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4 minutes

Leveraging Employer of Record (EOR) for Seamless International Expansion

Today, we're excited to welcome Oriane Zandvliet, Senior Consultant at PaymentGenes. Oriane is not just a recruitment expert; she plays a crucial role in helping payment companies and FinTechs across France and BeNeLux find top-tier sales talent.

Picture of Oriane Zandvliet, senior recruiter at PaymentGenes

With her deep industry knowledge and extensive network, Oriane is instrumental in connecting innovative firms with exceptional professionals.Her journey at PaymentGenes, where she has been driving recruitment and consultancy efforts for over two years, highlights her dedication to excellence in the fast-paced payments and fintech sectors. Oriane’s expertise is key to building high-performing teams that drive growth and success in this dynamic industry.

In our conversation today, Oriane delves into the strategic use of Employer of Record (EOR) solutions to boost international development, sharing her insights on how EOR can transform global expansion strategies. She also discusses how her role at PaymentGenes aligns with her passion for connecting businesses with top talent and fostering growth in the payments landscape.Get ready for an enlightening discussion filled with valuable perspectives on EOR and its impact on international business development!

EOR Explained

PaymentGenes: For those unfamiliar, could you briefly explain what an EOR is and how it functions in the context of international business?

Oriane: EOR stands for Employer of Record, and it's essentially an external partner that helps companies hire people in locations where they don't have a legal presence. It functions as a local employer on behalf of the company, providing a compliant contract in line with the labor laws of the country where the employee is based. Essentially, it’s employment outsourcing that allows companies to expand their workforce across borders without the need for a legal entity in every country they want to operate in.

PaymentGenes: In your experience, what are the key benefits of using an EOR for companies looking to expand internationally?

Oriane: There are two main benefits. 

Firstly, it significantly broadens the pool of potential talents. Companies are no longer restricted to hiring within the regions where they have a legal presence, enabling them to focus on finding the best skills globally. 

Secondly, using an EOR is highly efficient and cost-effective, especially for companies in the early stages of international expansion. Setting up a legal entity can be both time-consuming and expensive, but with an EOR, you can quickly and compliantly get people on the ground in new markets.

"With EOR, companies can seamlessly navigate the complexities of international employment while focusing on their core growth strategies. By leveraging EOR, businesses can expand faster, minimize risks, and ensure that their global workforce is managed effectively and in full compliance with local laws." Oriane Zandvliet. 

Passion Meets Purpose

PaymentGenes: What sparked your personal interest in EOR, and how has it influenced your career in the payments industry?

Oriane: My interest in EOR stems from its ability to truly support businesses in their growth and development. In the payments industry, where speed and agility are crucial, EOR is a magical tool that allows us to meet the specific needs of our clients by expanding the pool of potential talent we can source from. Personally, I’ve always sought meaning in my work—helping companies grow and seeing the tangible impact of my efforts is incredibly fulfilling. This aligns perfectly with my values focused on people, impact, and meaning.

PaymentGenes: How do you ensure that your work with international clients aligns with your personal and professional growth goals?

Oriane: It’s important to constantly challenge myself by working on diverse and complex projects that push me out of my comfort zone. By doing so, I not only grow professionally but also gain a deeper understanding of different markets and cultures, which enriches my ability to advise clients effectively.

"To me, it's crucial to find meaning in whatever job you're doing. That sense of purpose is what drove me away from my previous role [...]. I want to understand what I'm doing, why I'm doing it, and how it helps people. That's why I was drawn to recruitment—it's about people, impact, and making a tangible difference in their lives. Here at PG, we approach recruitment differently, focusing on quality and offering true expertise as consultants, not just as headhunters." Oriane Zandvliet

Success Story: How EOR Fueled a Tech Startup’s Global Ambitions

PaymentGenes: Can you share a success story where implementing an EOR strategy significantly boosted a company's international development?

Oriane: Certainly. We partnered with a U.S.-based tech startup that was eager to expand its operations internationally. However, they faced significant obstacles, especially when navigating the complex labor laws and regulations in various countries. Establishing legal entities in each target market was time-consuming and costly, which threatened to slow down their growth plans.

We recommended partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) service. This solution allowed the startup to hire employees in multiple countries without the need to set up local entities. The EOR took on the responsibility of managing payroll, benefits, and compliance with local labor laws. This freed up the startup's resources, allowing them to stay focused on their core business objectives.

The success of this EOR-driven expansion didn’t just stop at immediate gains. It gave the startup a sustainable competitive advantage, enabling them to continue scaling globally. This early success laid the groundwork for their emergence as an industry leader on the global stage.

Oriane at PaymentGenes Office.

Keys for Success

PaymentGenes: What advice would you give to companies hesitant about using an EOR to manage their international operations?

Oriane: My first piece of advice is to initiate conversations with potential EOR partners early in your planning process. Understanding the costs and benefits upfront can help in making an informed decision. While the costs might seem like a disadvantage compared to a B2B contract, the benefits of compliance, reduced risk, and smoother operations far outweigh this. Additionally, considering an EOR at the right time in your recruitment process is crucial to avoid delays and complications, especially when it comes to aligning with local labor laws and cultural expectations.

Final Thoughts

PaymentGenes: Do you have any final thoughts or key takeaways for companies considering EOR as part of their global expansion strategy?

Oriane: I would say that EOR is an invaluable tool for companies aiming to expand internationally, especially in today’s fast-paced business environment. It allows for flexibility, compliance, and access to a global talent pool without the burden of setting up legal entities in multiple countries. For companies still on the fence, I would recommend exploring a partnership with an EOR provider to see how it can fit into your broader strategy. The earlier you involve them in your process, the more seamless and successful your expansion will be.

Contact Oriane

Oriane Zandvliet

Senior Recruitment Consultant

oriane@paymentgenes.com 

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