diff --git a/.github/workflows/build-and-publish.yml b/.github/workflows/build-and-publish.yml
index 351a75d48..341dc7d57 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/build-and-publish.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/build-and-publish.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Build & Publish
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/cd.yml b/.github/workflows/cd.yml
index 23176904f..d171b63f2 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/cd.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/cd.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: CD
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/check-release-tag.yml b/.github/workflows/check-release-tag.yml
index 5f51fc408..2f3fa647f 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/check-release-tag.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/check-release-tag.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Check Release Tag
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/checks.yml b/.github/workflows/checks.yml
index 4d9adb672..d9815f183 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/checks.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/checks.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Checks
 
 on:
@@ -168,7 +170,6 @@ jobs:
         id: check-format
         run: poetry run -- nox -s format:check
 
-
   build-package:
     name: Build Package
     runs-on: "ubuntu-24.04"
@@ -189,3 +190,24 @@ jobs:
       - name: Build Package
         id: build-package
         run: poetry run -- nox -s package:check
+
+  check-workflows:
+    name: Check Workflows
+    runs-on: "ubuntu-24.04"
+    permissions:
+      contents: read
+    steps:
+      - name: Check out Repository
+        id: check-out-repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@v6
+
+      - name: Set up Python & Poetry Environment
+        id: set-up-python-and-poetry-environment
+        uses: exasol/python-toolbox/.github/actions/python-environment@v8
+        with:
+          python-version: "3.10"
+          poetry-version: "2.3.0"
+
+      - name: Check Workflows
+        id: check-workflows
+        run: poetry run -- nox -s workflow:check -- all
diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index b6171e32b..6635826db 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: CI
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/dependency-update.yml b/.github/workflows/dependency-update.yml
index be32b3a64..40cf00442 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/dependency-update.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/dependency-update.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Dependency Update
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/fast-tests.yml b/.github/workflows/fast-tests.yml
index 56b85bb79..b144773ce 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/fast-tests.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/fast-tests.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Fast-Tests
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/gh-pages.yml b/.github/workflows/gh-pages.yml
index 2a67b9bf7..93f50c5f0 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/gh-pages.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/gh-pages.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Publish Documentation
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/matrix-all.yml b/.github/workflows/matrix-all.yml
index 175fc2b07..dd0b8cc1a 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/matrix-all.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/matrix-all.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Build Matrix (All Versions)
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/matrix-exasol.yml b/.github/workflows/matrix-exasol.yml
index 66911a473..f2a63e30f 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/matrix-exasol.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/matrix-exasol.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Build Matrix (Exasol)
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/matrix-python.yml b/.github/workflows/matrix-python.yml
index 929af96ee..c56f26c0f 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/matrix-python.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/matrix-python.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Build Matrix (Python)
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/merge-gate.yml b/.github/workflows/merge-gate.yml
index 00c29af9e..060e25d7e 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/merge-gate.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/merge-gate.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Merge-Gate
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/periodic-validation.yml b/.github/workflows/periodic-validation.yml
index 219de1bd6..384d552ad 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/periodic-validation.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/periodic-validation.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Periodic-Validation
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/pr-merge.yml b/.github/workflows/pr-merge.yml
index 861e45e8a..c422a65ca 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/pr-merge.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/pr-merge.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: PR-Merge
 
 on:
diff --git a/.github/workflows/report.yml b/.github/workflows/report.yml
index 90c1e983a..42cd7bf32 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/report.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/report.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,5 @@
+# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.
+# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version 8.0.0.
 name: Status Report
 
 on:
diff --git a/.gitignore b/.gitignore
index bfe5173af..08b168a80 100644
--- a/.gitignore
+++ b/.gitignore
@@ -57,3 +57,8 @@ nosetests.xml
 
 # Emacs
 TAGS
+
+# AI
+.codex
+.serena
+specs/
diff --git a/doc/changes/unreleased.md b/doc/changes/unreleased.md
index 7ea1b208d..a3c1f7efd 100644
--- a/doc/changes/unreleased.md
+++ b/doc/changes/unreleased.md
@@ -2,13 +2,18 @@
 
