Discover our blogs
Read our latest articles covering key topics that your company needs
to understand when expanding in the USA.
US HR Management & Strategies Blogs
Your US Employee Handbook: Legal Shield or Ticking Time Bomb?
The termination seemed straightforward—documentation was thorough, legal counsel approved everything. Three weeks later, a lawsuit arrives. Your outdated 2019 handbook becomes evidence against you, promising policies you didn’t follow. Settlement starts at $100,000. Welcome to US employee handbooks: legally binding documents that either protect you or destroy you.
Reference Checks in the US: What International Employers Can (and Can’t) Ask
Your perfect US candidate is identified, interviews completed, and salary negotiated. Then your UK HR manager conducts a detailed reference check—and receives a cease-and-desist letter three weeks later. Welcome to America’s legally complex reference check landscape, where practices differ dramatically from international norms. Here’s your essential compliance guide.
US Thanksgiving Business Closure Guide for International Employers
Should your US office close for Thanksgiving? International employers face complex decisions balancing American cultural expectations with business needs. This comprehensive guide reveals what federal law requires, what employees actually expect, and practical closure strategies that strengthen team relationships while maintaining operational effectiveness during America’s most-observed holiday.
Open Enrollment Season
When your US HR manager mentions “we need to prepare for open enrollment,” do you understand what this means? For international companies operating in the United States, benefits enrollment season represents one of the most critical annual HR responsibilities, with significant compliance requirements, tight deadlines, and substantial financial implications extending far beyond simple paperwork.
Thanksgiving to New Year: A Complete Guide for International Employers Navigating US Holiday Culture
The seven-week stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day represents the most culturally complex period for international companies operating in the United States. During this time, American workplace expectations shift dramatically, creating both challenges and opportunities for global organizations building productive US team relationships.
Q4 Cultural Reset: How International Companies Can Revitalize US Team Culture Before Year-End
The final quarter presents a critical window for international companies to reset and revitalize their US team culture. As American employees navigate Q4’s unique rhythms—from Thanksgiving to year-end deadlines—forward-thinking global organizations can leverage this period to strengthen team cohesion and position for breakthrough performance.
Q4 Team-building Across Time Zones: Strengthening US-International Cultural Connections
International companies managing remote teams across time zones face a critical Q4 challenge: building genuine cultural connections beyond video calls. With global employee engagement at just 21%, strategic team-building activities that bridge American workplace expectations with international cultural diversity become essential for retention and performance success.
American Business Etiquette: Cultural Missteps That Kill Deals
International executives face complex American business etiquette expectations that determine deal success or failure. From meeting punctuality to email response times, networking conversations to crisis communication—master the unspoken cultural rules that drive business relationships in America’s dynamic market environment.
Managing Cross-Cultural Teams in the US
The modern American workplace has transformed into a multicultural ecosystem where success depends on harnessing diverse perspectives effectively. For international companies establishing US operations, managing cross-cultural teams isn’t just an HR challenge—it’s a strategic imperative directly impacting productivity, innovation, and competitive advantage in today’s global business environment.
Understanding US Workers’ Compensation
International businesses expanding to the US face a complex web of workers’ compensation requirements that vary dramatically by state. With average claims costing $44,179 and penalties reaching $500 daily, proper compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential for protecting your workforce and avoiding devastating financial liability in America’s unique regulatory landscape.
Building US Investor Credibility: Metrics and Preparation Guide
For international businesses, securing US investment represents more than capital—it’s validation and acceleration into the world’s largest market. With American investors deploying $215.4 billion in venture capital in 2024, understanding their unique expectations and preparing a compelling market entry strategy is essential for success.
C-Suite vs Regional Director: Which Leadership Model for Your US Expansion?
When expanding your business to the United States, choosing between C-Suite executives or Regional Directors as your first hires can determine your success. This comprehensive guide examines both leadership models, their specific advantages, challenges, and implementation considerations to help international companies make this critical decision with confidence.
When to Hire Your First US Executive : Strategic Timing Guide
Your first executive hire could define your company’s American success story. From timing and compensation to regional dynamics, this guide reveals the critical factors that determine when to bring on your first US-based leader. Learn how to make this pivotal decision with confidence and strategic clarity.
