How to compare Employer of Record services

To learn more about what is an Employer of Record and how to determine if it's right for your business, read our article on questions to ask when choosing an Employer of Record.

So, how do you choose your Employer of Record service partner?

The truth is that much of it will depend upon your unique situation. However, some common factors should be thoroughly researched in order to select a partner who best suits your needs.

Here are five factors to consider when reviewing Employer of Record companies:

• Reputation
• Geographic experience
• Employee benefits offering
• Technology
• Servicing model

We have summarised some questions to ask in the below infographic. Click on the image to download a PDF version.

Read on to learn how to compare Employer of Record services.

1. How reputable is the Employer of Record company?

First things first. How well-established is the company?

Research their time in business and what their current client base looks like. An Employer of Record assumes responsibilities for various administrative activities in your business operations.

These might include local payroll processing, appearing as a legal employer in your host country, sponsorship applications, compliance with international labor laws and managing benefits administration for your global employees.

Therefore, you want to ensure they have long-term experience in the above to ensure workplace safety, avoid compliance risks and give you the peace of mind that your business is in good hands.

2. Does the Employer of Record have global employment experience in your geographic area?

Employee payroll service is an intricate process in which tax withholdings, insurance deductions, wage garnishments, and sick and leave accruals must be calculated.

Be sure that the Employer of Record you select has a track record of success in the geography in which you carry out your international business activity. Country, state and local tax laws and regulations vary by locality. Violation of such laws often carries the risk of civil penalties and fines.

Additionally, labour laws can vary depending on location, so you'll want to partner with an EOR familiar with international employment laws to ensure regulatory compliance.

3. What employee benefits does an Employer of Record offer? 

One of the greatest advantages of working with an EOR is the benefit systems they offer.

As they work with many businesses, EOR companies have greater buying power in the benefits market. This means that even a small business owner can offer their international employees the benefits plans typically seen in larger organisations.

Thus, you want to ensure that the EOR you choose offers benefits otherwise unavailable to your workforce.

Do they offer benefits in addition to the standard employment contract? For example, many EORs offer life insurance, training and development, and employee performance programs to permanent employees and independent contractors, among other employee benefits.

4. What technology do they use?

Technology is an integral part of working with an Employer of Record, as it is used for international employee onboarding, recording hours to process payroll and taxes, and ensuring compliance.

Ideally, you want to use a system that easily integrates with your organisation's software and allows you to manage the employee lifecycle seamlessly. Request a demo so you can determine how the user experience will work.

As you'll be transmitting large quantities of sensitive data that you have a legal responsibility to protect, you'll also want to assess the security infrastructures of their software to ensure your organisation's information remains safe.

5. What is the servicing model?

When assessing which provider might be the best partner for your organisation, consider their servicing model.

Is it a one-size-fits-all approach, or do they customise their model based on the needs of their client company? Do they primarily communicate through an online portal or would you be assigned a designated point of contact to whom you can escalate issues and consult with queries?

Another factor to consider is whether the service you're interested in procuring is a core part of their business. Ideally, this would be the case, as you'd receive the care and attention you expect and deserve.

Find the best, cost-effective solutions for your business with Airswift

When weighing which company to partner with for comprehensive Human Resources services, assess a variety of factors to be sure that you're selecting a solution that allows you to focus on what matters most - your business's growth objectives and success!

Contact our Employer of Record specialists for more advice on choosing the best approach for your business needs.