Payroll outsourcing helps an organization to reduce their admin burden – ensuring they are engaging and compensating workers safely and compliantly. At KellyOCG, we offer much greater value than simply cutting a paycheck; we become the employer of record for all workers we payroll, taking on the burden of employment from onboarding and screening to offboarding and everything in between.
A payroll outsourcing solution can deliver valuable benefits, including:
Reduced admin time and costs.
Reduced risk and improved compliance.
Improved retention rates.
Access to enhanced medical and dental benefits, as well as 401K options.
Empowering organizations to retain skilled talent that would otherwise be lost.
“From state-mandated anti-harassment training and Californian meal and rest periods to international termination and overtime laws, an experienced payroll outsourcing provider ensures compliance no matter where an employee is working. Country, state, and local tax laws and regulations vary by locality; violation of these laws carries the risk of civil penalties and fines, not to mention the impact on employee satisfaction and retention. The right provider will have a track record of success in the geography where you’re carrying out your business activity.”
Nick Jordan, Senior Operations Manager, Payroll Outsourcing, KellyOCG
Want to know more about how KellyOCG does payroll outsourcing differently? Let’s talk.
Have you started to search for a payroll provider? Before you start engaging suppliers, it’s important to ask some big questions.
What challenges do you need Payroll Outsourcing to solve? Payroll providers offer a wide spectrum of services, and it’s important to be clear on what you need a solution to deliver from the go.
Do you have a large population of independent contractors that are unvetted, but that you need to retain as resources? What will you do if those workers don’t qualify as independent contractors?
Do you have a high number of soon-to-be retirees that may still want to work some of the time, and you want to retain this skills base?
Do you have a population of workers across multiple regions that you’re looking for a single supplier to payroll?
Do you need to reduce the admin burden on your internal team?
These are diverse challenges, and you need to fully understand the scope of your needs before you go to market.
How important is worker experience to you?
Almost anyone can send out a paycheck – but if you’re looking to retain skilled talent for the long haul then you need to collaborate with a provider with a people-first mentality. How high a priority are worker touchpoints, benefits delivery, and access to employment advice? If you’re looking for your payroll outsourcing solution to form part of a wider workforce strategy, you need to be clear on these needs from the very start. How will you handle change management? Moving a population of temporary workers from inside your business to being overseen and supported by an organization they don’t know can be a stressful process if you don’t have a solid change management strategy. Do you have the resources to support this shift internally or will you need a provider who can guide you (and your workers) through this change?
Ok, so you’ve outlined your challenges and you’re ready to have conversations with payroll providers. What should you be asking? What does a great provider look and sound like? Our experts weigh in.
“Anyone looking for a potential payroll outsourcing provider should ask, ‘Can you scale and adjust your service as my business needs change?’ This allows you to understand if a supplier can be innovative and is experienced enough to change with you. You’ll also be able to assess if a provider has regulatory experience, at the state and local level. A good partner will not only be able to adjust and grow with you, but guide you through the process and mitigate risk.”
Suzanne Grimm, Senior Operations Manager, Payroll Outsourcing, KellyOCG
"Everyone has a different interpretation of what payroll is. What services are you looking to your payroll supplier to provide? Are you looking for them to just cut a weekly paycheck? Is engagement and employee management important to you? What about benefits? Are you looking for your sourced workers to be eligible for benefits such as vacation and holiday time, medical, dental, 401K? Do you want employees to have regular interaction and feedback from a designated talent advisor? Understanding the depth of service a provider can offer and comparing apples to apples when making your buying decision is crucial.”
Sarah Lamb-Green, Operations Director, Payroll Outsourcing, KellyOCG
"Labor laws vary depending on location, so you will want to partner with a payroll outsourcing provider who is familiar with both domestic and international employment laws to ensure regulatory compliance.”
Ok, so you have a clear vision of what your payroll solution will look like and you’re already talking to providers. What are some of the red flags that should be on your radar?
They are only focused on price. The price of payroll outsourcing solutions runs a huge spectrum, as does the level of services provided. But if the organization you’re talking to is only focused on how they can undercut the competition, then they are likely to provide a minimal level of service (at best). Look for collaborative and open payroll outsourcing experts who can talk about value beyond price point.
They don’t ask detailed questions or get under the skin of what you need from a solution. It’s impossible to bid well on something that you don’t understand. So, if a provider is offering to cut you a deal before they’ve got to know you, your organization, and your needs, then something is off. A strong payroll partnership should start with detailed and honest communication.
They don’t have experience across key geographies or sectors. Payroll outsourcing can look very different across regions and specialisms, while niche sectors like heavy industry and healthcare can come with unique challenges. If a provider has limited experience in the sector or regions you’re invested in, they may not be able to deliver the level of support you need. Ask for case studies or examples of past partnerships to understand their strengths.
Want to know more about the way KellyOCG does payroll outsourcing? Let’s talk.