From handling payroll and employee recruiting to managing paid time off and benefits, taking care of your company's human resources responsibilities can be a daunting and time-consuming task for small business owners. An increasing number of organizations are turning to professional employer organizations (PEOs) for help.
\r\nBusinesses that partner with PEOs are able to outsource payroll and all of their other HR tasks to a company that specializes in these undertakings. However, if you plan to outsource such critical responsibilities, it is important to find a PEO partner that can handle all of your needs.
\r\n\r\n
Editor's note: Looking for the right PEO for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.
\r\n\r\nWhen you become a client of a PEO, many of these companies have software platforms through which you conduct many HR functions, such as tracking employee time, processing payroll, accessing healthcare benefits and more.
\r\nAs you consider whether you should hire a PEO, though, it's crucial to distinguish the software a PEO offers from online HR management software. Some PEOs offer HR software online, while some HR software providers market their product as a PEO.
\r\nPEOs offer numerous services for businesses, such as recruiting, employee training, onboarding and offboarding, payroll, and health and welfare management. When choosing a PEO, it's important to understand your business's strengths, weaknesses and needs to identify the specific services (and software programs) that will best support your staff and workplace.
\r\nPEO software solutions can simplify your business's HR tasks by providing a low-cost alternative to hiring an entire HR department. Additionally, PEO software doesn't take sick days, ask for vacation time, and your business isn't liable for the work that's performed. You simply tailor a software's services to match your business needs.
\r\nThe way a PEO works is that the PEO enters a co-employment agreement with your business and becomes an employer of your employees, according to Brian Cairns, CEO of ProStrategix Consulting. \"As co-employer, they take over certain responsibilities from you,\" Cairns told business.com. \"It varies depending on the agreement, but the most important distinction is that they pay your employees under their Employer Identification Number.\"
\r\nThis co-employer arrangement helps you save money on benefits. Because it represents many companies, the PEO can negotiate better rates and benefits for insurance and retirement plans than what your business could offer on its own.
\r\nThe National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) found that businesses in a PEO arrangement grow between 7% and 9% faster, have more than 10% lower turnover, and are 50% less likely to go out of business. With more than 900 PEOs in the U.S., this type of HR resource delivers services to roughly 175,000 small businesses, providing co-employment for more than 3 million people.
\r\nHere are three of the best PEO service providers.
\r\nADP TotalSource can help your business with HR administration, talent management, employee benefits, payroll and regulatory compliance. As an IRS-certified PEO, ADP TotalSource meets the high standards set by the IRS and offers software which includes data-driven insights, according to Brian Michaud, senior vice president of ADP TotalSource.
\r\n\"Additionally, ADP TotalSource provides added support with HR specialists who provide customized HR strategies and programs for clients, as well as access to Fortune 500-caliber benefits,\" Michaud said.
\r\nADP TotalSource offers comprehensive 401(k) plans; employee wellness programs; and vison, dental, and health plans. TotalSource also offers regulatory compliance for all major safety, health and employment laws. ADP has a minimum payroll requirement which varies, depending on which state your business is incorporated in. (This requirement may be waived if your business employs a certain number of workers.)
\r\nEven though Insperity works with businesses of all sizes, it's particularly well-suited for small businesses. Its offerings include onboarding resources, recruitment tools, standard benefits packages, time and attendance tracking, payroll processing, employee training, and risk management services.
\r\nInsperity's pricing is based on a per-employee structure which allows you to predict costs as your business changes. This is ideal for small businesses looking to outsource HR and administrative tasks at an affordable rate.
\r\nPaychex is a full-featured PEO service that's ideal for midsize businesses looking for larger-scale coverage. With extensive HR support, Paychex provides onboarding and recruiting resources, handbook and policy development, termination and dispute assistance, and employee screening and training. Paychex offers great health, retirement, vision and dental packages.
\r\nPaychex's HR services are charged on a per-employee basis, which allows you to predict and budget for costs as your business grows. Also, instead of selling its services in preconfigured bundles, you can choose the specific services you need so you only pay for what you use.
\r\nBefore you decide if working with a PEO is the right move for your business, it's important to consider the pros and cons.
\r\nThere are enough PEOs that cater to different business needs that it can be difficult to know which is best for any particular business. The pros and cons of any given software package will not be identical to the rest on the market. It requires specific inquiries and deliberate research to narrow the field and find the right PEO package. These five focuses can guide the decision-making process.
\r\nStill unsure about how to choose the best PEO software? Here are some frequently asked questions about the processes and operations of a PEO.
\r\nThe best services offered by a PEO for startups include risk and compliance management, health, vision and dental benefits, comprehensive HR software tools, time and attendance tracking, and payroll support.
\r\nA small business should look for HR help immediately. If your business already has a human resources specialist on staff, additional HR support could be beneficial. Alternatively, if your business has no HR team, using a PEO's software could be the definitive factor in your business's growth.
\r\nYou'll want to work with an accredited PEO because it indicates that the PEO is financially stable, ethical and meets regulatory requirements. This is important because it ensures that sensitive HR processes are handled correctly so you don't run afoul of the Department of Labor or the IRS.
\r\nThe alternative to using a PEO is to hire your own team in house to manage HR support and benefits.
\r\nHiring a PEO may not be the right solution for some businesses. Here are three reasons why some businesses opt not to use PEO software:
\r\nWhen you work with a PEO, you give it access to your business's sensitive financial and employee data, so it's important to thoroughly vet the company to ensure it's a legitimate company that operates ethically and complies with HR regulations.
\r\nChecking to make sure it's accredited, checking with the Better Business Bureau to see what complaints companies have registered against it, reviewing legal liabilities and understanding your business's requirements within the co-employer agreement are a few ways to do this.
\r\nPEOs have been used to reduce workers' compensation fees to their business clients, costing legitimate employers, employees and healthcare providers millions per year. Some cases of PEO fraud that have involved filing taxes improperly, exaggerating workplace injuries and incorrectly classifying employees have raised concern about PEOs.
\r\nOne example of a PEO misusing services to commit tax fraud was the case of Larry W. Kimes, former manager of AccounTex Financial Services LLC, and Charles Pircher, a manager of multiple PEOs based in San Antonio, Texas. Kimes and Pircher were each sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $132 million in restitution for stealing client money instead of using it to pay payroll taxes and insurance premiums.
\r\nAs the PEO's co-employment partner, you share responsibility in ensuring that your business operates within the laws of its respective state. One common error is worker misclassification. Here are three steps you can take to avoid this error.
\r\nThe largest risk of using a PEO is that you are entrusting your employees' private information to another company, according to Will Ellis, IT security consultant and founder of Privacy Australia. Before you choose a PEO, ask the company how it protects clients' data.
\r\n\"Ensuring that a private network is used rather than a public network, and inquiring about encryption are two important things to consider so that you can further increase security and privacy for your employees,\" Ellis said. \"Security of your data and employees' information should always be a priority.\"
\r\nCo-employment agreements can reduce HR and administrative issues, but the insurance, payroll processing and HR packages that PEOs offer come with additional fees for administrative services. In many cases, PEOs separate HR and administrative services and may price each differently, according to the size of your business.
\r\nSo, how does a PEO bill you?
\r\nGenerally, PEOs calculate their costs, add an administrative fee, profit margin, and they tally that as a percentage of your PEO payroll software costs. Once your timesheets are filled in and submitted, the PEO will notify you of the required wire transaction so they can begin processing payroll. The administrative fee is a percentage of the actual cost.
\r\nPEO software often includes online HR management or services that make hiring and retaining top talent easier; it also establishes benefits packages and enhances performance management for your small business.
\r\nMichaud says that as small businesses evolve, it's important for business owners to implement HR software that addresses their changing needs.
\r\n\"For today's entrepreneurs, going at it alone is simply no longer an option, and scaling up their business requires new tools that allow them to focus running their businesses,\" said Michaud.
\r\nMichaud believes that small business owners should dedicate their time to growing their business rather than devoting hours to HR management, financial and administrative tasks.
\r\nHere are the advantages and disadvantages of online HR software.
\r\nInstant access is the No. 1 advantage of using online HR management software. You don't need to have HR staff to use the software, and employees have portals that make it easy for them to complete some HR tasks themselves.
\r\nUsing web-based software allows your managers and employees to connect to your HR software platform from anywhere. Many applications offer a mobile app, and managers and employees alike can complete many tasks using the app.
\r\nCloud computing is another advantage, because it generally backs up all of your employee data stored in its platform; if a computer stops functioning properly, your HR data is not lost.
\r\nAutomatic updates are another benefit of using cloud-based HR software. By offering automatic software updates, your business is up to date with new policies, terms and conditions, and new labor regulations.
\r\nHR software can eliminate many tasks that small business owners must handle. For example, software apps alert your staff of individual tasks that need to be completed, such as training, 401(k) enrollment and updating one's timesheet.
\r\nWhen it comes to recruiting, HR software apps offer tools so you can post new jobs on job sites for your open positions. In addition, they help you stay on top of candidate selection and onboarding.
\r\nThe biggest disadvantage of online HR software is that you are dependent on the internet. If a power or Wi-Fi outage occurs, your business loses access to data and can't perform regular HR tasks.
