Compensation statements are coming, in Workday

Employees who are eligible for a discretionary salary increase will be able to access a compensation statement in Workday next month that outlines the change to their compensation as a result of the annual performance-based process. The new statements will be available to eligible faculty, professional and scientific (P&S) staff, contract employees and post docs on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, for salary increases that take effect on Jan. 1.

Jan. 9 is the same day an employee's compensation page in Workday will reflect their new salary. The information in this knowledge base article will help employees view and understand changes to their compensation on their worker profile in Workday.

On that day, employees will be able to view their compensation statement on their Workday home page in the "timely suggestions" section, where it will remain for two weeks. On an ongoing basis, an employee can view the compensation statement in the "benefits and pay" hub in Workday. Instructions for navigating the benefits and pay hub can be found in this knowledge base article.

Compensation statements promote consistency and transparency with outcomes of the annual performance-based process, said Emma Mallarino Houghton, director of compensation and talent acquisition, university human resources. Last year, units were asked to create a compensation letter, which some units found cumbersome and difficult to complete. 

"Until now, we haven't utilized the mechanism in Workday to share this information with each employee, and we relied on managers to share it with their employees," she said. 

"We've received feedback about the importance of this type of communication, particularly from P&S leaders, and we're excited to introduce the compensation statement in Workday and support employees with this automated functionality," she added.

Local conversations still encouraged

Mallarino Houghton said it's still important for managers to communicate annual salary adjustments to their employees. Managers know the "why" behind compensation changes, something the statements can't provide, she noted, and can connect the employee's performance and contributions to the compensation decision. Additionally, a conversation is a chance to reinforce performance management principles and clarify expectations for the year ahead.

If they haven't yet, managers are encouraged to have those conversations with their employees before Jan. 9.

Merit staff compensation

Merit employees' salary increases are set by the terms negotiated in the two-year contract among Council 61 of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the state of Iowa and the Iowa Board of Regents. Compensation statements in Workday currently aren't planned for merit staff. The information in this knowledge base article will help merit staff view and understand any anticipated changes to their compensation.