Switzerland is most often associated with chocolate, extraordinarily beautiful mountains, banks, and precise clockwork. But behind the European country’s picturesque Alpine landscape lies a patchwork of regulations and compliance issues that can catch multinational employers off guard. While Switzerland sits at the heart of Europe, it’s crucially not part of the European Union. That independence strongly shapes its employment laws, social security system, and payroll rules. Its federal system also adds complexity: Switzerland is split up into 26 cantons - basically states or provinces - and has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. This means that employment conditions, payslips, and HR documentation often vary by region.

Payroll professionals also need to contend with the large number of cross-border workers that move back and forth between Switzerland and its neighbouring countries, particularly France and Italy. Many Swiss citizens also move across the border while continuing to work in Switzerland, so that understanding bilateral agreements becomes crucial to compliance. In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by ADP experts Maryline Duret, Business Development Manager at ADP Switzerland, and Dimitri Guilbaud, Director of ADP Switzerland, as they share their insights on navigating Switzerland’s payroll system. We also speak with Banu, a Swiss citizen who has moved to France while continuing to work in Geneva.

Timestamps

• Intro [00:07]
• Switzerland’s appeal as a business destination [03:55]
• Movement of employees across borders [05:57]
• The complexity of the cantons [07:27]
• Banu’s story [14:20]
• Bilateral agreements between Switzerland and its neighbours [17:58]
• Remote working across borders [18:57]
• The three pillars of Switzerland’s pension system [20:29]
• Managing reporting requirements via Swissdec [22:09]
• Timesheets in Switzerland [24:52]

Credits

• Executive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate Allen
• Executive Producer for Storythings: Matt Locke
• Lead Producer for Storythings: Chris Mitchell
• Scripted and hosted by: Luisa Rollenhagen
• Guest interview recorded by: Aylin Elci
• Voiceover for guest interview:Eleni Stefanou
• Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs. The special administrative region is famous for its buzzing economy, bustling street food scene, and its strategic position as a gateway to mainland China. The region’s robust service economy and its identity as a financial powerhouse have shaped everything from its workforce to its payroll processes. Multinationals looking to gain ground in the city and benefit from its role as a financial powerhouse need to contend with a payroll environment that is both highly regulated and constantly evolving.

Hong Kong is densely populated and inhabitants must contend with housing shortages and a high cost of living. As a result, many employees have moved across the border to mainland China and commute into Hong Kong. The prevalence of cross-border workers also means that employers need to navigate different regulatory requirements for their employees depending on where they live. In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by ADP experts Jenny Sun, the Local Service Director at ADP Hong Kong, and Harry Chen, Service Director for the Asia-Pacific Region at ADP, as they share insights on navigating Hong Kong’s evolving payroll landscape. We also speak to Edmond, a financial advisor who lives in Shenzhen but works in Hong Kong, to learn more about an employee’s perspective on commuting between borders.

Timestamps

• Intro [00:07]
• Hong Kong’s labor market [04:18]
• The territorial tax system [08:23]
• The Mandatory Provident Fund [13:50]
• Cross-border employees [24:07]
• Edmond’s story [24:56]
• Compliance challenges for cross-border employees [31:14]
• How ADP can help [34:47]

Credits

• Executive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate Allen
• Executive Producer for Storythings: Matt Locke
• Lead Producer for Storythings: Chris Mitchell
• Scripted and hosted by: Luisa Rollenhagen
• Guest interview recorded by: Kelly Yu
• Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa and one of the continent’s top three alongside Nigeria and Egypt, South Africa stands as a vital hub of economic, cultural, and political activity across the region and the continent. South Africa’s payroll and HR landscape is shaped by its complex history and strong worker protection laws. Landmark policies such as the Employment Equity Act and the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act were introduced to promote fair representation and correct past inequalities in the workplace. The country’s labor landscape is also defined by a strong union presence.

Payroll professionals also need to navigate several statutory contributions, including the Skills Development Levy (SDL), a 1% employer-paid tax designed to fund national training and development initiatives. In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by ADP experts Tracey Wiehman, Head of Services, and Oswald Bailey, Business Compliance Manager, as they share insights on navigating South Africa’s evolving payroll landscape. We also speak to Naomi, a manager at a financial institution in Johannesburg, to tell us more about her experiences with training opportunities funded by the SDL.

