Selecting the right Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) partner is pivotal for enhancing your business's operational efficiency and employee satisfaction. Beyond the initial questions regarding experience, customization, and compliance, there are several key considerations to ensure you’re making the best choice for your company.
Benefits of Working with an HRO
Working with an HRO brings a myriad of benefits, including streamlined HR processes, improved compliance, and enhanced employee development programs. This strategic partnership allows businesses to focus more on core operations, driving growth and innovation.
What Will I Be Paying For?
Understanding the value you get for your investment is crucial. The average ROI for clients contracting with an HRO can be significant, often reflected in reduced HR operational costs, improved employee retention rates, and minimized compliance risks. Ask potential HROs to provide case studies or examples demonstrating the ROI their clients have experienced.
How Much Does Working with an HRO Cost?
HROs typically charge based on the services provided, which can vary from a flat monthly fee per employee to a percentage of the overall payroll. It’s important to get a clear breakdown of costs and understand what factors might affect pricing over time.
What Services Are Included?
Clarify which HR services are included in the package you’re considering. This can range from payroll processing, benefits administration, compliance management, to strategic HR planning. Knowing what’s included upfront will help you assess the HRO’s value against your business needs.
What Kind of Technology or Software Does Your Firm Provide?
An ideal HRO will assess your specific needs and go to market to select the best technology and software solutions for your company. This approach ensures you're not restricted to the offerings of a payroll company or the limited, unscalable software of some PEOs. Instead, you get a tailored technology stack that fits your unique requirements.
Do You Provide Training or Professional Development?
Find out how much training and professional development is included. The best HROs embed team agility and leadership development programs into their packages at no extra cost, supporting your team’s growth and enhancing their performance.
Do You Provide Employee Benefits Plans?
Your HRO should assist in sourcing the best employee benefits plans, leveraging their expertise and market access to find options that align with your team's needs and company culture. Unlike working with PEOs, which often restrict companies to a limited set of benefit plans, partnering with an HRO ensures you are not confined by such limitations. This flexibility allows for a more customized approach to benefits, ensuring your offerings are competitive, attractive to current and prospective employees, and in full alignment with your organizational values and goals.
What Kind of Accreditations Do Your Firm and Its HR Professionals Have?
Accreditations can be a testament to an HRO’s commitment to high standards and professionalism. Ask about the qualifications and certifications of the firm and the HR professionals who will be managing your account.
Who’s Managing My Account?
Knowing who your main point of contact is, their expertise, and how they will work with you is key to establishing a strong, productive relationship with your HRO.
Can I Review Feedback from Previous Clients?
Feedback from previous clients can offer valuable insights into an HRO’s performance and reliability. Don’t hesitate to ask for references or case studies.
Choosing the Right HRO
The decision to partner with an HRO is a strategic one, impacting many aspects of your business. By thoroughly vetting potential partners and asking the right questions, you can ensure that the HRO you choose will not only meet your current needs but also support your business as it grows and evolves. The right HRO partner becomes an extension of your team, dedicated to your success and equipped to help you navigate the complexities of HR management with confidence.