It’s very common for small business owners to face challenges within their HR department. Payroll processing can chew up significant time and resources. But what many business owners don’t know is that you don’t actually need an internal HR department in the first place.

When times are tough, and you’re drowning in complex employment law and employee maintenance, a Professional Employment Organisation like Australia PEO can offer your business and your employees some much-needed support. But when you compare PEOs from the pool of hundreds, it can take a long time to sift through the good, the bad and the ugly. How can you possibly choose the right one for your business?

Here are five questions to ask to help you compare PEOs 

What industry does the PEO specialise in?

Unlike Australia PEO who specialises in a range of industries, quite often you’ll find many PEOs specialise in a particular industry and company size. You want to make sure your prospective PEO provider understands your unique needs.

What are each PEOs credentials?

Ask yourself how much experience they have within your industry, what industry bodies they’re attached to and how many clients they serve. Ask to see certificates of compliance such as Licenses to operate. You want to know that whoever you choose to go with is in it for the long haul.

While certification isn’t a legal requirement, it does demonstrate the organisation has endured rigorous testing procedures. At Australia PEO a member of The Association of Professional Staffing Companies (APSCo) and are bound by stringent audit processes and kept up to date with any variations to Australian Employment Laws.

How do they price themselves?

Forget the price. You want to know how each PEO structures they’re fees. Many PEOs will charge a percentage of the worker’s wage and an annual fee. Do your best to identify any hidden costs and be sure to ask your prospective provider to break down bundled pricing. At Australia PEO, we know this fee structure can get messy and confusing, which is why we’ve formulated our own unique way of billing clients – contact us today to find out how we simplify our fees.

How do they communicate with their clients?

Many PEOs ask their clients to use online platforms that require them to log hours, submit support tickets and manage leave. If you do choose to go with a PEO who uses these platforms, make sure it’s user friendly, intuitive and most of all, that it won’t likely cause a breakdown in communication when dealing with your PEO contact.

Australia PEO likes talking to their clients and shared workers like real people and so conduct all communication with their clients through email, by phone or in person. This way, we’re able to build strong and lasting professional relationships with all stakeholders involved.

What do their clients say?

Just as a recruiter might ask their candidates for a professional reference, so too should you ask your prospective PEO supplier for referrals from their clients. Scan LinkedIn for testimonials and read online reviews but be careful you know where these opinions are coming from.

Australia PEO believes client referrals are one of the most valuable tools that can aid in the decision-making process. Just ask us for a reference – we’d be happy to supply you with one.

How to compare PEOs to ensure you get it right the first time around

Choosing the wrong PEO supplier can bring with it some severe financial and legal repercussions. On the other hand, selecting the right PEO supplier can result in a rapid acceleration in business growth. When you compare PEOs, your ultimate decision will boil down to transparency and trust – ask your prospective suppliers if they’re willing to lay it all out on the table and you’ll find your decision much easier.

Speak to Australia PEO today, to find out how we can help you transform your business.