Ensuring Multijurisdictional Compliance for GovCons in a Remote Work Era
Table of Contents
- Getting Started with Compliance
- Conduct a Jurisdictional Analysis
- Use Technology
- Invest in Regular Compliance Reviews
- Key Takeaways
- About the Author, Wendy Rufo
One of the biggest benefits of a remote workforce is tapping into talent nationwide that companies would otherwise not be able to reach. Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, many government contractors (GovCons) adjusted to this new reality of a remote workforce. Remote work can provide flexibility and cost savings, but it also poses unique challenges for GovCon accounting.
Operating in a multijurisdictional environment requires compliance with multiple layers of regulation, including varying laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. To manage compliance effectively in this new reality, GovCons need a practical and tactical approach that considers these unique challenges. So how do you get started?
Conduct a Jurisdictional Analysis
This involves identifying the locations and related applicable laws and regulations that govern the business operations in each jurisdiction where the GovCon operates and where its employees are located.
Congratulations – you just hired your very first employee in New York! Why is everyone asking you if you know the employment laws there – you’re a Virginia company, you follow Virginia law, right?
WRONG! Operating in a multijurisdictional environment poses many challenges, particularly when managing a remote and distributed workforce. Not only are GovCons required to comply with a variety of contract demands, but managing compliance with additional regulations across jurisdictions can be incredibly time-consuming and complex.
Use Technology
Compliance management software may be a good choice if your organization is managing employees in multiple jurisdictions. Use technology to plan, organize, and communicate your organization’s compliance obligations. These programs can be scaled as you grow, adding additional localities to provide deadlines and reminders for compliance-related requirements and automating many tasks such as report generation or notifications.
Invest in Regular Compliance Reviews
GovCons should develop processes to regularly review their programs, policies, and practices for compliance obligations across jurisdictions and service areas. BOOST can provide guidance on requirements and help your GovCon navigate the complex web of multijurisdictional compliance. From policy development to handbook communications, let us BOOST your confidence that you are compliant, avoiding costly investments of time, money, and reputational impact. Get in touch with us today.
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Key Takeaways
- Remote Work Opportunities and Challenges: A remote workforce offers the benefit of accessing nationwide talent, but it also presents unique challenges for government contractors (GovCons), particularly in managing multijurisdictional compliance.
- Understanding Multijurisdictional Compliance: Operating across multiple jurisdictions requires compliance with varying laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels. Awareness of these laws is crucial.
- Jurisdictional Analysis: This is an essential first step for any GovCon with a remote workforce, identifying applicable laws and regulations in each operational jurisdiction.
- Navigating Multijurisdictional Challenges: Compliance with regulations across jurisdictions can be time-consuming and complex. Misunderstanding these laws can lead to serious, potentially expensive consequences.
- The Role of Technology: Compliance management software can simplify the process of managing compliance across multiple jurisdictions. These tools can help plan, organize, and communicate your organization’s compliance obligations.
- Regular Compliance Reviews: Regular review of programs, policies, and practices is necessary to ensure continued compliance across all jurisdictions.
- BOOST’s Role: BOOST can provide guidance on requirements and help your GovCon navigate the complex web of multijurisdictional compliance, from policy development to handbooks or other policy communications.
About the Author, Wendy Rufo
Wendy Rufo has over 20 years’ experience in GovCon Human Resources specializing in HR mentorship, strategy and compliance, policy and procedure best practices, benefits compliance/administration and talent relations. Wendy brings her extensive experience to GovCon clients, BOOSTing their HR organizations to the next level.
