Table of content
Introduction
The world of work is evolving, and hiring remote employees is at the forefront of this change.
A survey by Glassdoor highlighted a growing trend: 30% of employees would prefer the option to work remotely over a pay raise, emphasizing the value they place on flexibility.
Here's the clincher for businesses:
When you hire in the Caucasus, you get the same high-quality talent as in Europe but at half the cost. This means you can get excellent skills and expertise at a much more affordable rate.
That’s why, businesses favor remote staffing solutions, particularly in the talented and skillful Caucasus region.
Benefits of hiring remote workers
The shift towards remote work is reshaping the global workforce landscape, offering a range of benefits for employers and employees. Embracing remote hiring is no longer just a trend. This strategic decision can significantly improve business operations and employee well-being.
Reduces overhead costs: Remote work significantly saves the expenses associated with physical office spaces. Besides, it includes extra costs like utilities, office supplies, and maintenance.
Increased productivity: When you hire remote employees, they often reach higher productivity levels. Without office distractions, they can focus better on their tasks. This flexibility is a major draw for many workers. According to the CDC, sudden employee absences cost U.S. employers about $225.8 billion annually due to lost productivity. Remote work can help mitigate these losses.
Diverse talent marketplace: Remote hiring opens up global opportunities. You're not limited to the talent in your immediate geographic area, which is especially beneficial for companies not located in major urban centers. This global reach gives you access to a diverse and talented workforce.
Employee savings: Remote workers save on commuting costs, including gas, car maintenance, and public transport fares, as well as daily expenses like lunch and coffee. It can lead to increased employee satisfaction and financial well-being.
Loyalty & lower turnover: Flexibility breeds loyalty. Employees who can manage their work-life balance are more likely to stick around. Lower turnover, higher morale – it’s a recipe for a stable, thriving workforce.
Hiring in the Caucasus
The Caucasus region, known for its rich history and cultural diversity, is now making headlines for its evolving hiring landscape. This transformation is driven by several factors- technological advancements, economic reforms, and a growing emphasis on global connectivity.
The rise of remote work has positioned the Caucasus as a prime location for hiring dedicated remote teams, especially in the tech and business sectors. Companies increasingly turn to remote hiring platforms in the Caucasus to find top talent. This shift is about accessing skills, leveraging cost efficiencies, and tapping into a broader talent pool.
Demographics and Talent Marketplace in the Caucasus
Understanding the demographics and talent marketplace in the Caucasus is crucial for effective hiring. The region boasts a diverse range of skills and expertise.
Tech industry boom
The burgeoning tech industry in countries like Georgia and Armenia creates a pool of skilled professionals. This boom is particularly evident in the demand for developers, project managers, and digital marketers.
Georgia: Georgia stands out as a dynamic economy in the Caucasus, rapidly becoming a hub for tech investments. The country's fertile business environment, bolstered by improved internet connectivity, is attracting attention from global tech investors. As reported by Investment Monitor, Georgia's advancements in internet infrastructure are opening new doors for digital businesses and startups. This enhanced connectivity is a cornerstone of the tech landscape, offering a robust platform for innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
Armenia: Armenia's tech sector is witnessing a rapid growth spurt. The number of IT firms in the country has soared, reflecting a vibrant and expanding tech ecosystem. As highlighted by Eurasianet, the Armenian tech sector's growth has its challenges. The influx of new firms has intensified competition for talent and resources. However, this indicates a healthy, competitive market ripe for innovation and development.
Azerbaijan: According to The Jerusalem Post, Azerbaijan's commitment to developing its IT infrastructure is a blend of reality and potential. The government's investment in technological capabilities signs ambition to become a central player in the regional tech landscape.
Turkey: Turkey's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector is experiencing significant growth. In 2020, the ICT market reached a staggering $26.9 billion, with a substantial portion allocated to communication and information technologies. Turkey's technology ecosystem is rapidly becoming a hub for startups and innovative enterprises.
Population dynamics and talent availability
Population trends vary across the region, with Armenia and Georgia experiencing population loss, impacting the availability of local talent. However, Azerbaijan and Turkey present a more stable demographic, offering a consistent supply of skilled professionals.
