Why the org chart matters
Windmill uses your org chart to control visibility throughout the platform: Access control Only managers and higher-level leaders can access their team’s data. Individual contributors can only see their own information. Reporting structure The org chart defines who reports to whom. This powers Recaps, Feedback, 1-on-1s, and all reports in Windmill. Team insights Managers see aggregated data about their direct reports and teams based on the org chart structure. Without an accurate org chart, Windmill can’t function properly. Keep your org chart up to date as people join, leave, or change roles.Org chart data sources
If you have an HRIS connected
If you have an HRIS connected (BambooHR, Rippling, Gusto, Paylocity, Justworks, ADP, Workday, etc.), your org chart automatically syncs from your HR system. What syncs automatically:- Employee roster (who’s on your team)
- Reporting structure (who reports to whom)
- Job titles and departments
- Manager assignments
If you don’t have an HRIS
If you don’t have an HRIS connected, you need to manage your org chart manually in Windmill. Data sources without HRIS: Windmill can pull partial org chart data from:- Google Workspace (email directory)
- Slack (team members)
Maintaining your org chart
Editing the org chart manually
If you don’t have an HRIS connected, you can edit your org chart directly in Windmill. To edit a single employee:- Go to Settings > Org Chart
- Click on the employee’s name
- Update their information:
- First and last name
- Job title
- Manager
- Click Save
- Go to Settings > Org Chart
- Select multiple employees (check the boxes)
- Assign their new manager
- Click Save
Adding new employees
If you don’t have an HRIS and need to add someone to Windmill, see Inviting Team Members for detailed instructions.Org chart accuracy
Check for employees without managers Employees without assigned managers won’t appear in reports or team views. Regularly review your org chart to ensure everyone has a manager assigned (except your CEO or top-level leader). Update when people leave When someone leaves your organization, make sure they’re removed from the org chart (or archived in your HRIS). This prevents them from appearing in active team lists. Reflect organizational changes When someone changes roles, gets promoted, or moves to a different team, update their manager and title promptly. This ensures reports accurately reflect your current structure.Viewing your org chart
To view your org chart:- Go to Settings > Org Chart
- You’ll see a list of all employees in your system
- Employee names
- Managers
- Job titles
- Invitation status
FAQs
What if my HRIS has the wrong reporting structure?
What if my HRIS has the wrong reporting structure?
Fix it in your HRIS, not in Windmill. The next sync will bring the corrected structure into Windmill. If you edit it in Windmill while an HRIS is connected, your changes will be overwritten on the next sync.
Can I have multiple managers per employee?
Can I have multiple managers per employee?
No, Windmill supports one direct manager per employee. If your organization uses matrix reporting, choose the primary manager for Windmill purposes.
What if someone doesn't have a manager?
What if someone doesn't have a manager?
Your CEO or top-level leader typically won’t have a manager in Windmill. That’s expected. However, everyone else should have a manager assigned for visibility and reporting to work correctly.
How do I handle contractors or part-time employees?
How do I handle contractors or part-time employees?
Add them to the org chart like any other employee. Assign them to their manager so they appear in team reports. If needed, use job titles or departments to distinguish contractors from full-time employees.