Timestamps

• Intro [00:07]
• South Africa’s economy [04:30]
• The unemployment rate [06:55]
• South Africa’s unions [08:04]
• 12 official languages [11:26]
• Payroll calculations [13:26]
• The Basic Conditions of Employment Act [16:33]
• The Employment Equity Act [17:08]
• The Triple B Double E Act [18:45]
• The Skills Development Levy [22:58]
• Naomi’s story [25:35]
• Payroll cycles and mandatory contributions [32:34]
• How ADP helps clients in South Africa [36:32]

Credits

• Executive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate Allen
• Executive Producer for Storythings: Matt Locke
• Lead Producer for Storythings: Chris Mitchell
• Scripted and hosted by: Luisa Rollenhagen
• Guest interview recorded by: Khanya Mtshali
• Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poland is one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies and a regional powerhouse in sectors like manufacturing and shared services. The country has made a name for itself on the global market thanks to a highly educated workforce and high foreign direct investment. After joining the European Union in 2004, Poland embarked on a new era of expansion, with access to EU funds supporting its growth and development. But for companies expanding into Poland, payroll is anything but straightforward. Any administrative processes in Poland—including payroll—are in a constant tug-of-war between modern, digital-forward methods and traditional bureaucracy. Poland’s labor code, a tapestry of communist-era laws reshaped by current EU legislation, can often be difficult to decipher for multinationals coming from abroad.

In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by ADP experts Josef Kozler, Senior Operations Director at ADP Poland, and Tomasz Czerkies, Compliance Manager, as we explore Poland’s payroll complexities. From the strict requirements for storing and indexing personnel files to the country’s overarching Polish-language mandates, they explain what global payroll professionals need to know to stay compliant and competitive in one of Europe’s most promising yet demanding markets. We’re also joined by Jarek, an office manager at a law firm in Warsaw, who’s leading the firm’s transition away from paper files to a more digital system.

Timestamps

• Intro [00:07]
• Poland’s labor landscape [04:54]
• Payroll complexity, including retrocalculations [06:27]
• Interpreting Poland’s labor laws [12:38]
• Tax and social security obligations [17:13]
• Digitizing personnel files [20:27]
• Jarek’s story [24:36]
• How to help companies digitize their files [29:58]
• Language barriers [31:38]
• Keeping up with regulatory changes [33:08]
• The best part about Polish payroll [34:45]

Credits

• Executive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate Allen
• Executive Producer for Storythings: Matt Locke
• Lead Producer for Storythings: Chris Mitchell
• Scripted and hosted by: Luisa Rollenhagen
• Guest interview recorded by: Tadeusz Michrowski
• Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada is considered a stable, business-friendly, and economically advanced country, and it’s no surprise that many global organizations look north when expanding their operations. With 10 provinces and 3 territories, it’s also a country where payroll isn’t just federal; it’s highly regional. Employers must account for both federal programs—like the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance—and provincial employment standards, which vary widely in areas like minimum wage, overtime, vacation pay, and benefits. Quebec, in particular, has its own pension plan, privacy laws, and even language legislation requiring that key employment materials be delivered in French.

In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by ADP experts Jim Lord, President of ADP Canada, and Elvira Ciambella, Vice President of Business Innovation Transformation and Shared Services at ADP. Together, they unpack Canada’s regulatory web, complex collective bargaining agreements, and the potential of the country’s diverse workforce. We also speak to Keven, a computer science consultant for a software developer who recently moved to Montréal from Mississauga, Ontario. He describes the challenges of adapting to Quebec’s unique tax and social security system, as well as the cultural aspects of Canada’s second-most populous province.

Timestamps

• Intro [00:07]
• Canada’s labor market and economy [03:41]
• Unions in Canada [05:58]
• The potential of the talent pool [08:37]
• Quebec and dual language requirements [10:53]
• Further complexities in Quebec [12:57]
• Keven’s story [18:47]
• How Canada’s provinces create complexity [28:42]
• Pay transparency reporting requirements in British Columbia [31:11]
• The importance of financial wellness [33:42]
• Compliance regulations for ADP in Canada [36:15]

Credits

• Executive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate Allen
• Executive Producer for Storythings: Matt Locke
• Lead Producer for Storythings: Chris Mitchell
• Scripted and Luisa Rollenhagened by: Luisa Rollenhagen
• Guest interview recorded by: Adrian Ma
• Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tunisia is Africa’s northernmost country and has formed a bridge between the Mediterranean and Africa’s Maghreb region for centuries. The country follows a French-style legal framework, and while Arabic is the official language, French dominates business communications, including payslips and HR systems. English is increasingly common, but language remains a practical consideration for international teams. Tunisia’s young, highly skilled workforce also gives the country a competitive edge. A significant percentage of the population is under 30, and many young professionals are fluent in multiple languages and trained in engineering, IT, and business, making Tunisia a strategic location for global operations and shared services centers.

