TLDR: User-Friendly Hiring vs Extensive Compliance Support in EOR Services
- Oyster HR: Best for small to medium-sized businesses seeking an easy-to-use platform for global hiring and payroll. Try Oyster HR now
- Globalization Partners: Perfect for larger enterprises needing comprehensive compliance management and robust support. Check out Globalization Partners’ offers
In today’s increasingly globalized business landscape, companies constantly seek ways to tap into international talent pools and expand their operations across borders.
Oyster HR and Globalization Partners are two prominent Employer of Record (EOR) providers that have emerged as go-to solutions for businesses looking to hire and manage international employees without the complexities of establishing local entities.
Oyster HR, founded in 2019, has quickly established itself as a user-friendly platform for global hiring and payroll management. Focusing on empowering distributed workforces, Oyster HR offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to simplify the process of hiring, onboarding, and managing international employees.
Globalization Partners, on the other hand, has been in the game since 2012 and has established itself as a leader in the global EOR space. Known for its extensive global reach and deep expertise in international employment law, Globalization Partners provides a robust platform for companies looking to expand their operations across multiple countries.
In this comparison, I’ll explore the key features, pricing structures, and use cases of both platforms, helping you understand which solution might best suit your organization’s global expansion needs.
Oyster HR
Globalization Partners
Overview of Oyster HR and Globalization Partners
Overview of Oyster HR
Oyster HR is a modern, cloud-based global employment platform that enables companies to hire, pay, and manage employees and contractors worldwide. Founded in 2019 by Tony Jamous and Jack Mardack, Oyster HR has quickly gained traction in the market, raising $286 million in funding to date.
Oyster HR’s strengths lie in its user-friendly interface, professional onboarding process, and support for global payroll. It also offers unique features like a hiring refugees program and easy document access for employees and contractors.
Recently, Oyster HR has raised $59 million in Series D funding led by Silver Lake Waterman. This investment boosts Oyster’s value to $1.2 billion and total funding to $286 million. Oyster plans to use the funds to expand its product offerings, enhance compliance, and help companies attract top talent. The company, which supports borderless teams with services like global payroll and visa sponsorships, aims to democratize access to global job opportunities. Over 40% of its workforce is in emerging markets, and it operates in over 180 countries, simplifying global employment for its clients.
Company Information
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California
- Founders: Tony Jamous and Jack Mardack
- Funding: Raised $286 million in multiple funding rounds
- Founding Date: 2020
Furthermore, read our in-depth Oyster HR review
Overview of Globalization Partners
Globalization Partners is a well-established global EOR provider that offers comprehensive solutions for companies looking to expand their international workforce. Founded in 2012, Globalization Partners has built a strong reputation for its extensive global coverage and deep expertise in international employment law.
Globalization Partners stands out for its extensive global reach, strong compliance focus, and robust support for new hires. It also offers integration capabilities with various HR and payroll systems, enhancing its versatility for businesses with complex HR needs.
Company Information
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Founders: Nicole Sahin
- Funding: $353.5 million
- Founding Date: 2012
Key Features of Oyster HR
Oyster HR offers 8 key features that set it apart.
These key features include:
- Global Hiring Platform: Simplifies hiring across borders, managing everything from job postings to employment contracts in over 180 countries.
- Compliance Management: Ensures adherence to local labor laws and regulations in each country, minimizing legal risks.
- Payroll Processing: Handles payroll calculations, payments, and tax withholdings in over 120 currencies.
- Benefits Administration: Offers locally aligned benefits packages with multiple tiers in most markets.
- Contractor Management: Allows management of both employees and contractors on the same platform, with easy conversion options.
- Global Payroll Solution: Recently introduced for companies with existing entities, expanding service offerings.
- Visa and Immigration Support: Assists with work visa and immigration processes for international hires.
- Oyster Academy: Provides a platform for upskilling employees, enhancing talent development.
Key Features of Globalization Partners
Globalization Partners offers 8 key features that set it apart.
These key features include:
- Global Employer of Record (EOR) Services: Allows companies to hire employees in over 180 countries without setting up local entities. This service simplifies international expansion by handling all employment responsibilities.
