Who You Work with Matters
The vast majority of organizations in the United States are small businesses. As you can imagine, the size and capabilities of their human resources teams corresponds with their size. So when the time comes to grow, the existing team (or even one or two people) is likely to need guidance. This is when enlisting outsourced HR services for small business makes sense. However, not every outsourced HR solutions provider is ideal for this segment.
In general, there are three broad-level categories when it comes to outsourced HR services for small business:
SaaS companies that focus on addressing specific challenges (e.g. payroll)
Large institutional companies that provide a broad portfolio of services and tools
Middle ground companies that may offer a blend of outsourced HR solutions
While HR-focused tech companies certainly provide meaningful solutions that help your HR team work more efficiently and accurately, they tend to miss something important: the people factor. The same can be said for the large institutional players available in the market. While their services and solutions certainly help companies move the needle, small businesses can get lost or deprioritized behind larger customers — leaving them without the guidance and service they need to make better, more informed HR decisions.
Success in the Middle
Companies that are looking for outsourced HR services for small business are more likely to find success and value by working with a provider that stands between these two options. Even still, it’s important to evaluate the capabilities and service offerings of such an organization. As a small business, you cannot afford to invest time and resources that would be better prioritized on strategic growth initiatives. Let’s explore a few must-haves that should be on your list when evaluating outsourced HR solutions providers.
1. Dedicated, Readily Available Support Whenever You Need It
This is one thing you’d find missing right away with SaaS-based and institutional service providers. Support will be gated behind online request forms, chatbots that really aren’t that helpful and only forward your information to an unknown person, and lengthy call center menu options. These are not at all helpful when you have a pressing need or a question that requires a more thoughtful solution. Having access to a real person — in real time — ensures that you and your team are able to keep moving forward.
2. A Deep Understanding of You, Your Business, and Your Goals
The outsourced HR solutions provider should spend time learning about you, your business model, your industry, and your HR goals. You don’t want a reactive account manager who’s only thinking about you when you present an issue — you want a proactive partner that will advise you and connect with you consistently so that you’re moving in the right direction. When circumstances arise or needs change, your partner should have an understanding of the impact to your business and be able to advise you appropriately.
3. The Ability to Be Flexible and Adapt as Your Needs Change
SaaS solutions aren’t consultative — so it should be clear that you’re not going to get any flexibility apart from perhaps adding on new features that might solve specific problems. And because institutional HR companies are larger firms with more departments and employees, changing or adapting your existing program is likely to be challenging — if at all possible. Even if you are able to make changes, you’re likely to be hit with some hidden fees that you didn’t know about and weren’t communicated to you.
Check All the Boxes with Cognos HR
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and serving small businesses nationwide, Cognos HR is the consultative outsourced HR solutions partner you need to drive meaningful change in your organization and get the support you need — right when you need it. We offer a variety of services, from in-depth HR consulting on a variety of key areas to professional employer organization (PEO) services, where our team effectively assumes much of your day-to-day workload and helps to mitigate your risk. We also offer all of the HR technology and employee assessment tools you need to streamline your operations and identify top talent.
But above all, we take a partnership approach in every relationship. From day one, we’ll be here to support your business in a meaningful way — not from behind delayed email responses or convoluted phone routing that leaves you nowhere. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible insights and support so you can spend more time on the work that matters most in your business. Learn more about us and why you should work with us for outsourced HR services for your small business.
When you’re ready to take your HR to the next level, get in touch with us here.