Working with a PEO can be a great solution for small business owners who can’t keep up with complex labor laws and regulations. They can help with employee management, payroll, and other administrative tasks while still allowing you to retain control over your business decisions. When searching for a PEO service provider, compare prices and features to find one that meets your needs. Consider looking for a PEO with experience in your industry and who offers flexible contracts.

Benefits Administration

In addition to handling payroll, PEOs offer other administrative services like employee benefits administration, risk management, and compliance. These services can save business owners time and money. Companies that use PEO service providers can typically offer better employee insurance options because they can leverage their buying power. This is especially true for workers’ compensation and health insurance. Many PEO service providers offer a comprehensive suite of benefits administration, from managing claims and eligibility to onboarding new employees. They may also provide various training and development tools that help businesses keep up with industry trends and regulatory changes.

Some PEOs offer industry-specific support and tools for highly regulated industries like financial services or healthcare. This can save business owners time and money by helping them avoid costly mistakes like misclassifying contractors as employees or failing to follow workplace safety regulations.

While a full-scale HR department can handle most of these tasks, small and growing companies often find that partnering with a PEO can help them focus more energy on growth initiatives. It’s important to consider your needs and the PEO company’s offerings carefully before deciding whether this partnership is right for you.

Payroll Management

When researching PEO services, look for ones that provide transparent pricing. Hidden fees can eat into your profit margin, so choose a provider that gives you a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with their service. You should also check with local and state agencies to verify a PEO’s license and registration status. In addition, reviews and best-of-guides can help you decide which service providers fit your business. Look for a PEO that offers robust, modern technology that makes it easy for your employees to access their information during night and weekend hours. It’s also vital that your selected PEO has staff members on hand to answer questions about payroll, employee status, and benefits. This can save you time and money on future administrative work and reduce stress for your employees.

Look for a PEO that has experience with your industry. You want a provider that understands your company more deeply so they can offer advice on compliance, employee retention, and management strategies. A good way to assess this is by asking the PEO for examples of companies they have worked with similar to yours in size, revenue, and workforce structure. Alternatively, you can ask for referrals from other businesses that use the PEO in your industry.

Employee Management

While a PEO is a third-party company, it functions as the legal employer of your employees, meaning it handles all employment-related taxes, payroll tax reporting, and workers’ compensation on behalf of your business. As a result, this can be a major time saver for businesses because it removes the need to manage these administrative tasks in-house.

Additionally, a PEO service provider can help your business reduce risk and compliance issues by providing guidance on complex employment laws and offering HR solutions. This can benefit your business, especially if you operate in multiple states or countries with varying employment laws. PEOs can also give your employees affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage. This is because they aggregate the payrolls of several small businesses to leverage the buying power that would typically be reserved for larger companies. Lastly, some PEOs offer employee training and development programs. These can include onsite and virtual courses on sexual harassment and discrimination and training on leadership, communication, and workplace technology.

Compliance

The most reliable PEOs are well-versed in federal, state, and local employment laws. They can help you comply with all the latest rules, including tax laws and minimum wage requirements. They can also handle worker’s compensation and other employee claims. This frees your employees and HR staff to focus on growing the business.

When choosing a PEO service provider, look for one with a good reputation and a strong customer support team. Ensure they offer a user-friendly portal or app that allows employees to self-serve on nights and weekends, which can be critical if you have an issue with payroll, insurance, or benefits. You should also ensure the PEO has staff available via phone or email for employee questions.

A PEO can help you save money by negotiating discounts with health and retirement providers. They can also offer a range of other benefits to attract and retain top-level talent. This may include 401(k)s, dental and vision plans, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and wellness programs.