Providers of offshore talent generally use one of three models. Here’s how they compare on the things that affect your MSP.
| How Scaled worksLegally employed | Direct hire through a placement firm | Independent contractor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who is the legal employer? | A registered local company, which employs the tech under local labor law | Your MSP, often through a contractor platform | No one. The tech is self-employed |
| Labor protections (paid leave, notice periods, fair dismissal) | Yes, required by law | Depends on how you set it up | Generally none |
| Who handles income tax and statutory contributions? | The provider | Your MSP | The tech, on their own |
| Can the arrangement end without notice? | No. Notice periods and a fair process apply | Depends on your contract | Often yes, on either side |
| Benefits | Provided by the employer | Up to you to arrange | Rarely |
| Who carries the compliance risk? | The provider | Your MSP | Your MSP may face misclassification risk |
General comparison of employment models. Specific terms vary by provider and country, so always confirm the details with any provider you consider.
An employee with a notice period can’t disappear overnight. You get time to plan, and your clients don’t lose their tech without warning.
Payroll tax, statutory contributions, and labor law are the employer’s job, not yours. You avoid the risk of a misclassified contractor.
A registered employer stands behind every placement, with HR, a formal process, and someone to contact if something goes wrong.
Engineers who are properly employed have every reason to build a long career with your MSP.
A permanent job with a steady salary, not month-to-month contract work.
Paid leave, notice periods, and fair treatment under the law.
People who feel secure and valued don’t keep one eye on the next gig. They invest in your clients.
Scaled truly invests in their staff, ensuring both professional growth and a supportive work environment. They don’t just focus on scaling clients.
Support EngineerI’ve worked in IT since 2007 and no previous company treated me with respect or valued my opinion. Here at Scaled, you are valued.
IT Support TechnicianCollaborative, innovative, and supportive work environment where ideas are valued and everyone contributes to the bigger picture.
Level 3 EngineerIf you want a company that cares for their people and puts family first, Scaled is for you. They ensure comfort at placements and address issues quickly.
IT SupportThe flexibility of working from home allows for a healthy work-life balance. The team is incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and easy to collaborate with.
Level 3 EngineerThis is a safe place where we can express ourselves freely. Everyone is accepting and kind regardless of background or status. One big family.
Support EngineerThey trust and respect everyone. Management recognizes staff, encourages you to attend personal events, and never micromanages. Truly empowering.
IT TechnicianAlmost two years in and I still love working at Scaled. I feel supported, heard, and my professional needs are always taken care of.
EngineerGetting started was smooth and well-organized. Salary is good, medical benefits are great, and management is awesome. Highly recommended.
IT SupportFreedom to work from home or anywhere with a good internet connection. More time with family and no commuting costs. Game changer.
Support EngineerGreat company to work for. Management truly understands the MSP industry and is always supportive when you need guidance or help.
Level 2 TechnicianEvery day is different. Start with reviewing tickets, address urgent client issues, and prioritize based on SLAs. Never boring, always rewarding.
IT Support EngineerRegular check-ins on both mental and physical health. Constructive and informative sessions that show they genuinely care about their people.
EngineerGain hands-on experience supporting US clients and cutting-edge IT environments, all while staying in South Africa. Best of both worlds.
Support EngineerThe interview process was thorough, which made me confident they hire quality people. Once you’re in, you realize why the bar is high.
IT TechnicianThe compensation is competitive for South Africa and the benefits package keeps improving. Feels like a company that’s growing with its people.
Level 2 EngineerColleagues are always willing to help and share knowledge. There’s a real sense of teamwork here that makes even tough days manageable.
IT SupportWorking US business hours from South Africa was an adjustment at first, but the flexibility and compensation make it absolutely worth it.
Support EngineerBefore you add a remote engineer, ask every provider you’re considering, including us, these six questions.
Scaled Workforce (Pty) Ltd, our South African company. Your tech is a full-time, permanent employee under South African labor law. You contract with Scaled Inc., a US company, and we invoice in US dollars.
An employee. Every engineer is a full-time, permanent employee of Scaled Workforce (Pty) Ltd, not a contractor.
We do. We handle payroll, income tax, and statutory contributions in South Africa, so you never have to.
We have a 30 to 60 day cancellation notice period, so you can give notice at any time. And if a placement isn’t the right fit, we’ll find you a replacement.
Paid leave, notice periods, and fair treatment are required by South African labor law. Benefits are provided by Scaled Workforce as the employer.
An employee with a notice period can’t disappear overnight, so you get time to plan. Our HR, Client Success, and Employee Success teams support every placement, and if a placement isn’t the right fit, we find you a replacement.
