Employer of Record (EOR) gives employers the ability to hire quickly and compliantly in countries where they don't have an entity, enabling employees to work in ways that meet their needs.

Here's an example of how flexible, people-centric work is a win-win for employers and employees.

The challenge

Bandlab Technologies, an innovative global music company established in 2016, believes there should be no boundaries to making and sharing music, and this boundless philosophy doesn’t stop at the company’s mission—it drives Bandlab’s approach to global growth, too.    

Within the first few years of business, the company embraced global expansion to better serve its community of music lovers and makers around the world. But like any young company, Bandlab had limited resources for supporting an international workforce while growing its brand in new markets.  

When expanding to the UK through a critical acquisition, the company learned firsthand about the challenges of supporting an international workforce. It needed to quickly transfer 17 newly acquired employees, but it was not an employer in the region, and establishing a presence in the UK would take years. 

The solution 

Bandlab needed a solution to quickly employ its acquired workforce in the UK and support a smooth transition for new employees joining the team. 

After evaluating global employment providers, the company decided Safeguard Global, with its employer of record solution, Global Employment Outsourcing (GEO), and full-service HR support in the UK, was the best solution. 

“We were looking for a provider that had a detailed understanding of UK employment law but could also understand the needs of our business in the media space and have a personal relationship with the team,” said Holly Bishop, UK Country Director and Head of Strategy and Partnerships. 

The Safeguard Global team in the UK provided the expertise and support Bandlab needed to ensure a smooth transfer for its newly acquired employees, providing full HR support, including benefits, taxes and payroll, for the company, all in accordance with local law. 

The results 

With GEO from Safeguard Global, Bandlab was able to successfully transfer 17 new employees within two months and provide its business with the local support needed for long-term success in the UK market.  

“Without an employer of record solution, we wouldn’t have been able to get our business up and running as quickly in the UK because there are so many considerations from pensions to life assurances to being register as an employer in this territory,” Bishop explained. “Working with a provider that can take away all of that headache was hugely beneficial to us as a young company, because we were able to focus on driving the business forward.” 

Over time, Bandlab considered Safeguard Global to be an extension of its team more than an employer of record. “We’ve gone through a number of restructures and changes in the organization over the last couple of years, and Safeguard Global has been on hand every step of the way to seamlessly manage transitions and processes so we can maintain employee satisfaction,” Bishop said. “They really embraced what our business is about and got to know the culture. They put that human touch in human resources.” 

Ultimately, the personalized service Safeguard Global provided Bandlab in the UK not only accelerated its time-to-market but also helped the company take control of its HR strategy in a market full of music lovers and makers.    

“If we were to ever grow and recruit into territories or regions where we don’t have an entity, I would definitely look to utilize an employer of record again based on my experience working with Safeguard Global in the UK.”