The rise of remote work has fundamentally changed how we approach our jobs. Many companies are embracing the flexibility of remote work, allowing employees to work from wherever they feel most comfortable and productive.
According to a recent Gallup survey, more than 60% of American workers are still working from home (WFH), and this trend is expected to continue. Workers have generally adapted well to this new setup, with 59% reporting that they feel more disciplined or creative at home and would like to continue working remotely.
As American workers spread out across the country, many are moving to smaller cities or towns, leading to a redistribution of populations and potentially lowering rents in once unaffordable areas. This shift might also result in reduced emissions due to less commuting.
However, not all remote workers are finding this transition seamless, particularly Canadians living and working in the US.
Understanding the Unique Situation of Canadian Employees in the US
Canada and the US share many similarities in geography, language, culture, and standard of living, yet they are still distinct countries. A Canadian living in the Bay Area who hails from Vancouver might be physically closer to their family than a colleague whose family lives in New York City, but they face unique challenges. They often need to stay in the US to keep their job, as working remotely from another country isn’t always feasible.
This situation puts Canadians living in the US in a difficult position—they’re neither far enough from home to feel completely isolated nor close enough to easily return to their loved ones. With this in mind, it’s an opportune time to ask your Canadian employees, “How are you doing?”
Checking In with Your Canadian Employees
There are approximately 900,000 Canadians living in the United States. Some returned home when the pandemic began, emphasizing the importance of being closer to family. However, many have stayed in the US, choosing job security over the ability to be with loved ones.
This makes it more important than ever to check in with your Canadian employees.
If you’ve never really checked in with your employees on a personal level before, consider establishing structured, daily check-ins. The key is consistency, showing your employees that their well-being is a priority.
While a quick Slack message or email might suffice, video conferencing is the best option when possible. Seeing each other’s faces helps pick up on visual cues, reduces feelings of isolation, and fosters a sense of security and openness—important for ensuring your Canadian workers feel heard and supported.
Ask if They Would Prefer to Return Home to Canada
Once you’ve established a level of trust and openness, if your Canadian employee mentions missing their family or wanting to return to Canada, consider offering them the opportunity to move back home while keeping their job.
Even if your company doesn’t have a Canadian office, this doesn’t mean remote work from Canada is off the table. You can hire them through an Employer of Record (EOR).
Hiring Your Canadian Workers Through an EOR
An Employer of Record (EOR) enables US-based companies to hire international professionals remotely from their home country—in this case, Canada. The EOR technically employs your Canadian worker, handling local payroll and taking care of administrative, legal, and tax matters, while you manage the day-to-day aspects of their job. It’s as if your US company had an office in Canada.
This arrangement allows your Canadian worker to keep their job, live in Canada, and enjoy the benefits of their Canadian citizenship.
There are many practical benefits for US employers hiring Canadian workers through an EOR. While you retain management over the employee, the EOR assumes responsibility for employment-related tasks—such as reporting wages, handling employment taxes, and managing payroll.
A Canadian EOR can also represent the US employer in employee disputes, workers’ compensation claims, and other legal matters. Some EORs even cover human resource tasks like recruiting, hiring, and family leave.
By hiring through an EOR, you can make your Canadian employee’s wish to return home a reality, while ensuring they remain a valued part of your team.
Let Syndesus Help
Syndesus empowers you to enhance your Canadian employees’ quality of life. Remote work has redefined what a “normal” workday looks like, and many employees have experienced the highs and lows of this new reality. The best thing you can do for your Canadian employees right now is to show them you care—and perhaps give them the opportunity to work from home in Canada.
Syndesus, with operations in both Canada and Silicon Valley, can help your Canadian workers relocate to Canada and continue working for your US-based company. In a year of unprecedented changes, working with Syndesus to employ Canadian workers might be the simplest and most straightforward decision you make.
Want to learn more? Book a consultation to find out how you can leverage Syndesus to easily and legally employ your Canadian workers remotely from Canada.