- Comprehensive Compliance Support: Provides extensive legal and compliance assistance to ensure adherence to local labor laws and regulations, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
- Integrated HR and Payroll Solutions: Offers a fully integrated suite that includes onboarding, payroll processing, tax filings, and benefits administration, streamlining operations across multiple countries.
- Customizable Reporting and Analytics: Provides robust tools for generating detailed reports and analytics on workforce data, allowing businesses to make informed decisions based on real-time insights.
- Employee Self-Service Tools: Empowers employees with access to manage their personal information, view pay stubs, and submit requests through a user-friendly platform.
- Automated Global Expansion Platform: A cloud-based system that automates the process of building global teams, from contract generation to benefits administration.
- G-P Meridian Suite™: Offers various packages like Core and Prime that include EOR services, payroll management, compliance support, and advanced tools for efficient global workforce management.
- Local Expertise: Access to a network of in-country experts who provide valuable insights into local markets and assist with navigating complex regulatory environments.
Benefits of Using Oyster HR
The benefits of using Oyster HR are:
- Simplified Global Expansion: Enables quick entry into new markets without establishing local entities.
- Compliance Assurance: Minimizes legal risks with continuous monitoring of local regulations across all operational countries.
- Time and Cost Efficiency: Speeds up the international hiring process and eliminates the need for setting up legal entities in each country.
- Scalability: Supports rapid business growth and expansion into new markets with flexible hiring solutions.
- Centralized Management: Unifies global workforce management in one platform, improving oversight and efficiency.
- Risk Mitigation: Handles complex international labor laws and regulations, reducing compliance risks.
- Ethical Employment Practices: Focuses on promoting fair and ethical employment globally.
- Comprehensive Resources: Provides country-specific hiring guides and educational resources for navigating global employment.
Benefits of Using Globalization Partners
The benefits of using Globalization Partners are:
- Rapid Market Entry: Facilitates quick expansion into new markets without the need for establishing costly subsidiaries or branch offices.
- Compliance Assurance: Ensures businesses remain compliant with local laws, significantly reducing legal risks associated with international hiring.
- Cost Efficiency: Eliminates the need for in-house HR divisions for international operations, reducing overhead costs while maintaining high standards of service.
- Scalability: Supports businesses in scaling their operations globally with flexible solutions tailored to their growth needs.
- Access to Global Talent: Enables companies to hire top talent from around the world, expanding their talent pool beyond geographical limitations.
- Streamlined Operations: Integrates HR functions such as payroll and benefits into a single platform, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Risk Mitigation: Minimizes risks related to employment law violations and compliance issues through expert guidance and support.
- Enhanced Employee Experience: Provides employees with self-service tools that improve satisfaction and reduce administrative burdens on HR teams.
- Comprehensive Support: Offers round-the-clock customer service with access to HR and legal experts for timely assistance.
- Innovative Technology Platform: Leverages a proprietary cloud-based system that automates many aspects of global expansion, making it easier for companies to manage international teams.
Pricing and Plans
Oyster HR Pricing
Oyster HR offers a transparent pricing structure, although it may be on the higher end for some businesses. Here’s a breakdown of their pricing plans:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Employer of Record (EOR) Pricing | $599 per employee/month |
| Contractor Management Pricing | $29 per employee/month |
| Payroll Pricing | $25 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Available |
While Oyster HR’s pricing is laid out, it’s important to note that these costs can add up quickly for businesses with many international employees or contractors. However, the comprehensive nature of their services may justify the cost for many organizations.
Oyster HR also offers customized pricing options for businesses with specific needs. If you’re considering using their services at scale, it’s worth reaching out to their sales team to discuss potential discounts or tailored plans.
Globalization Partners Pricing
Globalization Partners takes a more customized approach to pricing, which can be both an advantage and a drawback, depending on your business needs. Here’s what we know about their pricing structure:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Contractor Management Pricing | $39 per employee/month |
| Annual Discount | Not available |
Globalization Partners’ pricing model allows for flexibility, potentially offering better value for businesses with unique requirements. However, the lack of transparent pricing on their website means you’ll need to contact their sales team for a detailed quote.
It’s worth noting that Globalization Partners offers a range of add-on services through their G-P Meridian Select suite. These include solutions for recruiting, background screening, visa support, and more. While these additional services can enhance the overall package, they also cost extra.
