Blog

Say Goodbye to Payroll Processing, and Hello to PEO.

March 20th, 2012

We hear it all the time—“PEOs save businesses time and money,” but if there’s one thing we love most about PEOs, it’s their ability to take away many of the tasks that may be slowing your business down and costing you a bundle—especially payroll processing.

Payroll is just one of the many ways a PEO can save you and your staff time and administrative headaches. Professional Employer Organizations manage and deliver payroll to your employees, in addition to accounting for the necessary Federal, State and Local taxes. This responsibility also includes Social Security, Medicare, Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA), State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) and any other taxes that are applicable.

As a result, your business will be decreasing its liability, and by outsourcing payroll and other administrative tasks to a PEO, your business may be able to limit the number of employees you have within your office location, further reducing labor costs.  Many PEOs have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into their Payroll and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS).  PEO clients enjoy the benefits of having access to industry leading systems such as People Soft, Ultimate Software, HR Pyramid, Davidson, Lawson, and Kronos to name a few.  If you’re considering hiring a staff (or additional staff) to manage payroll in-house, it’s worth a consultation before making any costly decisions.

You’ll also notice that with a PEO, business and processes will become a lot more streamlined.  Expertise and improved technology guarantee on-time and accurate payroll and efficient claims processing. A PEO will also manage vacation and day-off accruals on your behalf.

As previously mentioned, it is worth consulting with an expert if you are looking to streamline or decrease the costs associated with payroll. Not every PEO or payroll outsourcing company is the perfect fit for your company- it depends on your current costs, current needs and company size. Through a series of more than 200 questions that cover everything (including payroll processes), we’ll identify and prioritize your current and future requirements and determine what your most cost-effective alternatives to managing in-house are.

Contact us today to learn more.

Posted in Payroll Processing | No Comments

Need a North Carolina PEO? Welcome Holly Springs Branch!

March 14th, 2012

PEO Advantage has operated nationwide for years, but now, with its new North Carolina branch in Holly Springs, we’re introducing extremely convenient employee leasing solutions to business owners in the Triangle and Triad areas.

There are more than 800 PEOs across the country, and many of us prefer to support local business by entering an employee leasing agreement with a local PEO. But, even by narrowing down the number of PEOs to “local PEOs”, finding the perfect fit for your company still requires extensive work. Finding the perfect fit can involve a review of more than 200 company attributes, covering everything from payroll process, compensation structure, work comp claims history and documentation to HR compliance, technology and your three-year growth plan.

Collecting estimates on top of your already busy schedule can be time consuming and stressful.  With so many estimates from the many North Carolina PEOs, how will you know which one is priced at the most competitive rate and which exact attributes should you be using to evaluate the different options?

PEO Advantage offers the affordable and effective way to get FREE PEO quotes and find co-employment solutions you can count on. In all of our Plans,
(Basic, Business & Enterprise) we offer access to and review of the PEO Buyer’s Guide. And, with PEO Advantage representatives working right in Holly Springs, solid industry partnerships within the state of North Carolina, 50-plus years of experience, proprietary reverse auction RFP process, and expert negotiation skills, we can consistently save North Carolina clients up to 25% on their employee leasing solutions.

Benefits of Working with a Local PEO/Local Business:

  • Community well-being.
  • Keeping dollars within your local community!
  • Valuable face time with your PEO, which greatly reduces misunderstandings that can happen via email and phone.
  • Local providers are available for ongoing work and consultation.
  • A local provider has a thorough knowledge of your local market.
  • Local references that you can easily contact or may even know already.

Look to the experts in North Carolina employee leasing solutions!  Call the PEO Advantage office at 877-636-9525 or contact us today for a North Carolina PEO quote.

Posted in North Carolina PEO Solutions | No Comments

The Power of Technology with a PEO

February 29th, 2012

Thousands of business owners enjoy the benefits associated with outsourcing to a PEO (Professional Employer Organization). HR administration and employee management do, after all, come with a laundry list of policies, liabilities and costs. But, PEOs don’t just step in to save you time, money, and administrative headaches; they also introduce highly effective (and efficient) technology solutions for employee management.

