11 Best Benefits Administration Systems (2024)
The best benefits administration systems, hand-picked and field-tested by SelectSoftware Reviews' HR tech experts. See info on pricing, features, integrations, and more below.
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Top Benefits Administration Software
As a benefits leader, you have the rewarding job of making your company a great place to work. After all, employee benefits packages and other perks can help you attract top talent, retain current employees, and build a culture that aligns with your values.
The downside, of course, is all the administrative work that benefit plans and benefits enrollment creates for you. Fortunately, benefits administration software can help you automate your benefits management, improve efficiency, and streamline open enrollment — all while staying compliant.
Benefits administration software serves as a one-stop-shop for all your employee benefits. With everything centralized, the setup and management is easier for you and open enrollment is easier for your employees.
The result? Employees make smarter, more informed decisions about their benefits, and you have less administrative work to manage. To help you find the right benefits management software, we put together the following guide with top software platforms, features to look out for, common mistakes to consider, pricing, and more.
We assessed dozens of benefits administration software platforms with special consideration given to the three most critical functions performed by this type of tool: integration/configuration, self-service for employees, and compliance.
We used our HR industry experience to refine the scope of our research and applied our multi-dimensional assessment process to test each contender for these quality standards.
- Integration and Configuration: First-class benefits administration software integrates smoothly with each customer’s tech stack.To test for this, our team compared the quality and quantity of integration partners against a list of common business ops tools.
Our HR tech experts also determined the most important workflow automations, and we audited each product for the ease with which a user could configure these features.
- Self-Service for Employees: Self-service features reduce the burden of data entry on your HR team, improve the accuracy of employee information, and support employee empowerment. Our expert researchers performed simulations using each tool as if they were an employee and graded each platform's performance on the ease with which they could enter and change information across different data types.
- Compliance: Legal compliance is imperative, so we scrutinized the fine print, checking for each company’s capacity to keep customers complaint. We considered the product's state-by-state adaptability, as well as its capacity to handle multi-national organizations.
We’re data nerds and love a good dashboard, so we also checked for each tool’s reporting and analytics capacity. To learn more about how we approach our work from the granular to the gigantic, read this article on how we assess HR tech vendors.
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Need Help? Talk to an HR Software Advisor!
Tell us more about your company & an HR Software Advisor will help you find the right software
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ForUsAll
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ForUsAll is a great choice for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) because it is very quick to set up and quite affordable.
PROS
CONS
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ForUsAll is a cloud-based 401(k) administration platform for small and medium-sized businesses. Acting as both your 3(38) and 3(16) fiduciary, ForUsAll ensures you stay compliant while automating manual tasks such as contributions, 401(k) loans, eligibility tracking, hardships, and notifications. You can integrate ForUsAll with most cloud-based payroll systems for an automatic synchronization of your data. Payroll integration also allows it to automatically update deferrals, notify new participants when they become eligible, and more.
CMC Properties, Lever, Arbor Lodging, Smart Biz, Bolt Threads
ForUsAll costs as follows:
- For the employer: Employers using ForUsAll pay a base monthly fee of $120 with an addition of $6 per participant per month.
- For employees: Employees pay 0.50% of assets under management annually.
Best For
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Deel
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Deel localizes your offerings in accordance with local guidelines so that you can stay compliant with your global workforce.
PROS
- 24/7 in-app support and an impressively fast onboarding speed of 2-3 days.
- Access to local payroll experts in various jurisdictions, and support is available for contractors navigating the process of setting themselves up as an LLC.
- Self-service approach with tech-enabled features helps workers swiftly adopt the tool.
- Worker identity verification is reported to take less than 24 hours on average, and sometimes mere minutes.
- Offers APIs as well as over 100 native HR software integrations.
- Automated invoices (English language only).
- Excellent 24/7 customer service with fast onboarding (2-3 days) and local payroll experts in each jurisdiction.
- Deel HR is free for companies of all sizes.
- Seamless integration with platforms like QuickBooks, BambooHR, and Greenhouse, plus custom integration options.
- User-friendly, self-service features enable quick setup; identity verification often takes under 24 hours.
- Automated invoices simplify payments, provided they're in English.
CONS
- Some of Deel’s best features, like onboarding automation, are add-ons, which can be cost-prohibitive.
- Modifying contracts or service agreements with Deel is difficult and often requires addendums for any changes.
- Each payout comes with a $5 fee.
- Invoicing feature is limited to generating invoices in English, with no option for other languages.
- Key features like onboarding automation are add-ons, which may increase costs.
- Limited flexibility in modifying contracts or service agreements; changes often require an addendum.
- Invoices cannot be generated in languages other than English.
If your benefits-management needs feel complex due to the presence of team members in different geographies, Deel is worth looking into.
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Deel can help with hiring and providing benefits and perks for people in various geographies. The benefits themselves would vary depending on the region. Still, you’d streamline their management through the same platform you’d use for payroll, contracts, timesheets, invoicing, and even some core HR functions.
As to the specific benefits offered, the best way to vet them is to go to their benefits tool on their website. You select a country and the type of benefits, and they present what they can provide.
For example, if you want to hire in Canada, you can choose Statutory and/or Common benefits. These include employment and worker compensation insurance, transportation and electronic coverage, and certifications.
35,000+ companies, including Andela, Brex, and Makerpad.
Deel offers various payroll and benefits solutions:
- Contractor: $49/month for onboarding, compliance, and payments for contractors.
- EOR: $499/month enables hiring employees in foreign countries without a legal entity.
- Payroll: $29/employee/month for all-in-one international payroll management.
- US Payroll: $19/employee/month for US payroll services.
- US PEO: $89/employee/month for end-to-end HR solution including payroll, benefits, and compliance.
- Immigration: Customized pricing.
Best For
Deel is a good bet for those businesses that want to provide benefits on top of payroll for an overseas workforce, whether it’s through an EOR arrangement or for their contractors. It’s worth noting that they have a way for you to offer interesting perks apart from the law-required benefits.
We use Deel to onboard and pay contractors. After hiring someone, we invite them to Deel, where they upload their information. We run a background check and request specific documents from them. If everything is uploaded successfully, we then use Deel to pay contractors on a weekly basis.
Deel also serves as our central repository for employee information, securely storing details such as legal name, address, SSN, and birthday. It provides new hire paperwork, such as W-9 forms, and ensures these forms are fully completed.
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Deel has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate. The 24/7 chat feature is helpful whenever I have questions. Creating background checks through Deel is straightforward.
We purchased Deel in the spring of 2024. Our company was expanding its contractor base and needed payroll software to streamline the process. Our goals included simplifying contractor onboarding and payment while allowing contractors to upload their timesheets.
We needed a platform that could support these tasks, answer questions along the way, and assist with tax filing. We used Deel for about two months before deciding to switch to a different platform.
I’m not a fan of the pricing model, as it charges for all contractors added, even if they haven’t been paid. It feels as though there is a fee associated with nearly every action. Contractors also often seem confused when uploading their timesheets.
I appreciate Deel’s customer service, especially the 24/7 chat feature. Other tools require calling during business hours, which can be inconvenient.
I suggest prioritizing ease of use, price, and potential hidden costs. Ask whether the tool charges for customer service inquiries, monthly fees, and how pricing is structured for each contractor or employee. Personally, I prefer not to pay for a contractor I haven’t actually paid yet.
