ADP Payroll Around The World

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.TimestampsIntro [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]CreditsExecutive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate AllenExecutive Producer for Storythings: Matt LockeRecorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris MitchellScripted and hosted by: Luisa RollenhagenGuest interview recorded by: Emma GrimaProject Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

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.TimestampsIntro [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] CreditsExecutive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate AllenExecutive Producer for Storythings: Matt LockeRecorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris MitchellScripted and hosted by: Luisa RollenhagenGuest interview recorded by: Adam WilliamsVoiceover spoken by: Emmanuel CalleProject Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Singapore is high on many multinational businesses’ list when it comes to establishing a base in Asia. Thanks to its strategic location, state-of-the-art digital infrastructure, and transparent legal framework, the country is considered to be one of Asia’s most business-friendly destinations. At the same time, Singapore’s payroll system reflects the country’s broader economic priorities: attracting global talent, encouraging local employment, and leveraging technology to maintain high levels of compliance and efficiency.  In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by ADP experts Yvonne Teo and Vidhya Ramamoorthy, who’ll guide us through the intricacies of payroll in Singapore. We’ll discuss the different types of mandatory employee and employer contribution schemes, work regulations for expats, locals, and permanent residents, and current trends in the labor market. We also speak to Carmen, a Malaysian expat in Singapore who has just applied for permanent residency in order to access key social benefits. TimestampsIntro [00:07] Singapore’s economy and business landscape [03:20] What are some challenges for multinationals? [06:30] Breaking down the Central Provident Fund (CPF) [09:18] Self-help group contributions [12:07] The Foreign Worker Levy [14:14] How Singapore is encouraging the hiring of local talent [16:00] Carmen’s story [17:37] Permanent Residency and the CPF [22:20] The IR21 tax clearance [24:16] The Fair Consideration Framework [25:53] The Skills Development Levy [27:26] Upskilling an aging workforce [30:15] How is ADP helping multinationals? [32:00] CreditsExecutive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate AllenExecutive Producer for Storythings: Matt LockeRecorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris MitchellScripted and hosted by: Luisa RollenhagenGuest interview recorded by: Ee Ming TohProject Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Italy is a key player in the European economy, famous for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and iconic cuisine. From Milan’s fashion houses to the industry centers of Turin, Italy’s economy features a dynamic mix of manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture. The European country is also one of the world’s top wine producers, along with France. But despite Italy’s economic strengths, the country still suffers from a skilled labor shortage, particularly in sectors such as tech and IT, as well as manufacturing, engineering, and healthcare.In this episode of Payroll Around the World, ADP experts Marcela Uribe and Innocenzo Casanova talk about the complexities of running payroll in Italy, including union agreements, social security contributions, and the importance of government certificates for businesses. We also speak to Andrea, a copywriter in Milan who recently completed an upskilling program sponsored by his employer. In order to address the skilled labor shortage, many businesses in Italy are investing in their existing workforce and offering upskilling and training opportunities to future-proof their employees.TimestampsIntro [00:07]What do you love about payroll in Italy? [04:07]Italy’s economy [04:44]Compliance challenges [08:49]The importance of second-level agreements [12:00]Social security contributions [16:38]How ADP is helping clients navigate compliance challenges [19:08]The DURC certificate [20:35]Labor consulting firms [23:35]Andrea’s story [25:32]The skilled labor shortage and upskilling [29:00]The demand for flexible and remote working options [31:34]CreditsExecutive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate AllenExecutive Producer for Storythings: Matt LockeRecorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris MitchellScripted and hosted by: Luisa RollenhagenGuest interview recorded by: Alessio PerroneProject Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Spain is one of the fastest-growing economies in the Eurozone, with tourism, agriculture, and renewable energies being the most prominent industries. Ibiza, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Málaga—the islands and cities along the Mediterranean coast are beloved destinations for all those seeking some fun in the sun. Every year, seasonal workers travel to the country’s southern coasts and islands to work in the countless hotels, bars, and restaurants that cater to the rush of tourists. The prominence of seasonal workers can present significant payroll challenges that employers should be aware of.In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by ADP experts Marcela Uribe and Barbara Gomez. They’ll talk us through the ins and outs of processing payroll in Spain, including the rules around employing seasonal workers and how social security contributions affect payroll cycles. We also speak to Lorea, a seasonal hospitality worker in Valencia, who tells us more about the benefits and challenges of working during Spain’s busy summer months.TimestampsIntro [00:07]Cultural challenges [03:17]The Spanish economy [07:41]Running payroll in the tourism sector [10:11]Lorea’s story [15:26]Social security obligations in Spain [20:25]Gender pay gap reporting obligations [24:01]The importance of work-life balance for employees [26:05]How ADP is helping clients [27:24]What’s exciting about payroll in Spain? [28:55]CreditsExecutive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate AllenExecutive Producer for Storythings: Matt LockeRecorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris MitchellScripted and hosted by: Luisa RollenhagenGuest interview recorded by: Lourdes Velasco PlaProject Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