The rise of the freelance market
The freelance market in the Caucasus is thriving, offering opportunities to hire freelance developers, writers, and other specialists. Various platforms fuel this growth by linking businesses with freelancers, making it easier to find the right talent for specific projects.
Understanding regional employment trends
In the strategically important region bridging Europe and Asia, the Caucasus – encompassing Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Turkey – is experiencing a significant transformation in its employment landscape. This change is driven by comprehensive labor market reforms, economic diversification, and a commitment to inclusive growth, reshaping the professional environment in this diverse area.
Economic transformation and labor market reforms
The Caucasus region is at a pivotal point in its economic development. As the International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted, these countries are actively implementing labor market reforms. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the quality of employment and ensuring sustainable, inclusive growth.
Economic diversification: The shift from traditional sectors to new areas, particularly technology and services, opens opportunities for employers and job seekers. This transition signifies a move from conventional employment patterns to more dynamic and flexible work arrangements.
Market liberalization: The easing of external finance and trade restrictions and the liberalization of product and financial markets are setting the stage for a more open and competitive economic environment in the Caucasus. This strategy attracts foreign investment, stimulating local businesses and creating a vibrant job market.
Inclusive growth
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) emphasizes the importance of inclusive growth in the region. This approach ensures that economic expansion translates into meaningful employment opportunities for all segments of society.
Balanced urban and rural employment: The inclusive growth strategy considers urban and rural employment. It aims to bridge the gap between different economic areas and ensures benefits from growth.
Holistic job creation: The focus on creating 'good jobs' encompasses economically rewarding, socially responsible, and environmentally sustainable opportunities. This approach is fundamental in building a more equitable and sustainable future for the Caucasus.
A Quick Guide to the Hiring Process in Caucasus
Understanding the pay and tax regulations in the Caucasus region is essential for businesses to operate effectively and comply with local laws. Each country in the region – Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, and Turkey – presents a unique set of rules that influence both personal and corporate financial planning. Staying informed about these regulations is crucial to successful business operations in these diverse and dynamic markets.
Pay & tax
Azerbaijan
Corporate tax: The standard corporate tax rate in Azerbaijan is 20% for resident and non-resident taxpayers. Special regimes apply to oil and gas companies.
Personal income tax: Taxable income from non-entrepreneurial activities is taxed at 14%. Suppose the income exceeds 2,500 AZN, a 25% tax is levied on the amount exceeding this threshold.
Georgia
Corporate tax: Georgia has a corporate income tax rate of 5% on a corporation's Georgia taxable net income.
Personal income tax: Personal income in Georgia is subject to a flat tax rate of 20%.
Armenia
Corporate tax: Armenia's standard Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate is 18%. Tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed on Armenian-source income.
Personal income tax: The income from the property sale is taxed at 10% or 20%, depending on the type of property and the buyer's status.
Turkey
Corporate tax: In Turkey, the standard corporate income tax rate is 25% for companies outside the financial sector. Financial sector companies may have different rates.
Personal income tax: Residents in Turkey are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Turkish-source earnings. The income tax is progressive.
Public holidays 2024
Understanding the number of public holidays in different countries is crucial for businesses, especially when planning projects and managing workflows. Here's a quick overview of the public holidays in Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan:
Public holidays in Armenia 2024
Armenia observes 13 public holidays throughout the year.
1 - 2 January: New Year
6 January: Christmas
28 January: Army Day
8 March: International Women’s Day
24 April: 1915 Armenian Genocide Memorial Day
1 May: Labour Day
8 May: Yerkhapah Day
9 May: Victory and Peace Day
28 May: First Republic Day
5 July: Constitution Day
21 September: Independence Day
31 December: New Year’s Eve
Public holidays in Georgia 2024
Georgia celebrates 15 public holidays.
1 - 2 January: New Year holidays
7 January: Christmas
19 January: Epiphany
3 March: Mother's Day
8 March: International Women's Day
9 April: Day of Restoration of State Independence of Georgia
3 May: Orthodox Good Friday
6 May: Orthodox Easter Monday
9 May: Victory Over Fascism Day
12 May: Saint Andrew the First-Called Day
26 May: Independence Day of Georgia
28 August: Saint Mary’s Day
14 October: Mtskhetoba
23 November: St. George's Day
Public holidays in Azerbaijan 2024
Azerbaijan has 15 public holidays annually.