\r\nIntegration may be an issue, too, when syncing your payroll with the HR software. Check with the PEO you're considering and notify them of every program you use so you can avoid a compatibility issue with all of your software programs. [Read related article: The 3 Most Common Complaints About HR Software]
\r\nHere are a few must-have HR services your PEO provider should include.
\r\nThe PEO's software solution should include payroll services, or at least integrates with your existing service. When a business uses a PEO for payroll, the PEO becomes a co-employer and assumes the responsibility of managing your business's payroll administration. This can help small business owners who may not have enough time to manage all payroll-related tasks, such as paying wages, depositing employment taxes and issuing employee W-2s. [Read related article: Are PEO Payroll Services Worth It?]
\r\nEmployee benefit packages can help your business attract and retain top talent. The most popular employee benefits include health insurance coverage, paid time off and flexible sick time. One of the primary reasons many small business owners use PEO software is to provide high-quality benefits to their employees at a lower cost. Your PEO software options will vary depending on your business's size and goals. [Read related article: Are the Benefits of Using a PEO Really Worth It?]
\r\nA low-cost PEO generally charges a per-employee fee or a percentage of your total payroll. In many cases, there isn't a free trial where you can evaluate the service. The contract length of a PEO depends on your business's size and needs, as some PEOs offer long-term contracts and others don't require any contract at all.
\r\nUsually, a 30- to 60-day notice is required before canceling service. Some companies let you leave at any time and for any reason, while others charge you a fee for leaving. Search for PEO that offers a money-back guarantee, especially if you're a small business owner using a PEO for the first time. [Read our review: The Best PEO Service Providers of 2020]
\n","docType":"article","guid":"articles_5e499f0538f1b13033523019a0af6540","lastModified":"2020-10-26T21:49:00.000Z","published":"2020-02-20T14:45:00.000Z","structuredData":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"At what point should a small business look for HR help?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"A small business should look for HR help immediately. If your business already has a human resources specialist on staff, additional HR support could be beneficial. Alternatively, if your business has no HR team, using a PEO's software could be the definitive factor in your business's growth."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What are the best services offered by a PEO for a startup?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The best services offered by a PEO for startups include risk and compliance management, health, vision and dental benefits, comprehensive HR software tools, time and attendance tracking, and payroll support."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What does it mean if a PEO is accredited?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You'll want to work with an accredited PEO because it indicates that the PEO is financially stable, ethical and meets regulatory requirements. 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Joshua writes about choosing the choosing and building business legal structures, implementing human-resources services, and recruiting and managing talent.","name":"Joshua Stowers","image":null,"slug":null,"social":{"facebook":"","linkedin":"","twitter":"https://twitter.com/iamjoshstowers","website":"http://www.business.com"},"status":"enabled","title":null,"type":"Staff","user":{"imagePath":"https://staging.business.com/images/uploads/user/profile/61ca4521e2b894bdca0664aa1e3af7644429c.jpg","profile":{"company":"business.com","jobTitle":"Staff Writer","website":"http://www.business.com"}}},"breadcrumbs":null,"channels":{"primary":{"name":"Human Resources","slug":"human-resources"},"sub":{"name":"HR Solutions","slug":"hr-solutions"}},"meta":{"robots":"index, follow","description":"There are a lot of PEO software options, but how do you know which one is best for you?","title":"How to Choose the Best PEO Software for Your Business - business.com"},"parsedContent":{"json":[{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["Businesses that use PEOs grow faster, have lower turnover and are less likely to go out of business than those that don't, according to data from the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations."]},{"component":"li","children":["Implementing a PEO's software allows you to dedicate your time to other areas of your business that need attention."]},{"component":"li","children":["PEO software can become vulnerable to security breaches because it hosts your employees' data in one centralized location. "]}]},{"component":"p","children":["From handling payroll and employee recruiting to managing paid time off and benefits, taking care of your company's human resources responsibilities can be a daunting and time-consuming task for small business owners. An increasing number of organizations are turning to ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/categories/best-peo-services/"},"children":["professional employer organizations"]}," (PEOs) for help. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Businesses that ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/what-is-a-peo/"},"children":["partner with PEOs"]}," are able to outsource payroll and all of their other HR tasks to a company that specializes in these undertakings. However, if you plan to outsource such critical responsibilities, it is important to find a PEO partner that can handle all of your needs. "]},{"component":"p","children":[" "]},{"component":"p","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Editor's note: Looking for the right PEO for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs."]}," "]},{"component":"RfqWidget","props":{"className":"bz-form-widget","id":"bz-form-widget-0","widgetCategoryId":"10092"},"children":[" "]},{"component":"p","children":["When you become a client of a PEO, many of these companies have software platforms through which you conduct many HR functions, such as tracking employee time, processing payroll, accessing healthcare benefits and more. "]},{"component":"p","children":["As you consider whether you should hire a PEO, though, it's crucial to distinguish the software a PEO offers from ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.ultimatesoftware.com/what-is-human-resource-software","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["online HR management software"]},". Some PEOs offer HR software online, while some HR software providers market their product as a PEO."]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"how-can-peo-software-help-your-business"},"children":["How can PEO software help your business?"]},{"component":"p","children":["PEOs offer numerous services for businesses, such as recruiting, employee training, onboarding and offboarding, payroll, and health and welfare management. When choosing a PEO, it's important to understand your business's strengths, weaknesses and needs to identify the specific services (and software programs) that will best support your staff and workplace. "]},{"component":"p","children":["PEO software solutions can simplify your business's HR tasks by providing a low-cost alternative to hiring an entire HR department. Additionally, PEO software doesn't take sick days, ask for vacation time, and your business isn't liable for the work that's performed. You simply tailor a software's services to match your business needs. "]},{"component":"p","children":["The way a PEO works is that the PEO enters a ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.napeo.org/what-is-a-peo/about-the-peo-industry/what-is-co-employment","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["co-employment"]}," agreement with your business and becomes an employer of your employees, according to Brian Cairns, CEO of ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://prostrategix.com/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["ProStrategix Consulting"]},". \"As co-employer, they take over certain responsibilities from you,\" Cairns told business.com. \"It varies depending on the agreement, but the most important distinction is that they pay your employees under their Employer Identification Number.\" "]},{"component":"p","children":["This co-employer arrangement helps you save money on benefits. Because it represents many companies, the PEO can negotiate better rates and benefits for insurance and retirement plans than what your business could offer on its own. "]},{"component":"p","children":["The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) found that businesses in a PEO arrangement ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.napeo.org/what-is-a-peo/about-the-peo-industry/napeo-white-papers","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["grow between 7% and 9% faster"]},", have more than 10% lower turnover, and are 50% less likely to go out of business. With more than ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.napeo.org/what-is-a-peo/about-the-peo-industry/industry-statistics","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["900 PEOs"]}," in the U.S., this type of HR resource delivers services to roughly 175,000 small businesses, providing co-employment for more than 3 million people. "]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"what-are-some-of-the-top-peos"},"children":["What are some of the top PEOs?"]},{"component":"p","children":["Here are three of ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/categories/best-peo-services/"},"children":["the best PEO service providers"]},". "]},{"component":"h3","children":["ADP: Best PEO for customer service"]},{"component":"p","children":[{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/reviews/adp-totalsource/"},"children":["ADP TotalSource"]}," can help your business with HR administration, talent management, employee benefits, payroll and regulatory compliance. As an IRS-certified PEO, ADP TotalSource meets the high standards set by the IRS and offers software which includes data-driven insights, according to Brian Michaud, senior vice president of ADP ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.adp.com/what-we-offer/products/totalsource-peo.aspx","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["TotalSource"]},". "]},{"component":"p","children":["\"Additionally, ADP TotalSource provides added support with HR specialists who provide customized HR strategies and programs for clients, as well as access to Fortune 500-caliber benefits,\" Michaud said. "]},{"component":"p","children":["ADP TotalSource offers comprehensive 401(k) plans; employee wellness programs; and vison, dental, and health plans. TotalSource also offers regulatory compliance for all major safety, health and employment laws. ADP has a minimum payroll requirement which varies, depending on which state your business is incorporated in. (This requirement may be waived if your business employs a certain number of workers.) "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Insperity: Best PEO for small businesses"]},{"component":"p","children":["Even though ",{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/reviews/insperity-peo-services/"},"children":["Insperity"]}," works with businesses of all sizes, it's particularly well-suited for small businesses. Its offerings include onboarding resources, recruitment tools, standard benefits packages, time and attendance tracking, payroll processing, employee training, and risk management services. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Insperity's pricing is based on a per-employee structure which allows you to predict costs as your business changes. This is ideal for small businesses looking to outsource HR and administrative tasks at an affordable rate. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Paychex: Best PEO for midsize businesses"]},{"component":"p","children":[{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/reviews/paychex-peo-services/"},"children":["Paychex"]}," is a full-featured PEO service that's ideal for midsize businesses looking for larger-scale coverage. With extensive HR support, Paychex provides onboarding and recruiting resources, handbook and policy development, termination and dispute assistance, and employee screening and training. Paychex offers great health, retirement, vision and dental packages. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Paychex's HR services are charged on a per-employee basis, which allows you to predict and budget for costs as your business grows. Also, instead of selling its services in preconfigured bundles, you can choose the specific services you need so you only pay for what you use. "]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-peo-software"},"children":["What are the pros and cons of PEO software?"]