Important Things to Know When Entering or Exiting a PEO
For many businesses, a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) can be a game-changer, offering a way to streamline HR, benefits, payroll, and compliance. But deciding whether to join a PEO, stay with your current one, or transition away can be overwhelming. In a recent discussion, AEIS’s Ron Bland sat down with Chad Todora from CRC Benefits and Dillon Castro, AEIS’s in-house PEO expert, to talk about what business leaders should know before entering or exiting a PEO.
What Exactly Is a PEO?
A PEO is a co-employment partnership that helps businesses by handling HR administration, payroll, employee benefits, and compliance. This allows companies to focus on growth while leaving back-office complexities to specialists. However, every PEO has its own strengths, pricing structure, and limitations, which makes selecting the right one crucial.
Key Considerations When Joining a PEO
- Evaluate Fit, Not Just Cost: A PEO should align with your business’s size, industry, and growth goals. Some are designed for startups, others for established companies with hundreds of employees.
- Understand the Service Model: Look at what HR, compliance, and technology support is included. Ask whether you’ll have a dedicated account manager or call-center support.
- Compare Multiple PEOs: Each PEO is different so by comparing several options side-by-side helps you find the best mix of cost, benefits, and technology.
What to Watch for When Exiting a PEO
- Timing Matters: The best time to evaluate a PEO transition is usually before your annual renewal date. This minimizes disruption for your employees.
- Data & Payroll Transition: Make sure you have a clear plan for payroll records, benefits data, and compliance reporting so nothing is lost in the switch.
- Employee Communication: Plan ahead to explain changes to your team so they understand what is (and isn’t) changing.
Why Expertise Matters
The panel emphasized that navigating PEO entry or exit isn’t just a matter of signing forms, it requires careful analysis to avoid costly mistakes. Many businesses don’t realize that they can get independent, unbiased help comparing multiple PEOs at once instead of going to each provider individually.
If you’re considering joining or leaving a PEO, don’t go it alone. AEIS, Inc. works with all major PEOs and can provide side-by-side comparisons tailored to your business’s needs. Helping you save time, reduce costs, and choose the right solution.
📞 Ready to explore your options? Schedule a 15-minute consultation with Dillon Castro, AEIS’s in-house PEO expert, to see how we can simplify your PEO decision-making process.