1 - 2 January: New Year Holiday
20 January: National Mourning Day
8 March: International Women's Day
20 - 24 March: Novruz Holiday
10 - 11 April: Ramazan Bayram Holiday
9 May: Victory Day
28 May: Republic Day
15 June: Salvation Day
16 - 18 June: Gurban Bayram Holiday
17 June: Salvation Day Holiday
26 June: Armed Forces Day
8 November: Victory Day (Zəfər Günü)
9 November: Flag Day
11 November: Flag Day Holiday
31 December: Solidarity Day of Azerbaijanis
Public holidays in Turkey 2024
Turkey observes 16 public holidays throughout the year.
1 January: New Year
9 April: Ramadan Festival Eve (Half Day)
10 - 12 April: Feast of Ramadan
23 April: National Sovereignty and Children's Day
1 May: Labor and Solidarity Day
19 May: Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day
15 June: Eve of Eid al-Adha (Half Day)
16 - 19 June: Eid al-Adha
15 July: Democracy and National Unity Day
30 August: Victory Day
28 - 29 October: Republic Day
Leave policy
Azerbaijan
Paid annual leave: Employees in Azerbaijan are entitled to at least 21 calendar days of paid basic leave annually. Eligibility for vacation comes after six months of continuous service.
Unpaid leave for family care: As per medical opinion, up to 14 days of unpaid leave are available for caring for a sick family member.
Sick leave: Employees unable to work due to sickness are paid in full for the first 14 days by the employer. After that, the payments are made by the State Social Protection Fund.
Georgia
Paid annual leave: Employees are eligible for at least 24 days of paid annual leave.
Unpaid leave: Employees can take at least 15 calendar days of unpaid leave each year.
Sick leave: Up to 30 days of paid sick leave are available. Employees need a medical certificate for absences longer than three days due to illness.
Armenia
Paid annual leave: The minimum annual paid leave in Armenia is 28 days, with the possibility of extended leave up to 35 or 48 days in some cases.
Paid sick leave: Employees are entitled to paid sick leave from the first day to day five of sickness at 80% of the average salary.
Turkey
Paid annual leave: Employees in Turkey are eligible for annual leave after one year of service. The leave days are as follows: 14 days for employees with 1-5 years of service, increasing with length of service.
Unpaid leave: Employees can request up to 6 months of unpaid leave under certain conditions.
Sick leave: Employees can get a maximum of 1 week of paid sick leave. Extended sick leave is granted on an unpaid basis.
Termination Policies
Georgia
At-Will employment: Georgia follows the at-will employment doctrine, meaning employers can terminate the working relationship at any time for any reason, as long as it's not illegal.
Severance pay: There is no legal requirement for severance pay in Georgia unless stipulated in an employment contract or company policy.
Armenia
Notice period: The notice period for termination in Armenia depends on the employee's length of service. Employers must provide a notice of 49 days for employees with 10-15 years of service and 60 days for those with more than 15 years of service.
Reasons for dismissal: Termination must be based on reasons defined by the Labour Code. Mutual agreement terminations require a seven-day written notice.
Azerbaijan
Severance pay: For employees terminated due to redundancy, a minimum of three months' severance pay is required. The amount of severance pay may vary depending on the length of service and other factors.
Labor code provisions: The Labour Code of Azerbaijan outlines the legal framework for termination, including prohibitions against forcing an employee to perform tasks not included in their job description under the threat of termination.
Turkey
Notice periods: The notice period for termination in Turkey varies based on the length of service, ranging from 2 weeks to 8 weeks.
Severance pay: Employees are entitled to severance pay based on their length of service, typically one month's salary for each year of service.
Onboarding
At Gegidze, we simplify the onboarding process for your dedicated teams, ensuring a seamless transition and integration. We handle all the essential paperwork and legal requirements and facilitate the smooth transfer of knowledge and project-related information. With our support, you can onboard your team effectively, minimizing the time to productivity and speeding up your project timelines. It's about streamlining your process for better efficiency and results.
