TriNet Platform Overview
TriNet is a company that provides Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and HR solutions to small and medium-sized businesses, including payroll, benefits, risk management, and compliance services. It operates as a co-employment model, sharing certain employer responsibilities with client businesses.
TriNet was founded in 1988 by Martin Babinec in San Leandro, California. TriNet IPO (Initial Public Offering) went public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol “TNET” in 2014. This allowed the company to raise capital from public investors and expand its services.
As a PEO, it operates in the US. However, the company has a strategic partnership with G-P to provide EOR services to businesses that require global employment support.
The company is transparent about its financial results and regularly reports on quarterly achievements. In the Q4 report for 2024, the company stated that its revenue reached $5.053 million during the 2024 fiscal year, a +1% increase from 2023.
In this evaluation, we’ll examine what the platform can do and how well it delivers on its promises by analyzing TriNet PEO reviews.
What Is TriNet as a Company?
TriNet’s vision, mission, and core values reflect the company’s dedication to empowering small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and fostering a culture of integrity, collaboration, and excellence. It strives to be the most trusted advisor for SMBs, supporting business growth and enabling employees.
In 2024, TriNet became a leader in the Newsweek Excellence Index among companies that exhibit corporate excellence in committing to the best business and social responsibility practices.
TriNet is certified by the IRS as a Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO). This means the company meets IRS financial, tax, and reporting requirements. It is responsible for federal employment tax payments, providing more security for clients. It also ensures transparency and accountability, reducing risk for businesses using TriNet’s services.
Additionally, TriNet is accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), the gold standard for PEOs. ESAC accreditation verifies financial stability, ethical business practices, and compliance with industry regulations. It includes $15 million in financial assurance to protect client businesses.
TriNet Platform Services Explained
TriNet HR solutions cover different business needs. Here, we explore each solution and customer success stories to understand the platform’s functionality.
Core Features of TriNet
Expense Management
Payroll Management
Employee Benefits & Insurance
Risk Mitigation
Application Tracking
Performance Management
Global Workforce Management
Training and Learning Management
HR compliance support
TriNet PEO solution
TriNet’s Professional Employer Organization (PEO) offers comprehensive HR consulting services and software to manage payroll processing, ensure accurate and timely employee payments, and handle year-end tax forms, reducing administrative burdens. TriNet assists in navigating complex employment laws at federal, state, and local levels, helping businesses stay compliant and mitigate risks associated with HR operations.
The HR Technology Platform provides an all-in-one solution that streamlines HR tasks, such as expense management, benefits, payroll, time tracking, and more.
_ Examples: _
- For Fairytale Brownies, TriNet is especially helpful during seasonal scaling when the company has to onboard additional hands and manage up to 150 people, compared to 40 employees during the low season.
- NY State Solar values TriNet for its Benefits Management and Self-Service features. The company also noted that TriNet provides employees with better benefits than they could previously find.
TriNet HR Plus
TriNet’s HR Plus is designed for businesses that wish to maintain control over their HR functions and retain their employer of record status while receiving assistance with HR and payroll administrative tasks. This solution integrates with the cloud-based TriNet HR platform, providing both the in-house team and outsourced service professionals access to unified workforce data.
The solution has several levels:
- HR Manager: comprehensive support covering HR operations, payroll processing, tax compliance, employee onboarding/offboarding, policy review, and representation in unemployment claims.
- Payroll Manager: assistance with payroll processing and tax compliance, including accurate payroll execution, deductions, and adherence to employer regulations.
- Payroll Tax Compliance Manager: focuses on payroll tax compliance, offering services like account setup, workforce data monitoring, and guidance on regulatory changes.
Examples:
- For OmniData, TriNet provides the necessary functionality to manage employees across states, including those with visas, payroll, and compliance.
- In its TriNet HR platform review, Hivebrite states it uses TriNet as an all-in-one HR solution to manage 50 people across 13 states
Clarus R+D
TriNet Clarus R+D is a specialized service designed to help businesses maximize their Research and Development (R&D) tax credits, enabling them to reinvest in innovation and growth. This solution combines advanced technology with expert support to streamline identifying, calculating, and claiming R&D tax credits.
The solution allows businesses to access their tax credits earlier, reducing the wait associated with IRS processing times. The platform guides users through the R&D tax credit process step-by-step, ensuring accuracy and maximizing potential credits. Clients work with R&D tax credit experts and CPAs who ensure each study is thorough and defensible, providing confidence in the claims submitted.
Example:
- TriNet helped Zap Surgical Systems acquire the necessary credit during the pandemic.
TriNet Review Based on 4Ps Evaluation
We use our own evaluation methodology that covers the key aspects of such platforms: performance, presence, pricing, and platform experience.