The home page and navigation were recently updated and look improved, though I don’t find this to be a significant change.
Deel is suitable for established small businesses.
Deel may not be ideal for new small businesses. Due to various fees, costs can add up unexpectedly, which might be challenging for businesses aiming to manage expenses carefully while growing.
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Remote
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While Remote is mainly known for their global payroll product, teams interested in options for benefits administration for internationally distributed teams should pay attention! That is because, unlike many vendors, Remote owns local entities in the countries in which they operate. This means, in very general terms, that its customers can offer their employees a more straightforward, more “local” experience regarding payroll and benefits.
PROS
- Remote provides flat rates, so you can easily compare its pricing with other vendors. The platform doesn’t add a markup on any benefits premiums.
- Self-service options for employees.
- Local specialists provide 24/7 support.
- Benefits plans are locally curated. Health, dental, vision, life, mental health support, and disability are all covered, as is pension/401(k).
- Helpful resources are available on their site, offering tips for specific to geographic regions.
- Equity-based compensation is available.
- Fast and compliant payroll in 170+ countries.
- Live chat support with local payroll experts.
- Flexible, localized benefit packages.
- Flat-rate pricing structure, no deposits or hidden fees.
- Mobile app streamlines expense reimbursement with autofill from receipt photos.
CONS
- Some employers reported a steep learning curve in learning to navigate the software.
- No off-cycle pay runs are available at the moment.
- Though the current live chat and email support have been great, there is no phone support users can reach out to.
- Remote offers limited integration options, yet you can access its custom API for free.
- Doesn’t have a free trial.
- Redundant for organizations solely recruiting within the U.S.
- Help center documentation isn’t easiest to understand.
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Remote lets you offer customized benefits packages to fit each country where you have employees. The platform enables compliance by providing country-specific benefits and perks that adhere to local laws. We like that Remote is one of just a few vendors that own local legal entities in countries that the platform services. Since it has no intermediaries, it can offer more flexibility and speed.
Though they were a bit hard to locate in their respective app stores, both the Android and iOS apps are in good shape – they are easy to use and equipped with essential features.
Arduino, GitLab, Paystack, Loom, cargo.one, Secureframe, Phaidra.
- Contractor Management plan: $29/contractor/mo
- Employer of Record plan: $599/employee/mo (when paid annually)
- Global Payroll and Remote Enterprise plans: Customized pricing – contact Remote for details
- Startup and nonprofit discount: Eligible startups and nonprofits can get 15% off EOR and Contractor Management services for 12 months.
- Refugee discount: Up to 10 employees free when hiring refugees
Best For
Remote is a robust solution for startups and distributed teams to provide their employees and contractors with country-specific benefits and easy onboarding and payroll.
We use Remote to maintain and track payroll and PTO for our international hires.
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- Very organized to track international payroll and PTO.
- User friendly for both hiring manager and employee.
- Great dashboard and easy to navigate.
We made international hires. Remote provided a safe space for us to negotiate, track and provide timely payments to our international employees. Remote provides similar HR/Payroll usage as another in-house system for example like TriNet.
- If you’re unfamiliar with international payroll processing, it can be confusing.
- Invoices need to be attended to so employees do not miss timely payouts.
- Benefits and policies can be different country to country.
Remote is the only platform I have used for international hiring purposes.
- What does the hiring manager and employee need access to regarding payroll, benefits and HR purposes when hiring internationally.
- Confirmation that Remote can support the respective country you are hiring someone
I’ve used Remote for about 6 months now and it’s worked like a charm. They provide a great customer support team that is responsive and knowledgeable about everything related to hiring and payroll policies with respect to regions and countries.
Companies that are looking to expand hiring internationally.
This tool would not be a fit for departments outside of talent acquisition, payroll and/or HR. Remote is primarily used for hiring and tracking invoices of international hires. It would not make sense for someone in sales, marketing or CS to ever use remote.
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Gusto
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Gusto provides full-service payroll services with benefits and HR. The software takes care of the administration and deductions by syncing them with payroll and makes things easier for you and your employees with its built-in employee self-service.
PROS
- Gusto has an eye-catching UI and is compatible with several devices.
- Automatic payroll deductions for easier benefits administration.
- The dashboard feature keeps tabs on compliance tasks.
- The hiring and onboarding sequence is nicely streamlined between HR and the new hire
- Post-offer, pre-start tasks are made easy with integrations like CorpNet and Checkr.
- Easy payroll for U.S.-based W-2 folks, domestic and international contractors.
- Phone support, email, and other customer service resources.
- Licensed benefits advisors for all plan users.
- The business model is responsive to customer needs.
- Transparent pricing structure. Doesn’t require long-term contracts.
- Free account setup.
- Ability to create onboarding checklists, send offer letters, collect signatures, and store all onboarding documents online.
- The dashboard feature keeps tabs on compliance tasks
- The hiring and onboarding sequence is nicely streamlined between HR and the new hire
- Post-offer, pre-start tasks are made easy with integrations like CorpNet (state tax set up) Checkr (background checks)
- Easy payroll for U.S.-based W-2 folks, domestic, and international contractors
- Person-to-person phone support, email, and other customer service resources
- The business model is responsive to customer needs
CONS
- Gusto facilitates payments for international contractors but not for employees.
- There is no built-in accounting feature, so the management of earnings and expenses can’t happen in one place.
- Analytics dashboard capabilities are underwhelming
- Simple plan users do not have access to native time tracking, necessitating third-party integrations.
- Users of the Simple plan cannot access federal and state compliance alerts – they are not even available as add-ons.
- Plus plan users have access to compliance alerts, but they must be added on.
- No free trial or free version
- Gusto can support payments for international contractors, but not employees
- No native accounting feature to keep earning and spending under the same roof
- Analytics dashboard is simplistic
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We have had a positive experience with Gusto's benefits administration features. The software seamlessly integrates payroll and benefits administration, simplifying the process with automatic deductions and syncing capabilities. The built-in employee self-service functionality is also a nice touch that makes it easy for employers and employees to manage benefits and access relevant information.
Gusto's user interface is visually appealing. Being browser-based lets it provide a smooth user experience across multiple devices. Additionally, Gusto provides licensed benefits advisors to assist and guide users in optimizing their benefit plans.
We appreciate Gusto's customer-centric approach, as they remain responsive to customer needs and continuously improve their services based on feedback. Their transparent pricing structure and flexibility without long-term contracts add to the appeal. Moreover, Gusto offers free account setup, making it convenient for businesses to get started.
The availability of person-to-person phone support, email assistance, and other customer service resources reflects Gusto's commitment to providing excellent support. However, it's worth noting that some features, such as federal and state compliance alerts and integrating existing broker and health insurance plans, are only available in the Premium plan or as add-ons for the Plus plan. Simple plan users may need to consider third-party integrations for certain functionalities like time tracking.
While it doesn't offer a free trial, Gusto's consistent focus on core functionalities sets it apart from other platforms that often get sidetracked by unnecessary features.
American Canning, Matchless Builds, Citizen Pilates, Pain Clinic, Distant Moon.
