How to Build Your Team in Colombia: Hiring Rules and Strategies

As an entrepreneur or business owner looking to start or expand operations in Colombia, building a strong and efficient team is a crucial step. The hiring process involves understanding local labor laws, employee rights, compensation expectations, and the best practices to attract and retain top talent. Whether you are launching a startup or growing an established business, knowing the key hiring rules and strategies will help you navigate the complexities of the Colombian labor market and set your company up for success.

This guide will provide an in-depth look at the key aspects of building a team in Colombia, including the legal framework, cultural nuances, and strategies to attract the best candidates for your business.

Legal Framework for Hiring Employees in Colombia

Before you start hiring employees in Colombia, it is essential to understand the legal framework that governs employment relationships in the country. These rules protect both employers and employees and ensure fair treatment in the workplace.

Types of Employment Contracts

In Colombia, there are two primary types of employment contracts: indefinite-term contracts (contrato a término indefinido) and fixed-term contracts (contrato a término fijo).

Indefinite-Term Contracts: These contracts are typically used for permanent positions and are the most common type of employment contract. The employee is hired without a specific end date, and the contract is valid until either party decides to terminate it, following the proper legal procedures.
Fixed-Term Contracts: These contracts are used when an employee is hired for a specific period, which may be extended or renewed based on business needs. These contracts should not exceed three years, and they can be terminated earlier if necessary, but proper notice must be provided.
Minimum Wage and Salary Expectations

In Colombia, the minimum wage is set by the government and reviewed annually. For 2024, the monthly minimum wage is approximately COP 1,160,000 (around USD 250). However, it’s important to note that many skilled employees earn salaries above the minimum wage, especially in urban areas like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali.

When budgeting for salaries, it’s important to consider not just the base salary but also the additional benefits that Colombian employees are entitled to by law, such as:

Social Security Contributions: Both the employer and employee contribute to Colombia’s social security system, which includes health insurance, pension plans, and professional risks insurance.
Vacation Days: Employees are entitled to 15 working days of paid vacation per year.
Severance Pay: In case of termination, employees are entitled to a severance payment, typically calculated based on the length of employment.
Employee Benefits and Obligations

Colombian labor laws provide a robust system of employee benefits, some of which are mandatory for employers:

13th Salary: Every year, employees are entitled to an additional month’s salary, known as the 13th salary (prima de servicios), which is paid in two installments, one in June and one in December.
Severance and Layoff Protection: If an employee is fired without just cause, the employer may be required to pay severance based on the length of the contract.

As an employer, you are required to comply with all these regulations, including making monthly contributions to social security, pension, and other benefits.

Hiring Foreign Workers in Colombia

While Colombia’s labor laws prioritize hiring Colombian nationals, it is possible to hire foreign workers in certain cases. To hire a foreigner, the company must apply for an Immigration Visa for the employee. The most common visa for employment purposes is the Migrant Visa (Type M), which is granted to foreign professionals, skilled workers, or entrepreneurs who will be employed or will establish a business in Colombia.

Foreign employees may also be subject to certain labor rights protections, including the same benefits as Colombian workers, but it is essential to comply with the specific legal requirements for foreigners working in Colombia.

Strategies for Building Your Team in Colombia

Now that you understand the legal requirements for hiring in Colombia, it’s time to focus on strategies to attract and build a talented team that can drive your business forward. Here are some key strategies to consider when hiring in Colombia.

Leverage Local Recruitment Channels

Colombia has a robust recruitment infrastructure, and there are many channels to find potential employees. Some popular job search platforms in Colombia include:

LinkedIn: The global platform is widely used by Colombian professionals, especially for white-collar and managerial positions.
Elempleo: A local job portal where businesses can post vacancies and search for qualified candidates.
Computrabajo: One of the largest job boards in Latin America, offering a wide range of job categories.
Agencies: Specialized recruitment agencies in Colombia can help you identify qualified candidates, particularly in niche sectors like IT, engineering, and finance.

Networking is also important in Colombia, and many professionals get jobs through personal connections or referrals. Attending industry events, conferences, and business meetings can help you meet potential candidates and promote your company as an attractive employer.

Focus on Cultural Fit

Colombian employees generally place a high value on relationships and the overall work environment. It is important to prioritize cultural fit when hiring. Employees who fit well into your company’s values and culture are more likely to stay with your company long-term and contribute positively to its success.

Workplace Flexibility: While traditional work hours are common, more companies in Colombia are embracing flexible work arrangements, especially in urban centers. Many professionals now expect to work remotely or have flexible hours, so be open to offering this to attract the best talent.
Personalized Approach: Colombians tend to value a personalized approach to management and communication. Showing appreciation and providing regular feedback can help build loyalty and motivation within your team.

Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits

To attract and retain top talent, it’s essential to offer competitive compensation packages. While salaries may be lower in Colombia compared to countries like the U.S. or Europe, employees expect comprehensive benefits such as:

Health Insurance: In addition to social security, consider providing private health insurance, which can be a key differentiator for top talent.
Professional Development: Colombians value opportunities for growth and learning. Providing training programs, mentoring, and career development opportunities will make your business more appealing to prospective employees.
Work-Life Balance: As the work culture in Colombia becomes more modern, offering a good work-life balance can make your company stand out to potential candidates.

Onboard and Integrate Effectively

Once you’ve hired your team, a well-structured onboarding process is essential to integrate new employees into your company successfully. Providing clear guidance on your company’s values, mission, and policies, as well as the expectations for their role, will help your new hires feel welcomed and motivated.

Training and Development: Introduce them to your business processes, software systems, and key colleagues. Offering training in both technical and interpersonal skills will help them adapt to the company’s culture and environment.
Clear Communication: Make sure to set up open lines of communication to address any issues or concerns that may arise during the onboarding process. In Colombia, employees appreciate transparency and honesty in communication.

Embrace Diversity

Colombia is a country with diverse cultural backgrounds and regional differences. Embrace this diversity in your hiring practices by actively promoting inclusivity and considering a range of candidates from various backgrounds and regions. A diverse team can bring fresh perspectives and innovation, which is essential for business growth.

Why Choose B2B Hub for Your Hiring and Business Setup Needs in Colombia?

Building a team in Colombia involves navigating a complex legal landscape, recruiting the right talent, and offering attractive compensation packages. At B2B Hub, we offer comprehensive services to assist you with company formation in Colombia, legal compliance, and recruitment.

Whether you are establishing your business in Colombia for the first time or expanding your team, B2B Hub provides expert guidance and support in managing legal, tax, and HR requirements. We help you understand local labor laws, design competitive compensation packages, and ensure smooth operations from day one.

For inquiries, please contact us at +44 770 018 3107, visit our website at b2bhub.ltd, or send us an email at reg@b2bhub.ltd. We are here to support you in building a successful team and business in Colombia.