TriNet Performance
_ Evaluation label: Swiss Army Knife _
TriNet HR services are a comprehensive suite tailored for small to medium-sized businesses. Their platform effectively manages essential employment tasks, including payroll processing, benefits administration, tax management, and compliance support. While the technology platform provides robust features suitable for various industries, some users have noted challenges with TriNet customer service responsiveness and a desire for more proactive compliance assistance. TriNet meets most of the essential employment needs with various features and tools.
TriNet Performance
Top Differentiators
- Tailored HR solutions for various industries, including tech, finance, healthcare, and non-profits.
- Comprehensive HR services, including payroll, benefits administration, risk management, compliance, and other solutions, are all available on one platform.
Considerations by TriNet Users
- Users note that some processes, like payment administration, could be faster.
TriNet Presence
_ Evaluation label: Local Expert _
The PEO TriNet primarily serves businesses within the United States, offering in-depth expertise in navigating domestic employment regulations and compliance. However, companies with global expansion plans have access to TriNet’s partner G-P (Global Partners), which covers international needs in 180+ countries.
TriNet Presence
Top Differentiators
- Specialized HR compliance and benefits expertise tailored for US-based businesses.
- Access to top-tier insurance providers and HR compliance advisors.
- Proactive support to help employers navigate workers’ compensation and employment law.
Considerations by TriNet Users
- It appears that users aren’t concerned about TriNet’s global coverage, as most use it as a US-based PEO.
TriNet Pricing
_ Evaluation label: Custom _
The official website doesn’t offer exact information on TriNet cost. TriNet’s pricing model is designed to be flexible, accommodating the diverse needs of different businesses. They offer customized pricing based on company size, industry, and specific service requirements. While this approach ensures tailored solutions, several users left reviews on Capterra claiming that the pricing policy isn’t transparent and the monthly TriNet cost per employee has increased over the years of cooperation with the PEO. At the same time, their insurance pricing is good, according to one of TriNet insurance reviews.
TriNet Pricing
Top Differentiators
- Custom pricing based on business size and needs rather than a one-size-fits-all model.
- Payroll, benefits, and HR compliance are integrated, reducing the need for multiple vendors.
- Access to enterprise-level benefits at competitive rates typically unavailable to small businesses.
Considerations by TriNet Users
- Some users complained about hidden charges and annual increases.
- Users note that the service is expensive.
TriNet Platform Experience
_ Evaluation label: Intuitive _
TriNet provides an integrated, user-friendly platform. The TriNet performance management, time and attendance tracking, expense management, and other tools help streamline various HR functions. Additionally, TriNet provides a mobile application, enabling employees and employers to access essential HR information and perform tasks conveniently from their devices. However, a review of TriNet HR outsourcing claimed that processes like employee onboarding and report generation could benefit from improved workflows and more explicit guidance.
TriNet Platform Experience
Top Differentiators
- Payroll, HR, benefits, and compliance are centralized for streamlined operations.
- Employees and employers can manage HR tasks through the TriNet mobile app.
- Companies can offer personalized benefits packages to attract and retain top talent.
Considerations by TriNet Users
- Some users would prefer a more aesthetically pleasing design.
TriNet is a robust HR solution for US-based businesses seeking comprehensive services with a user-friendly platform. Potential clients are encouraged to engage directly with TriNet to obtain detailed pricing information and assess the suitability of their services for specific business needs.
TriNet Reviews from Users
Here, we explore the TriNet ratings and reviews on various platforms to discover the benefits and concerns the users commonly highlight.
TriNet Positive Feedback
Provides added value with resources
“TriNet is truly a co-employer, but still allows our company to make business decisions independently. TriNet does a great job with payroll, health benefits, and reporting, but where there is a tremendous amount of added value is the additional resources that are available to clients.”
Susan S., Chief Operating Officer & Controller
Good variety of features in TriNet solutions
“The sheer variety of options and capabilities is excellent. Very good insurance options offered throughout the country.”
Calvin C., Chief Operating Officer
Convenient technology platform
“TriNet is incredibly helpful for viewing and downloading my bi-weekly paychecks, accessing my retirement plan portal, submitting expense reports, viewing my health benefits, and tracking time off all in one place.”
Video Producer and Editor, TriNet user
TriNet Considerations Reported by Users
Missing native features
“As an administrator, I would prefer having a direct time clock reporting system within TriNet instead of using a 3rd party software. It does take away some functionality and creates some confusion among employees.”
TriNet User in Hospital & Healthcare
Confusing onboarding flow
“Onboarding employees has been a little confusing for some people. I think it might be the flow. I have some new people who will not notice that they need to fill out their tax information. I will have to remind them. I think if the system took you from section to section it would be better than the tiles you click on.”