Traditionally, PEOs have partnered up with smaller businesses ranging from 15-20 employees, but larger businesses are increasingly finding value in a PEO arrangement because of the robust HR information technology systems that PEOs bring to the table. Through a co-employment arrangement, you and the PEO contractually share employer responsibilities and liabilities, and your company gains the support of amazing technology, without having to necessarily invest in it yourself.

If you are a larger company of 100+ employees and you are considering your own technology investment, perhaps an HRIS, (Human Resource Information System), consider the following:

  • How much is this technology investment going to be? Are there renewals each year?
  • Do you have the experienced staff to manage this technology? Or, will you need to hire an expert?
  • IS a PEO more cost effective ?

PEOs are investing millions in sophisticated web-based tools and powerful back office databases.  Chances are that PEOs are already using a system you’re considering.  HR Pyramid, Ultimate Software, Davidson, Darwin, People Soft, HR Passport are just a few examples of sophisticated, best-in-class HRIS that are included as a standard PEO service.  They are experts in utilizing different technologies to handle the needs of numerous clients that sometimes have tens of thousands of employees.

Chances are, a PEO may be the more cost-effective (and efficient) route to go. Now, where can you find the best PEO? The team at PEO Advantage continually finds co-employment solutions you can count on, and manages the entire process for you—turning complex quotes into business intelligence so that you can make the best possible decision.

If you are currently trying to determine whether or not you should invest in technology, or outsource to a PEO, please call us today: 877-636-9525.

Posted in Technology | No Comments

Can a PEO Help with Workplace Ethics?

February 23rd, 2012

Every two years, the Ethics Resource Center conducts research on organizational ethics and misconduct from the employee perspective. The report that is published with key findings, the National Business Ethics Survey® (NBES), serves as the nation’s indicator of workplace ethics, and provides insight into national trends.

Upon reviewing the organization’s most recent findings, we found ourselves thinking “This report must be VERY intimidating to the employer. How do we prevent employee misconduct and create a more principled environment where employees are comfortable reporting misconduct, and can do so without retaliation?”    Fortunately, the findings of this report are not as intimidating, if you’re working with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that can help. Let’s review:

What were the concerning NBES findings?

  • 45% of US Workers witnessed misconduct (That’s 62 million Americans!)
  • While misconduct witnessed by US workers is actually now at historic lows, reporting of misconduct is now at near highs –employees are reporting!
  • Retaliation against employee whistleblowers has increased. 
  • The percentage of employees who perceived pressure to compromise standards in order to do their jobs has climbed since    2009, and is now at 13%.
  • Active social networkers report far more negative experiences in their workplaces than non-social networkers or coworkers that are less involved with social networking. And, they are more likely to experience pressure to compromise ethics standards.

 How can a PEO help?  PEOs certainly cannot control an employee’s actions or an employer’s actions. But, they can assist in keeping a sounder, more ethical environment by proving the appropriate protocol for addressing issues, as well as many other supporting services including:

  • Better communication—Improved access for employees, to personnel data, labor regulations, workers’ rights, worksite safety and more.
  • Improved job satisfaction—Clear expectations, easy-to-read handbooks and procedures, and professional assistance with employment-related issues.
  • Whistleblowing—PEOs offer assistance in developing policies that protect employees and promote an overall more honest environment.
  • Employee Incentive Programs — PEOs can help set up an incentive program for employees, which reinforces ongoing work ethics and a positive workplace environment.
  • Social Media Policy— Ask your PEO about assistance in developing a social media policy that outlines expectations for all existing employees.
  • Specific Documentation and Decreased Liability:  A qualified PEO can help your business reduce  its exposure and provides both employees and employers with specific documentation for reference, in the event that an employer/employee issue progresses to a court of law.

For more information on PEOs, or assistance in selecting a PEO for your company, contact us today.