 ## Summary
 
+In this minor release, the nox session `workflow:check` was added and is now used in the `checks.yml`.
+If this job is active in your CI, please double-check if additional files should be added into your project's `.gitattributes`.
+
 ## Bugfix
 
 * #840: Added `export` plugin installation within `dependency-update.yml`
 
 ## Feature
 
-* #722: Added check in `workflow:generate` to compare the generated and existing content before writing out
+* #722: Added check in `workflow:generate` to compare the generated and existing content before writing out and nox session `workflow:check`
+* #642: Added nox session `workflow:check` into the `checks.yml`
+* #698: Added a comment in the top of all workflows maintained by the PTB
 
 ## Refactoring
 
diff --git a/doc/user_guide/features/github_workflows/create_and_update.rst b/doc/user_guide/features/github_workflows/create_and_update.rst
index 2273d95a5..b1da0db26 100644
--- a/doc/user_guide/features/github_workflows/create_and_update.rst
+++ b/doc/user_guide/features/github_workflows/create_and_update.rst
@@ -87,6 +87,12 @@ Add all Workflows to Your Project
 
     poetry run -- nox -s workflow:generate -- all
 
+After regenerating the workflows, you can verify that they are up-to-date with:
+
+.. code-block:: shell
+
+    poetry run -- nox -s workflow:check -- all
+
 .. warning::
     Some workflows depend on other workflows. Please ensure you have all
     the required workflows if you do not install all of them.
diff --git a/doc/user_guide/features/github_workflows/index.rst b/doc/user_guide/features/github_workflows/index.rst
index 10f7f5b8c..225df16f8 100644
--- a/doc/user_guide/features/github_workflows/index.rst
+++ b/doc/user_guide/features/github_workflows/index.rst
@@ -16,12 +16,15 @@ The PTB ships with configurable GitHub workflow templates covering the most comm
 CI/CD setup variants for Python projects. The templates are defined in:
 `exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows <https://github.com/exasol/python-toolbox/tree/main/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows>`__.
 
-The PTB provides a command line interface (CLI) for generating and updating actual
-workflows from the templates.
+The PTB provides a command line interface (CLI) for managing workflows from the templates.
 
 .. code-block:: bash
 
     poetry run -- nox -s workflow:generate --help
+    poetry run -- nox -s workflow:check --help
+
+Use ``workflow:generate`` to create or update workflows and ``workflow:check`` to
+compare the rendered workflow templates against the files in ``.github/workflows``.
 
 .. attention::
 
@@ -62,8 +65,8 @@ Maintained by the PTB
    * - ``checks.yml``
      - Workflow call
      - Executes many small & fast checks: builds documentation, validates
-       cross-references and links in the documentation to be valid, and runs various
-       linters (security, type checks, etc.).
+       cross-references and links in the documentation to be valid, runs various
+       linters (security, type checks, etc.), and validates PTB generated workflows.
    * - ``ci.yml``
      - Pull request
      - Executes the continuous integration suite by calling ``merge-gate.yml`` and
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/config.py b/exasol/toolbox/config.py
index dec28063a..00f64d8b6 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/config.py
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/config.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import inspect
+import re
 import warnings
 from collections.abc import Callable
 from pathlib import Path
@@ -19,12 +20,20 @@
 )
 from pydantic_core.core_schema import ValidationInfo
 
+from exasol.toolbox import __version__
 from exasol.toolbox.nox.plugin import (
     METHODS_SPECIFIED_FOR_HOOKS,
     PLUGIN_ATTR_NAME,
 )
 from exasol.toolbox.util.version import Version
 
