Foothold America

Offer US Expansion Starter Pack: five essential services in one package. Save over $2,500 until 31 December. Learn more →

Starter Pack: save over $2,500 until 31 December.
Learn more →

What is the FLSA? Fair Labor Standards Act Explained

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is the core federal law governing wages, overtime, recordkeeping and child labour in the US. For international companies expanding to the US, understanding FLSA compliance is essential to avoid back pay claims, penalties and Department of Labor investigations.
fair labor standards act flsa
Blog / Risk management & compliance / What is the FLSA? Fair Labor Standards Act Explained

Ready to expand to the USA?

Reviewed by Laurie Spicer · Last reviewed: October 20, 2026

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal, tax, or HR advice. Consult a qualified professional for your situation.

Expanding your business to the United States offers tremendous opportunities, but navigating America’s complex employment landscape can feel overwhelming. Among all federal labor laws, none is more fundamental to your daily operations than the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Whether you’re hiring your first US employee or scaling a distributed workforce across multiple states, FLSA compliance affects every paycheck, every overtime hour, and every employment decision you make.

The consequences of getting it wrong are severe. Recent enforcement data shows the Wage and Hour Division recovered more than $259 million in back wages in fiscal year 2025. One Pennsylvania healthcare group alone faced a $35.8 million judgment in 2024 for overtime violations affecting 6,000 workers. Even smaller businesses face substantial penalties – in 2023, a federal court awarded $254,628 in back wages and damages to just 21 drivers after the Department of Labor found that Travelon Transportation, a Minnesota medical transport company, had misclassified them as independent contractors.

“The FLSA touches virtually every aspect of employment in the United States, from basic wage calculations to complex overtime exemptions,” explains Geanice Barganier, Vice President of People & Operations at Foothold America. “International companies often underestimate the complexity of compliance, especially when operating across multiple states with varying requirements.”

This full guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate FLSA requirements confidently, protect your business from compliance risks, and establish sustainable employment practices in the American market.

Understanding the Fair Labor Standards Act: Foundation of US Employment Law

The Fair Labor Standards Act, enacted in 1938 during the Great Depression, established the fundamental employment standards that govern most private and public employment in the United States today. Congress endorsed the act because its provisions were meant to both protect workers and stimulate the economy, finding that employers paying substandard wages caused decreased wages within industries and left one-third of the U.S. population “ill-nourished, ill-clad, and ill-housed”.

The FLSA serves four primary purposes:

  • Minimum wage protection: Ensuring workers receive at least the federal minimum wage
  • Overtime compensation: Requiring premium pay for work exceeding 40 hours per week
  • Child labor restrictions: Protecting minors from hazardous working conditions
  • Recordkeeping requirements: Mandating employers maintain accurate employment records

The FLSA is enforced by the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) of the US Department of Labor, which conducts investigations, recovers back wages, and assesses penalties for violations.

Who Must Comply with the FLSA?

The FLSA applies to employers engaged in interstate commerce or in the production of goods for interstate commerce. In practical terms, this covers virtually all businesses operating in the United States, including:

  • Companies with annual gross sales of $500,000 or more
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • Educational institutions
  • Government agencies at all levels
  • Individual employees engaged in interstate commerce

For international companies, FLSA coverage typically begins the moment you hire your first US employee, regardless of your company’s size or revenue.

Federal Minimum Wage: Current Requirements and State Variations

The federal minimum wage under the FLSA is $7.25 per hour, effective since July 24, 2009. However, this represents only the federal floor – many states and localities have established higher minimum wage rates that supersede federal requirements.

2026 State Minimum Wage Landscape

When federal and state minimum wage laws differ, employers must pay the higher rate. The variation across states is substantial:

Wage Tier

States/Jurisdictions

Examples

$15.00+

Washington, California, Connecticut, New York, Hawaii, Colorado, Arizona, Maine, Nebraska and others

Washington ($17.13), California ($16.90), Connecticut ($16.94), New York ($16.00 to $17.00), Colorado ($15.16)

$12.00-$14.99

Virginia and others

Virginia ($12.77)

$10.00-$11.99

Ohio, Montana and others

Ohio ($11.00 for larger employers), Montana ($10.85 for larger businesses)

$7.25 (Federal)

20 states

Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

Source: U.S. Department of Labor State Minimum Wage Laws, updated July 2026

Key State Variations for International Employers

19 states raised their minimum wages on 1 January 2026. They include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Automatic Indexing: 19 states and D.C. index their minimum wages for inflation, meaning rates adjust annually without legislative action.