},{"component":"p","children":["Before you decide if working with a PEO is the right move for your business, it's important to consider the pros and cons. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["PEO pros"]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["If you can't afford to hire a human resources department, a PEO can be a cost-effective way to outsource HR duties. Or, if you have an HR specialist or a small HR staff that needs additional support or resources, a PEO can provide what they need. "]}]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["A PEO can take on your HR and administrative tasks. There's little room for human error in HR, and the service assumes liability for any complications or issues that may arise. "]}]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["Implementing the PEO service's software allows you to dedicate your time to other areas of your business that need your attention in order for your business to grow. "]}]},{"component":"h3","children":["PEO cons"]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["While using the PEO's software, your business risks losing its interpersonal management of employees. There's nothing more important than face-to-face interaction and communication. Software can't pick up on anything beyond logic and data. "]}]},{"component":"ul","children":[{"component":"li","children":["Your PEO's software solution hosts all your employee data in one centralized location and can be a gold mine of data for hackers. If the PEO's network is hacked, your business could face severe consequences."]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"how-to-choose-a-peo"},"children":["How to choose a PEO"]},{"component":"p","children":["There are enough PEOs that cater to different business needs that it can be difficult to know which is best for any particular business. The pros and cons of any given software package will not be identical to the rest on the market. It requires specific inquiries and deliberate research to narrow the field and find the right PEO package. These five focuses can guide the decision-making process."]},{"component":"ol","children":[{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Consider the technology."]}," What online services does the PEO offer? What software packages does it use for each service? How do those software choices integrate with your existing systems? One of the primary decisions to face is whether the PEO is worth overhauling the solutions you already deploy for payroll, accounting or any other services you want to offload to your PEO.",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Explore the PEO's benefits."]}," The PEO is supposed to handle business-critical tasks, or at least partially automate them. There are three that are more common and important than most. The first is payroll. Employees need to be paid, and understanding how your PEO service handles payroll will help you decide if it is worth the investment. The same can be said for human resources. Are you just getting software, or do you get billable HR hours with the service package? The third major service is risk management. How well will the PEO help your business assess and manage risk?",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Compare how well the benefits suit your employees' needs."]}," Aside from business benefits, PEOs can offer employee benefits. One of the most common is insurance packages. If the PEO will be handling your employees' insurance plans, make sure that the insurance options meet your staff's expectations as well as yours. Some PEOs also offer wellness programs, retirement plans and similar employee perks to make your business more appealing to top talent.",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Analyze the prices."]}," It's obvious but inevitable – you have to compare prices. More specifically, you need to weigh prices against the benefits you'll get. It drives every business decision, and there is no PEO so amazing that you can completely ignore the price tag; it's always about trade-offs. Estimating your ROI is the best way to remove uncertainty from the decision-making process. Which services are the most important to you, and how little can you pay for them? What sacrifices would you make for a cheaper PEO? These questions can drive your price comparisons to make your PEO investment a savvy one.",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Check references."]}," The best way to understand the PEO services you are considering is to hear from those who have already tried them. Online reviews are helpful, but true conversational references are worth more. Talk to business managers – especially ones in your industry or a similar field – who have worked with the PEO you're thinking about trying. "]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"peo-software-faqs"},"children":["PEO software FAQs"]},{"component":"p","children":["Still unsure about how to choose the best PEO software? Here are some frequently asked questions about the processes and operations of a PEO. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["What are the best services offered by a PEO for a startup?"]},{"component":"p","children":["The best services offered by a PEO for startups include risk and compliance management, health, vision and dental benefits, comprehensive HR software tools, time and attendance tracking, and payroll support. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["At what point should a small business look for HR help?"]},{"component":"p","children":["A small business should look for HR help immediately. If your business already has a human resources specialist on staff, additional HR support could be beneficial. Alternatively, if your business has no HR team, using a PEO's software could be the definitive factor in your business's growth.",{"component":"strong","children":[" "]}]},{"component":"h3","children":["What does it mean if a PEO is accredited?"]},{"component":"p","children":["You'll want to work with an accredited PEO because it indicates that the PEO is financially stable, ethical and meets regulatory requirements. This is important because it ensures that sensitive HR processes are handled correctly so you don't run afoul of the Department of Labor or the IRS.",{"component":"strong","children":[" "]}]},{"component":"h3","children":["What other options do I have besides a PEO?"]},{"component":"p","children":["The alternative to using a PEO is to hire your own team in house to manage HR support and benefits. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Why might a business not use a PEO?"]},{"component":"p","children":["Hiring a PEO may not be the right solution for some businesses. Here are three reasons why some businesses opt not to use PEO software: "]},{"component":"ol","children":[{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Some business owners prefer not to give up control"]},". As a small business owner, it can be difficult to hand over a significant set of responsibilities and tasks to an outside company. It may also be challenging to comply with some of the policies; PEOs have strict policies regarding hiring, training and disciplining that you must follow in order to protect yourself from liability. "]}]},{"component":"ol","props":{"start":"2"},"children":[{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["PEO fees can be too expensive for small businesses"]},". PEO software is ideal for startups and small businesses because it's less expensive than hiring HR staff. The average cost of a PEO is ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.napeo.org/docs/default-source/white-papers/white-paper-2016.pdf?sfvrsn=2","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["$1,000"]}," per employee annually – but this may still be too expensive for small businesses with tight budgets. Also, as your business grows, the cost of maintaining employees can decrease while PEO fees remain the same. "]}]},{"component":"ol","props":{"start":"3"},"children":[{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["It's not the right fit for your business"]},". If a PEO does not understand and address the needs of your business, then your company might not function the way you want. There must be a direct line of communication with the PEO and a precise understanding of where you want your business to be within the next several years. This concern can be removed by choosing PEO software that allows for customization. "]}]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"what-are-the-risks-of-using-peo-software"},"children":["What are the risks of using PEO software?"]},{"component":"p","children":["When you work with a PEO, you give it access to your business's sensitive financial and employee data, so it's important to thoroughly vet the company to ensure it's a legitimate company that operates ethically and complies with HR regulations. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Checking to make sure it's accredited, checking with the Better Business Bureau to see what complaints companies have registered against it, reviewing legal liabilities and understanding your business's requirements within the co-employer agreement are a few ways to do this. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Tax fraud"]},{"component":"p","children":["PEOs have been used to reduce workers' compensation fees to their business clients, costing legitimate employers, employees and healthcare providers ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.propertycasualty360.com/2013/10/01/peos-a-new-potential-for-workers-comp-fraud/?slreturn=20200107135636","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["millions per year"]},". Some cases of PEO fraud that have involved filing taxes improperly, exaggerating workplace injuries and incorrectly classifying employees have raised concern about PEOs. "]},{"component":"p","children":["One example of a PEO misusing services to commit tax fraud was the case of Larry W. Kimes, former manager of AccounTex Financial Services LLC, and Charles Pircher, a manager of multiple PEOs based in San Antonio, Texas. Kimes and Pircher were each sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison and ordered to pay ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/sanantonio/press-releases/2014/san-antonio-businessmen-sentenced-to-federal-prison-for-fraud-and-tax-scheme-involving-more-than-130-million-in-real-dollar-losses","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["$132 million in restitution"]}," for stealing client money instead of using it to pay payroll taxes and insurance premiums. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Misclassification audit"]},{"component":"p","children":["As the PEO's co-employment partner, you share responsibility in ensuring that your business operates within the laws of its respective state. One common error is ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://blog.shrm.org/blog/do-you-know-the-penalties-for-improperly-classifying-employees-as-independe","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["worker misclassification"]},". Here are three steps you can take to avoid this error."]},{"component":"ol","children":[{"component":"li","children":[" ",{"component":"strong","children":["Verify each employee's classification"]},". To avoid being audited for employee misclassification, understand the legal distinction between employees and independent contractors. This includes ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/employee-misclassification-resources.aspx","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["reviewing all federal, state and local classification laws"]},". ",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Provide appropriate treatment"]},". It's important to not treat contractors like employees. While the services of an independent contractor may be great and you may work with them on a regular basis, it's recommended that you establish an ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.mbopartners.com/blog/misclassification-compliance/independent-contractor-engagement-how-to-overcome-compliance-risk/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["independent contractor engagement program"]},".",{"component":"br"},{"component":"br"}]},{"component":"li","children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Enforce employer tax obligations"]},". Tax evasion may occur when workers are misclassified. Employers pay taxes on employees, not independent contractors. If a worker is an independent contractor, they are responsible for paying their own self-employment and income taxes. "]}]},{"component":"h3","children":["Security breaches"]},{"component":"p","children":["The largest risk of using a PEO is that you are entrusting your employees' private information to another company, according to Will Ellis, IT security consultant and founder of ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://privacyaustralia.net/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["Privacy Australia"]},". Before you choose a PEO, ask the company how it protects clients' data. "]},{"component":"p","children":["\"Ensuring that a private network is used rather than a public network, and inquiring about encryption are two important things to consider so that you can further increase security and privacy for your employees,\" Ellis said. \"Security of your data and employees' information should always be a priority.