Empower Consulting
PEO Overview
PEO Overview

What Is a PEO, and Why Does It Matter?

The Basics

What Is a PEO?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) is a partner company that provides a comprehensive suite of Human Resources, Payroll, Benefits, Workers' Compensation, and Compliance services through a co-employment arrangement.

By partnering with a PEO, your company can reduce the administrative burden and costs within specified areas of service, maintain regulatory compliance, attract and retain top employees, and increase overall productivity and revenue.

PEOs allow you to focus on your core business and generating more revenue while reducing costs and time spent on administrative functions. They also grant you access to a broader variety of benefit plans and significantly reduce your liability on all fronts, taxes, paperwork requirements, and claims.

The Co-Employment Model

You Retain Control
You maintain all business decisions, including hiring, firing, and day-to-day management of your employees.
PEO Handles Administration
The PEO manages payroll, tax filings, benefits administration, and compliance under their federal and state IDs.
Shared Responsibility
Liability is shared, providing an additional layer of protection for your business from regulatory risk.
Cost Savings
Pooled buying power gives you access to Fortune 500-level benefits at small-business prices.
By the Numbers

The Proven Impact of PEOs

Source: National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO)

50%
Less likely to go out of business
PEO clients vs. comparable non-clients (NAPEO, 2026)
2x
Faster business growth
PEO clients grow at double the rate of non-PEO peers
27%
ROI in cost savings
Average return on investment for PEO clients
12%
Lower employee turnover
PEO clients vs. comparable non-PEO businesses
Service Categories

What PEOs Handle For You

A comprehensive PEO solution covers every aspect of workforce management, from day-one onboarding to ongoing compliance.

Human Resources

  • HR Administration
  • Compliance Assistance
  • Performance Management
  • Talent Acquisition
  • Job Descriptions
  • Employee Handbooks
  • New Hire Reporting
  • FMLA Administration
  • Training
  • Unemployment Claims
  • Management Consultations
  • EPLI

Benefits

  • ACA Compliance
  • Group Health Plans
  • Ancillary Plans
  • 401(k) & Financial Plans
  • Administration & Support
  • Employee Advocacy Programs

Risk Management

  • Safety Training
  • OSHA Assistance
  • Workers' Comp Insurance
  • Claims Management & Support

Payroll

  • Payroll Processing
  • Tax Compliance
  • W-2 Administration
  • Customized Deposit Options
  • PTO Accrual & Tracking
  • Web-Based Payroll System
  • General Ledger Interface
  • Electronic Onboarding
  • Time & Attendance System
  • Expense Management
Trust & Accreditation

We Thoroughly Vet Every PEO We Recommend

When you're selecting a PEO, accreditation and track record both matter. We thoroughly vet every PEO in our network, reviewing financial stability, service quality, compliance standing, and client satisfaction, before we ever make a recommendation. We also look for organizations that hold certifications from the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) and/or the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), as these are strong indicators of operational integrity.

NAPEO Certified
National Association of PEOs
ESAC Certified
Employer Services Assurance Corporation
BBB A+ Rated
Better Business Bureau

Not Sure Which PEO Is Right for You?

That's exactly what we're here for. We'll help you identify the best-fit PEO for your business, at no cost to you.

Let's Talk Read the FAQ