+WORKFLOW_HEADER_PREFIX = (
+    "# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.\n"
+    "# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version "
+)
+
+WORKFLOW_HEADER_PATTERN = rf"\A{re.escape(WORKFLOW_HEADER_PREFIX)}[^\n]+\.\n"
+
 
 def get_methods_with_hook_implementation(
     plugin_class: type[Any],
@@ -291,6 +300,7 @@ def github_template_dict(self) -> dict[str, Any]:
             "minimum_python_version": self.minimum_python_version,
             "os_version": self.os_version,
             "python_versions": self.python_versions,
+            "workflow_header": f"{WORKFLOW_HEADER_PREFIX}{__version__}.",
             "workflow_extension": {
                 "fast_tests": fast_tests_extension.is_file(),
                 "merge_gate": merge_gate_extension.is_file(),
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/nox/_workflow.py b/exasol/toolbox/nox/_workflow.py
index 9508941a8..2c07c0093 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/nox/_workflow.py
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/nox/_workflow.py
@@ -12,10 +12,10 @@
 from noxconfig import PROJECT_CONFIG
 
 
-def _create_parser() -> argparse.ArgumentParser:
+def _create_parser(session_name: str) -> argparse.ArgumentParser:
     parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
-        prog="nox -s workflow:generate",
-        usage="nox -s workflow:generate -- [-h]  <workflow_choice>",
+        prog=f"nox -s {session_name}",
+        usage=f"nox -s {session_name} -- [-h]  <workflow_choice>",
         formatter_class=argparse.ArgumentDefaultsHelpFormatter,
     )
 
@@ -27,12 +27,35 @@ def _create_parser() -> argparse.ArgumentParser:
     return parser
 
 
+@nox.session(name="workflow:check", python=False)
+def check_workflow(session: Session) -> None:
+    """
+    Check the specified GitHub workflow or all of them to see if any differ from
+    the generated values. If any differ, an error is raised.
+    """
+    parser = _create_parser("workflow:check")
+    args = parser.parse_args(session.posargs)
+
+    PROJECT_CONFIG.github_workflow_directory.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+
+    outdated_workflows = WorkflowOrchestrator(
+        workflow_choice=args.workflow_choice,
+        config=PROJECT_CONFIG,
+    ).find_differing_workflows()
+
+    if outdated_workflows:
+        count = len(outdated_workflows)
+        count_label = "workflow is" if count == 1 else "workflows are"
+        workflow_list = "\n".join(f"- {workflow}" for workflow in outdated_workflows)
+        session.error(f"\n{count} {count_label} out of date:\n{workflow_list}")
+
+
 @nox.session(name="workflow:generate", python=False)
 def generate_workflow(session: Session) -> None:
     """
     Generate or update the specified GitHub workflow or all of them.
     """
-    parser = _create_parser()
+    parser = _create_parser("workflow:generate")
     args = parser.parse_args(session.posargs)
 
     PROJECT_CONFIG.github_workflow_directory.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/build-and-publish.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/build-and-publish.yml
index fe4b5ec73..60ded6a57 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/build-and-publish.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/build-and-publish.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Build & Publish
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/cd.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/cd.yml
index 23176904f..53c1e332c 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/cd.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/cd.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: CD
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/check-release-tag.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/check-release-tag.yml
index 7e1598f5a..26bfd7833 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/check-release-tag.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/check-release-tag.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Check Release Tag
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/checks.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/checks.yml
index 35a3ef777..ea70f6c5c 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/checks.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/checks.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Checks
 
 on:
@@ -168,7 +169,6 @@ jobs:
         id: check-format
         run: poetry run -- nox -s format:check
 