Your Complete Guide to Hiring Your First US Employee
This guide provides essential insights into the American employment landscape, from legal requirements and compliance considerations to benefits packages and cultural expectations. Learn about hiring options, cost considerations, and strategic approaches to building your U.S. workforce successfully.
The Global Entrepreneur’s Strategy for Hiring US Talent While Safeguarding IP Assets
Expanding into the US market offers global entrepreneurs access to exceptional talent but comes with intellectual property protection challenges. Learn essential strategies for safeguarding your IP assets when hiring US employees, from robust employment agreements and training programs to secure IT infrastructure and effective client interaction protocols.
Mastering the Art of Effective Remote Management for Your US Workforce
As an international business leader expanding into the US market, you’ve conquered numerous challenges. Now, you face a new frontier: effectively managing your remote American employees from afar. This article explores the unique challenges of international remote management and provides key strategies to bridge geographical and cultural gaps. From shifting to “micro-understanding” to leveraging technology for global collaboration, we’ll delve into best practices that ensure your US team’s productivity, engagement, and alignment with your global objectives. Whether you’re new to managing US-based remote teams or looking to enhance existing strategies, these insights will help you navigate the evolving landscape of international remote work.
Reskilling Older Workers for an AI Future: Embracing Change in the US Workforce
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming workplaces worldwide, including those of international companies operating in the United States. As AI automates tasks and reshapes job requirements, organizations face the critical challenge of reskilling their older workforce to thrive in this new, technology-driven landscape.
For international businesses with a foothold in the US, addressing this skills gap is essential for maintaining a competitive edge and retaining valuable institutional knowledge. This comprehensive guide explores proven strategies and case studies to help you successfully reskill your older workers and future-proof your American workforce for the AI revolution.
Importance of DEI in Recruiting: Key Strategies for Success
Key Highlights Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in recruitment leads to enhanced innovation, improved decision-making, and an expanded talent pool DEI practices in hiring promote employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, which in turn enhances the organization’s reputation and brand
Developing a Winning Interviewing Strategy: Attract and Hire Top Talent in the US Market
Introduction The US job market is a dynamic and competitive landscape. Attracting and securing the best American talent for international businesses expanding into this vast terrain can be a significant hurdle. Navigating the complexities of the US job market can
Mastering Employee Retention Strategies for 2024
In the dynamic landscape of 2024, where the competition for talent is fiercer than ever, employee retention has become a top priority for businesses. Retaining top talent is not only crucial for maintaining a competitive edge but also for fostering
Harnessing the Power Of a Multigenerational Workforce
The Diverse Workforce: The New Normal The modern workplace is witnessing a significant shift as multigenerational workforces have become the new norm. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more Americans than ever before are now working past the
Five Key Metrics To Measure Employee Motivation
”An organisation is only as great as its people.”
Read more about the five key metrics to help you gauge employee motivation and ensure that your business is fired up for success.
How to have difficult conversations with employees
Learn effective strategies for having difficult conversations with employees by reading our practical tips to navigate these challenging situations.
How to onboard and manage your remote US employees effectively
Managing a remote workforce can be, at times, tricky – we have put together some tips to help you build lasting relationships with your employees.
Your 2023 HR checklist to retain your top talent
How to retain top talent and build a workplace environment where employees feel nurtured, appreciated, engaged and encouraged to succeed.
The future of employee performance reviews
How to create a fail-proof performance management review process at your organisation that fosters continuous feedback and sets up employees for success.
Understanding Generation Z in the workplace
Discover what makes Gen Z unique, what they value and expect from their employer and how to manage them in the workplace effectively.
What is the Real Cost of Hiring US Employees for Non-US Companies?
Find out the real US employment costs so you can confidently tick this box on your overall US expansion budget.
How to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace
Find out why having a diverse and inclusive workforce is important and learn about different DEI initiatives that you can start implementing today.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join more than 5,000 business professionals on Foothold America’s email list and receive exclusive content right to your inbox.
GET IN TOUCH
Contact Us
Request a quote, talk with our US expansion experts or ask any questions. We will get back to you via email in less than 24 hours.
Global HQ
68 Harrison Avenue 6th Floor Boston, MA 02111 (617) 702-3402