The quality of service your EOR offers can make or break the experience of managing a global workforce, not only for your team but also for your employees. It’s simple to believe that all EORs provide the same level of assistance, but there is a significant difference between a provider who merely handles payroll and contracts and one who truly collaborates.
When it comes to urgent issues that directly affect employees, we’ve spoken with HR executives who have waited days or longer for a response from their provider. In the worst situations, you are left chasing support across time zones and your questions remain completely unanswered. This is the turning point for many. Having a fancy portal is one thing, but it quickly falls apart when your staff or team is left waiting for simple assistance. It should come as no surprise that more companies are switching to service providers who answer the phone, are aware of their situation, and behave more like partners than platforms.
Although payroll may appear to be a feature shared by all EORs, the truth is that local knowledge and accuracy differ greatly amongst providers. Payroll errors are more than administrative in nature; they can include missed payments, improper tax withholding, or improperly applied benefits. Clients are left to deal with the fallout, which in certain nations may involve fines or even legal repercussions, as employees lose trust. Payroll is taken seriously by a top-notch EOR, who incorporates proactive communication, local expertise, and checks into their workflow. You hardly give it any thought when it’s done correctly. When it’s not, it takes up all of your thoughts.
Terminations are one of the main areas where this is evident. In difficult markets or complicated situations, some EORs will take the quickest and easiest course of action for themselves, such as promoting mutual terminations, regardless of what is best for you as the client. That may reduce their liability, but it may expose you to avoidable losses or even damage to your reputation. In certain situations, going the easy route could end up costing you tens of thousands more than you need to.
The top service-oriented EORs approach things much more carefully. They will collaborate closely with you to comprehend the situation, assess the financial and legal ramifications, and select a course of action that strikes a balance between cost, speed, and compliance. Additionally, you receive actual guidance rather than generic advice because these providers hire seasoned HR specialists rather than generalists. This type of strategic, customized input is crucial in challenging situations.
Additionally, this is where you can distinguish between an EOR that feels like a transactional relationship and one that truly functions as an extension of your own HR department. You want to be sure that your provider is aware of not only the law but also your culture, people, and objectives when a delicate matter comes up, such as a difficult offboarding, a policy dispute, or a benefits inquiry.
The savings from a low-cost or tech-first EOR can quickly vanish in those situations. Because having the proper support when it counts will be far more important than the few hundred dollars you save each month when you’re facing a high-risk termination.