In the pursuit of building a global workforce, many organizations will seek out an employer of record (EOR) service such as Remote.
These platforms can help you source and hire qualified candidates globally, and perform various HR functions like payroll processing and time off management. They help you with tax and labor law compliance, and many will even offload some of your core HR tasks.
EORs are still an emerging category, and the services, functionalities, and coverage offered varies from one solution to the next.
My in-depth review of Remote gives you all the information you need about the pros and cons, pricing structure, and best use case for this provider. It will help you make an informed decision about whether Remote is the best solution for your business needs.
Remote Product Overview
Remote is a comprehensive employer of record service designed to simplify global employment and payroll processes. It primarily targets remote control businesses looking to hire and manage international, remote job employees efficiently. The tool offers significant benefits in streamlining cross-border employment, ensuring compliance with local labor laws, and managing international payroll.
Pros
- Global Coverage: Remote provides extensive international reach. This means businesses can employ staff in numerous countries while adhering to local labor laws.
- Compliance Assurance: It ensures legal compliance. Users can confidently expand their workforce globally without the worry of legal pitfalls.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform features an intuitive interface. This simplifies the process of managing international employees and payroll.
Cons
- Limited Customization: Remote offers fewer customization options. This can be restrictive for businesses with unique payroll needs.
- Higher Cost: It may come with a higher price tag. For small businesses or startups, this could be a significant financial consideration.
- Integration Challenges: There can be difficulties integrating with existing HR systems. This may lead to additional work for IT teams.
Expert Opinion
As an expert in tech recruiting and workforce management, I find Remote an impressive solution for global employment challenges. The platform excels in providing broad international coverage and ensuring compliance, which is crucial for businesses expanding globally. Its user interface stands out for ease of use, making it less intimidating for new users.
However, it falls short in customization and integration with other systems, areas where some competitors offer more flexibility. The cost can be a hurdle for smaller entities. Remote shines in environments that demand a broad international reach and a high level of compliance support. For businesses prioritizing these aspects, it's a strong choice. In contrast, companies needing high customization and integration might find it less suitable. When selecting an employer of record service, weighing these factors is essential to determine the best fit for your specific needs.
Remote: A Deep Dive
Standout Functionality
Remote differentiates itself in the employer of record (EOR) service market through several unique features:
- Extensive Legal and HR Compliance: Remote offers in-depth legal and HR compliance support, going beyond basic payroll and taxation. It navigates complex international labor laws to ensure businesses adhere to local regulations.
- Intellectual Property and Data Protection: It provides robust intellectual property and data protection, which is not common among all EOR services. This is crucial for companies managing sensitive information across borders.
- Localized Benefits Management: Remote stands out with its ability to manage and provide localized benefits in various countries. This feature tailor benefits packages to the specific norms of each country, enhancing employee satisfaction.
Product Specifications
| Global Payroll | Yes |
| Tax Compliance | Yes |
| Employment Contracts | Yes |
| Work Permit and Visa Assistance | Yes |
| Local Legal Compliance | Yes |
| Benefits Administration | Yes |
| Employee Onboarding | Yes |
| Offboarding Assistance | Yes |
| Intellectual Property Protection | Yes |
| Data Security Measures | Yes |
| Multi-currency Support | Yes |
| Customizable Reporting | Yes |
| Employee Self-Service Portal | Yes |
| Employer Dashboard | Yes |
| Integration with HR Systems | No |
| Payroll Automation | Yes |
| Time and Attendance Tracking | No |
| Employee Background Checks | Yes |
| Customizable Benefits Packages | Yes |
| Health Insurance Provision | Yes |
| Retirement Plan Management | Yes |
| Localized HR Support | Yes |
| Employee Relocation Assistance | Yes |
| Legal Advisory Services | Yes |
| 24/7 Customer Support | Yes |
Remote Key Features
- Global Payroll Management: Remote efficiently manages payroll across different countries, handling varying tax systems and compliance requirements.
- Customizable Benefits Packages: Offers tailored benefits packages in each country, enhancing employee experience and meeting local norms.
- Intellectual Property Protection: Ensures that intellectual property rights are secured across international borders, a vital feature for tech and creative industries.
- Data Security Measures: Implements stringent data security protocols, essential for companies handling sensitive information.
- Local Legal Compliance: Provides comprehensive support for local legal regulations, significantly reducing legal risks in foreign markets.
- Employment Contracts: Remote helps in drafting and managing employment contracts, ensuring they meet the specific standards of each jurisdiction.
- Employee Onboarding: Streamlines the onboarding process for international employees, enhancing efficiency and employee experience.
- Employer Dashboard: Offers a centralized dashboard for employers to manage and monitor their global workforce effectively.
- Health Insurance Provision: Facilitates the provision of health insurance, tailored to each country's healthcare system.
- Legal Advisory Services: Offers expert legal advice on international employment, invaluable for navigating complex legal landscapes.
Ease Of Use
The remote's user interface is generally straightforward, with an intuitive dashboard that makes managing international employees more accessible. However, the complexity of integrating with existing HR systems can be a challenge. The onboarding process is efficient, but navigating some of the more complex features like customized benefits management might require a learning curve.
