Running a small business is no small feat, especially when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. Early on in my entrepreneurial journey, I found that although I was able to attract top talent, I was unable to keep them for very long.
I kept losing my best hires within mere months, or sometimes weeks of hiring them. I invested time and money and training in these people, licenses for software — I had invested a lot in these people, but in almost every case, they would leave my company for one that could offer comprehensive benefits to their workers.
In the early years building my business, providing competitive benefits to my contractors and employees seemed like something that fell completely out of reach for a small operation like mine. My initial solution was to offer a cash stipend on top of salaries so employees could choose their own health plans. While it seemed like a fair compromise, it ultimately didn’t work. Despite their initial enthusiasm, many of my hires left within weeks or months for positions that offered robust health insurance and 401(k) plans.
That’s when I realized I needed a better solution if I wanted to attract, hire, and retain top talent. PEOs have been a game-changer for my business, helping me scale, attract top talent, and stay competitive. If you’re facing similar challenges, they might just be the solution you’re looking for. Plus, I’ll share a quick guide to some of the most recommended PEOs to help you get started.
What is a PEO?
A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) is a company that partners with small and medium-sized businesses to handle HR, payroll, benefits, compliance, and more. Through a co-employment model, the PEO becomes the employer of record for tax and benefits purposes, while you retain control over day-to-day operations and hiring decisions.
The Benefits of PEOs for Small Businesses
- Access to Competitive Benefits:
PEOs pool small businesses together, giving them access to affordable health insurance, 401(k) plans, and other perks typically reserved for large corporations. - Time Savings:
HR tasks like payroll, compliance, and benefits administration are time-consuming. PEOs take this off your plate so you can focus on growing your business. - Compliance Expertise:
Keeping up with labor laws and tax regulations is overwhelming for any small business owner. PEOs ensure you stay compliant, reducing the risk of costly penalties.
- Attracting and Retaining Top Talent:
With competitive benefits and professional HR support, your business becomes more appealing to top-tier candidates. - Scalability:
As your business grows, a PEO can scale with you, providing the necessary support to transition from a small to medium or large business.
When I partnered with a PEO, it was a real turning point for my business. Not only did I gain access to competitive benefits for my team, but I also freed up time to focus on scaling. If you’re struggling to attract and retain top talent, consider evaluating your HR challenges and seeing how a PEO might address them.
Popular PEOs to Consider
Here’s a quick overview of some highly recommended PEOs and what makes them unique:
- Justworks
- Known for its user-friendly platform and transparent pricing.
- Ideal for startups and small businesses looking for simplicity.
- TriNet
- Offers industry-specific HR solutions tailored to your business.
- Great for businesses in tech, retail, and non-profits.
- ADP TotalSource
- Backed by ADP’s robust infrastructure, offering extensive HR and payroll capabilities.
- Perfect for businesses planning rapid growth.
- Insperity
- Focuses on personalized HR solutions and employee engagement.
- Best for businesses seeking a hands-on approach.
- Paychex PEO
- Combines payroll expertise with comprehensive PEO services.
- Ideal for businesses already familiar with Paychex systems.
- Rippling PEO
- Combines payroll, benefits, compliance, and IT management in one seamless system.
- Offers flexible solutions that grow with your business needs.
When choosing a PEO, keep these key factors in mind:
- Evaluate Your Needs: Determine what HR functions you need help with most—benefits, compliance, payroll, etc.
- Compare Costs: PEOs charge differently (flat fees vs. percentage of payroll). Choose what fits your budget.
- Check for Accreditation: Look for PEOs accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) or certified by the IRS.
- Ask for References: Speak to other businesses that have used the PEO to understand their experience.
PEOs are a powerful tool for small businesses looking to compete with larger companies in attracting and retaining top talent. They provide access to benefits, save time, ensure compliance, and enable scalability—all while allowing you to focus on what you do best: running your business.
If you’re struggling with the same challenges I faced, a PEO might be the partner you need to unlock your business’s growth potential. With the right PEO by your side, you’ll be ready to attract top talent, scale confidently, and thrive in a competitive market.
Have you worked with a PEO before, or are you considering one now? What other challenges have you faced as a small business owner trying to attract and retain top talent? We’d love to hear your thoughts!