Local Variations: Cities and counties often exceed state requirements. In 2026, Tukwila, WA has the highest locally mandated minimum wage at $21.65 per hour, with Burien close behind at $21.63 for large employers.

“Understanding minimum wage variations across states is crucial for companies with distributed workforces,” explains Angelique Soulet-Bangurah, PHR, Head of EOR Services & Talent Acquisition Lead at Foothold America. “What complies with federal law may violate state requirements, creating significant liability exposure for international employers unfamiliar with the complexity.”

Overtime Requirements: The 40-Hour Rule and State Variations

The FLSA requires covered employers to pay non-exempt employees overtime compensation at a rate of one and one-half times their regular hourly rate for all hours worked over 40 in a workweek.

Key Overtime Principles

Workweek Definition: The FLSA defines a workweek as any fixed and regularly recurring period of 168 hours (seven consecutive 24-hour periods). Employers can establish any seven-day period as their workweek, but it must be consistent.

No Daily Overtime Requirement: Unlike some countries, federal law doesn’t require overtime pay for work on weekends, holidays, or for exceeding eight hours in a single day – only for exceeding 40 hours in a workweek.

Regular Rate Calculation: Overtime must be calculated based on the employee’s “regular rate,” which includes not just hourly wages but also certain bonuses, commissions, and other compensation.

State Overtime Requirements Beyond Federal Law

Several states impose additional overtime requirements:

State

Daily Overtime

Weekly Overtime

Special Provisions

California

8 hours (1.5x), 12 hours (2x)

40 hours

Double time on 7th consecutive day after 8 hours

Alaska

8 hours

40 hours

Applies to employers with 4+ employees

Nevada

8 hours (for employees earning <1.5x minimum wage)

40 hours

Exemption for higher-paid employees

Colorado

12 hours

40 hours

Applies to retail, service, food/beverage, health sectors

Source: Department of Labor State Minimum Wage Laws

Recent Overtime Salary Threshold Changes

The Department of Labor’s efforts to raise overtime salary thresholds have created significant compliance challenges. As of November 2024, a federal court vacated the 2024 final rule, returning to the 2019 thresholds:

  • Standard salary level: $684 per week ($35,568 annually) for executive, administrative, and professional exemptions
  • Highly compensated employee: $107,432 per year

The 2019 thresholds remain the enforceable federal levels, so check current DOL guidance for any future rulemaking. International employers should monitor these developments closely, as changes could significantly impact payroll obligations.

Employee Classification: The Critical Compliance Decision

Proper employee classification represents one of the most complex – and costly – aspects of FLSA compliance. The distinction between exempt and non-exempt employees, as well as employees versus independent contractors, directly impacts your overtime obligations and legal liability.

Exempt vs. Non-Exempt Employees

Non-exempt employees must receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Exempt employees are not entitled to overtime pay if they meet specific criteria for executive, administrative, professional, computer, or outside sales exemptions.

To qualify for exemption, employees must generally meet three tests:

  1. Salary basis test: Paid a predetermined salary not subject to deduction for quality or quantity of work
  2. Salary level test: Earn at least $684 per week ($35,568 annually)
  3. Duties test: Perform primarily executive, administrative, or professional duties as defined by regulations

Critical Warning: Job titles alone don’t determine exemption status. Actual job duties control the classification decision.

Real-World Classification Examples

Administrative Exemption: A marketing coordinator who develops advertising strategies, manages vendor relationships, and exercises discretion in campaign decisions would likely qualify. However, a marketing assistant who primarily inputs data and schedules meetings would not.

Professional Exemption: A software engineer designing system architecture and making independent technical decisions qualifies. A programmer following detailed specifications without discretionary authority does not.

“Each classification decision requires careful analysis of actual job duties, not just job descriptions,” notes Jamie Neill, PHR, HR & Client Service Manager at Foothold America. “We regularly see international companies struggle with these distinctions because they’re very different from employment categories in other countries.”