Additional information
When hiring remote workers, the process involves much more than just spotting talent. It's about understanding the unique challenges of a distributed workforce. At Gegidze, we take care of every step with meticulous attention, from ensuring legal compliance to facilitating effective onboarding in remote environments.
Local legal compliance: Hiring a remote team in new regions requires adherence to local employment and tax laws. Navigating these complexities can be daunting, but at Gegidze.com, we take care of this for you. Our employer-of-record services guarantee 100% compliance with local regulations, making remote hiring simple.
Robust data security measures: We understand the importance of data security in remote setups. Our approach includes educating remote workers on data protection, secure connections, and safe file-sharing practices, ensuring your company's sensitive information remains secure.
Remote work policies: Developing clear remote work policies is crucial, and we handle this for you. Our policies cover work hours, leave policies, and remote-specific benefits, setting clear expectations and maintaining productivity.
IT infrastructure: Before you start hiring, we ensure your tech setup is ready for a remote team. It includes managing online interactions and remote information sharing effectively.
Remote work culture: Maintaining an inclusive and engaging company culture remotely can be challenging. We facilitate regular virtual team-building activities and open communication channels to keep remote employees connected and engaged.
Setting Expectations for New Employees
Clarity from the beginning: At Gegidze, we believe clarity is key to success. We ensure our new team members understand their roles, responsibilities, and what we expect from them. This clarity helps align their efforts with our organizational goals right from the start.
Regular progress reviews: Through scheduled meetings, we discuss achievements, tackle challenges, and provide constructive feedback. This ongoing dialogue ensures continuous growth and development for our new hires.
Support systems: We ensure our new team members know all the support systems available within the organization. Whether it's HR assistance or technical support, we've got them covered.
Hiring Talent in the Caucasus
The Caucasus region, including Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey, offers a unique mix of skilled labor and cost-effective solutions. This guide explores hiring specifics in these countries, giving you insights into tapping into this rich talent pool.
Our employer of record services simplifies the complexities of international hiring, especially in the Caucasus region. We handle all the tedious aspects, like compliance with tax and payment regulations, which can be quite a headache when hiring across borders.
Georgia
Georgia is known for its low labor costs and top-notch workforce. With an average hourly wage of just $18.7, it's more affordable than many European countries. The country's business-friendly environment, marked by simple regulations and low taxes, is a magnet for tech companies. Here, you can hire dedicated developers without breaking the bank.
The workforce in Georgia is more than just tech-savvy. They're also fluent in English and other European languages, ensuring smooth teamwork. Whether you need to hire freelance Java developers, WordPress experts, or freelance UX designers, Georgia offers top talent at great prices. And with Tbilisi's minimum wage adding to the affordability, it's an attractive hiring destination.
Armenia
Armenia's workforce is highly educated, perfect for businesses seeking skilled workers. Labor costs here are low, averaging around 617.648 USD per month. It makes Armenia a cost-effective outsourcing option.
The tech sector in Armenia is booming, focusing on software and mobile app development and AI. If you're looking for offshore development teams, Armenia's skilled workforce can deliver exceptional work in software development, web development, and UX/UI design.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan sits between Europe and Asia, making it a strategic hub for businesses. It offers a large pool of IT professionals, backed by significant investments in IT infrastructure. Whether you're looking to hire a dedicated Java developer or an iOS expert, Azerbaijan's market meets your needs.
With its favorable business climate and educated workforce, Azerbaijan is ideal for building dedicated teams that deliver quality work on time and within budget.
Turkey
Turkey's labor market is rapidly expanding, with a population of over 80 million and a growing economy. Labor costs are relatively low, around $630 per month, appealing to companies looking to cut operational costs.
Turkey is committed to innovation and technology. This focus has created a wealth of talent for international businesses. Remote hiring in Turkey lets you access this skilled workforce, helping you build dedicated offshore teams that deliver quality work efficiently.
Egypt
Egypt's labor market, with around 27.1 million employees, offers diverse employment opportunities. Labor costs here are considerably lower than in many Western countries, allowing you to expand your team without substantially increasing your operational costs. This economic efficiency makes Egypt an increasingly popular hiring destination, enabling you to optimize your budget while still accessing top-tier talent.
