In today’s competitive job market, finding the right talent for your organization can be a daunting task. Hiring employees from a foreign country like Barbados can be challenging. As an employer, you have to contend with language barriers and unfamiliar nuances of the local employment laws. Thankfully, there is a solution that can streamline the hiring process for companies looking to expand their business in Barbados– an Employer of Record (EOR).
Why Hire Talent in Barbados?
Barbados is home to a population of highly skilled workers. Known for their culture of politeness, you should always use “good morning” or “good evening” when you are addressing others in Barbados.
Barbadians (known colloquially as Bajans) are known for their professionalism and work ethic, making them great candidates for companies looking for high-performing employees.
Barbadian culture comes from a mix of West African and British influence, which reflects their spoken language. Barbados’ national language is English, and the majority of the population speaks Bajan Creole.
The Benefits of EOR in Barbados
For companies that are looking to hire in Barbados, an EOR offers many benefits. Firstly, an EOR can fast-track the hiring process, as they already have an established legal and administrative framework in place. Companies that use an EOR in Barbados can be confident that their documentation and compliance are handled by a team of experienced professionals who understand local labor laws.
Compliance is particularly important in Barbados, where labor laws are strictly enforced. Employers who violate employment laws can face serious financial penalties and business disruptions. Using an EOR ensures that your company is legally compliant, avoiding unexpected surprises and negative impacts on your reputation.
How Can I Legally Hire Employees from Barbados?
To hire from Barbados, your company needs to have a legal entity operating in the country. Getting an entity set up can be time-consuming. The efforts are only worth it if you intend to dramatically expand your business into the Barbadian market in the long term.
An EOR service provider like Borderless can be an invaluable resource when it comes to hiring employees in Barbados. Not only can they help you navigate complex labor laws and regulations, but they can also offer a range of services to support your business operations. From payroll and tax management to onboarding and offboarding processes, an EOR service can help streamline your business operations.
Barbadian Employment Documents
In Barbados, a written work contract is not mandatory and a verbal work contract can be sufficient. An employer cannot change the terms and conditions of employment unless it is explicitly stated in the employment contract.
Vacation, Breaks, and Holidays
On the cultural front, Barbados observes a number of national and civic holidays you should consider when building your distributed team.
Bajans celebrate:
- January 1: New Year's Day
- January 21: Errol Barrow Day
- April 7: Good Friday
- April 10: Easter Monday
- April 28: National Heroes’ Day
- May 1: May Day (Labor Day)
- May 29: Whit Monday
- August 1: Emancipation Day
- August 7: Kadooment Day
- November 30: Independence Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: Boxing Day
Taxes and Payment
The minimum wage in Barbados varies by profession.
Income on employment is taxed at a rate of 12.5% on a worker’s first 50,000 Barbados Dollars (BBD) and 28.5% on income surpassing 50,000 BBD.
Now that you know the basics of Barbados' labor customs, standards of living, and lifestyle, keep reading for a step-by-step on bringing your new Barbadian team on board.
Step 1: Determine Your Hiring Needs
To ensure a successful hiring process from Barbados with EOR, it is essential to start with a clear idea of the positions you need to fill, the skills required, and the type of employment contract. This will guide the rest of the process and ensure that you are identifying candidates that meet your business needs.
Step 2: Choose an EOR Service Provider
It is crucial to research the EOR service providers available in Barbados and select one that meets your company’s specific needs. Look for a provider who offers comprehensive services, pricing transparency, and a proven track record of compliance.
Step 3: Define Employee Onboarding and Management Process
Once your EOR is in place, establish a streamlined onboarding process for your new hires that includes employee management policies, job performance standards, and disciplinary procedures. Ensure that all practices are legally compliant.
Step 4: Jointly Select and Hire Qualified Candidates
Collaborate with your EOR in the recruitment process, and conduct interviews to ensure that you are selecting the most qualified candidates for your organization. Ensure that all employment laws and regulations are adhered to in the hiring process.
Step 5: Maintain Effective Communication and Record-Keeping
Maintain clear communication with your EOR and your new hires, and keep accurate records of all employment-related data and transactions.
How Borderless Can Help
As an Employer of Record (EOR) service, Borderless is an excellent solution for companies looking to hire in Barbados. By outsourcing your hiring administration tasks to a third-party provider like Borderless, your company can save time and money, and focus on your core business objectives.
The outlined five-step guide to hiring your dream team will help ensure a successful hiring process and lay the foundation for a productive and efficient workforce. Book a demo with Borderless today to see how we can help you put those five steps to work!
Disclaimer
Borderless does not provide legal services or legal advice to anyone. This includes customers, contractors, employees, partners, and the general public. We are not lawyers or paralegals. Please read our full disclaimer here.