Customer Support
Remote provides strong customer support with resources like documentation, webinars, and live chat. The response time is generally prompt. However, there can be instances where specific, complex queries take longer to resolve, which can be a point of frustration for users.
Integrations
Remote does not extensively offer out-of-the-box integrations with other software or tools. While this could limit its functionality for some businesses, they offer an API to develop custom integrations. This feature allows for greater flexibility in extending the platform's capabilities, particularly for businesses with unique system requirements.
Remote Pricing
Remote's pricing structure is designed to accommodate various business needs, but exact pricing details are often specific to each organization's requirements. However, a general estimate can be provided:
- Basic Tier: Approximately $599/user/month (min 5 seats) + $49 base fee per month. This tier typically includes global payroll management, tax compliance, and basic legal and HR compliance.
- Professional Tier: Around $699/user/month (min 5 seats) + $49 base fee per month. This plan adds advanced features like intellectual property protection and comprehensive legal support.
- Enterprise Tier: Custom pricing upon request. This tier is tailored for larger organizations and offers a range of bespoke services including extensive legal advisory, customized benefits packages, and strategic HR support.
Please note, that these figures are estimated and can vary based on specific business requirements and market changes. For precise and current pricing, contacting Remote directly is advisable. Pricing is typically billed annually, and the mentioned prices may reflect this annual billing format.
Remote Use Cases
Who Would Be A Good Fit For Remote?
In my assessment, Remote is particularly well-suited for:
- Large Multinational Corporations: These businesses benefit from Remote's extensive legal compliance and international payroll management capabilities, crucial for handling diverse global workforces.
- Tech and Creative Industries: These sectors appreciate the software's strong intellectual property protection and data security features. Given the importance of protecting creative and technological assets, Remote's focus on these areas is highly valuable.
- Medium to Large-Sized Businesses with International Teams: Businesses that operate across borders find Remote's global coverage and localized benefits management immensely beneficial. The platform's ability to navigate complex international employment laws makes it a robust choice for such companies.
Who Would Be A Bad Fit For Remote?
Conversely, Remote might not be the ideal fit for:
- Small Businesses and Startups: These organizations might find Remote's features more extensive and costly than needed. Its focus on global employment might be more than what smaller, locally-focused businesses require.
- Industries with Basic HR Needs: Sectors like small retail or hospitality, which often have simpler HR requirements, may find Remote's comprehensive and international-focused offerings unnecessary.
- Companies Seeking Simple HR Solutions: Businesses needing straightforward, quick-to-implement solutions might find Remote's comprehensive features and focus on international compliance overwhelming.
Remote FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions you may have about Remote.
What does Remote software do?
Remote provides employer of record services, handling international payroll, taxes, benefits administration, and legal compliance for businesses employing globally.
Is Remote suitable for small businesses?
Remote is more aligned with the needs of medium to large-sized businesses, especially those with international employees.
Can Remote integrate with existing HR systems?
Remote offers limited integration with other HR systems, which can be a consideration for businesses relying on extensive software ecosystems.
Does Remote offer support for visa and work permit applications?
Yes, Remote assists with work permit and visa applications for international employees.
What type of customer support does Remote offer?
Remote provides customer support through various channels, including documentation, webinars, live chat, and email.
Are there data security and intellectual property protections?
Yes, Remote places a strong emphasis on data security and intellectual property protection.
Can Remote manage employee benefits in different countries?
Yes, Remote offers localized benefits management tailored to each country’s norms.
Does Remote have a free trial or a free version?
Remote does not typically offer a free trial or a free version. Their services are tailored to each organization’s specific needs.
Remote Company Overview & History
Remote, an employer of record service provider, assists companies in managing international employees, including payroll, taxes, and legal compliance. It's used by a wide range of companies, especially those with global workforces. Remote is a private company, though specific ownership details are not publicly disclosed.
Its headquarters are located in San Francisco, USA. The company's mission revolves around simplifying global employment and enabling businesses to hire talent from anywhere. Since its inception, Remote has achieved notable milestones in expanding its service offerings and global reach.
Remote Summary: The Bottom Line
In my view, Remote stands out in the realm of remote work and global HR, particularly in a post-pandemic world where managing remote teams and contractor management has become crucial. Its strength lies in providing comprehensive payroll services and robust support for legal entities, essential for businesses with full-time and remote workers. Remote excels in streamlining the onboarding of new employees and efficiently handling the workflow, making it a valuable tool for human resources.
The platform's most noteworthy features are its capability to navigate complex legal compliance and its strong support team, ensuring smooth team member management across various jurisdictions.
Alternatives to Remote
If Remote doesn't seem like a great fit, consider these alternatives:
- Deel: Ideal for businesses looking for more flexible integration options with existing HR systems.
- Papaya Global: A better choice for companies seeking more customization in their payroll and HR services.
- Velocity Global: Suitable for businesses prioritizing a more straightforward user interface and ease of use.
Summary
In conclusion, Remote is a robust choice for medium to large-sized businesses, particularly those with a global workforce.
It offers comprehensive features for managing international employees, though it may be less suited for smaller businesses or those with simpler HR needs.
I encourage readers to share their experiences with Remote or similar services, as these insights are invaluable for others considering these tools.
For more on EORs in general, benefits, and how they work, check out our article what is an EOR.