The reality for lean HR teams
Global hiring offers incredible opportunities for businesses to expand, diversify, and access top talent. But for lean HR teams juggling compliance, payroll, and onboarding across multiple regions, it’s not just a challenge — it’s a balancing act.
According to Gallup, 60% of full-time employees report feeling overworked, and HR professionals often carry the heaviest burden, managing rising administrative and strategic demands.
The big question is: Should you take the do-it-yourself approach when your people strategy requires hiring talent across borders, or should you partner with an Employer of Record (EOR) to simplify the process and avoid stretching yourself too thin?
We think it’s best to learn from others. Here’s why businesses like City Relay, MyTutor, and Data Science Talent decided to do so for their global hiring needs.
DIY: The risks and reality
Going it alone might seem like a straightforward option, but the reality is often far from simple.The challenges of doing it yourself:
- High costs and long timelines: Setting up a legal entity can take months (or even years) and cost tens of thousands of pounds. And don’t forget, closing one down is just as complicated.
- Unreliable local support: Sourcing local lawyers, accountants, and payroll processors can mean relying on unvetted providers who may not align with your standards.
- Limited scalability: What works in one market might not be transferable to others, leaving you stuck when you want to pivot or expand.
- Cultural and compliance pitfalls: Misunderstanding local regulations, benefits expectations, or payroll processes can lead to costly mistakes, employee dissatisfaction, and even reputational damage.
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👉 Read more: Our blog on employee or contractor highlights how misclassification risks could make a DIY approach even riskier.
Why lean HR teams choose an EOR partner
Partnering with an EOR transforms a complex, time-consuming process into something smooth and scalable.
What makes an EOR the better choice?
- Simplified compliance: An EOR acts as the legal employer for your global hires, ensuring you meet local labour laws and avoid misclassification risks.
- Cost-effective scaling: With no need to set up legal entities, you can expand into new markets quickly and affordably.
- Enhanced employee experience: Localised contracts, tailored benefits, and smooth onboarding keeps your global talent engaged and supported.
- Speed and flexibility: Onboard employees within 24 hours and pivot to new regions as your strategy evolves.
👉 Want to know how an EOR works? Check out our article: What is an EOR?
Real results: Why businesses trust Teamed
City Relay: Expanding without the stress
When City Relay decided to grow internationally, they needed a partner to navigate compliance and operational hurdles. With Teamed, they:
- Expanded their workforce by 80%, growing from 2 hires in Spain to 10 in the Philippines within 18 months.
- Cut employment costs by 80%, leveraging lower regional costs.
- Onboarded employees within 24 hours, keeping their momentum intact.
“Having Teamed as a partner made launching in a new market much easier. They handled onboarding, compliance, and everything else, so we could focus on our business.” – Amy, Head of People, City Relay
MyTutor: Retaining top talent across borders
MyTutor wanted to retain employees relocating abroad but lacked the infrastructure to manage compliance and payroll internationally. With Teamed, they:
- Supported employee relocations to Spain and South Africa without operational disruption.
- Introduced a “working abroad” policy, allowing employees to experience new regions while staying engaged.
- Expanded their talent pool to include strategic global hires.
“Managing overseas employees feels easy now because of how intuitive the platform is.” – Leadership Team, MyTutor
Data Science Talent: Seamless entry into new markets
This boutique recruitment firm needed to hire in South Africa without setting up a local entity. Our team partnered with Data Science Talent and delivered:
- 100% compliance with local labour laws.
- Tailored onboarding processes that aligned with their tight timelines.
- Ongoing support for their growing global workforce.
“Teamed feels like an extension of our team. Their human touch is rare and invaluable.” – Rachel, People Operations Manager, Data Science Talent
What’s next? Why Teamed is the right choice
If your HR team is feeling stretched, we can help:
- Simplify compliance: We handle contracts, tax regulations, and local laws, so you don’t have to.
- Save time and money: Avoid the cost and complexity of setting up legal entities.
- Enhance employee experience: From localized benefits to bespoke onboarding, we ensure your global hires feel valued.
- Scale with ease: Enter new markets and onboard employees in as little as 24 hours.
👉 Ready to simplify global hiring? Book a call today and discover how Teamed can support your growth.
