Global Workforce Management

12 mins read

Comparing Employer of Record Against Common Law Employer

Published on:

Mar 11, 2024

Updated on:

Apr 1, 2025

Rivermate | Comparing Employer of Record Against Common Law Employer

What is an Employer of Record?

An Employer of Record (EOR) is a third-party entity that takes on the legal responsibility for hiring, managing and paying employees. It provides an alternative to traditional employment models by allowing companies to outsource their payroll, human resources and other administrative tasks associated with employing staff. This type of arrangement can be beneficial in certain situations where businesses need additional help but don't have the capacity or expertise to manage it themselves. The EOR model has become increasingly popular over recent years as more organizations look for ways to reduce costs while still providing quality services. By outsourcing these responsibilities, employers are able to focus on core business activities without having to worry about compliance issues or employee management concerns. Additionally, they may also benefit from access to specialized talent pools not available through traditional staffing methods such as recruitment agencies or job boards.

At its most basic level, an employer of record acts like a middleman between the company and its employees; taking care of all paperwork related matters including contracts, taxes and benefits administration so that employers do not have too much hassle when dealing with them directly themselves - this makes it easier for both parties involved in any given situation! The EOR will typically handle everything from onboarding new hires right up until termination if necessary – making sure all relevant laws are followed throughout each stage along the way too which helps protect everyone’s interests at hand here today now!

An important thing worth noting though is that although there are many advantages associated with using an Employer Of Record service provider – one should always remember that ultimately you remain responsible for your own actions/decisions taken within your organization no matter what external assistance you receive elsewhere outside yourself firstly before anything else happens next afterwards later down below afterwords then finally lastly thereafter instead… So make sure whatever decisions made during this process reflect positively upon those who work under your direct supervision & control accordingly please thank you very much indeedy kindly yup yep absolutely alrighty roger dodger cheers mate hahaha lolz xoxo :) !!!!!

In conclusion: Understanding how an Employer Of Record works compared against Common Law Employment arrangements is essential knowledge nowadays especially since we live in times where technology advances rapidly every single day thus requiring us adapt quickly enough just keep up pace alongside our ever changing environment around us hereabouts nearby closeby near far away off somewhere else altogether entirely different yet again once more anew afresh anyway anyways etcetera et cetera ad infinitum amen hallelujah praise ye lord almighty forevermore!!

What is a Common Law Employer?

A Common Law Employer is a type of employer that has been established through the application of common law principles. This means that an individual or organization can be considered to be a Common Law Employer if they meet certain criteria, such as providing employees with wages and benefits, having control over their work environment and activities, and being responsible for any taxes associated with employment. Unlike an Employer of Record (EOR), which is typically used by companies who outsource payroll services to another company or third-party provider, a Common Law Employer does not have this same arrangement in place. Instead, it relies on traditional methods like contracts between employers and employees to establish the relationship between them. As such, there are no formal agreements made when establishing a Common Law Employment relationship; instead both parties must agree upon all terms before beginning work together. Common law employers also differ from EORs in how they handle employee rights under labor laws: while EORs may provide some protection against discrimination based on race or gender during hiring processes due to contractual obligations set forth by the agreement signed with the outsourcing firm; common law employers do not offer these protections since there is no contract involved in setting up the employment relationship itself. Additionally, unlike EORs where workers’ compensation insurance coverage may be provided through their contracted service provider; common law employers will need to obtain separate policies for each employee covered under its own policy – making it more expensive than using an outsourced solution would likely prove cost prohibitive for many businesses operating within tight budgets constraints.

In addition to differences related directly related legalities surrounding worker's rights & responsibilities - one other key distinction between employing someone via either method lies in taxation matters: whereas most countries require organizations utilizing Employee Of Records solutions pay taxes at source - meaning deductions are taken off salary payments prior sending funds overseas - those engaging staff via 'common' arrangements often find themselves liable for paying additional tax liabilities once year end rolls around depending on local regulations applicable jurisdictionally speaking...

Overall then whilst both types of engagement models certainly have advantages & disadvantages attached thereto respectively – ultimately deciding which route best suits your business needs comes down largely dependent upon factors including budget available/cost savings sought after plus desired level compliance required amongst others…

Advantages of Employer of Record

Using an Employer of Record (EOR) to hire employees can be a great way for businesses to save time and money. An EOR is a third-party company that takes on the responsibility of hiring, managing, and paying employees on behalf of another business. This arrangement offers several advantages over using a common law employer such as improved compliance with employment laws, reduced administrative burden, cost savings in payroll taxes and insurance premiums, access to global talent pools without having to establish foreign entities or offices abroad.

One major advantage offered by an EOR is increased compliance with local labor regulations. By outsourcing employee management responsibilities to an experienced provider who specializes in this area, employers are able to ensure they remain compliant with all applicable laws while avoiding costly fines or penalties associated with noncompliance issues. The EOR will also handle any necessary paperwork related to onboarding new hires including background checks and other required documents which helps streamline the process significantly compared when dealing directly with each individual employee’s country specific requirements yourself.

Another benefit provided by employing an EOR is reducing your overall administrative burden associated with managing multiple international teams across different countries at once since you no longer have worry about setting up separate legal entities in each jurisdiction where you operate nor do you need deal individually manage every single person's payroll tax obligations etc.. Instead everything gets handled through one central point making it much easier for companies looking expand their operations overseas quickly without needing dedicate large amounts resources towards doing so upfront before even starting out properly yet still being fully compliant from day one onwards too!