- Simple: $40/month +$6/month/person
- Plus: $60/month +$9/month/person (limited time sale)
- Premium: call sales for customized plan options
- Contractor only (no W-2 employees): $6/month/person
Best For
Even budget-strapped startups can afford Gusto’s basic plan. For companies with some bank capital to invest in human capital, the top-tier Premium plan is a great choice, especially if they have an HR department of one person.
I use Gusto almost daily to manage various aspects of HR and payroll. My primary focus is on compliance, ensuring state registrations are up to date and payroll regulations are adhered to, especially as we expand into new states. I'm also responsible for pulling reports for compensation planning and performance reviews. The platform is integral for tax compliance; we rely on it to respond promptly to notifications from state entities and maintain our records accurately. Additionally, any changes in employee information are updated in Gusto to keep our records current.
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Gusto simplifies hiring in different states and ensures compliance with varying state laws. The platform is user-friendly, making it easy for both HR staff and employees to navigate. It includes all essential HRIS functions without unnecessary complexity.
Our company chose Gusto to streamline our payroll processing, prioritizing a system that was affordable and easy to set up and use. With a focus on hiring across the US, we needed a reliable platform to handle state registrations and payroll compliance quickly and efficiently. Gusto not only manages payroll but also covers essential HR functions such as expenses, time off, and benefits. It serves as the single source of truth for our US employees and contractors. I've been using Gusto for five months, having been with the company for the same period.
The reporting features in Gusto are somewhat limited and not very user-friendly. We have experienced errors in reporting that have resulted in penalties, although Gusto did reimburse us for these. Customer service response times can be slow, ranging from several days to weeks.
Gusto stands out for its simplicity and competitive pricing. It handles many compliance details, which are often challenging for small businesses to manage on their own. For those seeking a straightforward solution that consolidates multiple HR functions, Gusto is an excellent choice.
When considering a tool like Gusto, evaluate your company’s growth trajectory and geographic spread. Assess the core HR needs your organization must fulfill, such as onboarding, payroll, and compliance, and determine whether Gusto can effectively address these while offering time and cost savings. Prioritize your HR team's needs, focusing on what currently consumes the most time and how a tool can streamline these processes.
Since I started using Gusto, the platform has remained relatively stable without significant changes. However, there have been concerns about the declining quality of customer support, which has become less efficient and helpful over time.
Gusto is well-suited for small businesses, ideally with fewer than 50 employees. It might stretch to accommodate a few hundred employees, but that is nearing the limit of its capabilities without straining the system and the HR team.
Organizations with more than 200 employees may find Gusto lacking in features necessary to manage a larger workforce effectively.
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OnPay
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OnPay ensures compliance and takes no upfront payment for its benefits administration software. When you decide to use it, you'll be connected with their team of licensed brokers so that your employees can get their favorite benefits from the best companies.
PROS
- Transparent pricing is among the most budget-friendly in the industry.
- Offers a one-month free trial.
- The plan combines payroll, benefits, and HR tools.
- Supports several pay types: regular hours, salary, overtime, and bonus. You can also create your own.
- Ability to act as an insurance broker to help businesses find medical, vision, and dental insurance in 50 states.
- Special payroll services for certain industries like restaurants, farms and agricultures, churches and clergy, and nonprofits.
- Free tax form handling for W-2 employees and 1099 contractors.
- Some HR services included within the plan at no additional cost.
- 30-day free trial available (starts after OnPay verification).
- Well-developed online help resources.
CONS
- Incompetent mobile app with poor ratings (2.1/5) from iOS users.
- Limited integrations.
- Takes two to four days for direct deposit. No faster direct deposit option is available.
- Lacks advanced HR features like employee surveys and performance reviews.
- Poor functioned employee mobile app.
- Requires payment four days before payday for direct deposit.
- Doesn’t support automatic payroll.
- Customer support sometimes hard to reach.
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We recommended OnPay because, besides being a solid cloud-based payroll software solution, it also offers features for HR management and benefits administration at an affordable, transparent monthly price. For businesses in certain industries like restaurants and agriculture, the platform also provides special payroll services (tip calculations, separate tax filings, etc.) without charging additional fees.
OnPay partners with several low-cost benefits administration providers so that you can choose several health insurances and 401(k) retirement plans for your employees. While we found that OnPay’s integration is quite limited compared to its rival Gusto, its feature-rich HR tools are offered without requiring users to upgrade their plans or pay more, making the platform a more cost-effective option for several startups and small businesses.
- OnPay charges a base fee of $40 plus $6 per employee per month.
- Setup and migration of employee data are free of charge.
- You can use the price calculator on their website to see exactly how much it’ll run you for your team size.
- One-month free trial is available on the website.
Best For
Businesses looking for an affordable software tool that can carry HR, payroll, and benefits in one place. Its special payroll offerings also make the software a better bet for businesses in industries like restaurants, farms and agricultures, churches and clergy, as well as nonprofits.
We use OnPay regularly, typically once a week, to manage payroll processes in the organization. The tool has helped us automate payments to employees and contractors, calculate taxes, and file them on time. We also use it to track employee benefits and time off, making it easy to keep everything organized. OnPay is especially helpful for generating reports, which we use for financial planning and compliance. Overall, it has streamlined payroll and HR tasks, reducing manual work through automation.
- Payroll processing is made simple for users of all levels by OnPay’s user-friendly interface.
- Its comprehensive suite of payroll solutions ensures accuracy and saves time, offering features like direct deposit, automatic tax calculations, and compliance management.
- The customer service provided by OnPay is excellent, with professional support agents available to help with any queries or issues.
My company chose OnPay because we needed a less time-consuming and more straightforward solution to manage employee benefits and payments. Before OnPay, we had trouble tracking taxes and ensuring accuracy. Payroll automation, tax computation, and benefit tracking became easier with OnPay. It has helped us save a lot of time and minimize errors over the past year. Additionally, the customer service has been excellent in answering queries and providing support.
- Compared to some of its competitors, OnPay offers limited integration with third-party apps, which can hinder seamless data flow for companies relying on multiple software programs.
- The pricing structure can be expensive for smaller firms that require more services or products beyond the basic payroll package.
- There are limited options for customizing payroll settings and reporting, which can make it challenging to adapt the system to specific business requirements.
OnPay sets itself apart from rivals by offering a simple, user-friendly interface that makes payroll processing accessible, even for those with minimal accounting experience. In contrast, some competitors have more complex systems that require in-depth training.
OnPay’s transparent pricing, with no hidden fees, allows businesses to budget for payroll services more easily. Other competitors have more variable pricing structures, which can become complicated and expensive as they scale.
OnPay is designed with small to mid-sized enterprises in mind, offering features like easy setup, streamlined processes, and extensive customer support tailored to their needs. In comparison, some competitors focus on larger businesses and may prioritize different tools over OnPay.
- When choosing a payroll solution, look for one that is easy to use with a flexible design, like OnPay.
- Ensure there are no hidden fees and that the pricing structure aligns with your organization's budget.
- To make payroll processes more efficient, prioritize features such as automatic tax calculations and compliance tools.
- Choose a service provider like OnPay, which offers dedicated customer support when needed.
- Finally, maximize productivity by selecting a tool that integrates with other apps your organization uses.
Over time, OnPay has added features like payroll compliance management and automated tax computation tools, improving its user interface for a better customer experience. It has enhanced integration capabilities, making data sharing with other apps easier.