\" "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Co-employment payroll"]},{"component":"p","children":["Co-employment agreements can reduce HR and administrative issues, but the insurance, payroll processing and HR packages that PEOs offer come with additional fees for administrative services. In many cases, PEOs separate HR and administrative services and may price each differently, according to the size of your business. "]},{"component":"p","children":["So, how does a PEO bill you? "]},{"component":"p","children":["Generally, PEOs calculate their costs, add an administrative fee, profit margin, and they tally that as a percentage of your PEO payroll software costs. Once your timesheets are filled in and submitted, the PEO will notify you of the required wire transaction so they can begin processing payroll. The administrative fee is a ",{"component":"a","props":{"href":"https://www.employersresource.com/peo-co-employment/peo-billing-guide-admin-fees-invoice-types/","target":"_blank","rel":"noopener"},"children":["percentage of the actual cost"]},". "]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"what-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-hr-software"},"children":["What are the advantages and disadvantages of HR software?"]},{"component":"p","children":["PEO software often includes online HR management or services that make hiring and retaining top talent easier; it also establishes benefits packages and enhances performance management for your small business. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Michaud says that as small businesses evolve, it's important for business owners to implement HR software that addresses their changing needs. "]},{"component":"p","children":["\"For today's entrepreneurs, going at it alone is simply no longer an option, and scaling up their business requires new tools that allow them to focus running their businesses,\" said Michaud. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Michaud believes that small business owners should dedicate their time to growing their business rather than devoting hours to HR management, financial and administrative tasks. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Here are the advantages and disadvantages of online HR software. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Advantages of HR software"]},{"component":"p","children":["Instant access is the No. 1 advantage of using online HR management software. You don't need to have HR staff to use the software, and employees have portals that make it easy for them to complete some HR tasks themselves. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Using web-based software allows your managers and employees to connect to your HR software platform from anywhere. Many applications offer a mobile app, and managers and employees alike can complete many tasks using the app. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Cloud computing is another advantage, because it generally backs up all of your employee data stored in its platform; if a computer stops functioning properly, your HR data is not lost. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Automatic updates are another benefit of using cloud-based HR software. By offering automatic software updates, your business is up to date with new policies, terms and conditions, and new labor regulations. "]},{"component":"p","children":["HR software can eliminate many tasks that small business owners must handle. For example, software apps alert your staff of individual tasks that need to be completed, such as training, 401(k) enrollment and updating one's timesheet. "]},{"component":"p","children":["When it comes to recruiting, HR software apps offer tools so you can post new jobs on job sites for your open positions. In addition, they help you stay on top of candidate selection and onboarding. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Disadvantages of HR software"]},{"component":"p","children":["The biggest disadvantage of online HR software is that you are dependent on the internet. If a power or Wi-Fi outage occurs, your business loses access to data and can't perform regular HR tasks."]},{"component":"p","children":["Integration may be an issue, too, when syncing your payroll with the HR software. Check with the PEO you're considering and notify them of every program you use so you can avoid a compatibility issue with all of your software programs. ",{"component":"strong","children":["[Read related article: "]},{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/three-most-common-complaints-about-hr-software/"},"children":[{"component":"strong","children":["The 3 Most Common Complaints About HR Software"]}]},{"component":"strong","children":["]"]}," "]},{"component":"h2","props":{"id":"features-to-look-for-in-a-peo-solution"},"children":["Features to look for in a PEO Solution"]},{"component":"p","children":["Here are a few must-have HR services your PEO provider should include. "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Payroll"]},{"component":"p","children":["The PEO's software solution should include payroll services, or at least integrates with your existing service. When a business uses a PEO for payroll, the PEO becomes a co-employer and assumes the responsibility of managing your business's payroll administration. This can help small business owners who may not have enough time to manage all payroll-related tasks, such as paying wages, depositing employment taxes and issuing employee W-2s. ",{"component":"strong","children":["[Read related article: "]},{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/peo-payroll/"},"children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Are PEO Payroll Services Worth It?"]}]},{"component":"strong","children":["]"]}," "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Employee Benefits"]},{"component":"p","children":["Employee benefit packages can help your business attract and retain top talent. The most popular employee benefits include health insurance coverage, paid time off and flexible sick time. One of the primary reasons many small business owners use PEO software is to provide high-quality benefits to their employees at a lower cost. Your PEO software options will vary depending on your business's size and goals. ",{"component":"strong","children":["[Read related article: "]},{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/articles/professional-employer-organization-pros-and-cons/"},"children":[{"component":"strong","children":["Are the Benefits of Using a PEO Really Worth It?"]}]},{"component":"strong","children":["]"]}," "]},{"component":"h3","children":["Affordability"]},{"component":"p","children":["A low-cost PEO generally charges a per-employee fee or a percentage of your total payroll. In many cases, there isn't a free trial where you can evaluate the service. The contract length of a PEO depends on your business's size and needs, as some PEOs offer long-term contracts and others don't require any contract at all. "]},{"component":"p","children":["Usually, a 30- to 60-day notice is required before canceling service. Some companies let you leave at any time and for any reason, while others charge you a fee for leaving. Search for PEO that offers a money-back guarantee, especially if you're a small business owner using a PEO for the first time. ",{"component":"strong","children":["[Read our review: "]},{"component":"Link","props":{"href":"https://www.business.com/categories/best-peo-services/"},"children":[{"component":"strong","children":["The Best PEO Service Providers of 2020"]}]},{"component":"strong","children":["]"]}]}]},"resource":null,"sponsorship":{"sponsorType":"no-sponsor","name":null,"thumbnail":null,"bio":null,"slug":null,"status":null,"social":{"website":null,"linkedin":null,"twitter":null,"facebook":null}},"thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/5e4/d5d0d5a215e8e338b4578/1500-0-","caption":"LanaStock / Getty Images","isBlurred":false},"bestPicks":{"title":"The Best PEO Service Providers of 2021","widgetSection":{"__typename":"SectionWidget","widget":{"widgetId":"10092"}},"bestPicksSection":{"__typename":"SectionBestPicks","bestpicks":[{"fullTitle":"Best for Startups","bullets":["Per-employee pricing","Specialties in certain industries","E-learning and reporting tools"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":false,"tabTitle":"Best for Startups","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":true,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/oasis-outsourcing-peo-services/","review":{"fullReview":"Oasis, a Paychex company, is our pick as the best PEO services for startups. To be eligible for Oasis, your business must have at least five employees. You will also need to sign a one-year contract and use its payroll software. Oasis provides extensive training resources and personalized service, and its flexible contract and pricing structure is convenient for startups. Oasis provides a cloud-based platform and mobile app, so you and your employees can access your PEO services while on the go.
\r\n\r\n
View all of our recommendations for PEO services and HR outsourcing services on our best picks pages.
\r\nOasis has flexible pricing options that are great for startups and growing businesses. You must have at least five worksite employees to be eligible for Oasis' PEO services. A one-year contract is also required, however, you aren't necessarily locked in to using Oasis for one year. You can cancel by submitting a 30-day written notice to Oasis.
\r\nAnother requirement Oasis has – if you want access to Oasis' other features like employee benefits and its HR services – is that you'll need to enroll in its payroll software. However, this is a requirement for nearly every PEO we reviewed.
\r\nOasis is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, the IRS and the Employer Services Assurance Corporation, and has some of the best nationwide services of any PEO we reviewed. You have a full selection of services that are very helpful during the critical early years of your business, and you can scale Oasis' PEO services as your business grows. Oasis also provides industry-specific HR and PEO solutions for franchises, hospitality, law offices, retail, and other small business industries. When you sign up with Oasis, you get:
\r\nOasis provides an HR consultant who can help you develop your HR policies. The PEO will assist you with employee handbook and policy development, new-hire reporting, best employment practices, compliance services (if needed), performance evaluations, behavioral assessments, and employee termination and dispute assistance.
\r\nOasis can provide Fortune 500-level benefits to small businesses. You and your employees can choose from multiple plans for health, vision, dental, 401(k), health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, prepaid college funds, parking and transit plans, health and wellness coaching, and employee assistance programs.
\r\nOasis' payroll software tracks your employees' time and attendance, paid time off, and sick days. It also provides expense reports, workforce management, and other time and attendance features. Oasis has a mobile app and an online service center, so your employees can access their information from outside the office.
\r\nThis PEO provides return-to-work programs and workers' compensation. It can also assist if you need to conduct employee drug screenings, safety trainings and certification, and/or if you need assistance with OSHA compliance.
Oasis offers e-learning courses to help your employees improve their soft skills as well as technical and computer-related skills. Users can access thousands of online books, videos and courses about a range of topics such as compliance, customer service, leadership, management, and more. Oasis virtual learning services have reporting capabilities as well.
\r\nOasis provides customized solutions for businesses in a range of industries, which is ideal for startups that are just starting out and gaining a foothold in an industry and that need the knowledge and experience that a national, accredited organization can provide.
