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Uncover Dayforce (formerly Ceridian)'s features and pricing with OutSail: ideal for mid-enterprise organizations, strong in payroll and workforce management, and backed by reliable Ceridian payroll customer service—though talent management features are still evolving.
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Editor’s Note: In 2024, Ceridian rebranded as Dayforce. While many still search for "Ceridian," this article reflects the current branding. For those seeking Ceridian payroll customer service and features, all insights now apply to Dayforce.
Dayforce (formerly Ceridian) is a comprehensive, enterprise-grade Human Capital Management (HCM) solution. Designed to serve as a one-stop HRIS platform, it offers full coverage of HR needs including payroll, benefits, time & attendance, tax, recruiting, onboarding, performance management, and learning. Dayforce is known for its deep strength in payroll and workforce management, particularly in mid-enterprise organizations.
After acquiring Dayforce in 2012, Ceridian made it their flagship platform. Over the past decade, Dayforce has evolved into one of the most trusted solutions for organizations managing complex compliance and operational requirements. In 2024, Ceridian officially adopted the Dayforce name company-wide to better align the brand with its product.
Dayforce is used by companies ranging in size from 100 to over 100,000 employees, but its sweet spot is the mid-enterprise market, where its balance of power and usability shines.
Ceridian is considered a Mid-Enterprise HRIS, which means the system works best for companies with between 350 and 10,000 employees. These businesses typically require all-in-one platforms capable of managing diverse HR functions across multiple departments and geographies.
What sets mid-enterprise HRIS platforms apart is their ability to handle moderate-to-high complexity, such as multi-jurisdiction payroll, compensation planning, and compliance management—without the full cost and implementation burden of global enterprise suites.
Typical Dayforce implementations take around 4–6 months, and while some clients engage external consultants, most organizations find that Dayforce’s own services or in-network partners are sufficient to support setup and configuration.
Dayforce pricing is based on a per employee per month (PEPM) subscription model. As of 2024, the cost typically falls between $24–31 PEPM, depending on:
In addition to ongoing software fees, Dayforce charges a one-time implementation fee, usually in the range of 40–70% of the first year’s subscription total.
For example, a company spending $120,000 annually may expect to pay between $48,000–$84,000 in initial implementation fees.
When evaluating cost, it’s also important to consider potential add-on services, such as:
One of Dayforce’s primary strengths is its single database architecture, which powers a fully integrated Core HR experience. This eliminates the need for duplicate data entry between payroll, benefits, time, and compliance systems—significantly reducing errors and improving efficiency.
This real-time data synchronization sets Dayforce apart from many competitors who rely on loosely connected modules or third-party acquisitions.
Key benefits include:
Dayforce Wallet (formerly Ceridian Wallet) is a major innovation in the HRIS landscape. It allows employees to access their earned wages on-demand, rather than waiting for payday.
This feature has become a critical differentiator for businesses managing hourly workforces, such as:
Employees can gain early access to wages via a mobile app, improving financial well-being and reducing turnover. For employers, this tool has become a powerful incentive for talent acquisition and retention.
Dayforce is one of the few mid-enterprise HR platforms that can natively process payroll in over 20 countries—with built-in tax compliance and labor law support. For other regions, Dayforce leverages its in-network partners to offer global reach within a centralized platform.
This makes it a top choice for:
Dayforce is actively investing in AI-powered features to streamline HR operations.
Some of the emerging areas include:
The platform’s modern product architecture supports deep AI integration, making it a future-ready solution for organizations looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Ceridian's Dayforce HCM platform covers various HR functionalities, making it a versatile solution for businesses with complex HR requirements.
While Dayforce’s strengths lie in Core HR, its platform also includes:
For many businesses, Dayforce serves as a complete HRIS solution, reducing the need for third-party tools. This allows for cleaner workflows, better analytics, and a more unified employee experience.
While Dayforce is investing in its UI modernization, some parts of the system feel dated compared to newer competitors like Rippling or Workday. Users report that the interface is functional but lacks the polish and intuitiveness of next-gen platforms.
However, it’s worth noting that Dayforce continues to roll out design improvements and streamline navigation across modules.
Companies with straightforward HR operations—particularly those without complex payroll or time tracking needs—may find Dayforce more feature-rich than necessary. The platform is ideal for organizations with layered compliance requirements, shift-based scheduling, or international payroll.
For white-collar, salaried workforces with minimal complexity, a lighter HRIS might be more appropriate.
Dayforce implementations are thorough and structured—but may feel rigid or inflexible. Rather than adapting to each company’s existing workflows, Dayforce often requires businesses to adjust their processes to align with the platform’s framework.
For companies that are used to customized legacy systems or manual processes, this can require a cultural and operational shift.
Dayforce offers extensive customization, but not all adjustments are easy to make independently. Companies that lack internal technical resources may need to rely on Dayforce’s professional services, which can add to long-term costs.
Businesses should account for these service-related expenses when budgeting—not just software and implementation fees.
Many prospective clients search for information about Ceridian payroll customer service, and Dayforce’s legacy of strong customer support continues under the new brand. Key feedback from users includes:
For businesses that prioritize high-touch customer service, Dayforce remains a strong contender—particularly in the payroll and compliance domains.
Ceridian's strengths lie in its robust Core HR capabilities, international payroll capabilities, and integrated architecture. Ceridian could be an ideal solution for companies with complex HR needs, particularly those with a global presence. The platform's real-time data synchronization and Ceridian Wallet feature can significantly enhance workforce management.
However, businesses should weigh these benefits against considerations such as the user interface and implementation process. While Ceridian offers a powerful suite, businesses with simpler HR requirements might find the platform more extensive than necessary.
