Hiring internationally is one of the most powerful growth levers available to companies today. It opens up access to global talent, accelerates entry into new markets, and offers unprecedented flexibility. But this opportunity comes with real complexity, especially when it comes to compliance.
At WorkMotion, we believe compliance isn’t just a box to check. It’s the foundation on which safe, sustainable global hiring is built.
At WorkMotion, we believe compliance isn’t just a box to check. It’s the foundation on which safe, sustainable global hiring is built.
The hidden risks of international employment
Every country brings its own web of labour laws, tax codes, statutory benefits, and data privacy regulations. A small mistake in one market (like misclassifying a contractor in Spain or miscalculating severance in Brazil) can quickly escalate into legal battles, backdated taxes, or fines. Worse, many of these risks remain invisible until it’s too late.
And it’s not just about legal penalties. Failing to comply with regulations can damage employee trust, weaken your brand reputation, and stall your global growth.
That’s why compliance in global hiring must be treated as a strategic priority, not an afterthought.
And it’s not just about legal penalties. Failing to comply with regulations can damage employee trust, weaken your brand reputation, and stall your global growth.
That’s why compliance in global hiring must be treated as a strategic priority, not an afterthought.
The role of an Employer of Record (EOR)
For companies expanding across borders, an Employer of Record (EOR) offers a faster, safer alternative to setting up legal entities or relying on freelance arrangements. An EOR becomes the legal employer of your international hires, handling:
- Local employment contracts
- Payroll and tax filings
- Social security contributions
- Benefits administration
- Legal compliance across jurisdictions
- Payroll and tax filings
- Social security contributions
- Benefits administration
- Legal compliance across jurisdictions
This model allows companies to hire full-time employees in countries where they don’t have a local entity without the cost, time, or complexity of incorporation.
Done right, an EOR allows for confident, compliant hiring. Done wrong, it can open your company to risks you may not even know exist.
Done right, an EOR allows for confident, compliant hiring. Done wrong, it can open your company to risks you may not even know exist.
So how do you know if your EOR is truly compliant?
Until recently, companies had little to go on beyond marketing claims. That’s why the IEC Group created the EOR Compliance Audit. It’s a rigorous, third-party certification built on over 1,000 control points across ten core areas, from licensing and labor law to payroll, data protection, and benefits.
Here are the 10 pillars of the audit framework:
Here are the 10 pillars of the audit framework:
1- Legal & License Validations: Includes labour leasing licenses (e.g. AÜG in Germany)
2- Employment Law Compliance: Contracts, terminations, CBAs, and statutory requirements
3- Payroll & Tax Accuracy: Audit trails, withholdings, and tax contributions
4- Benefits & Social Security: Statutory and optional employee benefits
5- Data Protection: Adherence to GDPR, PIPL, CCPA, and more
6- Occupational Health & Safety: Safety policy integration and local compliance
7- Employee Lifecycle: Onboarding to offboarding practices
8- EOR–Client Agreement: Liability clauses and service-level clarity
9- Ongoing Compliance Monitoring: Internal audits, legal updates, and risk tracking Certifications & Controls: ISO, SOC 2, ISAE 3402 and other external validations
2- Employment Law Compliance: Contracts, terminations, CBAs, and statutory requirements
3- Payroll & Tax Accuracy: Audit trails, withholdings, and tax contributions
4- Benefits & Social Security: Statutory and optional employee benefits
5- Data Protection: Adherence to GDPR, PIPL, CCPA, and more
6- Occupational Health & Safety: Safety policy integration and local compliance
7- Employee Lifecycle: Onboarding to offboarding practices
8- EOR–Client Agreement: Liability clauses and service-level clarity
9- Ongoing Compliance Monitoring: Internal audits, legal updates, and risk tracking Certifications & Controls: ISO, SOC 2, ISAE 3402 and other external validations
WorkMotion: The only EOR in the world with a compliance certification
We’re proud to share that WorkMotion is the first and only EOR in the world to achieve IEC Gold Certification for full-scope global compliance.
This isn’t a self-issued label. It’s an independent, in-depth audit conducted by The IEC Group, covering every aspect of our operations from payroll and labor licensing to governance and process maturity.
Here’s what sets us apart:
This isn’t a self-issued label. It’s an independent, in-depth audit conducted by The IEC Group, covering every aspect of our operations from payroll and labor licensing to governance and process maturity.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Independent verification from The IEC Group
10-category compliance audit covering all major regulatory areas
Full validation of labor leasing licenses and statutory obligations
Recognition for operational transparency and excellence
Our internal systems didn’t just meet requirements. They exceeded them. The audit team called out our maturity, governance, and global HR infrastructure as industry-leading.
Why this matters for you
As global hiring accelerates, businesses are placing more trust than ever in EOR providers. But not all EORs are created equal. With our IEC Gold Certification, we offer more than promises. We offer proof.
If you're expanding into new markets, fighting for talent, or seeking peace of mind when it comes to cross-border compliance, we’re here to make that process simple, secure, and scalable.
If you're expanding into new markets, fighting for talent, or seeking peace of mind when it comes to cross-border compliance, we’re here to make that process simple, secure, and scalable.
The compliance advantage in global hiring
Global hiring is the future, but it comes with serious responsibility. At WorkMotion, we’ve always believed that compliance isn’t just about avoiding risk. It’s about building trust with your employees, your stakeholders, and your customers.
Being the first and only EOR to achieve the IEC Gold Certification is an important milestone, but it’s not the finish line. It’s a commitment we renew every day to ensure our clients can grow globally with confidence.
Being the first and only EOR to achieve the IEC Gold Certification is an important milestone, but it’s not the finish line. It’s a commitment we renew every day to ensure our clients can grow globally with confidence.
If you’re looking for a compliant way to scale across borders, we’d love to show you how we can help. Talk to one of our experts today and let’s get started.