\r\nAnother benefit for startups is the Oasis PEO platform uses cloud-based technology that is easy to implement and use. There is no software or hardware you're required to purchase. Its mobile application, EmployeeConnect, allows your employees to access their timecard and payroll information on their smartphones. (EmployeeConnect's app is compatible with iOS and Android devices.) Oasis offers a demo of its platform, so you can get firsthand experience with the various features, including its applicant tracking system, time and attendance, performance management, and employee onboarding.
\r\nOasis is a great option for startups, but you'll need to employ a minimum of five worksite employees to be eligible for their services. A lot of PEOs have a minimum employee requirement, and although Oasis' minimum is on the lower end, it could still pose a problem for very small startups.
\r\nWhen you become a client of Oasis, there are two main managers your business will interact with: a dedicated payroll account manager and a human resource generalist. These managers will work with you to help you develop and implement new practices in your business. This level of attention is convenient for startups, which often do not have established processes for payroll or other HR functions, such as onboarding, performance reviews and termination. Your Oasis team is available to answer your questions by phone and email.
\r\nAs part of our evaluation, we reached out to Oasis, posing as an owner of a startup interested in hiring a PEO. We interacted with Oasis by email and phone. Each time we connected with them, Oasis offered stellar customer service and provided us with all the information we needed for our hypothetical business. Instead of pushing us to make a decision, its representatives helped us understand its overall services.
\r\nEditor's note: Need a PEO service for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you with free information.
Justworks can handle your payroll, HR, benefits and compliance needs. It offers multiple tiered plans, and Justworks is transparent about its pricing. Justworks is lacking in employee training and development services compared to other PEOs we evaluated. Justworks is accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
\r\n\r\n
October 2020: Justworks recognizes that providing mental health services to employees has become a top priority for many employers during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why it has partnered up with Talkspace, an online therapy service. Employees who are enrolled in any medical plan through Justworks can access Talkspace mental health services for free for up to three months.
\r\nJustworks is one of the few PEOs that advertises its prices online. This demonstrates what Justworks is about: The company is upfront about what it offers. For a business owner who is researching PEOs, it's easy to get lost in marketing language and empty promises from a sales team, so it's refreshing to find a company that is transparent with its offerings and prices. Justworks breaks down pricing based on the number of employees your company has and features.
\r\nJustworks' plans consist of Basic and Plus. The Basic plans include standard human resource services like payroll, taxes, employee onboarding and benefits, workers' compensation, etc. The Plus plans include everything in the Basic plan, in addition to COBRA administration, health advocacy services, additional access to medical, dental and vision insurance, and health savings and flexible savings accounts.
\r\nOnce you determine the type of benefits you're interested in offering your workers, the pricing is straightforward: Justworks charges on a per-employee basis, which is standard protocol among PEO services we reviewed.
\r\nBasic Plans
\r\nPlus Plans
\r\nYou can pay monthly or annually; if you pay yearly, the cost is slightly lower. Although Justworks advertises that there are no additional fees, really, your monthly or annual costs don't include healthcare benefits and workers' compensation, and those prices will depend on your individual plan.
\r\nJustworks provides an account manager for your company, so you can get answers quickly when you need information on your HR services or have an issue with payroll, but the Justworks representatives we spoke to said that most of its customers find the standard support team to be a sufficient resource. These services are included with your Justworks PEO plan:
\r\nJustworks provides the standard HR solutions. You can create a company directory and employee handbook, and Justworks will help you with document storage management and employee onboarding. You can also create a company calendar to inform all of your employees about important work events. From our research, it doesn't appear that Justworks offers HR auditing tools.
\r\nLike many of the PEOs we reviewed, Justworks offers your employees low-cost benefit plans, including health, vision, dental, disability and life insurance. It also supports 401(k) plans, and you can elect to include other wellness perks like gym memberships, commuter benefits and health advocacy services. Justworks offers access to health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, COBRA administration and ACA filings.
\r\nYou can view and manage payroll through Justworks' cloud-based payroll management solution. Managers can track paid time off and add sick and vacation days for employees. The payroll service supports full-time, part-time, salaried and hourly employees. The company also handles all your tax compliance needs, including filing W-2s, paying quarterly payroll taxes, and keeping you up to date on changing tax and employment laws.
\r\nThis PEO provides workers' compensation, employment liability insurance and disability insurance. It also offers help with state and federal tax and labor laws compliance, as well as a sexual harassment prevention training program for employees.
\r\nJustworks provides articles and other resources on several HR and PEO-related topics, which you can find on its website. Its training focuses on HR support regarding benefits and payroll, which is an important distinction if you're looking for a PEO that provides employee development courses.
\r\nJustworks was one of the few PEOs we looked at that discloses pricing on its website. This is very helpful for business owners who want to quickly estimate much they may spend on PEO services, and what they will get for their money.
\r\nAnother advantage of Justworks is that it has a wealth of useful online resources where small business owners can learn more about human resource management. Its resource center covers benefits and perks, hiring and onboarding, team management, compliance and running a business. It also has a blog, help center, referral program and testimonials. You can easily reach a Justworks agent through a chatbot, phone or email.
\r\nSince Justworks offers two plans, it's not the kind of PEO where you can mix and match services. With some PEOs, you can enroll only in their payroll service and then pay for the other services you use, but that is not the case with Justworks.
\r\nAnother potential drawback is that Justworks is not eligible for coverage in certain industries. It can be frustrating to put energy into signing up for a PEO, only to learn you don't qualify. If Justworks is on your shortlist, we'd recommend that you call the company and talk with a representative to make sure your business is operating within a covered industry.
\r\nThe technology aspect of Justworks comes through in its customer service options. The company has a chatbot that gathers basic info from you while you wait in the queue for a representative. The live chat also displays pictures and names of the individuals you're talking to, which is a nice, personalized touch.
\r\nLike many other PEOs, when you sign up with Justworks, you're assigned a designated account manager to help you with various aspects of your service. Some PEOs, however, provide direct experts in each area of service. While Justworks can handle your inquiries, it doesn't tout its service team as individual topic experts. When we spoke with Justworks representatives, they said that many business owners are able to iron out issues with the support team and may not need to work directly with their account manager.
\r\nEditor's note: Is your business looking for a PEO service? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.
"},"url":"https://justworks.com","docType":"service","title":"Justworks","thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5f8c71da5a215e171a8b4568/justworks.png"},"pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate-widget","widgetId":"10092","widget":{"id":"10092","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=44&aff_id=1000&source=best-peo-services&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&aff_sub3=deal|Justworks&url_id=1","name":"HasOffers/Tune"}}}},{"fullTitle":"Best for Tailored Industries","bullets":["Industry-specific HR support","Custom contract terms","Plans tailored to your vertical"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":false,"tabTitle":"Best for Tailored Industries","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":true,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/trinet/","review":{"fullReview":"TriNet is one of the only PEO companies we reviewed that provides industry-first expert support teams. It can build an expert HR support team around your business's industry, size and location, ensuring you have the appropriate access to experts who have direct experience with businesses like yours. Its tailored PEO plans are charged per employee, per month and can include employee benefits, workers' compensation insurance, risk management software, payroll processing, retirement plans and training resources. It's for these reasons and more that TriNet has earned our pick as the best PEO provider for businesses that want a PEO plan tailored to their industry.
\r\nAugust 2020: To increase productivity and enhance employee experience, TriNet has launched new HR features like a report scheduler, applicant tracking, performance management, expense management and a new platform, the Integration Center, which puts various HR functions and integrations in one convenient place. Additionally, TriNet is offering 24/7 chat support to help users navigate their HR needs during the pandemic.
\r\n\r\n
View all our recommendations for PEO services and HR outsourcing services on our best picks pages.
\r\nTriNet's PEO plans are charged on a per-employee basis, with the option to create a customized PEO agreement. Specific pricing amounts are unique to the vertical product you use. TriNet claims its services are priced based on how its customers will utilize the various offerings available to them, so you get exactly what you want at a price that makes sense for you.
\r\nTriNet doesn't require a long-term contract; instead, it will create contract terms based on your needs. You can pay for its tools on an ongoing basis and cancel at any time with a 30-day written notice. Cancellation fees may apply in certain situations.
\r\nWhile TriNet provides a lot of flexibility in its pricing and agreement structure, its features are a bundled solution. It provides unique solutions based on your vertical, but every plan includes access to payroll, risk mitigation, employee benefits, HR and a technology platform. This isn't necessarily a negative; it just means that when you partner with TriNet, you'll be paying for its full-service offering. You need to have at least five employees to sign up, which is standard for PEOs. The PEO plans are easily scalable to grow with your business.
\r\nTriNet has extensive offerings in HR, benefits, payroll, risk management and compliance. You'll have access to the full selection of features, with a team of experts in each area dedicated to providing your business with the right support.
\r\nTriNet designates HR teams by industry, size and location, so your team of HR, payroll, benefits and risk management specialists will be experienced and skilled in your field. It also provides standard HR services, including employee onboarding, recruiting, HR reporting and analytics, performance management, handbook and policy development, and termination and dispute assistance.
\r\nTriNet is partnered with thousands of small businesses, so you'll be joining a large group of people on similar health plans at reduced rates. TriNet provides extensive employee benefits, including health, vision, and dental insurance; 401(k) plans and retirement coverage; commuter benefits; auto and home policies; and wellness programs. It can help you manage your COBRA and ACA compliance, and it even offers employee access to marketplace discounts on several well-known brands.