But Egypt's appeal goes beyond skill and affordability. The workforce here is known for its professionalism and adaptability, qualities that are invaluable in today's global market. The diverse and disciplined work culture can invigorate your team dynamics, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to your operations.
Conclusion
The Caucasus region and Egypt offer fantastic opportunities for businesses like yours. From freelance developers to creative professionals, these countries provide a diverse talent pool for various business needs. With platforms to hire freelancers and dedicated remote teams, you can find the right talent for your projects easily.
Leveraging these markets helps you benefit from each country's unique advantages, ensuring successful project outcomes and sustainable business growth.
Offshore Staff Augmentation
Staff augmentation is a flexible outsourcing strategy that enables businesses to hire top talent from around the globe when needed. This approach is particularly effective for managing dynamic workloads and specialized projects. At Gegidze, we specialize in providing staff augmentation services that help businesses like yours access the global talent pool efficiently and cost-effectively.
Our approach is straightforward: we connect you with skilled professionals from various parts of the world. This access to a diverse range of expertise is perfect for specialized projects or addressing specific tech challenges. The key advantage here is cost-effectiveness. You gain the high-level skills you need without the significant expenses typically associated with full-time, in-house outstaffing.
Considerations when hiring remote employees
In general, successful remote hiring involves several key steps:
Pinpoint the right candidates:
Actively look for individuals with the necessary job skills, and exhibit strong self-motivation and excellent communication abilities.
Use targeted interview questions to assess their suitability for remote work, focusing on time management, independence, and problem-solving skills.
Streamline communication:
Establish clear communication channels and protocols from the outset.
Regularly schedule check-ins and updates to ensure clarity of roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Implement a structured onboarding:
Develop a comprehensive onboarding program introducing new hires to your company culture and the tools.
Include virtual meet-and-greets with team members to foster a sense of belonging.
Utilize effective remote tools:
Equip your team with reliable project management, communication, and collaboration tools.
Provide training on these tools to ensure everyone is comfortable and proficient in using them.
Cultivate a virtual team culture:
Organize regular virtual team-building activities to strengthen relationships and collaboration.
Encourage open and ongoing communication to maintain team cohesion and morale.
Focus on results, not hours:
Set clear, measurable goals and focus on outcomes rather than the hours worked.
Trust your team to manage their time effectively and meet their targets.
Provide continuous support and feedback:
Offer regular feedback and support to remote employees, addressing any challenges they face.
Create an environment where they feel comfortable seeking help and sharing ideas.
Hire Tech Professionals in the Caucasus
We've got something special for you that's going to transform the way you hire. Imagine finding the perfect team member as effortlessly as you shop online.
Need expert help fast? You can hire freelancers at Gegidze. Our platform can put you in touch with independent professionals and teams who are ready to tackle your job. We offer detailed profiles, transparent rates, and an intuitive search bar - all designed to simplify your hiring process.
You can dive deep into each professional's profile, CV, and background, understanding their skills and experiences. This isn't just about finding someone to fill a role; it's about discovering a perfect fit for your team.
Or, if your project demands a full team working remotely, we're here to help with that too. For an accessible rate of just 199€ a month, you can hire remote employees.
The Caucasus region is more than a geographic location; it's a thriving hub of skilled professionals. From tech experts to marketing gurus and creative designers, this region is brimming with talent ready to rise to any business challenge.
Here, you can
Hire creative freelance marketers
Hire SEO freelancers
Hire freelance UX designers
And much more.
Development team augmentation
In today's fast-paced tech world, staff augmentation in software development is a game-changer. It's an outsourcing strategy that lets businesses tap into extra tech talent and capacity when needed.
This approach helps fill challenging or short-term roles, making projects run better, and increasing efficiency.
Partnering with a custom software development and IT staff augmentation company means getting extra hands on deck. It helps build software faster or brings in specialized tech skills your team might be missing. It's a cost-cutter, especially for businesses in the U.S. and Europe.
What makes software development staff augmentation stand out?
You only pay for the talent you need, dodging recruitment and infrastructure costs. It opens doors to a diverse, rare, and highly qualified workforce.
What does it cost to hire top talent in the Caucasus?
Curious about the costs of hiring the best talents in the Caucasus? Download our comprehensive price report now.
