Could add an inline html field and just not be hacky and have them both on there

Yup you are right about the hack job, tried it but don't seems to like it what if it inter fare with other objects. I am building a portlet for user using a saved search where I am manipulating the status label using the workflow state in my formula. So far so good need to fine tune it, hate the new expense and PO portlet for the employee center they released last year after the suiteworld - it sucks. I will replace their one with mine.

if you have the ability you definitely can do that.

I just simply created a saved search using my workflow's current statuses as highlight conditions using expression. Now transactions are showing up highlighted as per their current workflow status. Simple fix

thats a neat fix