\r\nTriNet's payroll processing software supports online processing, direct deposits, PTO tracking, expense management and other employee payroll tasks. It can help you prepare your employees' W-2s and ensure your compliance with state and federal tax regulations. It has built-in time and attendance software, so you don't have to worry about tracking your employees' hours or monitoring their schedules.
\r\nTriNet's claims management team can assist your business and employees with workers' compensation and other safety-related claims. It also provides OSHA compliance, safety training, HR guidance, online resources, employment practices liability insurance and claims prevention. The workers' compensation insurance is a pay-as-you-go model, with no deposits or deductions.
\r\nTriNet's proprietary technology platform has a built-in learning management system with more than 500 training courses. Employees can build on their professional education and track the resources they've used. TriNet also tracks your employees' progress toward professional certifications or in continued education. If your business needs more intensive, hands-on training, you can discuss options with your HR consultant.
\r\nTriNet is ideal for businesses that have industry-specific needs for a PEO. Although every TriNet PEO plan comes with the bundled HR services (e.g., payroll, risk mitigation, employee benefits and a technology platform), the company can take it a step further and customize the services based on your vertical. You'll receive HR support from experts in your industry as often (or as seldom) as you need. TriNet offers its plans on a monthly per-employee pricing model, which makes it easy to customize and scale your PEO as needed.
\r\nAnother advantage of partnering with TriNet is its proprietary technology platform. TriNet's platform integrates all of your HR needs into one easy-to-access online portal. Since you and your employees have access to the online portal, everyone on your staff can easily make changes to their plans and view plan information as needed. Because your whole staff will use it, ease of use is important in a PEO, and TriNet embodies that.
\r\nIf you are looking to choose only the specific PEO features you need in order to keep costs low, TriNet may not be your best option. Every plan comes with bundled features like payroll, risk mitigation, benefits, HR and the online portal, so you'll be paying for features you may not need if you are in the very beginning stage of your business's growth. Keep in mind that the bundled features are essential HR services that you will likely need anyway, but some small businesses only need very few and specific PEO features.
\r\nAnother minor disadvantage is that TriNet requires a minimum of five workers. Although this is an industry standard for PEOs and only a minor caveat, it could take TriNet out of the running if you have a very small business.
\r\nTriNet is one of the only companies we reviewed that provides industry-specific support teams. This means your dedicated experts will be savvy on the latest HR practices and other regulatory issues for your industry in addition to their respective fields (HR, payroll, benefits, etc.). TriNet also offers one-on-one HR support, so you can work alongside your HR consultant to develop policies for your business. This tailored approach is crucial for very small businesses looking to grow. You can find additional PEO resources on TriNet's website in the form of articles, a blog, e-guides, videos, demos and webinars.
\r\nWe set up a hypothetical small business and reached out to TriNet's sales team by phone and web chat to get a better idea of its PEO offering. In all instances, the sales representatives we spoke with were very helpful and informative. Instead of pushing us toward a sale, they provided details about the features and made sure all of our questions were answered.
\r\nTriNet is accredited by the IRS and the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), and it has an A+ Better Business Bureau rating.
\r\nEditor's note: Is your business looking for a PEO service? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you about your needs.
"},"url":"https://www.trinet.com/","docType":"service","title":"TriNet","thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5d252d237b4374c86c8b459a/trinet.png"},"pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate-widget","widgetId":"10092","widget":{"id":"10092","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=45&aff_id=1000&source=best-peo-services&aff_sub3=deal|TriNet&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&url_id=1","name":"QT Program"}}}},{"fullTitle":"Best for Small Businesses","bullets":["ESAC, IRS and BBB accreditations","5,000+ online courses","Easy-to-use online platform"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":false,"tabTitle":"Best for Small Businesses","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":true,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/insperity-peo-services/","review":{"fullReview":"Insperity PEO provides employee benefits administration, payroll processing, risk management resources, and human resource consulting, but where it excels is in employee training and HR outsourcing. Insperity has a five-employee minimum, competitive pricing and a contract structure that can scale with your business. Insperity is our pick as the best PEO for small businesses due to its extensive training resources and flexible services.
\r\n\r\n
View all of our recommendations for PEO services and HR outsourcing services on our best picks pages.
\r\nInsperity's pricing and terms make it an ideal choice for small businesses looking to outsource the logistical headaches that come with running an expanding business. Insperity charges on a per-employee basis. Some PEOs charge businesses a gross percentage of total payroll. While the percentage of payroll option could be more cost-effective for your business, your fee fluctuates as your business's payroll totals change. With a per-employee pricing structure, your costs are somewhat more predictable.
\r\nInsperity doesn't require long-term contracts. A standard contract for a business with less than 150 employees is typically one year, but you can cancel with 30 days' notice. Although you must have a minimum of five employees to qualify for Insperity's PEO services, you may be able to work around this minimum (with approval) if you meet specific criteria.
\r\nInsperity PEO provides bundled solutions. These bundles can be tailored somewhat to your business; for example, you can add employment screening, expense management, insurance services, performance management, recruiting services and retirement services for additional fees.
\r\nIf you want individual HR services without the co-employment model, there is Insperity's Workforce Acceleration program. This option still requires you to enroll in Insperity's payroll service, but every other service is offered a la carte (e.g., accounting, recruiting, insurance, 401(k), retirement services, etc.)
\r\nInsperity offers stellar training resources and solid offerings in all the major PEO service areas. With Insperity, you and your team have access to a comprehensive suite of HR functions, including the following:
\r\nBesides its PEO services, Insperity offers individual HR services and consultancies through Workforce Acceleration. Make sure, however, that you address the details of the agreement and how it would shift from a standard PEO bundle with the company. For instance, PEOs come with a co-employment agreement as part of the bundle. Signing up for individual HR services, though, nullifies the co-employment arrangement. This aspect of service is not good or bad either way; it just depends on what's best for your business.
\r\nTo use Insperity's a la cart HR services, you will still be required to enroll in Insperity's payroll service. Here are some, but not all, of the HR services Insperity offers:
\r\nInsperity's breadth of services is one of the largest of the companies we reviewed.
\r\nThe biggest advantage for small businesses partnering with Insperity is the wealth of training and resources they get access to. This allows small businesses to stay up to date with important training and regulations. It can also be used for employee development and professional growth. Having access to these learning opportunities can be a great selling point for growing businesses that need to recruit new employees.
\r\nAnother advantage of Insperity is its intuitive online platform. Business owners and employees can log into their Insperity portal to access and modify important information like time and attendance, time-off requests, compensation, 401(k) contributions, HSA and FSA information, training courses and more. This is a great way for small businesses to keep all of their HR functions in one location.
\r\nInsperity requires a small business to have a minimum of five employees to qualify for its services. Keep in mind that this is a standard minimum requirement among many PEOs, and Insperity may be able to make exceptions (with approval) to those businesses that qualify. If you do not meet the five-employee minimum, you can either speak to a representative to learn more about how to meet the exceptions for that or consider another HR service.
\r\nInsperity provides a dedicated service team for its small business clients. This includes defined experts in each service area, like HR management, payroll, performance, recruitment, safety and benefits. Insperity also sets you up with a point person to facilitate your services and connect you to various experts depending on your needs. For general PEO information, you can access several resources on its website, including Insperity's blog, checklists, demos, e-books and webinars.
\r\nWe tested Insperity's customer service by calling as a hypothetical small business owner interested in partnering with a PEO. We interacted with Insperity through email, webchat and phone. The sales representatives we interacted with took the time to assess our business's needs and determine what service would be best suited for our business. They didn't try to push a sale. This is a testament to the level of care and consideration Insperity provides to its customers.
\r\nEditor's note: Need a PEO service for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you with free information.
\r\n"},"url":"https://www.insperity.com/","docType":"service","title":"Insperity","thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5f1a02995a215e81748b4567/Insperityy_logo.png"},"pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"affiliate-widget","widgetId":"10092","widget":{"id":"10092","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=47&aff_id=1000&source=best-peo-services&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&aff_sub3=deal|Insperity&url_id=1","name":"QT Program"}}}},{"fullTitle":"Best Customer Service","bullets":["Fortune 500-caliber benefits","No long-term contracts","Dedicated customer support"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":false,"tabTitle":"Best Customer Service","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":false,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/adp-totalsource/","review":{"fullReview":"Small businesses that partner with ADP get top-of-the-line human resource services, including payroll, compliance, risk management, employee benefits, training and development, and great customer support. ADP TotalSource provides personalized PEO services throughout all 50 states, and even offers international client service through their partnership with Globalization Partners. In addition to its fantastic customer service, ADP's benefits offering is ideal for any small business seeking outsourced HR services. Thanks to its impressive offering, ADP is a double winner, it's our best pick for customer service in our PEO category and best for benefits in our human resources outsourcing (HRO) category. ADP is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, earning an A+ with the rating agency. It is also certified by the IRS and accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation.
\r\nView all of our recommendations for PEO services and HR outsourcing services on our best picks pages.