Independent Contractor Classification

The FLSA’s January 2024 rule for determining employee versus independent contractor classification applies a six-factor “economic reality” test:

  1. Opportunity for profit or loss depending on managerial skill
  2. Investments by the worker and employer
  3. Degree of permanence in the work relationship
  4. Nature and degree of control by the employer
  5. Extent to which the work performed is integral to the employer’s business
  6. Skill and initiative required for the work

Misclassification Case Studies and Costs

Misclassification of employees as independent contractors can result in significant back pay obligations, penalties, and legal exposure extending beyond just FLSA violations to include tax obligations, workers’ compensation, and benefits.

Child Labor Provisions: Protecting Young Workers

The FLSA’s child labor provisions are designed to protect the educational opportunities of minors and prohibit their employment in jobs and under conditions detrimental to their health or well-being.

Age-Based Restrictions

Age Group

Permitted Work

Hour Restrictions

Prohibited Work

14-15 years

Non-hazardous jobs, limited occupations

School hours: 3 hrs/day, 18 hrs/week; Non-school: 8 hrs/day, 40 hrs/week

Manufacturing, mining, cooking (except at soda fountain)

16-17 years

Any non-hazardous occupation

Unlimited hours

17 hazardous occupations including roofing, excavation, power-driven machinery

18+ years

No FLSA restrictions

No FLSA restrictions

None under FLSA

Hazardous Occupations

The Secretary of Labor has identified 17 particularly hazardous occupations prohibited for workers under age 18, including:

  • Manufacturing and storing of explosives
  • Motor vehicle driving and outside helper
  • Coal mining and logging
  • Operating power-driven woodworking machines
  • Exposure to radioactive substances
  • Operating power-driven hoisting apparatus
  • Slaughtering, meat-packing, or processing

2024 Child Labor Enforcement Surge

Child labor enforcement has intensified significantly, with the WHD assessing $15.2 million in penalties for child labor violations affecting 4,030 minors in 2024 – nearly double the 2023 penalties of $8.0 million.

Recent Case: Alabama poultry processor required to pay $385,000 in civil money penalties and barred from future child labor violations.

Civil Money Penalties: Understanding the Financial Risk

The FLSA authorizes significant civil money penalties, adjusted annually for inflation. Here are the current penalty rates, which remain unchanged for 2026:

Violation Type

Current Maximum Penalty

Previous Rate

Child labor violations

$16,035 per violation

$15,629

Serious injury/death from child labor

$72,876 per violation

$71,031

Willful or repeated serious injury/death

$145,752 per violation

$142,062

Repeated/willful minimum wage/overtime

$2,515 per violation

$2,451

Tip pool violations

$1,409 per violation

$1,373

Source: DOL Civil Money Penalty Inflation Adjustments

Recordkeeping Requirements: Documentation Obligations

The FLSA mandates that employers maintain accurate records for all non-exempt employees. Required records include:

Required Employment Records

Employee Information:

  • Employee’s full name and social security number
  • Address and birth date (if under age 19)
  • Sex and occupation

Time and Pay Records:

  • Time and day when employee’s workweek begins
  • Hours worked each day and total hours worked each workweek
  • Basis on which employee’s wages are paid
  • Regular hourly pay rate and total daily or weekly straight-time earnings
  • Total overtime earnings for each workweek
  • All additions to or deductions from wages
  • Total wages paid each pay period
  • Date of payment and pay period covered

Retention Requirements:

  • Payroll records: 3 years
  • Time cards and wage computation records: 2 years
  • Collective bargaining agreements: 3 years
  • Sales and purchase records: 3 years

“Accurate recordkeeping is your first line of defense against wage and hour claims,” emphasizes Tiffany Hill, Client Service Administrator at Foothold America. “We’ve seen too many companies face substantial penalties simply because they couldn’t produce required documentation during a DOL investigation.”

FLSA Violation Trends: What the Data Reveals

The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division recovered more than $259 million in back wages in fiscal year 2025.

Breakdown by Violation Type (FY 2024)

Violation Category

Back Wages Recovered

Workers Affected

Change from 2023

Overtime violations

$126,967,097

101,043

-$3.9M, -5,716 workers

Minimum wage violations

$15,306,067

21,543

-$5M, -10,000 workers

Tips violations

$7,410,410

10,651

+$3M, +4,006 workers

Retaliation violations

$274,956

60

+$105K, same workers

Source: US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division

State Law Interactions: Navigating the Compliance Maze

While the FLSA establishes federal minimums, state laws often provide greater protections. International employers must comply with the most protective applicable law in each jurisdiction.