 

Posted in Ethics & Employee Misconduct | No Comments

PEO Advantage Gives Back!

February 14th, 2012

At PEO Advantage we’re constantly busy managing human resources, so that our clients don’t have to! Through our performance-driven team and affordable employee leasing solutions we give back every day—by putting dollars back in our clients’ pockets! But, did you know we also give back to our Tampa community?

A positive company culture and a community that supports one another is often a top priority here. We encourage our employees to get involved with charitable organizations, community events and/or social activities by planning occasional events during the work week. Not only do employees gain a fun day outside of the office, but in working together we all make a difference and improve our community.

Just a few weeks ago, some of our employees took an extended lunch hour (well, quite a few hours!) to volunteer at Trinity Cafe! Trinity Café has been a beacon of hope and compassion in the Tampa Community since it was founded in 2001. It serves over 200 hot, nutritious meals each and every weekday, to anyone who walks through their doors. Guests include the homeless, poor and anyone wishing to receive a free meal. Since 2001, the team at Trinity Café has served more than 700,000 meals!

Our team at PEO Advantage was touched by this amazing opportunity to volunteer and give back, and we hope that other companies in the Tampa area will help this wonderful organization as well!  If you are interested in volunteering as a company at Trinity Café, schedule your team’s hours by contacting program director, Cindy Davis, at 813-865-4822.

Or, if you’d like to join our team in giving back in the Tampa area, just give us a call!  We’re always looking to expand our group of friends and volunteers!

 

PEO Advantage Volunteers (left to right): Patrick Moraites, Greg Arnold, Chris Donahue and Ryan DeJong

Volunteers not shown: Jenni Stone, Lisa Sterling, Amy Lassiter

Posted in Community | No Comments

SBEA….What is this and how will YOU benefit?

February 10th, 2012

Last week we discussed NAPEO’s support of the Small Business Efficiency Act and how this directly ties into the President’s recent State of the Union address, and the overall American economy goals for the near future.  To elaborate on the Small Business Efficiency Act, and how this will benefit Small Businesses and PEO, let’s review!

What is the Small Business Efficiency Act?

The Small Business Efficiency Act is a federal bill that will help small business owners ensure their companies are compliant with complex federal payroll tax responsibilities.   If passed, The Small Business Efficiency Act (H.R. 2466), will provide clarity around the co-employment model that many PEOs and small businesses operate within.

How will Small Businesses and PEOs benefit?

  • The Small Business Efficiency Act will enable companies such as PEOs and employee leasing solutions to continue withholding and remitting federal payroll taxes on behalf of their clients.
  • Small business owners can focus on what they do best and not be forced into adding “administrative headaches” to their workload.
  • PEOs can continue to do what they do best: administrative tasks!
  • Small businesses can focus on growing their businesses and hiring new employees.

PEOs serve as one of the most efficient outsourcing options for businesses within many different industries. A PEO can provide a single source for outsourcing payroll, workers’ compensation, human resources, employee benefits administration and other administrative tasks. This helps employers at small to medium-sized companies gain efficiencies in non-core business functions–all while saving money and taking advantage of economies of scale!

In many instances, PEOs and small businesses make the perfect partners, providing the improvements listed above that are instrumental in gaining a competitive advantage. Many PEOs and small business clients develop long-term relationships because they allow clients to reduce costs and devote more time to revenue generating activities.

For more information on small business and PEO relationships, or for help in selecting a PEO for your company, feel free to contact the PEO experts at PEO Advantage.

Posted in PEOs | No Comments

PEOs: Supporting the Backbone of American Economy!

February 2nd, 2012

In President Obama’s State of the Union address (SOTU) last week, the President made the following statement regarding supporting innovation for small businesses: 

“After all, innovation is what America has always been about. Most new jobs are created in start-ups and small businesses. So let’s pass an agenda that helps them succeed. Tear down regulations that prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from getting the financing to grow. Expand tax relief to small businesses that are raising wages and creating good jobs. Both parties agree on these ideas. So put them in a bill, and get it on my desk this year.”