\r\nSmall businesses can be certain they are signing up with a great PEO or HRO, regardless of which ADP arrangement they choose. All ADP plans are scalable, although smaller businesses may be better suited to the co-employment model of the PEO offering, since it offers more flexibility in employee requirements.
\r\nAlthough ADP works with businesses of all sizes, small businesses need to have a minimum of five employees to be eligible for ADP TotalSource. ADP doesn't require long-term contracts, and it doesn't charge cancellation fees, but it asks that you provide 30 days' written notice to end services with the company. These minimums and cancellation requirements are standard requirements among the PEOs we reviewed.
\r\nIf you partner with ADP, you're primarily investing in a bundled PEO solution. This means that the basic PEO services are all included for one lump sum. Pricing isn't listed on the website, instead, you will have to contact an ADP representative to receive a customized quote.
\r\nWhen we spoke with an ADP representative, we were informed that you have the option to purchase the following items for additional fees:
\r\nADP's human resources outsourcing option is better suited for small businesses that only need assistance with a few different HR functions. Small businesses that choose this pricing model must have a minimum of 25 employees. Similar to the PEO pricing, ADP HRO contracts are very flexible and can range from month-to-month to multiyear terms, depending upon client size and offerings selected.
\r\nWhile some HR items do come bundled, there are choices available across the spectrum, so small businesses have the option to select the outsourcing features most applicable to their business. ADP's offerings and pricing schedules are designed to be fully scalable, supporting client growth (and when needed, contraction). Since HRO plans are customized to your business's needs, you will need to speak with a representative for a price quote.
\r\nADP TotalSource has a full-fledged PEO, with comprehensive solutions in payroll, benefits, HR management and training. Its PEO services include the following:
\r\nADP offers HRO services, too, which often make sense for small businesses looking for limited HR support. The agreement will take a different shape from your PEO service, but you'll be able to enjoy many of the same features, including payroll outsourcing, pay and tax administration, an online HR and payroll platform, and employee handbook creation. ADP offers expert business knowledge by partnering with accountants, brokers, financial advisors, private equity, franchises, member organizations, software providers and ERPs.
\r\nAs a major HR provider in the U.S., ADP can fill almost any HR need your business has. The contract structure differs from its PEO offering because it doesn't require a co-employment model. This may add flexibility to your service, but you'll have to work directly with ADP to find the right HRO agreement for you and your business.
\r\nOne of the highlights of ADP's HRO offering is its benefits packages. As one of the largest HR support providers in the nation, ADP has solid benefit options for small businesses. For example, ADP provides an employee assistance program service, a compliance and learning curriculum, and an employee discount plan. Clients also have the option to procure their own benefits or benefit plans, in addition to leveraging ADP's insurance services.
\r\nADP has an intuitive online platform and simple dashboards where you can view your benefits, make adjustments, and handle all your related services. ADP also offers an employee resource through MyLife Advisors, where employees can contact an ADP representative to receive assistance on HR, payroll and benefits.
\r\nADP is a very large and reliable company, allowing you to get the level of coverage and support you need. ADP can provide human resource services in all 50 states. It also has a mobile app that users can access to manage their HR services on the go. Many smaller PEOs lack full coverage and accessibility, which can be challenging for businesses that operate in many states throughout the U.S.
\r\nADP also provides exceptional customer service. Each TotalSource client receives a dedicated ADP team to help with any questions, and backup support is available upon request. ADP support can be reached by phone and chatbot. Each ADP client is treated with care, which is essential for small businesses. A PEO or HRO with great customer service can make a major difference to you and your team.
\r\nADP's employee minimum may be a challenge for very small businesses. For example, there is a five-employee minimum to sign up with ADP TotalSource, and a 25-employee minimum for ADP's HRO service. Although an employee minimum is somewhat common for most PEOs and HROs, it can be inconvenient for very small businesses with just a couple of employees. This minor drawback only impacts those with very small teams.
\r\nAnother drawback to using ADP is its lack of pricing information online. Since ADP provides custom quotes, they don't list pricing on the website. They bundle their PEO features with a few services offered for additional pricing, and their HRO features are offered separately, but we were not able to find those prices listed online. While this is not a major drawback, it can be inconvenient for those who want an upfront idea of how much they can expect to spend on services in comparison to other options.
\r\nDespite ADP's size, its customer service was stellar. Representatives readily answered our questions and were not pushy or rude. ADP provides a full-service team to its customers, in addition to experts in each specific area (HR, benefits, payroll, etc.).
\r\nLike many PEOs we evaluated, ADP provides a point person to facilitate your services and provide you with HR support. The difference is that ADP's point person is certified by the Society for Human Resources Management, meaning your business can utilize the knowledge and support of an accredited HR expert.
\r\nWhen evaluating ADP, we spoke with the company's representatives by email, live chat and phone. In all instances, ADP's sales team went above and beyond our customer service expectations. They provided solid information and advice about the services and additional details based on business needs. This level of attention from a company as big as ADP signals the value of this organization's services. It's also why ADP earned our pick for the PEO with the best customer service.
\r\nADP is accredited by the Better Business Bureau, earning an A+ rating. It is also certified by the IRS and accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation, which means that it has undergone and passed rigorous scrutiny and evaluation.
\r\nEditor's note: Need a PEO service for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you with free information.
"},"url":"https://www.adp.com/our-products/totalsource/why-totalsource.aspx","docType":"service","title":"ADP TotalSource","thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5c89295c5a215eaf098b456b/ADP.png"},"pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":false,"selected":"affiliate-widget","widgetId":"10092","widget":{"id":"10092","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://businesscom.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=43&aff_id=1000&source=best-peo-services&aff_sub4=revenue|QT&aff_sub3=deal|ADP&url_id=1","name":"QT Program"}}}},{"fullTitle":"Best for Midsize Businesses","bullets":["Scalable PEO plans","Nationwide customer support","Mobile-friendly PEO platform"],"isFeaturedBestPick":false,"isJumpLink":false,"tabTitle":"Best for Midsize Businesses","review":{"isReview":true,"adsense":false,"canonical":"https://staging.business.com/reviews/paychex-peo-services/","review":{"fullReview":"Paychex provides businesses with comprehensive PEO and HRO features, including risk management, payroll, employee benefits, HR administration, and numerous employee training solutions. This nationwide company represents thousands of employees and businesses of all sizes, so you'll be joining a provider that is equipped to handle your organization's needs. It also assigns you an HR professional, who remains your point person as your business grows, and a mobile application, Paychex Flex, so you can access your services on the go. Plans are scalable as your company grows. Paychex is certified by the IRS and accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation and the Better Business Bureau, with an A+ BBB rating. For these reasons, Paychex is our pick for the best PEO service for midsize businesses and the best HR outsourcing service for small businesses.
\r\n\r\n
View all our recommendations for PEO services and HR outsourcing services on our best picks pages.
\r\nPaychex has convenient pricing and terms for small and midsize businesses. Businesses looking for a co-employment model are better suited to a PEO plan, whereas those looking to outsource a few HR functions are better suited to an HRO plan. Regardless of which option you choose, every plan is scalable to fit your business needs.
\r\nLike many PEOs we reviewed, Paychex charges on a per-employee basis. Some companies we reviewed charge businesses a certain percentage of their total payroll. The latter could be a better deal if you're a large business with a lot of employees, but it also means your costs fluctuate as your payroll changes. For a midsize business that likely has a much larger payroll than a small business, this could have major implications. The per-employee structure allows you to predict and budget for what you owe Paychex.
\r\nPaychex PEO plans are available to organizations with at least five employees. The cost of your PEO service depends on how many employees you have each year. Standard PEO contracts are for one year, with per-employee pricing. PEO packages include bundled services; however, plans are scalable, and you have the option to customize certain aspects, like master medical or master workers' compensation policies. If you are interested in working with Paychex under the PEO model, you'll want to discuss the service and feature requirements with your sales representative.
\r\nSince they are available to businesses of all sizes, even those with just one employee, Paychex HR outsourcing plans offer a lot of flexibility. They do not enforce any minimum salary requirements, and there is no required contract length, just a 30-day cancellation notice condition with the Paychex service agreement.
\r\nPaychex is great for small businesses that have unique HR outsourcing needs, as they offer a variety of features packaged into different HR outsourcing options. HR outsourcing plans are scalable; as an organization grows and needs change, they can add services or products along the way.
\r\nPaychex's PEO has multiple features that differentiate it from its competitors. Its training offering, which touches on relevant topics such as HR onboarding and safety, is one of the most extensive of any company we reviewed. Paychex also offers thorough payroll processing software and HR policy development.
\r\nSmall businesses that don't want to enter into the PEO agreement can still access many of the same great HR outsourcing services that Paychex provides. PEOs ascribe to a co-employment model where your employees appear on the books of a national organization for tax and labor law advantages. The HRO model doesn't have this type of contractual agreement; you can scale your services and enjoy some of the same support under a different arrangement.
\r\nSmall businesses can access a variety of features through Paychex's HR outsourcing plans. For example, you can choose from functions that aid with payroll, risk and compliance, employee benefits, and HR administrative services.
\r\nInstead of paying for HR features you don't need, you can select the HR outsourcing solution that works best for your business based on the level of HR support that you require. Paychex offers many of the same HR functions to both PEO and HR outsourcing customers – if there is a service you need, speak to a representative about acquiring it for your plan.
