The Case for Expanding Globally in 2025

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By Michelle Saco | 20/03/2025 | 3 min read

With changing international and federal regulations and improving technology, 2025 is your year to enter the global market. With evolving workforce trends and new market opportunities, businesses that act now can gain a global edge. Find out how IRIS can help streamline your global expansion, helping you tap into new markets and improve your global presence.

Global Workforce Trends Shaping 2025

Here are some of the biggest helping 2025 be your standout year.

  • Remote Work Is the New Norm—Remote and hybrid work allows you to find the talent you need for success without breaking your budget.
  • Evolving Compliance and Employment Regulations–Regulations always change, and 2025 is no exception. Businesses that stay ahead of tax laws, hiring policies, and compliance updates will have a global edge. A proactive approach can turn regulatory changes into opportunities.
  • Emerging Markets Offer Top Talent– An expanding global talent pool of highly educated and trained employees exists. Hiring internationally through remote work eliminates the lengthy and costly visa application process, which can take over 100 days in some countries.

Why Expanding in 2025 Gives You an Edge

Here’s how expanding in 2025 sets you apart from your competition and helps your company grow.

  • Gain a Competitive Edge in Talent Acquisition - By hiring globally, you can access top-tier talent with no regard to geographic limitations. By starting to hire globally now, you have more options, ensuring you can find the talent you need.
  • Enjoy Cost-Effective Workforce Strategies - Outsourcing and using employer-of-record (EOR) solutions can help significantly cut and manage labor costs.
  • Expand Resilience and Business Continuity—Expanding your talent pool to include a global workforce gives your company operational flexibility. A larger, more skilled workforce is more resilient to market changes, ensuring you can remain profitable.

What to Watch Out for When Expanding

Here are some of the most common pitfalls companies run into that you can easily avoid.

  • Ignoring International Labor Laws and Compliance—All countries have local and federal labor laws and regulations. Ignoring international labor laws can result in lawsuits and fines.
  • Mismanaging Payroll and Benefits - It’s best practice to compensate employees through local banks and with local currency. This avoids additional transaction and wire transfer fees and exchange rates, so you can provide seamless international payroll processing and benefits administration.
  • Overlooking Cultural and Language Considerations - Utilizing a global workforce works best when you are mindful of different religions, cultures, and communities.

How to Get Started with Global Expansion in 2025

Take your first step to achieving new heights by entering the global market today. Here are three essential steps to ensure a smooth and successful transition into international markets.

  1. Assess Your Business Readiness–Global expansion is powerful, but is your business truly ready? The first step is to make an extensive audit of your existing systems, processes, needs, and goals. This should include not only where you are now but where you plan to be in one, five, and 10 years from now. A detailed report will showcase where globalization can help your company.
  2. Partner with Global Workforce Experts–An HR consultant or global payroll provider can simplify your expansion, allowing you to tap into their established global network.
    When looking for a partner, make sure they provide scalable resources for your company. They should be able to provide coverage for your immediate needs, and have the resources as your company continues to expand.
  3. Leverage Technology for Success–Automation and AI tools will help streamline your processes allowing you to achieve more without having to work longer hours.

Go Global in 2025 with IRIS

Companies that expand globally in 2025 will be better positioned for long-term success. With evolving workforce trends, increasing demand for specialized talent, and new tech-driven solutions for global hiring, businesses that act now can build a stronger, more resilient future. IRIS provides an end-to-end global workforce management solution, helping businesses hire, pay, and stay compliant in over 135 countries.

IRIS streamlines international payroll compliance while paying your team on time and in full. See how partnering with IRIS can simplify your global expansion– connect with us today.