Global Workforce Management
7 min read

Top 3 Employer of Record (EOR) Services for Managing Global Talent

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Written by
Paul Arnesen
Published on
July 6, 2023
Global Workforce Management
Compliance Management

In today's globalised business environment, companies are increasingly looking to hire and manage talent worldwide.

This presents a unique challenge, as navigating the complexities of international employment laws, payroll taxes, and compliance can be daunting.

That's where Employer of Record (EOR) services come in.

EOR services act as a legal employer for your remote workers in foreign countries, taking on the administrative and legal responsibilities associated with international employment.

This comprehensive guide will explore the top three EOR services I recommend – Deel, Lano, and Boundless – and discuss why they are the best choices for businesses looking to hire global remote workers.

What is an Employer of Record (EOR)? 

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party organisation that takes on the legal responsibility of employing remote workers on behalf of a company.

They handle payroll, taxes, employee benefits, and compliance with local labour laws.

By using an EOR service, businesses can expand their operations and hire talent from around the world without having to navigate the complexities of international employment on their own.

Top 3 Employer of Record Services: Deel, Lano, and Boundless 

Deel, Lano, and Boundless – why they stand out as the best choices, in my opinion, for businesses looking to hire global remote workers.

Deel

Deel is a leading EOR service specialising in global hiring, payroll taxes, and compliance risks.

They offer a comprehensive solution for businesses to rapidly employ talent in over 150 countries without establishing a legal entity in each country.

Key Features of Deel:

  • Comprehensive global hiring solution, including onboarding, payroll, and benefits administration
  • Automated payroll processing, with support for multiple currencies and tax withholdings
  • Real-time compliance monitoring, leveraging local legal experts to ensure adherence to changing regulations
  • 24/7 customer support and live chat, providing prompt and efficient assistance
  • Integrated contract management, allowing for advanced customisation of contracts

Click here to explore Deel

Lano 

Lano is an EOR service providing a seamless experience for businesses hiring and managing international workers.

They offer a user-friendly platform that simplifies the process of onboarding, payroll, and compliance management for remote teams.

Key Features of Lano:

  • A centralised platform for managing international payroll, onboarding, and compliance
  • In-depth reporting capabilities, allowing for real-time monitoring of employee status and payroll expenses
  • Customisable contracts and agreements, ensuring compliance with local labour laws and regulations
  • Dedicated customer support, offering expert guidance and assistance throughout the employment process
  • Integration with popular HR tools and systems, streamlining the management of global teams

Click here to explore Lano

Boundless 

Boundless is an EOR service that helps companies hire, onboard, and manage employees in multiple countries.

They offer a technology-driven solution that simplifies international employment by taking care of payroll, compliance, and benefits on behalf of the business.

Key Features of Boundless:

  • Expertise in managing employees across various countries, ensuring compliance with local labour laws and regulations
  • Comprehensive payroll processing, including handling tax deductions, social contributions, and benefits administration
  • Customisable employment contracts tailored to the specific requirements of each jurisdiction
  • The cloud-based platform provides a centralised and secure solution for managing international teams
  • Dedicated account managers and customer support, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for both employers and employees

Click here to explore Boundless

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an EOR Service 

When selecting an EOR service for your business, it's essential to consider the following factors:

  • Coverage: Ensure that the EOR service has expertise in the countries where you plan to hire remote workers. This will ensure that they can effectively handle local compliance and legal requirements.
  • Ease of use: Look for an EOR service that offers a user-friendly platform, making it easy for your HR team to manage the entire employment process.
  • Customer support: Choose an EOR provider that offers dedicated customer support and guidance, ensuring that you have access to expert assistance throughout the employment process.
  • Cost: Compare the pricing structures of different EOR providers to find a solution that offers the best value for your business.

Benefits of Using an EOR Service

There are several benefits to using an EOR service for your international workforce:

  • Simplified global hiring: EOR services handle the complex administrative tasks of employing remote workers, allowing you to focus on your core business operations.
  • Reduced compliance risks: EOR providers ensure that your business remains compliant with local labour laws and regulations, reducing the risk of fines, penalties, and legal actions.
  • Streamlined payroll and benefits administration: EOR services manage payroll processing, tax withholdings, and benefits administration on behalf of your business, ensuring that your employees receive their pay and benefits in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Access to global talent: Using an EOR service allows your business to tap into a global talent pool, enabling you to build a diverse and skilled workforce.