OnPay has also invested in attentive customer service to offer timely support. Additionally, the pricing strategy has become more flexible and transparent, catering to the financial needs of small and mid-sized enterprises.
Small to medium-sized enterprises needing a reliable payroll solution with features like automated tax computations and compliance monitoring will find OnPay well-suited to their needs.
OnPay provides an effective payroll processing solution for businesses seeking simplicity without the complexity of larger systems, thanks to its clear pricing structure and prompt customer service.
Larger businesses that require sophisticated payroll features, high customization options, or advanced reporting capabilities typically found in more complex systems may find OnPay unsuitable.
Additionally, businesses with specialized payroll needs or those requiring extensive third-party integrations may find OnPay's services limited compared to its competitors.
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Bennie
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Designed to make benefits more accessible and less complicated, Bennie is available both as a web and a mobile app. With it, employees can track claims spending, estimate cost of care, find a doctor, access a live concierge team, and more.
PROS
CONS
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Bennie is a hub for your employee benefits information on a mobile-first platform. If employees have any questions about their benefits, they simply go to the app and interact with Ask Bennie, a smart healthcare concierge.
For employers, Bennie skips the typical brokerage experience. Instead, Bennie partners with major regional and national carriers to bring your company more personalized benefits. HR teams have their own backend to manage everything in one place. Customers also get access to strategic benefits and HR technology consulting.
- Schedulicity
- Superhuman
- Nabis
The Bennie app is free to use for your company and employees. Bennie shops around for the best plan for your company, and takes a commission from the insurance company you decide on.
Best For
Companies in the 50-500 employee range.
We used Bennie as our benefits broker. They handled getting quotes, setting up open enrollment, and presenting to employees. Bennie ran all the meetings associated with open enrollment and fielded employee questions.
They were most helpful with our employees, acting as an extension of our team and essentially becoming our benefits department. Their app made it easy for employees to access medical cards, understand plans, and get assistance.
Bennie saved me days of time each month by handling benefits questions. They also supported us with our HRIS system through their internal connections.
Working with Bennie's team is one of the best aspects of Bennie. They make benefits easy to understand for HR professionals and employees. Bennie prioritizes helpfulness over sales. Their app saves the HR team time and simplifies benefits navigation for employees.
Our company chose Bennie because our previous insurance broker was not very helpful. Bennie's team was supportive from the beginning, breaking down benefits concepts and information clearly. They also secured better pricing for our benefits. Their tech-focused and innovative approach was a significant factor in our decision. We used Bennie for at least two years while I was with the company.
I can't find much to dislike about Bennie. More clarity about timing for adding new employees to the system would be helpful. It would also help if customer success managers set specific dates for renewals. However, these issues are minor.
Bennie leads with helpfulness and acts as an extension of the HR team. They have been customer-focused from the start, with an amazing support team. While competitors may be catching up, Bennie was built on this helpful approach.
Consider the cost savings from a benefits perspective, as this is where most savings will come from. Time savings are also crucial; directing benefits questions to Bennie saved me a lot of time. Assess how they present information and whether they offer options and suggestions to improve your benefits strategy. Evaluate if they help you benchmark your current position.
They have increased their services and partnerships. As the benefits landscape changes, Bennie keeps up with these shifts.
Bennie is suitable for anyone looking to improve their benefits and benefits strategy.
Organizations with fewer than 100 employees headquartered in New York might not see as much savings due to NY laws and regulations around benefits pricing.
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PapayaGlobal
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Papaya Global lets you manage payroll and provide benefits for your employees and contractors, wherever they are. They operate in 160+ countries, most of them through their EOR model. Their benefits offering has evolved notably with time, encompassing telehealth services and other forms of holistic wellbeing.
PROS
- Employees get a personalized physical and mental health plan tailored to their location. They can then access these services through the web and mobile versions of the platform.
- Papaya ensures prompt payouts within 72 hours across 160+ countries through the platform.
- Transparent pricing with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
- Dedicated customer success managers in your time zone for localized assistance.
- The starter monthly fee is reduced to $12 per employee for full-service payroll.
- Papaya Global packs the EOR services you need to do global payroll and employment compliantly in over 160 countries.
- Automated payments in over 100 currencies, 80 of them directly to the worker's bank account through its global banking partners.
- Dedicated customer support providing locations-specific knowledge regarding employment and payroll.
- End-to-end payroll guaranteed payouts in 72 hours.
- Offers four standalone solutions: data and insights, supplemental benefits & immigration support, payment services, and employee data management, making the platform more affordable and scalable.
CONS
- Lacks local entities in some of the countries they operate in; no tax penalty guarantee information available.
- No free trial or plan is offered.
- Additional fees include setup, onboarding, cycle per employee, year-end fees, and a required deposit.
- Limited existing integrations, but free use of pre-built APIs and custom API integrations.
- No free trial or free plan.
- Doesn’t own entities in all the countries it serves. The platform forms relationships with existing local in-country partners to handle employment in a specific region on the client’s behalf.
- BI analytics reports and global immigration services cost additional fees.
- Charges extra fees for setup, onboarding, employee cycle, and tax filing. Also requires a refundable deposit.
- Built-in integration options aren’t very robust. However, the platform does offer pre-built APIs, SFTP, and custom API integrations for free.
Paya Global is one of the best platforms for handling international benefits and payroll. With Papaya Global, you offer an overseas employee a similar benefits package (including equity) as if you had an operating entity in their region.
They can do this both through the Employer of Record and Contractor models. Of course, the pricing varies for both cases. It’s also worth mentioning that the global benefits offering is an add-on, starting at $190 per employee per month.
Papaya Global has garnered high praise from both users we've interacted with and our editorial team. Our familiarity with the tool dates back to early 2021, and it immediately impressed us with its transparent pricing, extensive HR capabilities, robust BI analytics, and localized customer support.
The platform serves both employers and employees, offering seamless access to payroll, payments, and workforce analytics. It guarantees automated payments in local currencies, personalized benefit packages, and multilingual pay slips across 160+ countries.
That said, when considering Papaya Global for your global payroll software, remember that it may not have a local entity in the particular service region you need one and, when that is the case, they rely on third-party local partners. Note that while pricing transparency is a strength, additional expenses like setup fees per location, onboarding fees, cycle fees per employee, year-end tax filing fees, and a refundable deposit should be considered.
Wix, Intel, Johnson & Johnson, Toyota, Deezer, Fiverr, Microsoft
- Full-Service Payroll service: Starts at $12 per employee per month, with flexible options based on operational needs.
- Payroll Platform License service: Begins at $3 per employee per location for tech upgrades.
- Data and Insights Platform License service: From $150 per employee per month, offering real-time analytics on payroll costs and headcount.
- Payments-as-a-Service service: Starting at $3 per employee per month, delivering a dedicated workforce payment platform.
- Global EOR plan: Ranges from $650 to $1000 per employee per month for comprehensive EOR management.
- Contractor Management & IC Compliance plan: Tailored services for outsourced contractors, starting at $2 per contractor per month.
- Global expertise services: Starting at $190 per month per employee, this lets you add the global health plan, immigration support, and global equity for employees.