In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by Sonia Khachlouf, General Manager of ADP in Tunisia, and Maher Gaida, CEO of ABC Audit & Business Consulting. They’ll talk us through the ins and outs of processing payroll in Tunisia, including the rules around social security contributions and how employers make accommodations to allow employees to observe religious practices like Ramadan. We also speak to Ons, a PhD candidate in Tunis who tells us how his employer makes it possible for him to observe Ramadan.

Timestamps

• Intro [00:07]
• The Tunisian economy [03:44]
• The talent pool in Tunisia [06:03]
• Bureaucracy in Tunisia and other challenges [07:57]
• Tunisia’s unique cultural blend [10:15]
• Payroll challenges [12:31]
• Social security contributions [17:36]
• Ons’ story [24:13]
• Tunisian employers and Ramadan [26:52]
• What’s special about payroll in Tunisia? [29:03]

Credits

• Executive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate Allen
• Executive Producer for Storythings: Matt Locke
• Recorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris Mitchell
• Scripted and hosted by: Luisa Rollenhagen
• Guest interview recorded by: Nissim Gasteli
• Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Netherlands may be best known for its postcard-perfect canals, colorful fields of tulips, and a famously bicycle-friendly lifestyle, but it's also a powerhouse in the global economy. Many multinational companies choose to set their European headquarters in the Netherlands, and the country’s business-friendly environment encourages an openness towards finding the best talent, whether domestic or foreign. This attitude is best exemplified by the so-called expat scheme, also known as the 30%-ruling, which allows eligible employees to receive up to 30% of their gross salary tax-free and is meant to facilitate relocation to the Netherlands.

In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by Karin Stam, Legal Watch Analyst at ADP Netherlands, and Davy Van Iersel, General Manager of ADP Netherlands. They’ll talk us through the ins and outs of processing payroll in the Netherlands, including the rules around social security contributions and how the government is encouraging both employers and employees to embrace sustainability. We also speak to Tzula, a researcher from the USA who now lives in Delft and who was able to benefit from the 30% scheme.

Timestamps

• Intro [00:07]
• The Dutch labor market [04:07]
• Common challenges for multinationals [06:48]
• The Work Cost Scheme [09:26]
• The Expat Scheme (30% Ruling) [12:21]
• Tzula’s story [14:09]
• Social security contributions [18:21]
• Collective labor agreements [19:36]
• Reporting requirements [20:48]
• Sustainability practices [22:56]
• Bicycle schemes [25:00]
• The First Payslip [27:47]

Credits

• Executive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate Allen
• Executive Producer for Storythings: Matt Locke
• Recorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris Mitchell
• Scripted and hosted by: Luisa Rollenhagen
• Guest interview recorded by: Emma Grima
• Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From the bustling energy of Mexico City and the manufacturing hubs in Monterrey to the lush seaside towns of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico is globally known for its vibrant culture, an active tourism sector, and its key role in global supply chains. The automotive industry, electronics production, and agriculture are prominent features of Mexico’s economy. However, the country’s labor landscape is not static, and workplace informality, shifting union agreements, and a mandatory digital invoicing system are all aspects that multinationals need to be aware of.

In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we speak to ADP experts Delia Hernandez, Delivery Compliance Manager for the Americas, and Carlos Mandujano, Director of Operations for Mexico, to discuss minimum wage requirements, the national discussion around legal working hours, and many other aspects of doing business and managing a workforce in Mexico. We also hear from Marco, an employee at a major manufacturing firm that has just phased out its former 48-hour workweek.

Timestamps

• Intro [00:07]
• Mexico’s economy and labor landscape [03:40]
• The electronic invoice management (CFDI) [05:56]
• Regulatory challenges in Mexico [10:06]
• The outsourcing restriction [12:33]
• Mandatory profit-sharing[14:34]
• The minimum wage and the UMA [16:12]
• Unions in Mexico [20:05]
• How is ADP helping multinationals? [20:46]
• Marco’s story [22:52]
• The debate around the reduction of legal working hours [26:33]
• What do you love about working in payroll? [29:11]

Credits

• Executive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate Allen
• Executive Producer for Storythings: Matt Locke
• Recorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris Mitchell
• Scripted and hosted by: Luisa Rollenhagen
• Guest interview recorded by: Adam Williams
• Voiceover spoken by: Emmanuel Calle
• Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.