TriNet

TriNet's Full-Service PEO Model

TriNet has been around since 1988. That's 35+ years of navigating employment law changes, recessions, and the shift to remote work. They went public on the NYSE (ticker: TNET) and now employ over 5,000 people serving 22,000+ small and mid-sized businesses. When they say full-service PEO, they mean it—this isn't a software platform with some support tacked on.

Payroll and Benefits

Payroll covers all 50 US states with automated tax filing, garnishment processing, and new-hire reporting. Benefits are where TriNet shines. They negotiate with top-tier carriers—Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser, Aetna—and offer plans that a 50-person company couldn't touch on its own. The 401(k) options include a range of investment funds with company matching administration handled for you.

Risk Mitigation and Compliance

TriNet assumes significant co-employment risk. They manage workers' compensation claims, handle OSHA compliance, provide employment practices liability insurance (EPLI), and keep you compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. Their legal team monitors regulatory changes and proactively updates policies. This alone can justify the cost for businesses in litigious industries.

HR Consulting and Industry Expertise

Each client gets assigned an HR consultant who knows your industry. TriNet organizes clients into industry verticals—tech, financial services, professional services, nonprofits—and matches consultants accordingly. They'll help draft employee handbooks, navigate terminations, and handle harassment investigations. It's like having a fractional VP of HR.

The Cost Reality

At $125-200+ per employee per month, TriNet is one of the more expensive PEOs. The pricing isn't published—you get a custom quote based on your industry, location, and headcount. Long-term contracts are common. If you just need payroll and basic HR, this is overkill. But if you want a true HR department replacement, TriNet delivers.