Best For
Papaya Global is a top choice for streamlining global payroll and benefits operations in countries with established entities, especially for businesses with international hires located within Papaya Global’s extensive country coverage.
We used it on a continuous basis. We had some weekly and monthly payroll, so it was used throughout the month. We mainly used the Global Payroll Plus service and the Employer of Record service. We also used the contractor payment service for contractors in specific locations when we needed a more flexible resource. Additionally, we used the Global Payments solution for paying expenses and suppliers.
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Pricing flexibility was great and affordable for smaller enterprises. The representatives and customer service staff were very knowledgeable and experienced, offering excellent guidance and a can-do attitude, which was very welcome as we had become bogged down in red tape. We liked that there were very relevant add-on services that could be used on an ad-hoc basis.
We bought Papaya Global because we were expanding internationally. Our business meant that we had small offices and remote workers in many countries. It was time-consuming and error-prone to individually pay staff in so many countries. We needed a tool that could centralize global payroll and pay multiple international staff seamlessly and effortlessly, and Papaya Global did this. I used it for about a year.
It would have been good if they had a solution for 50 to 100 employees. We had to take the minimum 100-employee tariff even though we initially had fewer than 100 employees. Reporting could be improved; I found that the invoices were a little low on detail. It is a bit more expensive than the competition.
I have used other similar tools, and while a little more expensive, I found that this one has better global coverage and a more comprehensive service offering.
Consider global coverage, e.g., what countries they serve and if they have a depth of knowledge and expertise. Ensure it has a good and efficient global payroll service at its core, but also has the appropriate add-on services (like EOR, global payments, contractor payments) so you can quickly adapt to changing business circumstances.
I think the library and knowledge base have grown substantially, providing more on-demand information and advice about global payments.
Papaya Global is good for any international organization with employees in multiple countries.
Papaya Global is not a good fit for an organization with 50 or fewer employees in just one country. This product might be overkill.
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Namely
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Easy to navigate, Namely is extremely organized and uses the best-in-class technology. Its benefits administration software is integrated with its HR and payroll system to save time and complexity.
PROS
- Namely’s user interface is highly praised for its intuitiveness and cleanliness, allowing users to navigate the platform effortlessly despite its extensive features.
- Users appreciate Namely's employee onboarding module, which includes a user-friendly wizard that helps new hires quickly understand their tasks and responsibilities.
- In addition to the platform's built-in tools for data management, recruiting, onboarding, time off tracking, payroll, and benefits administration, Namely offers managed payroll and benefits administration services, alleviating the workload for internal teams.
- The majority of users are able to navigate Namely without any issues. They find the UI to be intuitive and clean, despite the fact that the platform has lots of features.
- Namely’s employee onboarding module gets a alot of praise from users. It features an easy-to-follow wizard, which helps new hires get on quickly and be clear on what they need to do.
- Besides the platform’s built in features for data management, recruiting, onboarding, time off tracking, payroll and benefits administration, there are also managed payroll and benefits administration services you can opt for to reduce the burden on your internal teams.
CONS
- Namely's primary focus is on the U.S. market, limiting its suitability for those seeking a global payroll and benefits provider.
- Implementing Namely can take a while, with an average implementation period of 6-8 weeks, according to the platform's own team.
- Namely lacks dedicated features for employee development, such as skill training, career pathing, and succession planning.
- Users should verify if Namely is compatible with their existing benefits provider, as there have been reports of Namely's team persuading customers to switch to providers that charge higher fees.
- Namely primarily operates in the U.S., which means if you’re looking for a global payroll and benefits provider, this platform isn’t for you.
- Though many praise the platform’s ease of use, it does take long to implement it. Namely’s own team says that an average implementation takes between 6-8 weeks.
- For a platform of Namely’s size, there currently aren’t any features that focus on employee development such as skill training, career pathing, succession planning etc.
- You’ll need to check beforehand if Namely can work with your existing benefits provider, if you have one. There have been a few reports (but not few enough to ignore) about Namely’s team convincing customers to change their benefits provider to providers that charged them more.
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Namely’s comprehensive HR suite packs a range of features that make it an excellent choice for benefits administration. You can enroll your employees in, track, and manage various benefits programs such as health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts. All of this is simplified through customizable online enrollment forms that provide employees with plan details. The software also allows for seamless integration with insurance carriers and third-party administrators to automate data transfers and reduce manual entry errors.
We appreciate a good reporting module, and the one Namely has can not only generate reports but also give you deep insights into benefits utilization, costs, and trends, which is a nice feature to have if you want to frequently improve your benefits plans and compete in today’s super competitive hiring landscape.
Over 1200 companies use Namely, including Greenhouse, The Channel Company, Life is Good, and OneLogin.
Namely does not disclose their pricing upfront. However, having no benchmark provides the unique opportunity to negotiate with sales to determine the right price for your company specifically.
Best For
Namely targets mid-sized companies. They specifically mention companies with 50-1000 employees.
We currently utilize Namely for managing payroll, which has been essential in ensuring timely and accurate compensation for our employees. Namely is used daily for onboarding new employees, streamlining the process and making it more efficient. It has also been valuable in tracking new employee benefits and was particularly useful during our company-wide open enrollment period in July. Supervisors use Namely for conducting yearly performance reviews for all employees, which has significantly reduced the need for paper-based evaluations. Additionally, Namely helps us with quarterly and annual data tracking for State and Federal reporting purposes, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Namely offers excellent benefits brokerage and administration, making it easy to manage employee benefits.
- The customer service provided by Namely is outstanding, with quick and helpful responses to our needs.
- The onboarding process for new employees is streamlined and efficient, reducing the time and effort required to bring new hires on board.
My organization plans to expand in the next two years, and we were looking for an HRIS software that is manageable for both supervisors and employees. We needed a system that could effectively track new employees throughout their tenure with the organization, and management agreed that we required software capable of scaling as we grow. After going through a thorough selection process with various HRIS companies, we found it challenging to choose the best fit for our organization. However, we were impressed that the team at Namely answered all of our questions and provided excellent guidance during the implementation process. We have been using Namely for about one year, and we are very satisfied with it so far.
- Uploading form templates into Namely can be challenging, requiring additional time and effort.
- The ability to add e-signatures to documents is limited, which could be improved for better functionality.
- Making edits within the platform can sometimes be difficult, causing frustration when changes are needed.
I like that Namely is good for small and mid-size companies just starting their HR Department. They don't oversell products like some other HRIS software - they give you what is needed.
When purchasing Namely, it's important to consider its functionality and whether it meets the specific needs of your organization. It is also essential to evaluate whether the pricing fits within your budget, especially if you are a new or smaller company. Namely’s capacity to grow with a company is a key advantage, making it a good option if your organization is planning on expanding in the near future.
Namely has evolved to be very user-friendly for both employees and administrators, making it easier to navigate and use on a daily basis.
Namely is particularly well-suited for small to mid-sized companies looking for a comprehensive HRIS solution that can grow with their needs.
Namely may not be the best fit for large companies with more complex HR needs, as its features are tailored more towards smaller and mid-sized organizations.
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Maxwell Health
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A one-stop technology solution that merges your HR ecosystem with benefits administration system, Maxwell Health helps employees save time and make sound decisions about their benefits.
