When you think of enterprise software, “warmth” and “humanity” might not be the first words that come to mind — but Workday is on a mission to change that. Thanks to a partnership with creative studio Koto, Workday’s refreshed identity doesn’t just keep pace in the AI-driven future of business, it leads with a distinctly human touch.
At the heart of this rebrand is the idea of inspiring brighter workdays for everyone. Workday has always been about people, whether it’s revolutionizing how organizations handle HR, finance, or business planning. And now, with a design system that blends optimism, rigor, and a little bit of joy, that philosophy shines through in every detail.
Take the logo, it’s an evolution of Workday’s ‘Horizon’—a nod to new beginnings—refined with custom letterforms that are both confident and approachable. There’s even a shorthand version called The Dub (yes, it’s as versatile and fun as it sounds). The color palette’s energizing yellows paired with calming blues, symbolize the rhythm of a workday, with vibrant gradients adding depth across digital and print.
A custom Workday Sans typeface is in the works to ensure clarity and sophistication across all communications. And the motion design? Seamless and intuitive, it mirrors the natural flow of time and reinforces Workday’s message of progress and transparency.
But what really ties it all together is the brand’s visual personality. The photography feels natural, aspirational, and authentic, with subtle movements that reflect progress—whether it’s a forward glance or a task in motion. It’s all about balancing big-picture vision with the everyday moments that make work meaningful.
Working with the Workday team was about more than just building a brand—it was about capturing the heart of their culture and sharing it with the world.”
Caroline Fox, Koto creative director
“Over the past year, we became a true extension of their team, collaborating across brand and digital to ensure every detail felt authentic and resonated with HR and Finance audiences,” Caroline Fox, Koto’s creative director said. “We’re proud of what we’ve created together and grateful for the trust they placed in us to bring this vision to life.”
For me, this rebrand is proof that even in the world of B2B software, design has the power to connect on a deeply personal level. Workday’s updated identity doesn’t just reflect a brighter future for work—it makes you believe it’s already here.
