Dayforce Research: Taming Friction Key to Simplifying Workplace Complexity

Rhea-AI Summary

Dayforce (NYSE: DAY) released a comprehensive research report revealing significant workplace friction challenges affecting organizational productivity. The study, surveying 6,178 workers across six countries, found that 88% of respondents experience workplace friction, while 84% faced organizational change in the past year.

The research identified four key friction areas: staffing (65% reporting coverage issues), agility (51% believing they could add more value in different roles), change management (52% noting negative efficiency impacts), and technology (69% citing too many platforms). Only 43% of organizations have structured upskilling processes, and 66% report that new technologies often reduce efficiency rather than improve it.

Positive

• None.

Negative

• 88% of respondents report workplace friction issues
• 69% of organizations struggle with excessive technology platforms
• Only 43% have structured employee upskilling processes

88% of respondents say there is friction in their work environment, including ineffective communication, overly complicated processes, and lack of resources

MINNEAPOLIS and TORONTO, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dayforce, Inc. (NYSE: DAY; TSX: DAY), a global human capital management (HCM) leader that makes work life better, today released a report, Fighting workforce friction to power productivity, that explores types of workplace friction – staffing, agility, change, and technology - and the consequences of them. Findings show widespread organizational challenges are hurting productivity and the bottom line by keeping people from doing the work they’re meant to do.

With a majority (84%) of respondents saying they have faced organizational change in the past 12 months, this new research dives into how friction is experienced by workers, managers, and executives to help leaders drive simplicity at scale and ensure their people are doing work that drives results. Conducted by Hanover Research, the survey included 6,178 workers, managers, and executives from companies with at least 100 employees. The findings highlight opportunities to enhance speed and agility, while also improving the employee experience.

"Technology disruption and a fluid operating environment are creating friction across organizations, leading to frustrated employees and wasted time and resources," said Steve Holdridge, President and Chief Operating Officer, Dayforce, Inc. "Tackling this complexity crisis requires reducing friction caused by poor communication, mismatched technology, and aligning worker skills with defined roles. For leaders, this means creating clear goals, delivering proper skills training, and equipping their people with the tools they need to do the work they’re meant to do.”

The report identified four types of friction organizations need to address:

• Staffing friction: Almost two-thirds (65%) of workers said that when someone calls in sick at their organization, there is often no one to cover their work. Meanwhile, middle managers say that workforce scheduling (36%) and accurately forecasting labor needs (31%) are among their biggest workforce planning challenges. Employing workforce planning technology can help managers by improving staffing flexibility and ensuring that schedules comply with relevant regulations.
• Agility friction: Respondents were clear that in today's environment adapting and optimizing their workforce with speed is key to competitive advantage, but more than half (51%) said they could add more value to their organization in a different role. At the same time, only 43% said their organization has a structured process of upskilling or reskilling employees. Creating defined career paths and development opportunities can improve agility and retention.
• Change friction: More than half (52%) of respondents say that organizational changes at their company negatively impact employee efficiency and only 44% say their organization is good or very good at communicating change. Prioritizing communication during change management planning can help employees navigate change and focus on important tasks.
• Technology friction: More than two-thirds (69%) of respondents say their organization uses too many technology platforms, while nearly the same amount (66%) at least slightly agree that adopting new technologies at work often reduce efficiency instead of improving it. Reducing complexity with fewer platforms and modern technology can make adoption smoother and get people back to focusing on high-value tasks.

Additional Information

• Download the report: Fighting workforce friction to power productivity
• Read the blog: Growth beyond grind: What new Dayforce research reveals about workplace friction

Survey Methodology

Hanover Research conducted the organizational friction survey from Dayforce online from April 14 to May 1, 2025. The study included 6,178 respondents aged 18+ who work at companies with at least 100 employees across Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Our Organizational Friction Index was calculated based on respondents' answers to nine questions about organizational changes, organizational complexity, and technological complexity. Each respondent was assigned an Organizational Friction Score, and the Index was created by designating those scores as low, medium, or high friction.

About Dayforce

Dayforce makes work life better. Everything we do as a global leader in HCM technology is focused on enabling thousands of customers and millions of employees around the world do the work they're meant to do. With our single AI-powered people platform for HR, Pay, Time, Talent, and Analytics, organizations of all sizes and industries are benefiting from simplicity at scale with Dayforce to help unlock their full workforce potential, operate with confidence, and realize quantifiable value. To learn more, visit dayforce.com.

Media Contact
Nick de Pass
nick.depass@dayforce.com
(226) 972-5962

FAQ

What are the main findings of Dayforce's 2025 workplace friction research?

The research found that 88% of respondents experience workplace friction, with four main areas identified: staffing, agility, change, and technology. Additionally, 84% of respondents faced organizational change in the past year.

How many employees participated in Dayforce's 2025 workplace study?

The study included 6,178 respondents from companies with at least 100 employees across Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

What percentage of workers report technology issues in Dayforce's 2025 study?

69% of respondents report their organization uses too many technology platforms, and 66% agree that adopting new technologies often reduces efficiency instead of improving it.

What are the main staffing challenges identified in Dayforce's 2025 research?

65% of workers reported issues with work coverage during sick leave, while managers cited workforce scheduling (36%) and labor needs forecasting (31%) as major challenges.

How does organizational change impact efficiency according to Dayforce's study?

52% of respondents reported that organizational changes negatively impact employee efficiency, and only 44% say their organization is good at communicating change.