Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) has redefined hiring, offering companies a pathway to access global talent efficiently and affordably.
Think of it this way: just as having an accountant do your taxes makes it faster, easier AND safer, having an RPO provider enables you to build an ideal team with less effort, cost, and risk.
However, with global hiring, cost savings and speed are only part of the story. Security and confidentiality must play an equal part. After all, what good is saving money if you risk exposing sensitive information or compromising your company’s reputation in the process?
RPO’s appeal goes beyond just cost-cutting. By tapping into specialized expertise, companies can recruit faster and adapt to new needs without inflating their in-house recruiting teams.
For some businesses, RPO can reduce costs by more than 60%, a compelling figure for growth companies aiming to scale in a cost-effective way. It’s essential to recognize that with cost savings comes greater responsibility, especially when engaging international talent. This is where companies need to ask: “Are we prioritizing security as much as savings?”
Why Security and Compliance Matters as Much as Cost Savings
Imagine hiring a cost-effective offshore (or remote) team member for social media management, only to realize they mishandled sensitive data, resulting in a crisis for your brand. A nightmare.
Many companies focus on the immediate benefits of RPO, like rapid scaling and reduced expenses, without fully addressing security risks.
The reality? Data breaches or missteps can turn cost savings into significant outflows if security and compliance measures aren’t in place from day one.
A robust RPO strategy is about balancing efficiency with protection. Some companies learn this the hard way, often after incidents where virtual assistants have misused access to client accounts.
Such scenarios are a wake-up call, underscoring that cost savings need to be accompanied by measures to secure data, protect intellectual property, and uphold confidentiality.
While businesses may save significantly on recruitment when using an RPO Provider, the real reward comes from peace of mind. For companies looking to expand globally, RPO offers access to diverse, qualified talent while prioritizing security. Instead of just asking, “How much can we save?” companies should consider, “How can we save while safeguarding our interests?”
A Proven 5-Step Security Process for Secure Global Hiring
When looking for an RPO Provider, it’s essential to choose one that prioritizes security and compliance at every step of the recruitment process. Based on my 15 years of experience in secure global hiring in over 20 countries, I’ve designed the following five-step process to offer companies peace of mind and cost savings while safeguarding their interests at every turn.
- Comprehensive Background Checks
Hiring remotely is no different from hiring in-office. You should have equal measures in terms of background security checks. If anything, remote hiring should be more stringent in terms of background screening. Screening starts with verifying each candidate’s background entirely, ensuring they meet company standards for integrity and reliability. By confirming their proof of identification, residence and work authorization, potential risks are mitigated before they have a chance to impact operations.
- Professional Character References and Previous Employment Verification
Interviews provide valuable insight into a candidate’s view of their employment history. To enhance security, it’s important to gather feedback from their previous managers, colleagues, and employers. I suggest utilizing interviews, phone calls, or notarized reference forms to assess the candidate’s fit for the role. These references should address their workplace performance, professionalism, and the quality of their work. By seeking comprehensive feedback from peers, you can gain a well-rounded understanding of the candidate, which helps build confidence in their resume and portfolio.
- Education and Credential Verification
Confirming each candidate’s educational and professional background is important, particularly for specialized roles. Ensuring qualified personnel prevents mismatches and helps maintain high standards across your team.
- Country-Specific Criminal Record Verification
A national criminal background check customized to each candidate’s location identifies any potential red flags. This step helps confirm that new hires align with company values, strengthening trust from the outset.
- Country-Specific Compliance and Security Screening
Compliance varies globally, so a tailored approach to local laws ensures smooth, compliant onboarding. From tax obligations to employment or independent contractor regulations, local compliance safeguards companies against potential legal issues and IRS misclassification fines.
This 5-step approach not only enhances recruitment processes but also brings peace of mind and significant overhead and salary cost savings. A proactive RPO Provider integrates these security steps into their process, helping companies grow confidently in a global landscape.
Effective RPO starts with Security and Global Compliance
It’s one thing to reduce recruitment expenses—it’s another to do so while maintaining security.
In a remote-first world, companies need to know that their sensitive information is safe, their intellectual property is protected, and their recruitment process isn’t just efficient; it’s secure.
Global hiring introduces unique challenges, like navigating data protection and ensuring compliance with diverse employment laws. These issues might feel secondary at first, but they’re fundamental to long-term success and continued savings of up to 85% in overhead and annual salaries.
As an RPO Provider, you can achieve security and compliance peace of mind for companies by emphasizing confidentiality and minimizing risks that are often overlooked. Initial cost reduction might catch a business’s attention, but lasting value lies in choosing a provider that prioritizes security.
Secure and Compliant RPO is the Best Solution for Cost-Effective Global Expansion
RPO is about more than filling positions; it’s about building resilient teams.
Choosing an RPO Provider with a strong focus on security and compliance means companies can confidently embrace the future of remote global hiring. By balancing cost savings with comprehensive security measures, businesses can ensure their global team is an asset—not a risk.
I hope this article helps to amplify the importance of due diligence, security and compliance while using RPO services. I wish you confidential and complaint hiring always.
About the Author
Jisselle Baldwin-Todd is the Founder of Virtual Work World and a leader in building global remote teams, with over 15 years of experience across more than 20 countries. Driven by a commitment to protect businesses, Jisselle has witnessed first-hand the risks companies face by not prioritizing security and compliance in recruitment. Through her RPO, she helps companies secure talent effectively and responsibly. Jisselle has held roles as a Global Human Resource Business Partner, Managing Director, Head Business Development Officer and Director of Strategic Initiatives for international award-winning brands and, with her company, Virtual Work World, has helped over 100 companies internationally, making her an advocate for secure, impactful hiring practices. She has made it her mission to bring vetted, secure talent solutions to organizations that want peace of mind in their hiring process.