Common State Law Enhancements

Meal and Rest Breaks: Unlike federal law, many states mandate specific break periods. Here’s a full breakdown:

State

Meal Break Requirements

Rest Break Requirements

Key Notes

California

30 min after 5 hours; 2nd break after 10 hours

10 min paid break every 4 hours

Most full laws; penalties for violations

Colorado

30 min after 5 consecutive hours

10 min paid break every 4 hours

Applies to retail, service, food, healthcare

Connecticut

30 min for 7.5+ consecutive hours

No requirement

Must be between 2nd and last 2 hours

Delaware

30 min for 7.5+ consecutive hours

No requirement

Can be waived in certain situations

Illinois

20 min for 7.5+ hours; extra break for 12+ hours

No requirement

Retail establishments only

Kentucky

“Reasonable” meal period 3-5 hours into shift

No requirement

Coffee/snack time separate from meal

Maine

30 min after 6 consecutive hours

No requirement

Only when 3+ employees on duty

Minnesota

“Sufficient” time for 8+ consecutive hours

“Adequate” paid rest every 4 hours

Must provide restroom breaks

Nebraska

30 min for assembly/mechanical establishments

No requirement

Applies to specific industries

Nevada

30 min for 8+ consecutive hours

10 min paid break every 4 hours

2+ employees required

New Hampshire

30 min after 5+ consecutive hours

No requirement

Can eat while working if permitted

New York

Varies by industry and shift time

No requirement

Complex rules based on work schedules

North Dakota

30 min for 5+ hour shifts (if desired)

No requirement

When 2+ employees on duty

Oregon

30 min for 6-8 hour shifts

15 min paid break every 4 hours

Detailed timing requirements

Rhode Island

20 min for 6+ hours; 30 min for 8+ hours

No requirement

All employees covered

Tennessee

30 min for 6+ consecutive hours

No requirement

Scheduled meal times required

Vermont

“Reasonable opportunities” to eat

No requirement

General health/hygiene provision

Washington

30 min for 5+ consecutive hours

10 min paid break every 4 hours

Additional break for 3+ overtime hours

West Virginia

20 min for 6+ hours

No requirement

All employers covered

Source: U.S. Department of Labor State Meal Break Laws

Important Notes for International Employers:

  • Federal law does not require breaks, but if provided, breaks under 20 minutes must be paid
  • Meal breaks (30+ minutes) can be unpaid if employee is completely relieved of duties
  • Penalties vary by state – California requires 1 hour of pay for each missed break
  • Industry exceptions may apply (healthcare, transportation, etc.)
  • Union contracts may provide additional break requirements

Final Pay Timing: State laws often require faster final paycheck distribution than federal requirements:

State

If Terminated/Fired

If Employee Quits

Key Notes

California

Immediately at termination

Within 72 hours (or immediately with 72+ hours notice)

Unused vacation must be paid out

Colorado

Immediately

Next regular payday

Weekend/holiday payments allowed by mail

Massachusetts

Next regular payday

Next regular payday

Saturday if no regular payday

Illinois

Next payday or within 14 days, whichever is sooner

Next regular payday

Must include earned vacation time

Minnesota

Next payday or within 24 hours (if requested)

Next payday or within 24 hours (if requested)

Can request immediate payment

Montana

Immediately

Next payday or within 15 days (whichever sooner)

Different rules for commissioned employees

Nevada

Immediately

Next payday or within 7 days (whichever sooner)

Penalties for late payment

New York

Next payday

Next regular payday

Complex rules based on work schedule

Oregon

End of next business day

Next payday or within 48 hours (with notice)

Penalties: 8 hours pay per day late

Rhode Island

Next payday

Next regular payday

Must pay earned vacation

Utah

Within 24 hours

Next regular payday

Excludes weekends/holidays

Washington

End of next pay period

End of next pay period

Must include accrued vacation

Texas

Within 6 calendar days

Next regular payday

No weekend/holiday exclusions

Alaska

Within 3 working days

Next regular payday

Can mail final check

Arizona

7 working days or next payday (whichever sooner)