Coincidentally, The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) participated in a conference call with Obama administration officials just prior to the SOTU. Administration officials urged groups on the call to submit their policy ideas and suggestions. NAPEO took advantage of this opportunity, and wrote in expressing their support in passing the Small Business Efficiency Act.

Why? Well, for starters, PEO’s primary customers are America’s small businesses and help small businesses and the American economy in the following ways:

  • Providing advanced access to healthcare for as many as 4 to 6 million Americans
  • Helping small businesses save money: The right employees, best practices, reduced turnover, automation, compliance expertise and streamlined processes add up to huge savings so companies can invest in new employees and focus on growth.
  • 95% of workers in PEO arrangements have access to pensions
  • Helping small businesses attract and retain their employees—Comprehensive benefits packages and recruiting assistance makes sure the right talent is hired and stays put, benefiting both the worker, and the employer.
  • Sharing special perks with Small Businesses—Many PEOs have access to credit union membership, exclusive employee discounts and reduced rates on travel, entertainment and services.
  • And much more!

Unfortunately, in SOTU address, the Small Business Efficiency Act wasn’t used as a direct example of reform or an idea that will be signed right away, but NAPEO and PEOs across the country will continue to push for small business success! The Small Business Efficiency Act, if passed, would benefit both PEOs AND small businesses by improving tax compliance, and providing needed certainty for small businesses. This certainty will allow small businesses to shift gears and concentrate on a positive movement of small business growth and creating new jobs!

Join us next week, as we dive further into the Small Business Efficiency Act and review all the details and benefits for small businesses!

Posted in PEOs | 2 Comments

Shopping for a PEO? Defining the Buyer’s Guide…

January 23rd, 2012

PEO Advantage offers the affordable and effective way to get FREE PEO quotes and find co-employment solutions you can count on. In all of our Plans, (Basic, Business & Enterprise) we offer access to and review  of the PEO Buyer’s Guide, as provided by the parent company FIRM Consulting Group. We work overtime to manage the Buyer’s Guide for you, and turn complex quotes into business intelligence so you can make the most well informed decision in selecting your best suited PEO partner .

The Buyer’s Guide is outlined as follows:   

  1. Compile a listing of your services and employee benefits requirements.
  2. Find PEOs that operate in your state and are licensed. Also find PEOs that are seeking your type of business.
  3. Notify qualified PEOs that you are seeking proposals. Provide each PEO with your list of requirements, benefits census and workers’ compensation claims history.
  4. Collect Proposals.
  5. Obtain References.
  6. Analyze, Evaluate and compare PEO proposals. Make your selection.

 

How PEO Advantage Manages the Process:

  1. Our evaluation reveals and prioritizes your current and future service requirements matching your company with only the PEOs that specialize in those service requirements.
  2. We match you with only PEOs that operate and are licensed in your locations. Our on-line matching process quickly identifies the PEOs that specialize in and understand your business. Hundreds of the nation’s top PEOs work with us.
  3. Our automated Request for Proposal (RFP) process provides your requirements to only the PEOs that meet your precise requirements. We provide automated distribution of your requirements and all pertinent data directly to each qualifying PEO, eliminating time spent responding to each data request.
  4. We assist in all coordination and follow through to quickly get competitive PEO proposals.
  5. We provide independent references from our base of clients who are using the PEOs you are considering.
  6. We compile all proposal data into a competitive analysis providing you with a side by side comparison of services and a full break down of all applicable costs. 

 

In addition to saving you time, money, and headaches by managing this process for you, you can’t lose with our PEO Fee Guarantee. If we don’t find you a PEO solution that saves you at least twice our analysis fess, your evaluation is on us.

Contact us today for more information on managing the Buyer’s Guide.

Posted in PEO Advantage, PEOs | No Comments

Employee Wellness Programs, Another PEO Advantage!