-
   build-package:
     name: Build Package
     runs-on: "(( os_version ))"
@@ -189,3 +189,24 @@ jobs:
       - name: Build Package
         id: build-package
         run: poetry run -- nox -s package:check
+
+  check-workflows:
+    name: Check Workflows
+    runs-on: "(( os_version ))"
+    permissions:
+      contents: read
+    steps:
+      - name: Check out Repository
+        id: check-out-repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@v6
+
+      - name: Set up Python & Poetry Environment
+        id: set-up-python-and-poetry-environment
+        uses: exasol/python-toolbox/.github/actions/python-environment@v8
+        with:
+          python-version: "(( minimum_python_version ))"
+          poetry-version: "(( dependency_manager_version ))"
+
+      - name: Check Workflows
+        id: check-workflows
+        run: poetry run -- nox -s workflow:check -- all
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/ci.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/ci.yml
index b6171e32b..b160efea7 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: CI
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/dependency-update.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/dependency-update.yml
index 549a8d4c4..3800e1532 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/dependency-update.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/dependency-update.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Dependency Update
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/fast-tests.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/fast-tests.yml
index 5d5696166..39cee71da 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/fast-tests.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/fast-tests.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Fast-Tests
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/gh-pages.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/gh-pages.yml
index 4fc438c35..6f5d5a150 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/gh-pages.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/gh-pages.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Publish Documentation
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-all.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-all.yml
index 000358a06..f5695bde7 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-all.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-all.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Build Matrix (All Versions)
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-exasol.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-exasol.yml
index e13b7347f..0e3b93f98 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-exasol.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-exasol.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Build Matrix (Exasol)
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-python.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-python.yml
index 5524a0227..9d330d137 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-python.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/matrix-python.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Build Matrix (Python)
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/merge-gate.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/merge-gate.yml
index f58a2d54d..c738dad1f 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/merge-gate.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/merge-gate.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Merge-Gate
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/periodic-validation.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/periodic-validation.yml
index 219de1bd6..ff0734e86 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/periodic-validation.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/periodic-validation.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Periodic-Validation
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/pr-merge.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/pr-merge.yml
index 861e45e8a..4a76a2103 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/pr-merge.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/pr-merge.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: PR-Merge
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/report.yml b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/report.yml
index 2ad381fbe..da14a6f0e 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/report.yml
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/templates/github/workflows/report.yml
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+(( workflow_header ))
 name: Status Report
 
 on:
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/util/workflows/workflow.py b/exasol/toolbox/util/workflows/workflow.py
index 577b88574..9d96293be 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/util/workflows/workflow.py
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/util/workflows/workflow.py
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import difflib
+import re
 from pathlib import Path
 from typing import (
     Any,
@@ -12,6 +13,7 @@
     bound_contextvars,
 )
 
+from exasol.toolbox.config import WORKFLOW_HEADER_PATTERN
 from exasol.toolbox.util.workflows import logger
 from exasol.toolbox.util.workflows.exceptions import (
     YamlError,
@@ -30,6 +32,20 @@ class Workflow(BaseModel):
     output_path: Path
     content: str
 
+    @staticmethod
+    def _normalize_content(content: str, strip_header: bool = True) -> str:
+        """
+        Normalize workflow content for comparison.
+        """
+        normalized_content = content.strip()
+        if strip_header:
+            normalized_content = re.sub(
+                pattern=WORKFLOW_HEADER_PATTERN,
+                repl="",
+                string=normalized_content,
+            ).strip()
+        return normalized_content
+
     @classmethod
     def load_from_template(
         cls,
@@ -61,12 +77,17 @@ def load_from_template(
                 # Wrap all other "non-special" exceptions
                 raise ValueError(f"Error rendering file: {template_path}") from ex
 
-    def compare_to_file(self) -> str:
+    def compare_to_file(self, strip_header: bool = True) -> str:
         existing_content = ""
         if self.output_path.is_file():
-            existing_content = self.output_path.read_text().strip()
+            existing_content = self.output_path.read_text()
 
-        generated_content = self.content.strip()
+        existing_content = self._normalize_content(
+            existing_content, strip_header=strip_header
+        )
+        generated_content = self._normalize_content(
+            self.content, strip_header=strip_header
+        )
 
         diff = difflib.unified_diff(
             existing_content.splitlines(),
@@ -78,7 +99,7 @@ def compare_to_file(self) -> str:
         return "\n".join(diff)
 
     def write_to_file(self) -> None:
-        if self.compare_to_file() == "":
+        if self.compare_to_file(strip_header=False) == "":
             logger.debug("Skip up-to-date workflow file %s", self.output_path.name)
             return
         logger.info("Write workflow file %s", self.output_path.name)
diff --git a/exasol/toolbox/util/workflows/workflow_orchestrator.py b/exasol/toolbox/util/workflows/workflow_orchestrator.py
index 95977454d..61e0ba671 100644
--- a/exasol/toolbox/util/workflows/workflow_orchestrator.py
+++ b/exasol/toolbox/util/workflows/workflow_orchestrator.py
@@ -129,3 +129,17 @@ def generate_workflows(self) -> None:
         """
         for workflow in self._iter_workflows():
             workflow.write_to_file()
+
+    def find_differing_workflows(self) -> list[str]:
+        """
+        Find selected workflows that differ from the generated output.
+
+        Returns the names of the workflows that differ from the file on disk.
+        """
+        outdated_workflows: list[str] = []
+        for workflow in self._iter_workflows():
+            comparison = workflow.compare_to_file()
+            if comparison != "":
+                outdated_workflows.append(workflow.output_path.stem)
+                print(comparison)
+        return outdated_workflows
diff --git a/test/unit/config_test.py b/test/unit/config_test.py
index 0b80c5a05..931858f9b 100644
--- a/test/unit/config_test.py
+++ b/test/unit/config_test.py
@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import re
 from collections.abc import Iterable
 from pathlib import Path
 from unittest.mock import Mock
@@ -28,8 +29,15 @@ class TestBaseConfig:
     @staticmethod
     def test_works_as_defined(tmp_path, test_project_config_factory):
         config = test_project_config_factory()
+
         root_path = config.root_path
-        assert config.model_dump() == {
+        config_dump = config.model_dump()
+        workflow_header = config_dump["github_template_dict"].pop("workflow_header")
+        assert re.sub(r"version [^\n]+\.", "version X.Y.Z.", workflow_header) == (
+            "# Generated and maintained by the exasol-toolbox.\n"
+            "# Last generated with exasol-toolbox version X.Y.Z."
+        )
+        assert config_dump == {
             "add_to_excluded_python_paths": (),
             "create_major_version_tags": False,
             "dependency_manager": {"name": "poetry", "version": "2.3.0"},
diff --git a/test/unit/nox/_workflow_test.py b/test/unit/nox/_workflow_test.py
index 75cf445a6..983d16256 100644
--- a/test/unit/nox/_workflow_test.py
+++ b/test/unit/nox/_workflow_test.py
@@ -1,10 +1,14 @@
 from unittest.mock import patch
 
 import pytest
+from nox.sessions import _SessionQuit
 from pydantic import computed_field
 
 from exasol.toolbox.config import BaseConfig
-from exasol.toolbox.nox._workflow import generate_workflow
+from exasol.toolbox.nox._workflow import (
+    check_workflow,
+    generate_workflow,
+)
 from exasol.toolbox.util.workflows.templates import WORKFLOW_TEMPLATE_OPTIONS
 from exasol.toolbox.util.workflows.workflow_orchestrator import ALL
 
@@ -76,3 +80,69 @@ def test_raises_exception_when_name_incorrect(
                 generate_workflow(nox_session)
 