China may no longer hold the title of the most populous country in the world—that distinction has now gone to India—but its 1.4 billion citizens and a GDP of around 18 trillion US dollars still make it a political and economic powerhouse. From the manufacturing and tech sectors to green energy and services, China offers vast opportunities to multinational businesses, but the unique payroll challenges should not be underestimated.In this episode of Payroll Around the World, we’re joined by ADP experts Lily Ma and Junbin Li as they guide us through some of China’s most important labor laws and compliance issues, as well as local regulations. We’ll discuss China’s sophisticated social insurance system, the varying rules across its provinces and cities, and the mandatory Public Housing Fund, a housing allowance for workers that both employers and employees contribute to. We also hear from Dongdong, a teacher in Shanghai, who tells us her personal experiences with the housing fund and how she and her husband used it to purchase a home.TimestampsIntro [00:07]Navigating China’s many provinces [04:44]China’s income tax system [09:14]Unique data privacy laws and how ADP is helping [14:07]China’s Housing Provident Fund [18:15]Dongdong’s story [21:20]What’s exciting about payroll in China? [25:40]CreditsExecutive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate AllenExecutive Producer for Storythings: Matt LockeRecorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris MitchellScripted and hosted by: Luisa RollenhagenGuest interview recorded by: Rebecca KanthorProject Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Germany is Europe’s largest economy and a popular destination for investors, who appreciate its strategically central location and its history as a strong exporter nation. Known as a leader in engineering and manufacturing, it particularly relies on small and medium-sized businesses to drive growth and innovation. The country is also considered to be quite employee-friendly and has a robust social insurance system that’s also reflected in the complexity of its payroll.  That’s why running payroll in Germany requires a deep knowledge of employee rights—such as the role of workers’ councils—and government regulations. We speak to ADP experts Thomas Zimmerman and Johannes Schwarzer, who share their insights and create an in-depth picture of work and pay in Germany. We also catch up with Manuel, a teacher in Berlin who’s currently in the process of forming a workers’ council with his colleagues.TimestampsIntro [00:08]What makes German payroll unique? [03:20]Germany’s skilled labor shortage [08:42]Germany’s regulatory landscape [11:20]Digitalization efforts and how ADP is helping [13:02]Data privacy [15:26]Manuel’s story [17:03]The role of workers’ councils [22:35]Germany’s labor protection laws [24:55]What do you find exciting about payroll in Germany? [26:44]CreditsExecutive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate AllenExecutive Producer for Storythings: Matt LockeRecorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris MitchellScripted and hosted by: Luisa RollenhagenGuest interview recorded by: Kaukab Shairani Project Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet

Brazil is South America’s largest economy and has traditionally relied on agriculture and manufacturing, but sectors such as e-commerce are also starting to thrive. While this makes Brazil an attractive market for multinational businesses looking to gain a foothold in the South American continent, they’ll also need to contend with challenges surrounding the country’s rapidly changing legislative landscape and the prevalence of sector-specific unions, with the latest figures registering 8.4 million people as union members in jobs such as fast food restaurant employees, hotel cleaning staff, and bakery employees.In this episode, we’re joined by ADP experts Beatriz Neves and Luiz Bernabe, who give us their best tips on navigating the country’s union landscape and dealing with rapidly changing laws, which can often come into effect retroactively.  We’ll also talk about the role ADP Brazil’s own legal team plays in advising the government on legal changes, and how they help clients stay compliant. In addition, we speak to Jocinete, a hotel maid in São Paulo who’s a union member that represents hotel workers. TimestampsIntro [00:07]The labor market in Brazil [04:42]A rapidly changing legal landscape [05:56]Explaining obligations and events [07:26]What surprises clients about payroll in Brazil? [10:50]How ADP helps clients stay compliant [13:27]Jocinete’s story [18:30]The role of unions in Brazil [21:20]Looking towards the future [25:30]CreditsExecutive Producers for ADP: Nicola Smith and Kate AllenExecutive Producer for Storythings: Matt LockeRecorded, edited, mixed and mastered by: Chris MitchellScripted and hosted by: Luisa RollenhagenGuest interview recorded by: Lise AlvesVoiceover spoken by: Lise AlvesProject Manager: Aimee Perrinjaquet