FENZ adopts Workday to enhance HR & streamline payroll systems

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) has selected Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) as its new people system for workforce management.

FENZ's adoption of Workday is aimed at enhancing the experience of its workforce, streamlining payroll integration, and empowering decision-makers with real-time insights. The project forms part of FENZ's broader efforts to modernise its workforce management and improve operational efficiency across its dispersed employees, including both paid staff and volunteers.

System integration and transformation

Workday was first chosen by FENZ in 2023, leading to an 18-month period of design and configuration to tailor the system to FENZ's unique requirements. As part of this effort, FENZ also selected a separate payroll solution and is currently focused on integrating both systems for a simultaneous launch. The aim is to deploy an integrated, streamlined, and secure platform for both HR and payroll operations, reducing reliance on independent systems while supporting future growth and adapting to changes in technology needs.

With Workday, FENZ expects to unify its workforce data, give HR and leadership teams timely access to accurate information, and deliver improved operational flexibility and scalability. Automation and self-service features are anticipated to reduce manual processes, while also enhancing the user experience for employees and managers through greater transparency and accessibility.

Diverse workforce considerations

With staff and volunteers spread across New Zealand, FENZ prioritised user experience in the selection and design of its new system. The intention is for the solution to be intuitive and accessible to all personnel, regardless of their role or location.

"At Fire and Emergency New Zealand, our people are at the heart of everything we do, and that includes making sure our systems are designed to support them. With a workforce made up of both paid and volunteer firefighters, as well as a range of support roles, spread across the country, we needed a solution that was intuitive, accessible, and built for everyone. Workday stood out for its ability to drive strong user adoption, provide real-time insights, and enable our HR team to play a more strategic role in the organisation," said Janine Hearn, DCE People, Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

The platform is intended to support FENZ's aim of bringing together all workforce information in a single solution, which will help drive user engagement and improve adoption rates across its various operational regions and employment types.

Supplier perspective

Workday noted that the partnership reflects a commitment to supporting FENZ's goals of improved workforce integration and organisational agility. Access to timely information is expected to facilitate more informed and agile decision-making among leaders and HR professionals.

"Fire and Emergency New Zealand plays a key role in protecting communities, and they need technology that's just as reliable," said Jonathan Brabant, Regional Sales Director, Workday New Zealand "By selecting Workday, FENZ is investing in a solution that brings its workforce together on one intuitive platform, enabling smarter decisions and greater agility. We're proud to partner with FENZ as it builds a stronger, more connected workforce for the future."

Sector context

FENZ joins more than 30 other New Zealand employers who have selected Workday's human capital management system. This includes entities in the banking, electricity, construction, and public sectors, such as local councils and universities. The trend indicates Workday's expanding presence among New Zealand organisations, both private and public.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand was formed by combining urban and rural fire services under the Fire and Emergency New Zealand Act 2017. Its main objectives include reducing the incidence of unwanted fires and mitigating risks to people and property. FENZ's selection of Workday supports its mission to ensure the safety and well-being of communities throughout the country through efficient and unified management of its personnel.