Zenefits

What Is Zenefits?

Zenefits, now known as TriNet HR Platform, is a cloud-based HR technology and services provider that combines HR software for employee management, payroll, benefits administration, time tracking, scheduling, and performance management, alongside compliance, risk management, and HR expertise for small and midsize businesses. Its offering is broader than a conventional HRIS because businesses can either use TriNet as a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) or use its HR Plus model for outsourced HR/payroll administration while retaining more of their existing HR structure.

What Is Zenefits Best For?

A key feature of Zenefits is its HR compliance management, particularly for SMBs dealing with changing federal, state, and local employment requirements. It includes a ‘Compliance Assistant’ which provides explanations for certain federal HR deadlines, lets administrators create custom compliance reminders, and can sync those reminders with a personal calendar. This gives HR teams a centralized way to monitor recurring compliance tasks instead of relying solely on separate calendars or manual tracking.

How Much Does Zenefits Cost?

Zenefits pricing is estimated to range from $35–$65/employee/month for the HR Plus module. Zenefits also offers customized pricing for its PEO and HR Plus solutions. The HR Plus offering includes the following packages at custom rates:

• Payroll Pro
• People Pro

Beyond the pricing plans listed above, organizations should also account for the following estimated additional costs:

• Implementation And Onboarding: Estimated at $0–$4,500 one-time, depending on company size, number of employees, selected services, data migration needs, and implementation requirements
• Recruiting: Estimated $5–$15/employee/month or may be available as a separate recruiting subscription, depending on the selected package
• Optional Services: Estimated $0–$500+ per service, depending on the specific service and business requirements

User feedback sometimes describes Zenefits’ pricing as high, particularly for smaller businesses. However, many users consider the cost worthwhile because of the access to employee perks and HR resources. Some users consider Zenefits' pricing worthwhile when they need to use the HR resources available through the platform.

Disclaimer: Pricing references are based on publicly available third-party information and industry benchmarks. Actual costs may vary.

Zenefits Integrations

Zenefits integrates with the following third-party applications:

• Okta
• Xero Accounting Solution
• 360learning
• Oyster HR
• Disa Global Solutions

How Does Zenefits Work?

Here's how you can access the platform and start using its HR features:

• Log in to the Zenefits using your account credentials, create employee records, and enter relevant workforce information, documents, and employment details
• Set up onboarding workflows so new employees can complete required information and access relevant HR processes
• Manage employee time, attendance, paid time off, documents, and organizational information from the HR platform
• Configure payroll information, including earnings, deductions, tax details, and benefit-related payroll data
• Administer employee benefits, including enrollment and plan information, through the benefits administration interface
• Monitor compliance deadlines through Compliance Assistant and create custom reminders for business-specific requirements

Who Is Zenefits For?

Zenefits is ideal for various industries and sectors, including:

• Consulting
• Education
• E-commerce
• Life sciences
• Manufacturing
• Marketing

Zenefits Use Cases

Based on our analysis of user feedback and Zenefits features, we have identified several scenarios where the platform can fit different workforce management needs:

Startups And Technology Companies Building Their First HR Function

Growing technology startups may reach a point where managing employee records, payroll, benefits, and time off through separate tools or manual processes becomes difficult as headcount increases. Zenefits brings these HR functions into one platform, giving lean HR teams a central place to manage employee administration and recurring workforce tasks. This allows startups to formalize HR operations as they grow without immediately building a large administrative team.

Marketing And Advertising Agencies Managing Creative Teams

A growing advertising agency may have employees focused on client pitches while HR tasks such as benefits enrollment and employee administration continue in the background. Zenefits allows employees to handle activities such as benefits administration, view pay information, and update personal or direct-deposit details through self-service tools. This is particularly relevant when agency leadership does not have time to coordinate every employee request during busy client or campaign periods.

Media And Entertainment Companies Managing Mixed Workforces

Media companies can have different categories of employees working across ongoing operations and individual production projects. Zenefits can be used when payroll needs to support both full-time and part-time workers while employee information and benefits remain managed through the same HR environment. This can help media companies simplify payroll administration and maintain consistent employee records and benefits across different types of workers and production projects.

Financial Services Firms Handling Sensitive HR Requirements

A financial services firm expanding into new states may need to keep up with different employment requirements, payroll rules, and compliance deadlines across each location. Zenefits helps HR teams manage employee information, payroll, and benefits. They can also use Compliance Assistant to monitor HR deadlines and set custom reminders. This gives firms a way to manage recurring state-specific HR requirements as their workforce expands into new locations.

Is Zenefits Right For You?

If you're looking for an HR platform to manage payroll, benefits, employee records, and compliance alongside day-to-day HR administration, Zenefits can be a good choice.  The platform is SOC 1 Type 2 and SOC 2 Type 2 certified and maintains ESAC accreditation and has been classified as a Certified Professional Employer Organization through a TriNet subsidiary.

Still unsure whether Zenefits fits your HR requirements? Get in touch with us at (661) 384-7070, to discuss your business's HR needs.