Industry: Media & Investigative Journalism
Headquarters: United States
Global Employees: ~20
Key Benefits of Working with Atlas HXM
Compliant employment in regulated European markets
Successful journalism-specific CBA application
Contractor-to-employee conversions in France and Spain
Centralized payroll and workforce management platform
About
The Examination is an independent nonprofit newsroom dedicated to investigative reporting on global public health. Its work focuses on uncovering preventable health harms linked to powerful industries, using evidence-based journalism to drive accountability and transparency.
Collaborating with media partners worldwide, The Examination produces in-depth reporting designed to inform public understanding and support systemic change. Its international scope and mission-driven model require a workforce structure that supports cross-border collaboration while maintaining operational integrity.
Challenge
As The Examination transitioned away from its fiscal sponsor and began to operate independently, it needed to establish compliant employment structures to support its growing international team. This included converting contractors into formal employees while ensuring alignment with local labour laws.
The complexity intensified when hiring a journalist in France under a specific collective bargaining agreement (CBA) for media professionals. Four other Employer of Record (EOR) providers were unable to support the required framework, creating compliance risk and the potential for hiring delays.
"Atlas HXM was able to apply the required journalism CBA for our hire in France. I had spoken with four other EOR providers before, and none of them could make that structure work." — Jennifer Stieve, Director of Finance, The Examination
Working with Atlas HXM
Atlas HXM supported The Examination in establishing compliant employment structures across Europe, including the successful conversion of contractors into formal employees in both France and Spain.
By applying the required journalism-specific CBA in France, Atlas HXM enabled The Examination to hire critical talent within a regulated employment framework that other EOR providers were unable to support.
Beyond compliance, Atlas HXM provided a centralized payroll and workforce management platform, giving The Examination a single, clear view of its international workforce and the freedom to focus on its reporting mission.
"The experience has been great. Support has been very fast, the platform is easy to use and understand, and our employees have been able to connect with local support when needed." — Jennifer Stieve, Director of Finance, The Examination
Impact
By partnering with Atlas HXM, The Examination successfully transitioned from a fiscal sponsorship model to a compliant, independent international employment structure. Contractor conversions in France and Spain were completed within local regulatory frameworks, reducing compliance exposure and strengthening operational control.
With the required CBA in place and payroll centralized through a single platform, The Examination can now hire and manage employees across borders with clarity and confidence. The organization has established a stable European employment structure to support additional roles as it continues to grow.