When comparing costs between Oyster HR and Globalization Partners, you must consider the specific services you need and the number of employees or contractors you’ll be managing.
While Globalization Partners’ starting price for EOR services is similar to Oyster HR’s, the final cost could vary significantly based on your unique circumstances.
Pros and Cons of Oyster HR
Pros
- User-Friendly Interface: Offers an intuitive platform that’s easy to navigate and use.
- Extensive Global Coverage: Operates in over 180 countries, providing broad international reach.
- Comprehensive Compliance Management: Strong focus on keeping businesses compliant with local regulations.
- Ethical Focus: Emphasizes ethical employment practices and social responsibility.
- Integrated Cost Calculator: Helps businesses estimate employment costs in different countries.
- Third-Party Integrations: Offers integrations with various HR and business tools.
Cons
- Premium Pricing: Can be expensive compared to some competitors, with EOR services starting at $599 per employee per month.
- Feature Limitations: Some features require additional purchases, potentially increasing costs.
- Limited Analytics: Reporting and analytics capabilities may be less comprehensive than some competitors.
- Potential Overkill for Small Teams: The comprehensive nature of the platform may be more than necessary for very small businesses.
Pros and Cons of Globalization Partners
Pros
- Global Presence: Provides access to over 180 countries, enabling businesses to expand quickly and efficiently.
- Simplified Compliance: Handles local labor laws, tax regulations, and employment compliance, reducing the complexity for companies.
- Fast Market Entry: Helps businesses onboard employees in new countries within days, accelerating international expansion.
- Cost Efficiency: Eliminates the need for local entities or legal setups, saving time and operational costs.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Offers reliable, around-the-clock support for HR, payroll, and compliance challenges.
Cons
- Limited Customization: Some clients may find the one-size-fits-all approach limiting for specific HR or operational needs.
- Dependency on Third-Party Providers: Some services may rely on external partners, which could impact service consistency.
- Lack of In-House Control: Businesses might feel a loss of control over employee management and operations due to external handling.
User Data Security and Compliance
When hiring and managing global talent, data security and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. Both Oyster HR and Globalization Partners (GP) offer strong security frameworks, but they cater to different organizational needs.
Globalization Partners is built for enterprises handling complex global compliance challenges, providing SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications to ensure data safety. The platform offers end-to-end encryption, 24/7 incident monitoring, and expert compliance services. GP’s strength lies in mitigating regulatory risks with proactive legal alerts and in-country specialists who monitor local labor laws and tax changes.
Oyster HR also prioritizes compliance, focusing on distributed teams with GDPR adherence and multi-layer data security. Oyster’s platform offers fast integrations with popular HR and accounting tools, helping businesses streamline operations while remaining compliant. Its tools emphasize transparency and employee well-being, appealing to remote-first companies. However, it doesn’t provide the same breadth of certifications and proactive compliance management as GP.
| Feature | Oyster HR | Globalization Partners |
|---|---|---|
| Data Encryption | Standard encryption protocols | End-to-end, bank-level encryption |
| Certifications | GDPR compliant | SOC 2, ISO 27001 certified |
| Compliance Monitoring | Automated labor law updates | Proactive alerts with in-country experts |
| Incident Response | Standard response support | 24/7 monitoring and rapid-response teams |
| Global Reach | 180+ countries | 180+ countries |
| Customer Support | 24/7 chat and knowledge base | 24/7 legal and HR support with dedicated managers |
Globalization Partners is ideal for large enterprises with extensive compliance needs, while Oyster HR is better suited for remote-first companies looking for streamlined, user-friendly solutions.
Oyster HR vs Globalization Partners At a Glance
A detailed summary of the comparison of Oyster HR and Globalization Partners:
| Feature | Oyster HR | Globalization Partners |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Scaling Companies Focused on Remote Team Success | Large-scale international hiring |
| EOR Pricing | $599 per employee/month | Custom |
| Contractor Pricing | $29 per employee/month | $39 per employee/month |
| Country Coverage | 180+ | 180+ countries |
| Support Channels | Email, Phone, Live Chat | |
| Support Availability | Business Hours | 24/7 |
| G2 Rating | 4.4/5 (714 reviews) | 4.6/5 (295 reviews) |
| Capterra Rating | 4.5/5 (68 reviews) | 4.6/5 (63 reviews) |
| Trustpilot Rating | 4.6/5 (199 reviews) | 4.3/5 (27 reviews) |
| Partnership Discount | N/A | N/A |
| Visit Website | Visit Website |
Recommendations
Who do I recommend Oyster HR to?