Stephanie B., Director of Finance
Overview of Key TriNet HR Portal Features
TriNet Expense Management
TriNet offers an automated expense management system that is designed to streamline the process of submitting, approving, and reimbursing employee expenses. One of the key features of this platform is its expense tracking capability, which allows employees to import their expenses directly from debit or credit cards or enter them manually. Additionally, users can utilize the mobile app to capture and submit receipts. The system is equipped to handle over 160 foreign currencies, ensuring accurate conversions for international expenses.
Another important feature is the mileage recording function, which utilizes Google Maps integration to help users log their travel distances efficiently. By entering their start and end locations, users benefit from automatic distance calculations, whether for round trips or multi-stop journeys. The platform applies company-specific reimbursement rates to ensure accurate compensation for mileage.
Moreover, TriNet simplifies the management of digital receipts; users can upload receipts, send them via email to a designated address, or take photographs using the mobile app. This guarantees secure and easily accessible storage for important documentation.
TriNet integration with popular accounting systems, such as QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, and Intacct, ensures a smooth transfer of financial data.
TriNet Payroll Services
TriNet offers comprehensive payroll management services to streamline and simplify businesses’ financial operations. The system aligns with time and attendance tracking features to ensure payment accuracy. It also automates expense management, allowing users to create, submit, and approve expense reports online or via a mobile app, facilitating easy data transfer for reimbursements.
TriNet payroll functionality provides convenient payment options and tools for managing risks and ensuring independent contractors’ compliance. Additionally, the solution includes advanced reporting capabilities, enabling companies to generate visualizations and detailed reports based on employee data. It also seamlessly integrates with accounting systems to connect payroll data to the general ledger.
The platform addresses common tax-related questions, explaining terms such as FICA, FUTA, and SUTA, and clarifies the differences between employees eligible and ineligible for overtime pay.
TriNet Benefits Review: Options and Administration
TriNet benefits include medical, dental, and vision plans. You can also use consultant services to build a benefits strategy tailored to your employees’ needs and budget. TriNet experts handle the complexities of benefits administration and ensure compliance with regulations such as ACA and COBRA.
The platform provides data-driven decision support tools and clear communications to make enrollment easy for employees. Employees can also use a 401(k) plan with employer matching and profit sharing, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and pet and life insurance. TriNet health insurance plans include telemedicine services.
TriNet collaborates with numerous insurance companies to provide the best plans for employees. The TriNet Perks program also offers discounts on various products and services, including Costco, AMC Theaters, and Disneyland.
HR Expertise
TriNet offers HR consulting to help manage complex tasks, such as recruiting, onboarding, benefits administration, and compliance. For example, the TriNet recruiting solution streamlines the hiring and onboarding processes with such features, as:
- Job posting and distribution: create and publish job postings across multiple online job boards and social media channels with just a few clicks, increasing exposure to a broader talent pool.
- Automated workflows: leverage automation to sequence and manage routine hiring tasks, such as scheduling interviews and collating interviewer feedback, ensuring a seamless process for both hiring managers and candidates.
- Integrated onboarding: facilitate a smooth transition from candidate to new hire, enabling quick completion of time-sensitive documents, benefits elections, and direct deposit setups, all within a unified system.
- Dedicated careers website: TriNet recruitment features provide access a customizable careers website that can be integrated into your company’s external site, providing a centralized location for job postings and applications.
Businesses can get personalized TriNet support through a dedicated HR team that understands their needs. TriNet also helps companies comply with regulations and effectively manage employee relations issues. Additionally, TriNet offers a range of services, including benefits options, payroll services, risk mitigation, and technology integrations to streamline HR processes.
Risk Mitigation
The TriNet platform provides extensive risk mitigation services to help businesses handle employment-related claims. It focuses on three main areas: claims prevention, coverage, and loss mitigation.
For claims prevention, TriNet offers personalized guidance on best practices for performance management, discipline, and terminations. They also provide access to an online reference library, which includes web-based training modules, state-specific HR forms, employment policies, handbooks, and legal updates.
In terms of claims coverage, TriNet offers Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) to limit exposure. Its internal team of claims experts manages the entire process, from streamlined claims reporting to coordinating carrier coverage issues.
Regarding loss mitigation, TriNet’s legal team manages claims, coordinates insurance coverage, and assists with discovery and settlement. Their efforts significantly reduce clients’ average losses compared to industry averages.
Applicant Tracking
TriNet’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) allows you to create job postings directly or by copying from other tools and promoting them on major job boards like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, Dice, and CareerBuilder. You can schedule and view interviews directly from the job promotion page.
Users can include job-related questions and skills assessments in job ads to ensure the best fit for the job, with assessment scores automatically tagged to candidate profiles. The talent pool overview provides a complete view of all candidates in the database, searchable by name, tags, or ratings.
TriNet’s ATS also includes robust reporting capabilities with pre-built and custom reports through Workforce Analytics. This feature provides access to critical hiring information, aiding in informed decision-making.
