Safeguard Global Reviews – Pricing, Pros/Cons, and User Feedback

Safeguard Global provides reliable global payroll, EOR, and contractor management services, covering 150+ countries. With competitive pricing ($22-31 PEPM), robust compliance, and an in-house platform for payroll, time tracking, and expenses, SG offers a strong solution despite limited HRIS integrations and slower tech innovation.

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
October 14, 2024
user looking at computer screen with safeguard logo

Safeguard Global (SG) has built a strong reputation in the global employment space since its founding in 2008, starting with managed payroll services before expanding into EOR and contractor management. SG offers a robust technology platform for payroll, time tracking, and expense management, alongside comprehensive compliance and tax support. In this review, we’ll explore Safeguard Global’s key strengths, challenges, and suitability for businesses seeking an effective solution for managing international payroll and workforce operations.

Overview of Safeguard Global

Safeguard Global has established itself as a major player in the global payroll space, earning a reputation for reliable managed services. Originally focused on gross-to-net payroll processing, SG has grown to provide EOR and contractor management solutions, making it a versatile partner for multinational companies.

With operations in nearly 150 countries, Safeguard offers in-country compliance and tax support, bolstered by its large workforce of over 1,000 employees, most of whom focus on client services. SG’s homegrown technology platform supports payroll, time tracking, and expense management, providing businesses with an integrated tool for workforce management. SG also prioritizes data security and compliance, being fully GDPR-compliant and SOC-certified, ensuring client and employee data is well-protected.

While Safeguard’s services are comprehensive, its aggregator-based EOR model and limitations on HRIS integrations due to data security regulations may pose challenges for some businesses. Additionally, SG’s technology, while functional, is not as advanced as some of its better-funded competitors.

The Strengths of Safeguard Global

1. Established Reputation and Experienced Team

With over a decade of experience, Safeguard Global’s founding team remains actively involved, providing stability and continuity for clients. SG’s long-standing reputation makes it a trusted partner for businesses expanding globally.

2. Comprehensive Global Payroll Coverage

SG provides gross-to-net managed payroll services across nearly 150 countries, making it an ideal option for companies with international operations. This comprehensive coverage ensures payroll consistency and compliance with local laws.

3. Expanded Services: EOR and Contractor Management

In addition to payroll, SG has successfully expanded into EOR and contractor management, allowing companies to manage diverse workforces through a single provider. This versatility makes SG a compelling choice for businesses that hire both full-time employees and contractors.

4. In-House Technology Platform

SG offers a proprietary platform for managing payroll, time tracking, and expenses, reducing the need for third-party solutions. This integrated technology simplifies workforce management for companies operating in multiple countries.

5. Competitive Pricing

With pricing between $22-31 PEPM, Safeguard Global’s services are more cost-effective than some of the more heavily-funded EOR providers, offering businesses excellent value without compromising on essential features.

6. Robust Data Security and GDPR Compliance

SG is fully GDPR-compliant and certified by SOC for data security, ensuring that businesses can trust the platform with their sensitive employee data. This focus on compliance and security is especially valuable for companies operating in regulated industries.

Learn More: Compare Safeguard Global and other leading HR Tech platforms on OutSail's marketplace

Points to Consider with Safeguard Global

1. Aggregator Model for EOR Services

While SG’s EOR services are available in many countries, they operate on an aggregator model—using local partners to provide services—which may reduce the company’s control over the quality and consistency of operations in certain regions.

2. Technology Platform Lags Behind Competitors

Although SG offers its own technology platform, it does not innovate as quickly as some of its highly-funded competitors. Companies seeking cutting-edge tech solutions may find SG’s platform slightly lacking.

3. Limited Entity Setup Services

SG provides managed payroll services for companies with established entities but does not offer entity setup services directly. Instead, SG works with preferred partners for this service, which may introduce additional complexity for businesses setting up operations in new countries.

4. HRIS Integration Limitations

Due to GDPR regulations and data security concerns, SG has imposed limitations on HRIS integrations, which may be a challenge for companies with complex HR tech stacks that require seamless data flow across platforms.

Pricing Structure

Safeguard Global follows a PEPM pricing model with costs ranging from $22 to $31 PEPM. This competitive pricing makes SG an attractive option for businesses seeking global payroll and EOR services without incurring high operational costs.

Deciding if Safeguard Global is Right for Your Business

When evaluating Safeguard Global, businesses should weigh its extensive global payroll coverage, competitive pricing, and in-country support against the limitations of its aggregator-based model and slower technological innovation.

Leveraging Strengths:

  • Trusted Global Payroll Provider: SG’s long-standing reputation and experienced team provide reliability and stability.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: With services in 150 countries, SG ensures payroll compliance across multiple regions.
  • Flexible Workforce Management: The EOR and contractor management options make SG suitable for businesses with diverse workforce needs.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: SG’s competitive pricing offers excellent value compared to other EOR providers.
  • Strong Data Security: SOC certification and GDPR compliance ensure that sensitive employee data is well-protected.

Addressing Challenges:

  • Aggregator Model Risks: Using local partners for EOR services may result in less consistent operations in some regions.
  • Outdated Technology: SG’s platform may feel limited for companies seeking advanced features and seamless HRIS integrations.
  • Entity Setup Limitations: Businesses may need to rely on partners for establishing entities, adding complexity.
  • Restricted HRIS Integrations: GDPR compliance restrictions may affect data flow and integration with other HR systems.

Conclusion

Safeguard Global stands out as a trusted global payroll provider with extensive experience and competitive pricing. Its flexible workforce management solutions through EOR and contractor management, combined with its in-house technology platform, make it a strong option for multinational organizations. SG’s focus on data security and regulatory compliance further strengthens its appeal for companies operating across multiple regions.

However, businesses should be aware of potential limitations related to SG’s aggregator model and slower technology innovation. For companies prioritizing cutting-edge features or seamless HRIS integration, other providers might offer more advanced solutions. Additionally, organizations that need assistance with entity setup may need to explore SG’s partner network, which could introduce added complexity.

For businesses looking for a cost-effective global payroll solution with strong compliance support, Safeguard Global is a reliable choice. However, companies with complex HR needs or high-tech integration requirements may need to consider alternative providers.

FAQs

What are the core strengths of Safeguard Global?

Safeguard Global offers comprehensive payroll services across 150 countries, competitive pricing, EOR and contractor management, and robust data security.

What are the challenges of Safeguard Global?

SG’s aggregator model for EOR services, outdated technology, and limited HRIS integrations may present challenges for some businesses.

What is the pricing structure for Safeguard Global?

Safeguard Global charges $22-31 PEPM, providing cost-effective solutions for multinational companies.

Who is Safeguard Global best suited for?

Safeguard Global is ideal for multinational companies seeking reliable global payroll services with EOR and contractor management options. It may not be the best fit for businesses requiring advanced HRIS integrations or entity setup services.

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Meet the Author

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Brett Ungashick, the friendly face behind OutSail, started his career at LinkedIn, selling HR software. This experience sparked an idea, leading him to create OutSail in 2018. Based in Denver, OutSail simplifies the HR software selection process, and Brett's hands-on approach has already helped over 1,000 companies, including SalesLoft, Hudl and DoorDash. He's a go-to guy for all things HR Tech, supporting companies in every industry and across 20+ countries. When he's not demystifying HR tech, you'll find Brett enjoying a round of golf or skiing down Colorado's slopes, always happy to chat about work or play.

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