Workday Inc. will acquire Paradox, an artificial intelligence company that automates job application processes for high-volume frontline roles, the enterprise software firm announced Wednesday.
The deal targets a market segment that employs nearly 3 billion workers globally, according to Workday. Paradox’s conversational AI platform handles candidate screening, interview scheduling and applicant questions through chat and SMS interfaces.
Financial terms undisclosed
Workday did not disclose financial terms for the acquisition, which is expected to close in the third quarter of its fiscal 2026, ending Oct. 31, 2025. The deal requires regulatory approvals.
“Hiring is one of the most critical moments in the employee experience, yet too often it’s slowed down by outdated processes and disconnected tools,” said Gerrit Kazmaier, president of product and technology at Workday.
Proven results in candidate conversion
Paradox says it has powered more than 189 million AI-assisted candidate conversations since launching in 2016. The company reports candidate conversion rates exceeding 70% and time-to-hire reductions to as low as three and a half days, according to the announcement.
Restaurant chain Chipotle, which already uses Paradox, reduced its time-to-hire by 75% from 12 days to four days while doubling applicant flow, said Ilene Eskenazi, the company’s chief human resources officer.
“We look forward to Paradox becoming a part of Workday and anticipate even greater support and resources as we continue to enhance the employee experience,” Eskenazi said.
Building comprehensive talent acquisition suite
The acquisition will combine Paradox’s candidate experience technology with Workday’s existing recruiting platform and its HiredScore talent matching capabilities. Workday acquired HiredScore, an AI-powered talent intelligence platform, in previous years.
“From day one, our mission has been to help our customers’ recruiting and hiring teams spend more time with people and less time with software,” said Adam Godson, CEO of Paradox.
Industry analyst Josh Bersin called the deal “highly strategic,” noting it positions Workday as a leader in high-volume frontline hiring, which he says covers 70% of global jobs.
Market positioning
Pleasanton, Calif.-based Workday serves more than 11,000 organizations worldwide, including more than 65% of Fortune 500 companies, according to the company. The firm’s platform handles human resources, financial management and business planning functions.
Paradox has appeared on Deloitte’s Fast 500 list of fastest-growing technology companies and made Inc. magazine’s 5000 list for five consecutive years, according to the announcement.
Morgan Stanley is serving as financial advisor to Workday, while Qatalyst Partners is advising Paradox on the transaction.
