Home · Blog · Employer of record vs staffing agency

Employer of record vs staffing agency

September 18, 2024

What’s the difference between an EOR and a Staffing Agency?

While both EORs and staffing agencies help companies expand their teams, they differ in scope. An EOR manages the full legal responsibility for an employee, including payroll, benefits, taxes, and compliance. In contrast, a staffing agency primarily focuses on recruiting talent, leaving the hiring company to handle the legal and operational aspects of employment.

Which solution is better for building a global talent pool?

If you're looking to build a global, long-term workforce, an EOR is generally the better option. An EOR allows businesses to hire full-time employees from around the world while ensuring compliance with local labor laws. A staffing agency is ideal if your focus is more on temporary or contract-based positions.
Learn more about how to expand your global talent pool effectively by visiting What is a Global Talent Pool?.

Can an EOR help with global recruitment?

Yes, many Employer of Record services include global recruitment services, assisting businesses in finding and hiring talent in various countries. The benefit of using an EOR for global recruitment is that they streamline the process by ensuring compliance, managing employee benefits, and taking care of legal responsibilities.
For more information, see our Global Recruitment Services.

How does an EOR ensure compliance with local employment laws?

An EOR stays up-to-date with local labor laws and regulations in the countries where you plan to hire. They ensure that contracts, tax filings, and benefits are in compliance, helping businesses avoid legal risks and penalties. This is crucial for companies expanding into new global markets where local laws can be complex.

Can a staffing agency help me find global talent?

Yes, staffing agencies often have a broad network of candidates and may operate in multiple countries, which can help businesses access a global talent pool. However, they do not typically manage ongoing legal and compliance issues, which is where an EOR would be necessary if you plan to keep talent for a long-term project or full-time role.

What is the cost difference between an EOR and a staffing agency?

The costs vary depending on the scope of services. An EOR usually charges a fee based on the employee's salary, covering legal compliance, payroll, and benefits. Staffing agencies may charge a one-time recruitment fee or an ongoing fee for temporary placements, but additional legal responsibilities (payroll, taxes, etc.) will fall on the hiring company.

Which is better for hiring fractional employees: EOR or Staffing Agency?

Hiring fractional employees, who work part-time across multiple companies, can be complex, especially across borders. An EOR can simplify the process by handling the legal aspects of employment, even for part-time or temporary employees. A staffing agency may help recruit these individuals, but the EOR would manage payroll, compliance, and benefits.
For more information on fractional employees, visit our resource on What is a Fractional Employee?.

Can an EOR and a Staffing Agency work together?

Yes, a company can use both services. For example, a staffing agency may help recruit candidates, while an EOR handles the employment process once the candidates are selected, managing compliance, payroll, and benefits. This hybrid approach offers flexibility in managing both recruitment and legal responsibilities.

Conclusion

When expanding your team globally, understanding the differences between an Employer of Record and a Staffing Agency is key to selecting the right solution. While staffing agencies are excellent for temporary hiring, an EOR offers a more comprehensive solution for managing a global workforce. Whether you're building a global talent pool or hiring fractional employees, choosing the right partner can significantly impact your success.
For more insights on global talent acquisition, read our blog on What is Global Talent Acquisition?.
Safeguard Global

undefined 2024.