             assert "invalid choice: 'not-a-valid-name'" in capsys.readouterr().err
+
+
+class TestCheckWorkflow:
+    @staticmethod
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "nox_session_runner_posargs",
+        [ALL],
+        indirect=["nox_session_runner_posargs"],
+    )
+    def test_passes_when_workflows_are_up_to_date_after_generation(
+        nox_session,
+        project_config_without_patcher,
+        capsys,
+        nox_session_runner_posargs,
+    ):
+        with patch(
+            "exasol.toolbox.nox._workflow.PROJECT_CONFIG",
+            new=project_config_without_patcher,
+        ):
+            generate_workflow(nox_session)
+            capsys.readouterr()
+
+            check_workflow(nox_session)
+
+        assert "--- existing:" not in capsys.readouterr().out
+
+    @staticmethod
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize(
+        "nox_session_runner_posargs",
+        [ALL],
+        indirect=["nox_session_runner_posargs"],
+    )
+    def test_raises_session_quit_when_workflows_are_out_of_date(
+        nox_session,
+        project_config_without_patcher,
+        nox_session_runner_posargs,
+    ):
+        with (
+            patch("exasol.toolbox.util.workflows.workflow_orchestrator.logger.info"),
+            patch(
+                "exasol.toolbox.nox._workflow.PROJECT_CONFIG",
+                new=project_config_without_patcher,
+            ),
+        ):
+            with pytest.raises(_SessionQuit) as exc:
+                check_workflow(nox_session)
+
+        assert str(exc.value) == (
+            "\n16 workflows are out of date:\n"
+            "- build-and-publish\n"
+            "- cd\n"
+            "- check-release-tag\n"
+            "- checks\n"
+            "- ci\n"
+            "- dependency-update\n"
+            "- fast-tests\n"
+            "- gh-pages\n"
+            "- matrix-all\n"
+            "- matrix-exasol\n"
+            "- matrix-python\n"
+            "- merge-gate\n"
+            "- periodic-validation\n"
+            "- pr-merge\n"
+            "- report\n"
+            "- slow-checks"
+        )
diff --git a/test/unit/util/workflows/workflow_orchestrator_test.py b/test/unit/util/workflows/workflow_orchestrator_test.py
index 6a79df611..640a15e28 100644
--- a/test/unit/util/workflows/workflow_orchestrator_test.py
+++ b/test/unit/util/workflows/workflow_orchestrator_test.py
@@ -11,9 +11,17 @@
     NOT_MAINTAINED_WORKFLOW_NAMES,
     WORKFLOW_TEMPLATE_OPTIONS,
 )
+from exasol.toolbox.util.workflows.workflow import Workflow
 from exasol.toolbox.util.workflows.workflow_orchestrator import WorkflowOrchestrator
 
 
+def _remove_header(template_text: str) -> str:
+    """
+    Remove the Jinja header placeholder line from a workflow template.
+    """
+    return template_text.split("\n", 1)[1].strip()
+
+
 class TestTemplates:
     @staticmethod
     def test_all_works_as_expected(project_config):
@@ -102,7 +110,10 @@ def test_works_as_expected_without_patcher(project_config_without_patcher):
         assert len(result) == 1
         assert result[0].template_path == WORKFLOW_TEMPLATE_OPTIONS[workflow_name]
         assert result[0].output_path.name == f"{workflow_name}.yml"
-        assert result[0].content[:10] == input_text[:10]
+        assert (
+            Workflow._normalize_content(result[0].content)[:10]
+            == _remove_header(input_text)[:10]
+        )
 
     @staticmethod
     def test_works_as_expected_with_relevant_patcher(project_config, remove_job_yaml):
@@ -121,7 +132,10 @@ def test_works_as_expected_with_relevant_patcher(project_config, remove_job_yaml
         result = list(result)
         assert len(result) == 1
         assert result[0].output_path.name == f"{workflow_name}.yml"
-        assert result[0].content[:10] == input_text[:10]
+        assert (
+            Workflow._normalize_content(result[0].content)[:10]
+            == _remove_header(input_text)[:10]
+        )
         assert removed_job_name not in result[0].content
 
     @staticmethod
@@ -140,7 +154,10 @@ def test_works_as_expected_with_not_relevant_patcher(
         result = list(result)
         assert len(result) == 1
         assert result[0].output_path.name == f"{workflow_name}.yml"
-        assert result[0].content[:10] == input_text[:10]
+        assert (
+            Workflow._normalize_content(result[0].content)[:10]
+            == _remove_header(input_text)[:10]
+        )
 
