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Published on May 7
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You need to know you can trust your HR Outsourcing partner
Human resources can be a daunting task for any business owner. When you’re not an HR expert, knowing what questions to ask of the companies you’re considering outsourcing HR functions to can be equally challenging. Knowing what questions to ask is an important step to getting the information you need to make the right decision.
What services do you support?
This question should always be at the top of your list. If a prospective company doesn’t offer the services you’re looking for, then you are wasting your valuable time that could be better spent elsewhere. There are three basic types of companies that provide human resources outsourcing and support: Human Resources Organizations (HRO), Professional Employer Organizations (PEO), and Administrative Services Organizations (ASO).
HROs generally work with larger companies and offer HR services a la cart. Typically, companies working with HROs keep strategic HR functions inhouse while outsourcing administrative tasks. Usually a co-management or shared HR relationship agreement is reached between the company and the HRO. Most businesses working with HROs have 1,000 or more employees.
PEOs are co-employers with the businesses they serve and typically work with small and mid-size businesses of less than 250 employees. PEOs handle all HR tasks and, because of the shared employment agreement, become the employer-of-record allowing them to take on some of the financial and liability burdens related to employment. As the employer-of-record for many thousands of employees, PEOs are able to negotiate reduced rates for health benefits and retirement packages. PEOs typically offer payroll, performance management, recruiting, background screening, and other tasks needed by the businesses that contract their services.
ASOs perform administrative HR tasks like payroll processing, performing direct deposits, and filing payroll taxes. ASOs can provide assistance with questions regarding other HR matters and assist in obtaining benefits for employees. However, since all filings are made under your company’s federal employer ID number, all liability and burden remain on your company and any benefits costs or offering are determined based on the size and risks associated with your company’s employees alone.
As a PEO, Sheakley’s full suite of HR solutions includes HR management, benefits administration, time and labor management, payroll processing and tax filing, tax administration, workers’ compensation, safety and risk management, employee relations support, ACA compliance, and labor law compliance. In addition to these time-saving and valuable services, working with Sheakley allows you the opportunity to offer your employees Fortune 500 level benefits packages at affordable rates that help to attract and retain top talent. Sheakley’s goal is to take as much of the daily stress of HR management off your hands so that you can focus on running and growing your business.
What technology solutions do you offer?
Technology drives our world. When at human resources outsourcing it’s important to consider the type of technology solutions offered by the companies you’re interviewing. Any potential learning curves, delays during implementation, or downtime may cost your business valuable time. A trusted partner will have proven technology that is user-friendly and produces the results your company needs.
Sheakley’s easy to use Human Capital Management application comes complete with Payroll Processing Services, Time and Labor Management, Employee Onboarding tools, ACA Management and online Benefits Enrollment. This fast and easy to install complete payroll administration solution offers everything from basic payroll processing to electronic tax filing, while helping you manage costs and stay compliant.
The Human Capital Management system also allows employers and employees to access and update employee information at anytime from anywhere. W-2s are automatically available to employees at the end of the year and employees can access up-to-date PTO accruals at any time.
Who will be my point of contact?
No one wants to be stuck in a queue or play the “who am I going to get on the phone this time” game. Sheakley understands that customer-service is everything. Just like you do for your customers, we strive to provide personalized, professional support for every client.
As a Sheakley client, you receive a dedicated expert to help you navigate the often confusing world of Human Resources. Your expert will be your primary point of contact for any questions, issues, or needs you may have.
Do you offer training and ongoing support?
HR is a complicated field. Frequent policy changes and updated regulations don’t make staying up to date easy. Training and support are critical to keeping up with all the changes and you need to know that your HR outsourcing partner will keep you up-to-date.
In addition to upfront training on software and general functions of the partnership, Sheakley provides a wide variety of trainings throughout the year conducted across a variety of platforms, including webinars, in-person, and lunch n learn settings. Check out Sheakley’s Events and Training Calendar for opportunities that could benefit you and your staff. Sheakley’s team of experts also issues updates on any policy or regulation changes that may impact your business and employees as these amendments are announced.
What types of accreditations and financial assurances do you have?
Knowing that your HR outsourcing partner is recognized within the industry and insured is critical. At a minimum any company you choose should be Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC) accredited.
Accredited by ESAC and Certification Institute, and backed by a $3 million Employment Practices Liability Insurance policy, Sheakley boasts one of the most trusted and experienced teams in the HR outsourcing industry. Much like the FDIC for banking, ESAC provides similar assurances and services for HR outsourcing.
How much HR management and benefits administration expertise do you have?
Just as you would want potential employees to have experience before hiring them, you expect your HR outsourcing company to be experts in HR management and benefits administration. As so much of the success of your business rides on a successful partnership with your HR outsourcing company, experience means everything.
With more than 50,000 clients serviced from four locations and 55 years in business, Sheakley boasts one of the greatest records of expertise in the HR outsourcing field. The team’s combined experience in HR is more than 115 years, with more than 110 years in employee benefits and 163 years in payroll.
Get to know the Sheakley Team today
Learn more about Sheakley’s Human Resources Outsourcing Solutions and contact us for your free consultation today. Stay up-to-date on all things Sheakley by subscribing to our blog and following us on social media. Join in the discussion by commenting below.
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