tech from europe
vsWorkday

HRLocker vs Workday

Last updated October 2026

Looking for a European alternative to Workday? Here's how HRLocker compares, on EU hosting, GDPR and what it does.

Our pick for a European buyer: HRLocker. We weight data residency, GDPR and EU jurisdiction above everything else — that is the constraint this directory exists to solve.

HRLocker
Workday
What it is
Irish HR software with ISO 27001 and EU hosting
Cloud-based enterprise software for finance, HR, and analytics.
Headquarters
🇮🇪 IE
🇺🇸 US · 2005
EU data residency
Yes, for all customers
Available on some plansEU data residency is available on request for certain modules and regions.
DSGVO / GDPR
Yes
Yes
Certifications
ISO 27001
ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II
Price from
€4/user/mo
No
Free plan
No
No
Open Source
No
No
Ratings
CAPTERRA 4.5/5 (31) · GETAPP 4.5/5 (31)
No
Integrations
Calendar Integration
SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, ServiceNow

Where each one wins

HRLocker

Strengths

  • +Intuitive interface requiring minimal training
  • +Centralizes HR functions (records, leave, documents, performance reviews) in one platform
  • +GDPR-compliant and secure data handling
  • +Streamlined recruitment and onboarding with digital signatures and training automation
  • +Responsive and dedicated customer support
  • +Quick and smooth setup process
  • +Reduces administrative workload for HR teams and managers

Limitations

  • −Limited pricing transparency and minimum user requirement of 15
  • −Complex annual leave settings for part-time workers
  • −Requests for enhanced integrations (e.g., calendar sync with Gmail)

Workday

Strengths

  • +Strong analytics and reporting capabilities
  • +Scalable for large enterprises
  • +Unified platform for HR and finance
  • +Robust compliance and security features

Limitations

  • −High implementation and maintenance costs
  • −Steep learning curve for administrators
  • −Complex customization requirements
  • −Long implementation timelines

Data residency & compliance

HRLocker
Workday
EU data residency
Yes, for all customers
Available on some plansEU data residency is available on request for certain modules and regions.
Transfer mechanism
Not required — data stays in the EU
not established
DPA
not established
not established
Sub-processors
not established
not established
Certifications
ISO 27001
ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II

Pricing

HRLocker

  • Core HR €4 per user / month, billed yearlyCentralized employee database · GDPR-compliant · Basic HRIS features
  • Time & Attendance €2 per user / month, add-onManual or clock-in/out logging · Multi-device support · Project-based tracking
  • Recruit (ATS) €3 per user / month, add-on or standaloneApplicant tracking system · Digital onboarding · E-signatures
  • Onboard €3 per user / month, add-on or standaloneDigital onboarding workflows · Automated compliance · Branded welcome experiences
  • Perform (Performance Management) €4 per user / month, add-on or €10 standaloneGoal setting and reviews · 360 feedback · AI coaching
  • Engage €2 per user / month, add-on360 feedback · Employee surveys · AI coaching
  • Full Suite €13.5 per user / month, billed yearly (discounted from €18)Includes Core HR, Time & Attendance, Recruit, Onboard, Perform · Discounted bundle · Yearly billing

Prices are billed yearly. No free plan or trial mentioned.

Workday

No published pricing we could verify.

Pricing is customized and available on request; typically involves multi-year contracts with license costs varying by module and scale.

Features

HRLocker

Core HR & Employee Database
Centralized employee data storage (contracts, compensation, personal details), GDPR-compliant single source of truth, Right-to-work document management, Secure access controls
Leave Management
Self-service time-off requests, Manager approval workflows, Absence tracking with full visibility, Holiday and sick leave management
Time Tracking & Attendance
Manual or clock-in/out time logging, Multi-device support, Project-based time tracking, Payroll data export
Recruitment & Onboarding
Applicant tracking system (ATS), Digital onboarding with e-signatures, Automated compliance and paperwork, Branded welcome experiences
Performance & Engagement
Goal setting and reviews, 360 feedback and employee surveys, AI coaching for performance conversations, Continuous coaching and development

Workday

Human Capital Management
Employee lifecycle management, Talent acquisition and onboarding, Compensation and benefits administration, Time and attendance tracking
Financial Management
General ledger and accounting, Expense management, Revenue management, Procurement and sourcing
Analytics and Reporting
Customizable dashboards, Predictive analytics, Ad-hoc reporting, Data visualization
See HRLocker →More Workday alternatives