     @staticmethod
     def test_not_maintained_workflows_added_to_new_project(
@@ -265,3 +282,46 @@ def test_overwrites_existing_workflow_file(project_config_without_patcher):
             config=project_config_without_patcher,
         ).generate_workflows()
         assert workflow_path.read_text() != original_content
+
+
+class TestFindDifferingWorkflows:
+    @staticmethod
+    def test_returns_empty_list_when_workflow_is_up_to_date(
+        project_config_without_patcher, capsys
+    ):
+        directory = project_config_without_patcher.github_workflow_directory
+        directory.mkdir(parents=True)
+
+        workflow_name = "merge-gate"
+        WorkflowOrchestrator(
+            workflow_choice=workflow_name,
+            config=project_config_without_patcher,
+        ).generate_workflows()
+        capsys.readouterr()
+
+        outdated_workflows = WorkflowOrchestrator(
+            workflow_choice=workflow_name,
+            config=project_config_without_patcher,
+        ).find_differing_workflows()
+
+        assert outdated_workflows == []
+        assert "--- existing:" not in capsys.readouterr().out
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def test_returns_workflow_name_and_prints_diff_when_workflow_differs(
+        project_config_without_patcher, capsys
+    ):
+        directory = project_config_without_patcher.github_workflow_directory
+        directory.mkdir(parents=True)
+
+        workflow_name = "merge-gate"
+        workflow_path = directory / f"{workflow_name}.yml"
+        workflow_path.write_text("line 3\n")
+
+        outdated_workflows = WorkflowOrchestrator(
+            workflow_choice=workflow_name,
+            config=project_config_without_patcher,
+        ).find_differing_workflows()
+
+        assert outdated_workflows == ["merge-gate"]
+        assert "--- existing: merge-gate.yml" in capsys.readouterr().out
diff --git a/test/unit/util/workflows/workflow_test.py b/test/unit/util/workflows/workflow_test.py
index 8148fcc75..b8d8acdfb 100644
--- a/test/unit/util/workflows/workflow_test.py
+++ b/test/unit/util/workflows/workflow_test.py
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@
 
 import pytest
 
+from exasol.toolbox.config import WORKFLOW_HEADER_PREFIX
 from exasol.toolbox.util.workflows.exceptions import (
     TemplateRenderingError,
     YamlOutputError,
@@ -207,6 +208,46 @@ def test_load_from_template_raises_custom_exceptions(
                     github_template_dict=project_config.github_template_dict,
                 )
 
+
+class TestNormalizeContent:
+    @staticmethod
+    def test_strips_workflow_header_when_requested():
+        content = (
+            f"{WORKFLOW_HEADER_PREFIX}8.0.0.\n\n"
+            "jobs:\n"
+            "  build:\n"
+            "    runs-on: ubuntu-24.04\n"
+        )
+
+        assert Workflow._normalize_content(content, strip_header=True) == (
+            "jobs:\n" "  build:\n" "    runs-on: ubuntu-24.04"
+        )
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def test_keeps_workflow_header_when_not_requested():
+        content = (
+            f"{WORKFLOW_HEADER_PREFIX}8.0.0.\n\n"
+            "jobs:\n"
+            "  build:\n"
+            "    runs-on: ubuntu-24.04\n"
+        )
+
+        assert Workflow._normalize_content(content, strip_header=False) == (
+            f"{WORKFLOW_HEADER_PREFIX}8.0.0.\n\n"
+            "jobs:\n"
+            "  build:\n"
+            "    runs-on: ubuntu-24.04"
+        )
+
+    @staticmethod
+    @pytest.mark.parametrize("strip_header", [True, False])
+    def test_always_strips_outer_whitespace(strip_header):
+        content = "  jobs:\n    build:\n      runs-on: ubuntu-24.04\n\n"
+
+        assert Workflow._normalize_content(content, strip_header=strip_header) == (
+            "jobs:\n" "    build:\n" "      runs-on: ubuntu-24.04"
+        )
+
     @staticmethod
     def test_load_from_template_reraises_other_exceptions_raised_as_valuerror(
         tmp_path, project_config