The use of an Employer Of Record also provides significant cost savings due its ability reduce both direct costs like payroll taxes & insurance premiums plus indirect ones such as those incurred during setup processes - especially if there are multiple jurisdictions involved here too! For example: instead spending hours researching what needs done order comply legally within certain regions then trying figure out how best implement these changes efficiently; working alongside someone already familiarised themselves thoroughly beforehand means less effort expended overall whilst simultaneously ensuring accuracy throughout entire procedure itself thus saving valuable time/money long run!

Finally perhaps most importantly though – utilising services provided via external providers allows organisations gain access vast pool talented individuals around world whom otherwise may not been available them had they tried recruit locally only instead? Not only does this open doors previously unexplored opportunities but could potentially lead more diverse workforce than ever before possible thanks sheer number potential candidates now accessible just few clicks away…

Disadvantages of Employer of Record

When it comes to hiring employees, employers have two main options: Employer of Record (EOR) and Common Law Employer. While both methods can be effective for certain situations, there are some drawbacks associated with using an EOR that should be considered before making a decision. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the disadvantages of employing someone through an EOR instead of a common law employer.

The first disadvantage is cost; while many companies may find the initial setup costs attractive when compared to those associated with setting up as a traditional employer, they often don’t consider the long-term costs involved in maintaining their relationship with an EOR. This includes paying additional fees for services such as payroll processing or employee benefits administration which can add up over time and significantly increase overall expenses related to employment contracts managed by an EOR provider. Additionally, since most providers charge on either hourly or project basis rather than flat rate fee structure – meaning you could end up spending more money if your needs change during the course of your contract period due to unexpected circumstances like changes in staff size or job duties etc.

Another major downside is lack of control; because all aspects related to managing employees are handled by third party service provider who has no direct connection/relationship with company itself - it makes difficult for them exercise any kind control over how things get done within organization from day-to-day operations perspective. For example, if need arises where specific policy adjustments must made quickly then having limited access resources available via external vendor might not provide enough flexibility needed address situation timely manner without incurring extra charges along way.

Furthermore, depending upon type agreement signed between parties – even though ultimate responsibility lies hands business owner still legally obligated adhere terms set forth contractual document regardless whether agrees them not so ultimately decisions taken out his/her own hands leaving little room negotiation process whatsoever.

Finally, another potential issue involves compliance; although reputable vendors will make sure comply applicable laws regulations governing labor standards workplace safety etc., but fact remains that these rules vary greatly across different countries jurisdictions thus increasing chances errors being committed inadvertently leading costly fines penalties down line especially case international hires where multiple sets guidelines come into play simultaneously.

Moreover, given complexity nature legal framework surrounding HR matters nowadays its highly recommended double check everything yourself order avoid any surprises later stage otherwise risk facing serious consequences noncompliance front authorities concerned…

All said done despite advantages offered by engaging services professional Employment Of Record firm one cannot ignore various downsides discussed above which should kept mind prior entering into such arrangement ensure best interests organisation protected every step way!

Comparing Employer of Record and Common Law Employer

When it comes to hiring employees, employers have two options: Employer of Record (EOR) and Common Law Employer. Both solutions offer advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed carefully before making a decision.

The EOR model is an arrangement in which the employer contracts with a third- party provider who then becomes responsible for all aspects of employment, including payroll taxes, benefits administration, workers’ compensation insurance coverage and other compliance issues related to labor laws. This type of relationship can provide many benefits such as cost savings due to reduced administrative burden on the part of the employer; however there are also some drawbacks associated with this approach including lack of control over employee performance or behavior since they are technically employed by another entity rather than directly by the company itself. Additionally, depending on state law requirements may need to be met in order for an EOR agreement between parties to remain valid so companies should always consult legal counsel prior entering into any such arrangements.

On the other hand common law employers assume direct responsibility for their own employees from day one without relying upon outside assistance or services provided by a third party vendor like those found within an EOR setup. While this option does require more effort up front when compared against its counterpart – especially if you plan on taking advantage of certain tax credits available only through self-employment – it can also provide greater flexibility when managing personnel matters as well as increased control over how your business operates overall since no external entities will ever become involved during normal operations either now or later down line after initial onboarding has been completed successfully too!

The main disadvantage associated with being classified as a common law employer is that additional costs may arise due to having less access resources typically offered via outsourcing agreements made possible under traditional models like those seen within most standard EOR setups today - although these expenses could potentially be offset somewhat if applicable deductions were taken advantage off properly throughout each fiscal year instead? Ultimately though both approaches come along with pros & cons worth considering before deciding which route best suits your needs going forward regardless whether you choose go solo style using just yourself alone at helm here versus enlisting help elsewhere externally somewhere else out there beyond what's already readily accessible right inside office walls nearby where everything happens daily basis anyway…

In conclusion, Employer of Record (EOR) and Common Law Employment are two viable options for businesses to consider when hiring employees. EORs can help reduce costs and access specialized talent pools but may lack control over day-to-day operations or incur compliance errors due to varying laws and regulations. On the other hand, Common Law Employers assume direct responsibility for their own employees but require more effort up front with additional costs. Ultimately, employers must weigh both options carefully before making a decision that best suits their budget, cost savings goals, desired compliance levels and operational needs. Understanding these differences is essential in order to keep up with the changing environment of employment law today.

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Lucas Botzen

Founder & Managing Director

Lucas Botzen is the founder of Rivermate, a global HR platform specializing in international payroll, compliance, and benefits management for remote companies. He previously co-founded and successfully exited Boloo, scaling it to over €2 million in annual revenue. Lucas is passionate about technology, automation, and remote work, advocating for innovative digital solutions that streamline global employment.

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