When expanding to a new country, how do you approach recruiting and hiring? It may not be possible to use the same practices you typically use in El Salvador, so here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you find the talent you need.
Recruiting in El Salvador
Steady economic growth in El Salvador has led to more job opportunities, especially in the capital of San Salvador. As more international workers enter the country, you may find that some job applicants speak English. You can start by advertising jobs on LinkedIn, LatinTopJobs, and GoAbroad.com. The San Salvador newspaper “Diario Latino” is also a great place to advertise jobs for both residents and nonresidents. Keep in mind there will be additional requirements when hiring someone from a different country.
Laws against discrimination in El Salvador
One of your biggest requirements is to meet the country’s employment compliance laws. Failing to follow the abide by recruiting regulations or discrimination laws could lead to fines, legal ramifications, and business delays.
For example, the law prohibits children under the age of 12 from entering the workforce. Minors 12 and older can work as long as it does not interfere with their schooling or harm their health.
Currently, the country’s labor code expressly forbids discrimination related to union membership. This law is different from those in other Latin American countries, which often prohibit discrimination against age, gender, race, religion, and a variety of other factors. As a company, it’s important to establish your own regulations to avoid discriminatory practices and staff your business in El Salvador with a diverse workforce.
How to hire employees in El Salvador
The best way to hire employees in El Salvador is through an oral or written contract, though we recommend a strong written contract in Spanish. Every employment contract needs to include compensation, benefits, health insurance options, termination requirements, entitlement terms, workings hours, and more. Make sure your offer letters and contracts always include compensation and salary amounts in U.S. dollars.
El Salvador employment laws
El Salvador’s employment compliance laws depend on whether you hire international or local employees. No more than 10% of your workforce should consist of international employees. Once you hire an employee, you have to register them in the Salvadoran Social Security Institute (ISSS) and the Pension Fund Association (AFP).
Keep in mind that laws and regulations also apply to working hours and overtime. El Salvador has a 6-day workweek that totals 44 hours. Overtime should get paid at 100% of the employee’s base salary.
Onboarding in El Salvador
You can onboard employees using any type of process that works best for your company. We recommend reviewing the employment contract with new employees during their first week to ensure both parties agree to all the terms. Then, you should enroll all new employees in a training program based on their position.
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Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you recruit, hire, and onboard anyone, anywhere.