PROS
CONS
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Maxwell Health, now owned by Sun Life Insurance, offers companies a modern approach to managing benefits for employees. From open enrollment to COBRA, they can help you stay compliant, and give employees a wide range of options all available through an easy to use mobile interface.
- Rose Street Advisors
- Taney County, Missouri
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Maxwell does not release their pricing online. You will have to contact a sales representative.
Best For
If your company isn’t picky about what insurance company to work with, Maxwell Health’s partnership with Sun Life Insurance is ideal. You get a simplified end-to-end experience, requiring even less administrative work on your part.
We used Maxwell primarily for open enrollment. It also allowed employees to manage their benefits throughout the year. The platform was instrumental in streamlining workflows for employee benefits administration. It was utilized year-round, ensuring employees could access and update their benefits as needed.
Employees also used it to make personal changes to their benefits, such as updating dependents or coverage options.
- The platform is user-friendly for both employers and employees.
- It provides a centralized system to manage all employee benefits.
- It simplifies and streamlines the open enrollment process.
Maxwell Health was provided to my company through our insurance provider. Prior to this, my company did not have a centralized platform for managing employee benefits. Maxwell streamlined our open enrollment process and overall benefits management. It provided a single platform for employees to access and manage their benefits easily.
Additionally, it simplified benefits administration for the HR team, making the process much more efficient.
- It can be challenging to get direct support within the system.
- There were occasional issues with employee records after they updated their personal information.
- From an employer’s perspective, it was difficult to make changes during open enrollment once the official deadline had passed.
Maxwell offers a simplified and user-friendly platform that employees can easily navigate and understand.
Pricing should be a key consideration when selecting a platform. Ensure the tool is user-friendly for both employers and employees to avoid unnecessary complications. Integration with your payroll platform is highly beneficial for seamless administration.
Confirm that it is compatible with your offered benefits and your insurance broker’s platform(s) to avoid technical issues.
he platform has undergone slight modifications to improve usability, making it more user-friendly for employees.
Maxwell is well-suited for organizations that provide multiple benefits to their employees.
It may not be ideal for companies that offer only a few employee benefits, as the platform’s capabilities might be underutilized.
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Rippling
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Rippling is geared toward SMBs with its terrific automation and built-in integrations. Besides common features like self-service and onboarding, the benefits administration tool lets you work with your picked broker within the app and choose benefits packages from over 4,000 plans.
PROS
- Rippling can operate globally with almost any currency.
- 500+ integrations.
- Automates issuance processes.
- Provides a holistic view of company outflows—headcount costs included.
- All-in-one platform for employee management + PEO services offered, and even a suite of other IT products
- With 500 integrations, it’s very likely that they integrate with other key tools from your tech stack.
- Operates globally with any currency
- Workflow automation
- Analytics opportunities
- Provides a holistic view of company outflows—headcount costs included
CONS
- Total buy-in to Rippling is essential.
- No free trial.
- Phone support is available via the HR Help Desk service, which costs extra.
- Very SMB-oriented, so perhaps not the best option for larger companies.
- Total buy-in to Rippling is essential
- Very SMB-oriented, in case you’re a larger company.
- New features tend to be buggy in ways that tech teams are not accustomed to fixing
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Rippling is in a class by itself compared to other benefits administration software. With a remarkable 500 app connectors, it surpasses most vendors we've tested across multiple categories. This helps the tool not only perform standard features an average benefits tracking system does, like parsing a paper receipt image captured with a phone but can also contextualize spending activity within the larger framework of employee data.
We tested Rippling's benefits management features and discovered that despite being a relatively new solution, it stands out for its strong emphasis on automation. Alongside standard functionalities like online onboarding, benefits enrollment, and employee self-service portals, Rippling offers unique capabilities.
One notable feature is the ability to add your existing broker as a user or receive recommendations if you don't have one. Additionally, Rippling excels in automation by automatically updating employee deductions when qualifying life events occur, such as location changes or marital status updates.
In the past two years, Rippling has expanded its offerings to include time and attendance, talent management, learning management, licensed PEO services, and global payroll. Remarkably, the platform has maintained its eye-catching UI despite the additions. However, there are a few aspects to keep in mind.
While you have the flexibility to select and purchase modules separately, Rippling’s core HR offering is the starter plan for all iterations.
Vox, Maximum Games, Superhuman, Compass Coffee, Highnoon.
Rippling's Core HR platform starts at $8 per employee per month. Contact Rippling regarding a custom Benefits Administration quote.
Best For
Rippling is best for small to medium-sized companies, globally or nationally distributed with multiple levels of organization.
Rippling was primarily used for recruitment, with some use for onboarding since the number of employees being hired was still relatively small. The ATS and onboarding systems integrated seamlessly, allowing for an efficient workflow.
The tool was predominantly utilized during recruitment, where its dashboards and customizable recruitment processes proved especially helpful. Rippling's features significantly simplified the hiring process.
The hiring process was transparent and straightforward. I found Rippling's dashboard particularly helpful and user-friendly. The onboarding process became significantly easier, and the smooth integration between the systems was a major advantage.
I was working with a start-up where everything related to resume management, onboarding, and offboarding was done manually. Payroll was managed through QuickBooks.
Rippling was introduced because there were plans to expand the workforce, creating a need for a system that could streamline and organize processes efficiently without consuming too much time.
Rippling proved useful as it offered both an applicant tracking system (ATS) and tools for onboarding and offboarding. It also includes payroll options that can be leveraged in the future.
I felt that the customer service could be improved. The pricing was a bit high for our budget, but the company went ahead with the purchase based on positive reviews. After implementation, we realized that the payroll system might not be the best option for our future needs.
The company chose Rippling because of its positive reviews. I would prefer a system that includes an integrated payroll system in the future so everything can be managed in one place.
It is important to plan how the company will use the system in advance. Pricing should also be carefully considered, especially if expansion plans are uncertain, as was the case with the company I worked for.
I haven’t used it long enough to observe any evolution. It appeared to be the same during my time using it.
This tool is ideal for companies transitioning from manual processes in recruitment and onboarding to automation. I am unsure about its suitability for other features or use cases.
It might not be suitable for companies that don’t plan to expand significantly. In such cases, the onboarding, offboarding, and recruitment portal features may not provide much value.
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Zenefits
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Whether you're just getting started or looking for ways to improve your benefits, Zenefits can help you simplify your process. One of its best features is that employees get detailed reports on their benefits to see what's working.
PROS
- A well-known brand of HR tech and payroll software for SMBs
- UX/UI is above average in design and usability
- Flexible pricing plans allow companies to add features when needed, or get rid of them if they don’t
- It’s one of the top names in HR tech and payroll software for American small businesses.
- Their platform is one of the best-looking and easiest to figure out among the sector.
- Zenefits can grow with you. Its pricing plans allow you to pay and tweak as you go, add certain modules when you need them, or get rid of them if you don’t.
CONS
- Though focused on small businesses, the platform does not provide the option to create a custom bundle of desired services or modules. For instance, a standalone ACA module is not available, necessitating the purchase of an entire HRIS plan to access this feature.
- Primarily targets small to mid-sized companies, making it less suitable for enterprise organizations.
- Strong focus on the US market, so not ideal for teams primarily located in other countries, especially for certain modules like payroll and benefits that require local expertise.