Next regular payday

Vacation payout if in policy

Federal baseline: Next regularly scheduled payday for all terminations

Paid Sick Leave: Many states and cities mandate paid sick leave (not required under federal law):

State

Accrual Rate

Annual Maximum

Employer Size Requirements

Effective Date

California

1 hour per 30 hours worked

40 hours (5 days)

All employers

Enhanced 2024

Washington

1 hour per 40 hours worked

40 hours

All employers

2018

New York

Varies by employer size

40-56 hours

Varies (5+ employees)

2021

Connecticut

1 hour per 30 hours worked

40 hours

11+ employees (as of 2026; all employers from 2027)

2012/Enhanced 2025

Oregon

1 hour per 30 hours worked

40 hours

All employers

2016

Arizona

1 hour per 30 hours worked

24-40 hours (by size)

All employers

2017

Maryland

1 hour per 30 hours worked

40-64 hours (by size)

15+ employees

2018

New Jersey

1 hour per 30 hours worked

40 hours

All employers

2018

Massachusetts

1 hour per 30 hours worked

40 hours

11+ employees

2015

Colorado

1 hour per 30 hours worked

48 hours

All employers

2021

Michigan

1 hour per 35 hours worked

40-72 hours (by size)

10+ employees

2019/Enhanced 2025

Minnesota

1 hour per 30 hours worked

48 hours

All employers

2024

Illinois

1 hour per 40 hours worked

40 hours

All employers

2024

Maine

1 hour per 40 hours worked

40 hours

10+ employees

2021

Nevada

0.01923 hours per hour worked

40 hours

50+ employees

2020

Rhode Island

1 hour per 35 hours worked

40 hours

18+ employees

2018

Vermont

1 hour per 52 hours worked

24-40 hours (by size)

5+ employees

2017

Alaska

1 hour per 30 hours worked

40-56 hours (by size)

All employers

July 1, 2025

Missouri

1 hour per 30 hours worked

40-56 hours (by size)

All employers

May 1, 2025

Nebraska

1 hour per 30 hours worked

40-56 hours (by size)

All employers

Oct 1, 2025

Source: US Department of Labor, State Paid Sick Leave Laws

Important Compliance Notes:

  • Local ordinances in cities like San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago may have more generous requirements
  • Carryover rules vary – most states allow unused hours to roll over to the following year
  • Family coverage typically includes spouses, children, parents, and sometimes domestic partners
  • Documentation requirements vary, with some states prohibiting employer requests for medical certificates for short absences

The patchwork of state and local laws creates significant compliance challenges for companies operating in several jurisdictions. Many international companies do not realise that they must comply with the most generous law that applies to each employee’s work location.

Best Practices for International Employers

Successfully navigating FLSA compliance requires implementing systematic processes and staying current with evolving regulations. International companies should focus on establishing strong internal systems while leveraging available resources to maintain compliance across all US operations.

Core Compliance Strategies

Employee Classification Management

  • Document actual job duties and responsibilities, not just job titles
  • Review salary thresholds annually against current DOL requirements
  • Conduct regular audits of exempt employee classifications

Learn more about US employee classification requirements

Full Timekeeping Systems

  • Implement automated systems capturing start/end times, breaks, and remote work hours
  • Track travel time and waiting periods for non-exempt employees
  • Maintain records accessible for DOL inspection as required by FLSA

Explore our full US payroll tax guide for additional compliance considerations

Multi-State Compliance Management

  • Develop matrices showing minimum wage rates, overtime rules, and break requirements for each jurisdiction
  • Monitor state-specific final pay timing and sick leave requirements
  • Stay updated on local ordinances that may exceed state minimums

Ongoing Legal Updates and Training

“International companies often underestimate the complexity of US employment law compliance,” notes Laurie Spicer, Director of US Expansion at Foothold America. “The investment in proper compliance systems and expert guidance pays for itself many times over by avoiding costly violations and penalties.”

Compliance Technology and Resources

Essential FLSA Compliance Tools

DOL E-tools: The Department of Labor provides free online advisors:

Required Workplace Posters: Employers must display an official poster outlining the requirements of the FLSA. Download current FLSA posters from the Department of Labor.

