When internationalization becomes a problem

Compliance regulations in HR and workforce management often differ significantly from place to place and can also change at different times. Compliance with these regulations depends on an organization's ability to quickly respond to - or even anticipate - changes in existing laws and regulations, and then implement appropriate actions and adjustments. SumTotal shows how prioritizing strategic starting points can help get a handle on managing complex international compliance requirements.

Companies expect foreign organizations to comply with their laws and regulations. Each market has different challenges in doing so. An essential first step in navigating these waters is to understand local regulations. This should be done by first making a list of the domestic laws with which an organization complies, and then identifying the corresponding laws in foreign markets. When in doubt, working with a local expert is a good way to ensure that all laws and regulations that relate to operations in that country have been captured.

Managing employees at a global level requires expertise at a local level. When it comes to implementing compliance training, this is the surest way to gain employee buy-in or genuine participation. Organizations should therefore build programs that match local culture, local labor markets, and the needs of local business units. Modern systems such as learning management systems (LMS) or a new generation of learning management experience platforms (LMXP) help respond efficiently to training challenges. By systematizing and automating various aspects of training, global standards can be established and a central platform for program implementation is created.

"The quality of the learning paths you provide to your employees is, of course, highly dependent on the LMS or LMXP you use"explains Aristotle Kabarganos, Sales Director Central Europe at SumTotal. "For this reason, when choosing a solution, it's important to check that it has the right features."