- As oriented to small businesses as the tool is, it doesn’t give you the chance to create a custom bundle of the services and/or modules you’d like to have. For instance, Zenefits does not offer a standalone ACA module. Therefore, you will need to purchase an entire HRIS plan if you want to access that offering.
- In addition, Zenefits focuses on small to mid sized companies. If you're an enterprise organization, you may want to consider another option.
- Zenefits is also rather focused on the US market at this point. So, if your team is mostly in another country and you need more of a local know-how, it might not be the best bet for certain modules like payroll and benefits.
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Zenefits offers benefits administration alongside their flagship HRIS product. The tool allows for employees to manage their benefits themselves on any platform they want, mobile or desktop.
For employers, you get detailed insights on your employees on top of saved time. In fact, Zenefits says that their customers save up to a full week of work by using their online enrollment tool alone.
- Coney Island Prep High School (NYC)
- MeUndies
- Goals for Autism
Zenefits has two methods of subscription, per employee per month or per employee per year. The three tiers are:
- Basic: $8/month billed annually or $10/month billed monthly (per employee)
- Growth: $14/month billed annually or $18/month billed monthly (per employee)
- Zen: $21/month billed annually or $27/month billed monthly (per employee)
Best For
Zenefits focuses on small to medium sized businesses. Enterprise corporations might want to find a solution that is more geared towards their size.
We use it for recruiting and onboarding. It is used whenever a new recruitment is required. Once the recruitment is completed, we use it for onboarding. The best part is that most of the information flows from recruitment into onboarding. As a start-up, the usage varies a lot and is more dependent on the needs of the year and clients.
- The recruitment and onboarding systems are very easy to use.
- The information flow from the recruitment system to onboarding is one of the features we like.
- The recruitment system helps us track applicants and makes posting on various platforms easy.
- They have a mobile app, which provides convenience.
- The recruitment system facilitates easy and trackable communication between different interviewers.
- For technology roles, when an assignment is given, the system tags the score with the candidate's profile, which is very helpful.
The major challenge that the company was facing was the recruitment and onboarding alignment. Everything was done manually as a start-up, and it was taking too much time. Zenefits was one of the comprehensive HRIS tools that is integrable with Intuit QuickBooks Online, which was already in place. We were also looking for a long-term solution that would help us with leave and attendance management in the future if required.
- The pricing starts from 5 employees. Even though we weren't 5 employees when we started using it, we had to pay for 5 employees.
- The implementation of Zenefits normally takes about 4-6 weeks.
- There are a few things in onboarding that need to be tracked manually by the admin.
One of the major benefits of Zenefits is its pricing, which is an important factor for a start-up.
- Pricing.
- Ease of use - how easy it is to use not just for the admin but also for the employees.
- From a long-term perspective, what features they might need in the future.
- Mobile app - nowadays, it is important that the system is available on the go.
- Privacy and confidentiality.
I have not worked on it for a long time to know the changes.
Zenefits can be good for organizations that have more than 5 employees and where HR can be seen as a strategic partner instead of just an admin.
Zenefits is not great probably for companies with less than 5 employees and who have less frequent recruitment and onboarding needs.
Why Use Benefits Administration Software
As an employer, you are required to offer certain benefits (like health insurance and Social Security), while others are “nice-to-haves” that can help with recruiting and retention.
The more benefits you offer, the more administrative work you have to manage — unless, of course, you use benefits administration software. If you offer any or all of the following benefits, a benefits admin platform can streamline how you manage them — and how employees sign up for them:
- Social Security: A federal benefits program that provides insurance for older workers and their spouses, those whose spouse or qualifying ex-spouse have died, and the disabled.
- Worker’s Comp: Benefits given to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. It helps cover medical care, wages from lost wok time, and more.
- Health Insurance: A type of insurance that covers medical and surgical expenses. This is arguably your biggest benefits expense.
- Unemployment Insurance: A state-provided insurance that workers are eligible for if they lose their job and meet other requirements.
- Family Medical Leave: The Family and Medical Leave Act (also known as FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave per year to care for a seriously injured or ill immediate family member (i.e. spouse, child, or parent). While the leave is unpaid, FMLA requires that health benefits remain intact.
- Vacation Time & Other Paid Leave: This can include a certain number of PTO days, sick days, and parental leave for your full-time employees.
- Affordable Care Act (ACA) Coverage: The landmark health reform, also known as Obamacare. Under the ACA, employers with 50 or more full-time employees are required to offer affordable, essential coverage to their full-time employees or choose to pay a tax penalty.
- Dental Insurance: A type of insurance that covers certain dental procedures and expenses.
- Vision Insurance: A type of insurance that covers certain vision procedures and expenses.
- Pet Insurance: A type of insurance that covers certain veterinary costs when your pet gets sick or injured.
- Wellness Programs: While these differ per company, wellness programs are designed to promote long-term health for employees. Some programs include discounts on gym memberships, providing on-site fitness classes, offering preventative health screenings, hosting stress management workshops, stocking kitchens with healthy snacks, etc.
- Financial Wellness: Financial wellness programs are designed to help employees take control of their finances so they can spend smarter, reduce debt, and save more money. Such programs include retirement/401k plans, student debt repayment, and more.
- Education Benefits: Also known as tuition benefits, education programs are designed to give employees opportunities to further their education. For example, some companies offer employees a reimbursement benefit up to a certain amount that covers classes, courses, certifications, etc.
- Life Insurance: A type of insurance that provides a lump-sum payment to the insured’s beneficiaries upon the insured’s passing.
- HSA & FSA: Pre-tax dollars that can be used for health-related and other approved expenses.
If you're not sure what benefits to offer at your company (besides, of course, the bare minimum requirements), consider who your full-time employees are.
In other words, what is important to them? For example, if the bulk of your employees are fresh out of college, a financial wellness benefit that helps them pay off their student debt will be a very attractive offering. You could also survey your employees if you're on the fence about a certain benefit to see if it’s something they actually want and would use.
Considerations for Employee Benefits Admin — Plus, Common Mistakes to Avoid
The features we just listed are pretty comprehensive, but benefits admin software won't take everything benefits-related off of your plate. Not only that, benefits management in general has its share of challenges. To make sure you do benefits "right," have successful open enrollment periods, and don't blow your benefits budget, here are six considerations and common mistakes to look out for:
- Choosing benefits that fit your company's need vs everything: As you probably already know, there are seemingly endless benefits you could offer to your employees. While it might be tempting to offer everything under the sun (which can be a great recruiting tool), you might end up creating more work and spending more money than it’s worth. In other words, you could wind up offering (and paying for) benefits that your employees don’t actually use. So think about what makes sense for your company and your employees — and start there.
- Not allowing employees to pick and choose benefits: By nature, people like having choices and making informed decisions for themselves. So give them different options so they can pick and choose the benefits that are right for them.
- Compliance with mandated benefits: Under laws like the Affordable Care Act, certain benefits are required for businesses of 50 or more full-time employees. If you don’t stay compliant, you could be charged fees. Fortunately, many benefits admin solutions offer automated compliance workflows so you can get the right forms to the right regulatory bodies when you need to.
