If you're considering a partnership with a Professional Employer Organization (PEO), you probably already know the many benefits of working with a PEO. But you may not be aware that not all PEOs are alike, nor will all of them be good matches for your business. Just as each business has different ways of operating, so do different PEOs. Here are some of the ways PEOs can vary.

PEOs Serve Different Industries

The best PEO for your business is one with experience in your industry it will have the relevant knowledge to address the challenges your business may face

Every industry has its unique regulatory requirements and logistical challenges. For this reason, some PEOs add value by developing expertise in a particular industry or small set of industries. The best PEO for your business is one with experience in your industry—it will have the relevant knowledge to address the challenges your business may face.

Differences in Employee Benefit Offerings

PEOs all offer some employee benefits, as well as workers' compensation insurance. But the range of benefits PEOs offer can vary greatly, depending on the types of businesses they serve. While some providers offer only simple, low-cost group health insurance along with workers' comp, other PEOs offer additional benefits such as wellness programs, vision insurance, or employee assistance programs. So when shopping for a PEO, be sure to understand exactly what each provider can offer. Here are some examples of PEO employee benefits and some of their factors that can differ depending on the chosen PEO:

Health Care Plans

  • Group healthcare costs
  • BCBS, Aetna, Human, United Healthcare (what's the best fit where you live?)
  • Deductible options, co-pays and plans
  • Credits for deductibles paid if moving during the plan year
  • Management carve-outs, choice of plans for employees
  • Extra charges for employees working in several states
  • Group enrollment (will they show up for enrollment or expect you to do all the work?)

Workers' Compensation Insurance Differences

  • Cost of workers' compensation insurance coverage
  • States where coverage is provided
  • A.M. Best rated vs. non-rated work comp carrier
  • Risk acceptance (companies may have dramatic differences in the industries they approve of!)
  • Ability to approve high experience modifiers or a bad claims history
  • Per claim deductibles (some have them, others don't)
  • Company safety programs
  • True risk management services (or just a handbook?)

There is also plenty of variance in how employee benefits are funded. PEOs may choose from a range of strategies to fund the benefits they offer. While some providers are fully insured, some are partially self-funded. They also vary in their choice of third-party providers. All of these factors can affect the type of benefits a provider can offer you, as well as their costs to you.

How PEOs Operate in Different States

not all PEOs can operate in every state and some work with insurance carriers who only issue policies in certain states.

States have differing licensing requirements for PEOs; thus, not all PEOs can operate in every state. Moreover, some work with insurance carriers who only issue policies in certain states. While going with a local provider can be a safe bet, you may also find qualified non-local providers who are good matches for you. So when shopping for a PEO, be sure the providers that interest you can actually serve you.

PEOs Have Different Levels of Experience and Expertise 

Providers vary greatly in the sizes of their staff as well as in their levels of expertise. Well-established PEOs may have large staffs of HR and payroll specialists, while smaller, newer ones may have fewer resources. Depending on the PEO, their payroll administration may differ on the following:

  • Payroll administrative costs
  • Per check charge or payroll driven percentage
  • Charges or no costs for employee enrollment, garnishments, new hires, etc.
  • Delivery costs (these can vary dramatically from $0 - $25 per payroll!)
  • Payment options: automatic withdrawal (ACH), wire transfers, company check, cashiers' check
  • Remote check printing options
  • Pay card options
  • Secure-24 hour online access to your company information

In addition, don't be afraid to ask for references from present or past clients when vetting candidate PEOs. Since the PEO will potentially be handling much of your finances, be sure to ask if their financial statements are independently audited by a CPA, since it's crucial that your provider be someone you can trust. 

ELQ Helps Find the Perfect Fit

For overworked employers, navigating the differences among these providers takes more time than they have to give. Spending your time researching and vetting PEOs takes you away from running and growing your business. The PEO experts at ELQ can save you time by matching you with a PEO whose services fit the unique needs of your business. Our company only works with with ethical, fully licensed PEO providers, and we strive to maintain the highest quality customer service in the industry. Call us today, or fill out our contact form to find a PEO company that's right for your business.


peo professional employer organization
About the Author: Mike Burgelin

With two decades of experience in the PEO Employee Leasing industry, Mike Burgelin is an expert in helping business owners maximize their growth potential through the outsourcing of human resources and payroll tasks. He is also a fully licensed insurance agent, whose skills and knowledge in workers’ compensation insurance help his clients save over $40 million in premiums each year.

mike@employeeleasingquotes.com
888-582-8388