Staying Current with Changes

Government Resources:

Conclusion: Building Sustainable US Operations

The Fair Labor Standards Act forms the foundation of US employment law, touching every aspect of your workforce management from hiring to payroll to termination. While the complexity can seem daunting, understanding these requirements is essential for successful US market entry.

The consequences of non-compliance are severe and getting more expensive each year. With more than $259 million in back wages recovered in fiscal year 2025 and penalties reaching $145,752 per violation, the financial risks are substantial. However, companies that invest in proper compliance systems and expert guidance can navigate these requirements successfully while building sustainable, profitable US operations.

Key Takeaways for International Employers

  1. FLSA compliance is non-negotiable – violations carry severe financial penalties and reputational damage
  2. State laws often exceed federal requirements – you must comply with the most restrictive applicable law
  3. Proper employee classification is critical – misclassification errors trigger substantial penalties and back pay obligations
  4. Accurate recordkeeping is your best defense – maintain detailed documentation for all non-exempt employees
  5. Professional guidance pays for itself – the cost of compliance is far less than the cost of violations

“The FLSA isn’t just about avoiding penalties – it’s about building a foundation for sustainable growth in the US market,” concludes Joanne M. Farquharson, President and CEO of Foothold America. “Companies that prioritize compliance from day one protect their business, their employees, and their reputation while positioning themselves for long-term success.”

As you expand your international business to the United States, remember that FLSA compliance is an investment in your future success. By understanding these requirements and implementing strong compliance systems, you join the thousands of international companies successfully operating in the world’s largest economy.

Ready to ensure FLSA compliance for your US expansion? Contact Foothold America’s expert team to learn how our full employment solutions can protect your business while you focus on growth. Explore our US labor law compliance services or read our full employment guide to learn more about building compliant US operations. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team to discuss your specific expansion needs.

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Employment laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. For specific compliance guidance, consult with qualified legal counsel or contact Foothold America’s expert team at (617) 702-3402.

Frequently Asked Questions About FLSA Compliance

Get answers to all your questions and take the first step towards a US business expansion.

Non-exempt employees must receive one and a half times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Some employees, such as certain professional, executive and outside sales staff, are exempt if they meet salary and duties tests. Independent contractors are not covered, so classifying workers correctly is essential. Some states add daily overtime rules.

Children aged 14 and 15 face limits on working hours, such as three hours on a school day, and on the jobs they can do. Those aged 16 and 17 have no federal hours limit but cannot work in hazardous occupations. Enforcement has increased, with large penalties in recent years, and many states add stricter rules.

The federal minimum wage is $7.25 an hour, but many states and cities set higher rates. Where rates differ, you must pay the highest one that applies. Several states and cities now require $15 or more an hour. Check the rate for each work location every year, because many rates rise on 1 January.

No. The FLSA does not require meal or rest breaks, or health benefits. If you give short breaks of under 20 minutes, they count as paid working time. Many states have their own break rules, and health cover obligations come from the Affordable Care Act. State paid sick leave laws add further duties for employers.

The Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division publishes free fact sheets on overtime, exemptions, child labour and recordkeeping. It also offers online advisers to check coverage, calculate overtime and assess exempt status. You must display the required workplace posters. These tools help, but multi-state employers usually also need specialist advice.

GET IN TOUCH

Contact Us

Complete the form below, and one of our US expansion experts will get back to you shortly to book a meeting with you. During the call, we will discuss your business requirements, walk you through our services in more detail and answer any questions you might have.

Joanne M. Farquharson

Joanne is President, CEO & Co-Founder of Foothold America, helping companies worldwide expand into the US market. She joined at the company's founding in 2017 and has led it as CEO since 2020. With 25 years of experience advising SMEs on employee benefits, HR, insurance, labor law, and risk management, she has guided businesses across the US, UK, and Europe to scale successfully. Joanne is also a public speaker, podcast host, and board member, recognized for her expertise at the intersection of business growth and practical strategy.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Join over 12,000+ business owners on the Foothold America’s email list
and receive exclusive content inside your email box.

GET IN TOUCH

Contact Us

Complete the form below, and one of our US expansion experts will get back to you shortly to book a meeting with you. During the call, we will discuss your business requirements, walk you through our services in more detail and answer any questions you might have.

Starter Pack: save over $2,500 until 31 December.
Learn more →