- Knowing which benefits are offered tax free: Offering tax-free benefits are a win-win for your company and your employees. For example, tax-free benefits like health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, commuter benefits, even tuition benefits can save your employees — and your company — money. After all, the income your employees set aside pre-tax for these benefits does NOT count toward your payroll tax dues. So, you could be leaving money on the table if you don’t offer tax-free benefits — or if your employees aren’t taking advantage of them.
- Costs can get high quickly: Your benefits offering can get expensive very quickly, especially when it comes to healthcare coverage. There are a variety of ways to keep your costs in check — from cost-sharing with employees (i.e. with increased employee contributions and higher deductibles), to changing vendor partners (like moving retirees from group plans to Medicare), to managing pharmacy spend (for example, encouraging the use of generic prescriptions or adding a narrow network).
Benefits & ROI
Benefits admin software can help your company in a myriad of ways. Here is a summary of the benefits we’ve mentioned:
- Compliance: At the most basic level, you’re required by law to offer certain benefits — and benefits admin software makes it easier for you to stay compliant with these laws.
- Less Busy Work: Because benefits admin software lets you automate the paperwork-heavy busy-work associated with benefits, your team will have more time to focus on other high-priority areas.
- Employee Satisfaction: Open enrollment will no longer feel like a chore for your employees — instead, they’ll be able to make smart enrollment decisions online and, in most cases, with just a few clicks. Offering a full-suite of benefits (that are easy to elect) will help you attract top candidates to your organization — and keep them once they’re hired.
- Smarter Investments: Because benefits admin software offers reporting, you’ll be able to see what benefits are being utilized the most — and which ones aren’t worth investing in further.
To get an idea of what benefits like these can actually do for your bottom line, check out our HR Tech ROI Calculators.
Pricing: What Employee Benefits Admin Platforms Cost
Most benefits admin platforms charge on a per-employee-per month basis and offer tiered pricing depending on the amount of features and functionality you’re looking for. We’ve seen pricing start as low as $8/employee/month.
When you have your demo(s), you should get a pricing plan that is customized for your company and needs. Just make sure that each quote you get breaks down the features that are included so you can easily compare and make the most informed investment for your company.
Features: What You Can Expect from Benefits Administration Software
Benefits administration software isn’t just a way to centralize your benefits management and alleviate the burdens of paperwork and other administrative tasks. They also offer a host of integrations and features to make your job easier, keep you compliant, save you money, and promote employee engagement. Let’s take a look:
- Suite of Benefits: Depending on the vendor you choose, you can manage all of your benefits in one place. We’ll talk about this later in the guide, but remember to ask your vendor(s) of choice which benefits are included with their solution.
- Online Enrollment & Self-Service for Employees: Allow employees to opt-in to their benefits elections themselves — and say goodbye to endless paperwork. With a safe and secure benefits admin platform, your employees can easily enroll in their plans of choice online — or even through a mobile app.
- Plan Configuration: Easily set up and manage all plans and benefits in one place. This not only makes things easier for your HR/people operations team, it also makes benefits shopping easier for your employees. They can more easily compare plans and sign up online.
- Payroll Integration: Integrate your benefits and payroll data so the right deductions automatically sync to each employee’s payroll record.
- Simple Onboarding: Make onboarding easy for new employees by centralizing all necessary paperwork and enrollment opportunities in one place. What’s more, if an employee leaves your company, you can just as easily un-enroll them and initiate COBRA.
- COBRA: Easily manage COBRA eligibility and compliance with automated reporting to your COBRA administrator.
- ACA Reporting: The Affordable Care Act requires employers with 50+ full-time employees to report healthcare coverage to the IRS. With benefits administration software, you can easily generate forms 1094 and 1095 and submit your reports for you so you stay compliant (and avoid fees).
- More Compliance: In addition to ACA and COBRA compliance, benefits administration software can help you stay compliant in other areas — and get ahead of changing regulations. This includes compliance with HIPAA (i.e. protecting employees’ Personal Health Information, or PHI), ERISA, the Dept. of Labor, the IRS, and OSHA.
- Reporting: Automate reporting of your HR data — including billing insights, headcount and attrition reports, job and salary reports, and more — to make more strategic, data-driven people decisions. You could even benchmark against other companies in your space to see if there are opportunities or areas of improvement.
As you develop your full benefits package, think about the features that would benefit your employees the most AND that would help make your job easier.
Demo Questions: What to Ask About Benefits Administration Software
We always recommend demoing a couple vendors so you can see their platforms in action before you actually invest. To prepare for your demos, create a list of questions specific to your company’s benefits needs. Here are some sample questions to get you started:
- What benefits does your platform have?
- What benefits do you find are most attractive to employees like mine?
- How can employees sign up for benefits?
- Can employees access their benefits plan on their phones?
- How does HR create a benefits plan?
- How will this solution fit into the rest of my tech stack and therefore what integrations do I need?
- How will others in the organization use this solution?
- What are the key features I want to ask about?
- What are the things that would make me nervous about buying this sort of solution?
Implementation: Getting Your Employee Benefits Software Off the Ground
The first step to implementing benefits admin software is figuring out what your suite of benefits looks like. From there — and based on the information you gathered during your demo — you’ll know what is required to get your platform of choice up and running. For example, you might need to engage your IT team to help with any necessary integrations.
Then, you’ll need to encourage utilization of the platform during open enrollment periods, for new employees who are onboarding, and for employees who are leaving and need to sign up for COBRA. To get employees to make their benefits elections before your open enrollment period ends, we recommend a variety of touch-points, including:
Software Training Sessions: If you're using a new system, you're going to need to train your HR or People Ops team on setting up and managing each benefit. Then, you'll need to introduce the platform to your employees so they know how to use it. You could do this a number of ways:
- Ask your vendor if they have pre-recorded training videos that you can share with your employees
- Meet with individual teams to walk them through the platform
- Give a brief demo of the platform at an all-staff meeting
All-Staff Emails: Send a note to the entire company at the beginning of open enrollment with instructions on how to use the platform, what actions they need to take by the deadline, what happens if they don't do anything, etc. Then follow-up with "last-call" reminders as the deadline approaches.
Engage Team Leads: Ask team leads and managers to remind their direct reports to make their benefits selections before the deadline.
Benefits Administration Software FAQs
What is benefits administration software?
Benefits administration software are platforms built specifically to plan and provide benefits packages to employees, while also maintaining compliance with government regulations.
Why use benefits administration software?
Benefits administration software streamlines all benefits operations, saving your HR team much needed time. In addition, all employee benefits data is held in one portal, meaning you can analyze all benefits information and create detailed reports about what benefits are used most or least. This provides you with valuable action points for benefits administration. Finally, letting software maintain compliance for you ensures simple, fast, and accurate reports to the IRS and other government entities.
What are some features of benefits administration software?
Features of benefits administration software include reporting, ACA and COBRA compliance, onboarding tools, plan configuration, self-service portal, online enrollment, and payroll integrations.
Next Steps for Your Employee Benefits Administration
Broadly speaking, there are two ways to get benefits admin support: a platform that only focuses on benefits admin or a more comprehensive Human Capital Management (HCM) suite that offers benefits admin as one of many HR features.
So, you’ll need to figure out which one will make the most sense for your company. We recommend demoing a couple vendors that fit into these two buckets so you can see how their solutions and features align with your needs and budget.
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