\r\nPaychex HR outsourcing customers fluctuate in size and complexity, so they offer service plans to accommodate those differences. As your organization grows and HR outsourcing needs change, you can easily add services or products. Some companies start with HRO services and then scale to PEO services. Work closely with your Paychex representative to find the right services for your SMB.
\r\nPaychex has unveiled several new features geared specifically toward helping businesses with the current HR challenges they face during the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes HR Connect, conversations, an OSHA dashboard, worker templates and new live reports.
\r\nBusinesses of all sizes receive hands-on customer support from Paychex. PEO customers get access to a dedicated payroll account manager and a human resource generalist. One-on-one customer support is essential for growing businesses, since more employees generally equals more questions. You can also access a wealth of knowledge and training through Paychex's help center and other online resources.
\r\nAnother advantage to partnering with Paychex is its dedication to clarity. If you are curious about Paychex's services, you can access a variety of demos in areas like analytics and reporting, the online dashboard, general ledger, health and benefits, help options, hiring, HR, the payroll center, and time and attendance. This is ideal for midsize businesses that know what they want in a PEO and need firsthand experience with the service before committing to it.
\r\nPaychex has an advanced, mobile-friendly platform that provides a consistent experience across mobile and desktop devices. You and your employees can use the Paychex Flex app on iOS and Android devices, making Paychex a convenient service to access on the go.
\r\nYou need at least five employees on your payroll to qualify for Paychex's PEO services. This is a standard requirement among the companies we evaluated, but it's important for very small businesses to know.
\r\nSince Paychex's PEO and HR outsourcing services are best suited for small and midsize businesses, this employee minimum shouldn't be an issue for most interested parties. Paychex HRO services, though, only require a minimum of one employee, so smaller teams may be better suited to this structure.
\r\nAnother negative consideration is Paychex's Better Business Bureau profile. There were multiple negative customer reviews on Paychex's BBB page when we reviewed it – more than what other companies we reviewed had. However, Paychex addressed every review and worked through the issue with the customer. Paychex has an A+ rating with the BBB.
\r\nWhen we asked Paychex customers what they thought the company could do better, they referenced the communication features. The company offers online chat and email options, but online communications can be delayed at times. To remedy this situation and receive immediate assistance, it is better to call a representative or reach out directly to your dedicated HR point of contact.
\r\nPaychex provides a designated team of experts, each one specializing in a different area of your PEO plan. You get a dedicated HR generalist who acts as a point person between your business and the various experts you need. This person doubles as an HR consultant, so you can work through your HR questions and issues with them as well. Regardless of how your business grows or changes, your HR generalist will remain your go-to partner who knows and understands your business's needs. You can also access several online resources, such as articles, webinars and PEO-related calculators.
\r\nWe interacted with Paychex sales representatives to gauge the company's service. We reached out over live chat, email, and phone to gain insight into the overall Paychex customer support experience, posing as a small business owner of a hypothetical business. In all instances, representatives were informative and polite, helping us learn more about the company's services without pushing for a sale. They also helped us learn more about the PEO and HRO models and what we could expect as business owners with Paychex.
\r\nEditor's note: Need a PEO service for your business? Fill out the below questionnaire to have our vendor partners contact you with free information.
"},"url":"https://www.paychex.com/peo","docType":"service","title":"Paychex","thumbnail":{"path":"https://staging.business.com/images/rz/5ec814d37b4374496f8b4592/paychex.png"},"pricing":{"isCapped":false,"isFeatured":false,"primary":true,"selected":"widget","widgetId":"10092","widget":{"id":"10092","cta":"Compare Quotes","isExclusive":false},"affiliate":{"cta":"Visit Site","link":"https://www.paychex.com/peo","name":""}}}}]}}},"related":{"relatedArticles":[{"title":"Drinking on the Job: Small Business Guide to Creating an Office Policy","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/set-office-alcohol-policy/","slug":"set-office-alcohol-policy","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5b6/a27bf92a3a414438b457f/1500-0-","dek":"Serving alcohol in the office can be a nice perk, but there's a lot to consider first.","lastModified":"2018-08-27T15:23:00Z","published":"2018-08-27T15:23:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Why You Should Develop a Relationship With a Business Lawyer","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/business-lawyer/","slug":"business-lawyer","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5f0/87b669c658aa02c8b4583/1500-0-","dek":"The facets of launching a company can be overwhelming. Getting the help of a business lawyer is crucial to your success.","lastModified":"2020-07-10T20:09:00Z","published":"2020-07-10T20:09:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"How to Handle Non-Paying Clients","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/overdue-and-over-you-what-actions-can-you-take-when-a-client-hasnt-paid/","slug":"overdue-and-over-you-what-actions-can-you-take-when-a-client-hasnt-paid","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5c5/e06719c658a87078b4598/1500-0-","dek":"Contracts, lawyers and collections agencies are a few places to turn when you have clients who won't pay their invoices. Even better is to prevent the problem in the first place.","lastModified":"2021-02-25T12:30:00Z","published":"2018-03-16T14:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Protect Yourself: LegalZoom Lawyer Discusses How to Shield Your Business From Potential Lawsuits","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/legalzoom-laywer-shielding-business-from-lawsuits/","slug":"legalzoom-laywer-shielding-business-from-lawsuits","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5c6/225da9c658ae2398b4592/1500-0-","dek":"Legal compliance in HR issues should be a top priority for every business.","lastModified":"2019-02-08T19:00:00Z","published":"2019-02-08T19:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"What to Do if ICE Serves Your Business With a Form I-9 Audit","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/ice-serves-i-9-audit/","slug":"ice-serves-i-9-audit","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5e6/64def7b43740a2a8b456e/1500-0-","dek":"Make sure you're prepared should Immigration and Customs Enforcement come knocking.","lastModified":"2020-03-10T15:00:00Z","published":"2018-09-17T18:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"SBA Loan Default: A Complete Guide for 2020 and Beyond","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/articles/sba-loan-default-guide/","slug":"sba-loan-default-guide","thumbnail":"https://staging.business.com/images/content/5dc/047af7b437483068b4572/1500-0-","dek":"Here's comprehensive guide to all your questions about SBA loan default, forgiveness and the SBA Offer In Compromise.","lastModified":"2021-08-06T20:42:00Z","published":"2019-11-04T15:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"How to Hire for Your Business","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/how-to-staff-business/","slug":"how-to-staff-business","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5ea/9c8bb9c658aee018b456c/1500-0-","dek":"Sterling Staffing Solutions CEO Stephen Carter shares his tips on staffing your business.","lastModified":"2020-07-31T15:00:00Z","published":"2018-08-16T12:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Bringing Legal Practices Into the 21st Century","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/bringing-legal-practices-into-the-21st-century/","slug":"bringing-legal-practices-into-the-21st-century","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5ea/1e4645a215ea55e8b4575/1500-0-","dek":"More law firms are recognizing that they need a 21st century technology makeover to remain competitive, accelerate growth and increase profitability. To achieve this, firms are leveraging practice management technology to increase productivity, streamline operations and improve client experience.","lastModified":"2020-04-23T21:54:00Z","published":"2020-04-23T21:54:00Z","sponsored":true},{"title":"What Is GDPR, and Why Does It Matter for Your Business?","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/what-is-gdpr/","slug":"what-is-gdpr","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5f4/fe8b87b4374c3318b4567/1500-0-","dek":"Failure to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation can have serious financial consequences.","lastModified":"2020-09-03T12:52:00Z","published":"2018-01-23T08:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"The Ultimate Small Business Guide to Credit Card Processing Fees","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/credit-card-processing-fees/","slug":"credit-card-processing-fees","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5d2/346547b437454698b4577/1500-0-","dek":"Learn about credit card processing fees and how to negotiate for lower costs.","lastModified":"2020-06-16T10:08:00Z","published":"2017-12-07T08:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"Why Your Business Might Need a Lawyer","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/business-needs-a-lawyer/","slug":"business-needs-a-lawyer","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5f9/437135a215e8a4f8b4567/1500-0-","dek":"There are numerous reasons why having a lawyer who can walk you through various aspects of running your business is prudent.","lastModified":"2020-10-26T14:00:00Z","published":"2020-10-26T14:00:00Z","sponsored":false},{"title":"HR Compliance Challenges Small Businesses Face Today","canonical":"https://www.business.com/articles/8-hr-compliance-challenges/","slug":"8-hr-compliance-challenges","thumbnail":"https://www.business.com/images/content/5dc/f62b95a215e4c348b4567/1500-0-","dek":"HR regulations are always evolving, and businesses need to monitor them to stay compliant.","lastModified":"2019-11-18T14:00:00Z","published":"2019-11-18T14:00:00Z","sponsored":false}],"relatedReviews":[],"relatedSponsoredArticles":null}},"pageContext":{"displayModified":"2020-10-26T21:49:00.000Z","template":"long_form","title":"PEO Software: How to Choose the Best One for Your Business","meta":{"robots":"index, follow"},"docType":"articles","slug":"peo-software","canonical":"https://staging.business.com/articles/peo-software/","skipTOC":true}},"staticQueryHashes":[]}