January 17th, 2012

Do you want happier, more productive employees? Reduced health insurance costs? Improved company morale?  If the answer is yes, you can ask your company’s professional employer organization (PEO) about implementing an Employee Wellness Program.  If your organization does not currently work with a PEO, consider the following advantages. While implementing an Employee Wellness Program can be done on your own, PEOs save valuable time, money, and administration.

Employee Wellness Programs used to be considered “nice to have,” but they are now seen as strategic programs that yield cost savings, increased productivity and employee retention.  With exponential increases in health insurance, stress and severe declines in the overall health of Americans, companies have recognized that it is more effective to prevent rather than treat illness.  This has resulted in the implementation of Wellness Programs in nearly four in ten companies according to MetLife’s 8th Annual Employee Benefits Trends Study. Wellness Programs encompass physical, mental and social health initiatives that provide employees with the resources to prevent long-term issues by implementing lifestyle changes. 

According to a recent study conducted by Trust for America’s Health, investing just $10 per person annually in preventative wellness programs including exercise, nutrition and smoking cessation could yield $16 billion per year in savings in another five years.  Not only do Wellness Programs yield extensive cost savings, employees become more effective, happier and engaged which results in increased productivity in business operations.

While the benefits are undeniable, implementing a Wellness Program that delivers these results can be overwhelming and time consuming.  Fortunately, PEOs have recognized this and many are offering various types of Wellness Programs that allow you to leverage all of the benefits for your employees without any of the stress!   PEO Advantage is available to help you define your needs and find a PEO that can support you. If you’re currently working with a PEO that does not offer Employee Wellness Programs, contact us for help in finding an alternative solution!

Posted in Employee Wellness Programs | No Comments

Calling All Staffing Companies!

January 9th, 2012

Did you know that staffing companies and PEOs make great partners?   Few staffing companies are human resources professionals—they’ve got their own specialized and profitable services to focus on! PEOs help unload increasingly demanding governmental compliance issues, employee issues, administration and headaches. And, staffing companies truly understand the benefits of outsourcing; they are after all a provider of outsourced services themselves.

So, what particuarly makes Staffing Companies and PEOs such a great fit? Well, for starters, workers compensation insurance: if you work within a high risk industry, you know very well about the astronomical costs of workers comp. Without solid coverage, staffing companies’ chances of winning bids are slim to none– but there is such thing as affordable insurance.

PEOs offer every advantage when it comes to minimizing your cost of workers comp, and there are no deposits or audits with convenient Pay-as-you-Go policies.  PEO Advantage can find you the ideal PEO partner—one who’s already licensed with established work comp policies so you can add employees and provide proof of insurance immediately . If a staffing company has clients who cross state lines, a PEO becomes an even stronger partner for the following reasons:

  1. Immediate access to work comp certification in any state.  Without a PEO the company would have to establish a new policy in each state where they intend to expand.
  2. Payroll taxes are assessed by some municipalities, most states and the federal government.  Making sure that deductions are taken accurately and employer taxes paid timely are critical for compliance.

 

Imagine a world where you could be relieved of such responsibilities, dedicating time back to working on revenue producing tasks.  PEOs offer on-time and accurate payroll, plus efficient claims processing through improvements in expertise and technology. Also, State Unemployment Taxes range from state to state and PEOs with established business entities in all states often have lower rates than those assigned to new business startups.  Classifying employees with the PEO can provide instant savings.

And last but not least, reduced rates on employee benefits plans. PEO Advantage, particularly, has wholesale access to over 100 nationwide PEOs, and all major medical and supplemental insurance carriers. Make more time to focus on growth, by partnering with a PEO—With payroll, workman’s comp claims, benefits and employee management under control you can finally put your growth plans in motion, and PEO Advantage can help you select the perfect fit. We’re the only PEO broker who will guarantee its clients a minimum of 25% cost reduction, too.

Interested? Call us today to talk about opportunities within the staffing industry!  877-636-9525.

Posted in Staffing Companies | No Comments

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »