The Changing Landscape of Workforce Policies
Governments worldwide are rolling out new labor regulations, immigration policies, and compliance mandates that impact hiring and workforce strategies. For HR leaders and business executives, staying ahead of these changes is critical.
"There’s a lot of regime changes and a lot of new regulations coming in," said Bjorn Reynolds, CEO of Safeguard Global. "It can get overwhelming, and organizations need to be proactive in understanding what’s coming and how to stay compliant."
In this webinar, Bjorn Reynolds (CEO, Safeguard Global), Katherine Loranger (CPO, Safeguard Global), and Anthony Smith (CHRO, Accertify) break down the most pressing workforce policy shifts businesses must prepare for in 2025. Watch the on-demand webinar now.
U.S. Workforce Regulations: What’s Changing?
New U.S. labor laws are redefining compliance requirements, increasing payroll costs, and reshaping hiring strategies.
- Worker classification reforms could force companies to reclassify independent contractors, impacting cost structures.
- Stricter visa policies may restrict access to global talent, forcing businesses to rethink workforce distribution.
- Expanded labor protections are placing greater scrutiny on employer compliance, increasing the risk of penalties.
- H-1B visa program changes will make it more difficult and expensive for companies to hire foreign talent, creating new hiring challenges in industries reliant on global expertise.
"What we’re seeing is a shift towards greater enforcement," said Smith. "Businesses that aren’t prepared could face legal risks and talent shortages. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about workforce strategy."
Global Policy Shifts in the U.K. and Canada
Beyond the U.S., labor policy changes in other key markets are also shaping global workforce strategies.
- The U.K. – Proposed labor reforms under the Keir Starmer administration could redefine worker classification and strengthen labor rights.
- Canada – Decentralization of labor policies is creating province-specific employment laws, leading to increased compliance complexity for multinational employers.
- AI in workforce management – Global discussions on AI regulations in hiring, monitoring, and compliance are gaining traction.
"Companies operating internationally can’t afford to take a wait-and-see approach," said Loranger. "They need to build flexibility into their workforce models to adapt quickly as these changes unfold."
Hybrid, Remote, and the Future of Work
The push and pull between hybrid, remote, and in-office work remains a defining challenge for companies worldwide.
- 72% of executives expect hybrid work to remain a long-term strategy, but regulatory changes may impact how companies structure their workforce.
- Remote work taxation and labor laws are evolving, requiring proactive compliance measures.
- Retention data shows that companies embracing flexible models see 35% higher retention rates than those enforcing full-time office policies.
"Organizations need to balance flexibility with compliance," said Reynolds. "It’s not just about where people work—it’s about ensuring that workforce policies, compensation, and regulations align with new legal realities."
Check Out the Full Webinar
Don’t wait for workforce policies to catch you off guard. In this discussion, our expert panel shares:
- How to navigate regulatory changes in the U.S., U.K., and Canada
- Best practices for compliance in a global workforce
- Strategies for workforce resilience amid policy uncertainty
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