Oyster HR is a perfect fit for companies that prioritize remote work and employee well-being. With affordable pricing and fast software integrations, Oyster supports businesses that need flexible solutions to manage a distributed workforce. It offers localized benefits packages and tools that focus on employee experience, making it a great choice for companies aiming to build an attractive global employer brand.
Here’s who can benefit most from Oyster HR:
- Remote-first startups – Need easy-to-integrate tools and affordable EOR services.
- SMEs focused on employee well-being – Require seamless HR support with strong benefits.
- Tech companies scaling internationally – Prefer flexible management tools for remote teams.
Who do I recommend Globalization Partners to?
Globalization Partners is built for large organizations that need comprehensive compliance management and full-service support. It excels in high-risk markets where legal expertise and proactive monitoring are essential. Enterprises looking for a plug-and-play solution for global hiring, with minimal administrative involvement, will find GP’s services invaluable.
Here’s who can benefit most from Globalization Partners:
- Enterprises and multinational corporations – Require compliance expertise in multiple jurisdictions.
- Firms in regulated industries – Need legal assurance to navigate local labor and tax laws.
- HR teams managing large-scale expansions – Benefit from centralized payroll and comprehensive support.
When to consider an alternative EOR provider?
Different providers may offer specialized services that better suit your business goals or budget. Below is a comparison of top EOR and global payroll providers to help you identify the best fit for your company.
| Provider | Best For | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|
| Deel | Startups and freelancers | Flexible contracts and crypto payment options |
| Remote | Tech companies scaling quickly | Equity management and excellent contractor support |
| Multiplier | Fast-growing startups and SMEs | Real-time compliance updates with affordable multi-currency payroll |
| Remofirst | Startups and cost-conscious businesses | Transparent pricing with fast onboarding |
| Rippling | Mid-sized companies needing HR suites | Integrated HR, IT, and payroll tools with device management |
| Papaya Global | Large enterprises with complex payroll needs | AI-powered automation and advanced analytics |
| Gusto | Small businesses in the U.S. | Intuitive payroll and HR tools tailored for small teams |
| Atlas HXM | Enterprises needing custom HR solutions | Enterprise-level analytics and deep integration capabilities |
Choosing the right provider depends on your business’s size, budget, and specific needs. If your company prioritizes flexibility and remote-first operations, Oyster HR stands out. For enterprises with extensive compliance and legal needs, Globalization Partners offers unparalleled support.
Oyster HR vs Globalization Partners FAQs
How do the pricing models of Oyster HR and Globalization Partners compare?
Oyster HR offers a more transparent pricing model. Fixed rates for their EOR services start at $599 per employee per month on an annual plan. They also have a contractor management plan that starts free for 30 days and then costs $29 per contractor per month.
Globalization Partners, on the other hand, uses a custom pricing model that starts around $599 per employee per month but can vary based on factors such as employee salary, country, and specific services required. Their contractor management starts at $49 per contractor per month.
Which platform offers better compliance management: Oyster HR or Globalization Partners?
Both platforms offer strong compliance management features, but they have different strengths. Oyster HR provides comprehensive compliance management across 180+ countries, focusing on staying up-to-date with changing regulations.
With its longer market presence, Globalization Partners offers robust compliance support backed by a team of international legal experts, which can be particularly valuable in complex regulatory environments.
Can both Oyster HR and Globalization Partners handle contractor management and full-time employees?
Yes, both platforms offer solutions for managing both full-time employees and contractors. Oyster HR provides a dedicated contractor management plan while
Globalization Partners offers contractor management as part of its comprehensive suite of services. Both platforms help international contractors with contract creation, payments, and compliance.
What kind of customer support can I expect from Oyster HR and Globalization Partners?
Globalization Partners offers customer support through multiple email, phone, and live chat channels. They also provide resources like documentation and webinars.
While specific details about Oyster HR’s customer support are not provided in the given information, the company is known for its professional support and user-friendly platform. When considering either platform, it’s advisable to inquire directly about the level and types of support offered.