strengthen relationships and trust 

  • Support learning and growth 

  • Live our values: Thinking Differently, Acting with Purpose, Working Together 

Giving feedback does not have to be formal or difficult – it starts with noticing and taking a moment to share.  

Two Ways to Give Feedback 

1. Kudos: Celebrating Good Work  

Use kudos early and often. Kudos recognize positive contributions, collaboration, effort, or impact.  

Why it matters 

  • Boosts morale and connection 

  • Reinforces what’s working well 

  • Builds a culture of appreciation and mattering 

What makes great kudos 

  • Specific 

  • Timely  

  • Sincere 

Example:“Thank you for stepping in to help with that student request. Your calm approach made a big difference.” 

2. Constructive Feedback: Supporting Growth  

Constructive feedback is support, not criticism. 

Constructive feedback is thoughtful input shared with care to help someone improve or grow. 

When it is done well, it: 

  • Encourages learning 

  • Strengthens working relationships 

  • Builds psychological safety 

Helpful guidelines: 

  • Focus on behaviours or situations, not the person 

  • Share impact and offer suggestions 

  • Be respectful, kind and clear 

Example: “In future meetings, it would be helpful to hear your perspective earlier so we can fully explore your ideas.”  

Tips for Giving Feedback Well 

  • Be transparent – Share feedback directly, not only through a manager or trusted colleague 

  • Use “I” statements – Speak from your experience 

  • Focus on impact – How did this help or affect the team? 

  • Offer support – Growth is a shared effort 

  • Keep it human – Feedback is a conversation, not a one-time event 

Giving Feedback in Workday  

Use Workday to: 

  • Give kudos 

  • Share constructive feedback 

  • Choose who sees the feedback (with transparency)  

Feedback Sharing Options: 

  • Do not share with <insert name>: Feedback will remain confidential and will be shared only with the employee’s direct manager and is also visible to their next-level leader. 

  • Share with <insert name>: Your feedback will remain confidential and will be shared only with the employee who requested it. It will not be included in their year-end conversation summary. 

  • Share with others: Your feedback will be shared directly with the employee, their manager, and their next-level leader. It will also appear in the employee’s year-end conversation summary. 

TIP: Including a manager should never be a surprise – openness builds trust.  

A Positive Step Forward 

Using feedback in Workday helps us connect, recognize great work, and support growth – together. Start small. Start positively. A single note of appreciation can go a long way.