How to Transition to an EOR Service

Transitioning to an EOR service involves several steps:

  • Assess your current HR processes: Review your current HR processes and identify areas where an EOR service can provide support, such as payroll, compliance, and benefits administration.
  • Select the right EOR provider: Evaluate different EOR providers based on their coverage, ease of use, customer support, and cost to find the best fit for your business.
  • Prepare your team: Communicate the transition to your HR team and provide them with the necessary training and resources to manage the new EOR platform effectively.
  • Onboard your remote workers: Work with your EOR provider to onboard your international employees, ensuring they have the necessary documentation and support to begin working for your company.
  • Monitor and optimise: Continuously review and optimise your EOR processes to ensure that your business and employees are receiving the maximum benefits from the service.

EOR vs. PEO: What's the Difference? 

While both EOR and PEO services provide support for businesses looking to hire and manage international workers, there are some critical differences between the two:

  • EOR: An EOR service acts as the legal employer for your remote workers in foreign countries, taking on the administrative and legal responsibilities associated with international employment. This includes payroll, taxes, employee benefits, and compliance with local labour laws.
  • PEO: A PEO (Professional Employer Organization) service enters a co-employment relationship with your business, providing HR support and outsourcing services to help you manage your international workforce. PEO services typically include payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management, but they do not act as the legal employer for your remote workers.

In summary, if your business is looking to hire remote workers in a country where you do not have a legal entity established, an EOR service may be the best option.

A PEO service may be more suitable if you already have a legal entity in a foreign country and need additional support to manage your international workforce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about EOR Services

Q: How does an EOR service ensure compliance with local labour laws?

A: EOR services work closely with local legal experts to stay current on the latest labour laws and regulations in each country where they operate. They ensure that your business remains compliant by handling tasks such as payroll processing, tax withholdings, and employee benefits administration on your behalf.

Q: Can I use an EOR service for hiring independent contractors?

A: Yes, many EOR services also provide support for hiring and managing independent contractors. They can help you navigate the unique compliance requirements associated with contractor employment, such as managing tax withholdings and ensuring that contracts comply with local laws.

Q: What are the costs associated with using an EOR service?

A: The costs of using an EOR service can vary depending on the provider and their services. Typically, EOR providers charge a flat rate per employee or contractor hired through their service. Some providers may also offer additional services, such as international recruiting or benefits administration, which may incur additional fees.

Tips for Managing a Global Workforce with an EOR Service

Here are some tips for effectively managing a global workforce with the help of an EOR service:

  • Communication: Establish clear lines of communication with your remote workers and ensure they have access to the necessary resources and support.
  • Collaboration: Encourage collaboration and teamwork among your global team members using video conferencing, project management software, and instant messaging platforms.
  • Cultural sensitivity: Foster a culture of inclusiveness and respect by understanding and embracing your international workforce's diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Performance management: Implement performance management processes tailored to your remote workers' unique needs and expectations, ensuring that they have the support and feedback they need to succeed.
  • Professional development: Provide opportunities for your remote workers to grow and develop their skills, such as through training programs, mentoring, and career development initiatives.

Preparing for the Future of Work with EOR Services

As the future of work continues to evolve, businesses must adapt to the changing landscape by embracing new technologies and strategies for managing a global workforce.

EOR services are a powerful tool for companies looking to access top talent worldwide and navigate the complexities of international employment.

By partnering with a reputable EOR service, businesses can streamline their global hiring processes, ensure compliance with local labour laws, and provide a seamless experience for their remote workers. In doing so, they can position themselves for success in the increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Click here to explore Deel

Click here to explore Lano

Click here to explore Boundless

Conclusion

In conclusion, Employer of Record services are a critical resource for businesses looking to hire and manage a global workforce.

By partnering with a top EOR provider like Deel, Lano, or Boundless, companies can navigate the complexities of international employment, ensuring compliance with local labour laws and providing a seamless experience for their remote workers.

Working with me helping you understand your needs and assist your company develop a sound human capital strategy where an EOR is involved is recommended.

As the future of work continues to evolve, EOR services will play an increasingly important role in helping businesses adapt to the changing landscape and remain competitive in the global marketplace.

By considering the factors discussed in this guide and choosing the right EOR service for your business, you can set your company up for success in the world of remote work and international expansion.

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Compliance Management
EOR Services
Global Hiring
Workforce Expansion
Human Capital Strategist
Paul Arnesen
Human Capital Strategist
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