Additionally, TriNet offers background checks in partnership with DISA Global Solutions, ensuring FCRA-compliant background, drug, or credit checks, with data synced to candidate profiles.
TriNet Performance Management
TriNet offers an end-to-end approach with expert consultants who help design a performance management strategy tailored to a company’s culture, values, and priorities. The platform’s cloud-based application simplifies managing goals, capturing real-time feedback, and conducting performance reviews. It features real-time feedback recording, cascading goals aligned with company objectives, streamlined performance reviews, customizable review templates, and activity tracking. Additionally, it provides dashboards and visualization tools for actionable insights into company performance.
TriNet also integrates with Lattice for businesses with more complex performance management needs. The platform includes tools for spotting and addressing employee burnout, finding and retaining top talent, and evaluating engagement in a multi-generational and mobile workforce.
TriNet Training and Learning Management
The HR TriNet platform offers a Learning Management System (LMS) designed to enhance employee skills and engagement through dynamic, AI-powered learning programs to make organizations more flexible, resilient, and competitive. The LMS offers a comprehensive HR compliance catalog with over 50 courses, modern tools for custom content upload, and personalized dashboards.
Additionally, a premium content marketplace with over 1000 courses available for purchase supports various organizational learning goals such as employee onboarding, sales enablement, software training, leadership development, and HR compliance training.
TriNet Independent Contractors and Global Workforce Management
TriNet offers tools to streamline contractor payments and onboard independent contractors. It collaborates with G-P to manage international workforces, integrating data from leading global employment platforms to provide a comprehensive view of both US and international employees.
To companies seeking help with global workforce management, TriNet offers benefits options, payroll services, risk mitigation, and HR expertise. You can handle payments and onboarding for independent contractors.
TriNet Pricing Plans
While the official website doesn’t offer direct information about the TriNet costs, it explains the company’s transparent pricing model. TriNet charges a consistent flat fee per employee per month, ensuring that expenses remain predictable regardless of changes in employee compensation.
TriNet believes in the quality of its services and, as such, most contracts come with flexible terms and do not require long-term commitments.
How the TriNet Process Looks Like
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up and start working with the platform.
TriNet Step-by-Step Setup
How it looks for an employer
- Initial consultation to access needs.
- Signing a co-employement agreement with TriNet.
- A dedicated HR team helps with implementation.
- TriNet integrates with the company’s payroll system or creates a new payroll structure.
- TriNet ensures compliance with federal, state, and industry regulations.
- Employers access HR tools via the TriNet online portal & mobile app.
- The employer receives ongoing HR support, workforce analytics, and compliance updates.
How it looks for an employee
- Receive an invitation to set up a TriNet account.
- Choose from health, vision, dental, 401(k), and other benefits.
- Receive paychecks through direct deposit or other selected payment methods.
- Manage time-off requests and approvals online.
- Access TriNet’s HR support team for benefits, payroll, and workplace policies questions.
- Access learning tools, performance tracking, and compliance training.
- Update personal information, tax forms, and benefits at any time.
Final Thoughts on TriNet Platform
The TriNet company offers a robust, full-service HR solution for small and medium-sized businesses in the US with a comprehensive range of payroll, benefits, compliance, risk management, and other services. Its extensive benefits offerings, HR technology platform, and industry-specific expertise set it apart from competitors. However, potential customers should carefully review the pricing structure and customer support responsiveness before committing.
TriNet is a strong choice for companies prioritizing access to enterprise-level benefits, seamless payroll processing, and compliance support. Businesses that require global employment solutions, transparent pricing, or highly customized reporting tools may need to explore additional solutions or TriNet integrations, as the platform only collaborates with the G-P EOR to cover global hiring needs.
As with any business service provider, it’s crucial to evaluate specific needs, compare available options, and engage directly with TriNet to determine whether its services align with company objectives.
FAQs About TriNet
What does TriNet do?
TriNet is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO) that provides HR services to various companies, with a particular focus on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It offers payroll processing, benefits administration, compliance assistance, risk management, and HR consulting to help companies manage their workforce efficiently.
Is TriNet a certified PEO?
Yes, TriNet is certified by the IRS as a Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO). This certification ensures that the company meets IRS financial, tax, and reporting requirements, giving clients added security and compliance assurance.
Where is TriNet located?
TriNet is headquartered in San Leandro, California, USA. While it primarily operates within the United States, it partners with G-P (Globalization Partners) to provide global employment solutions.
What makes TriNet different from other PEO providers?
TriNet provides tailored support and tools for various industries, including highly regulated financial services and healthcare sectors. This specialization ensures businesses receive guidance and resources for their specific regulatory environments and operational challenges.
Does TriNet offer industry-specific HR solutions?
Yes, specialized tools and guidance tailored to the unique needs of different sectors. For instance, they support navigating industry-specific regulations and competitive challenges, which is particularly beneficial for manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and businesses.
How customizable are the benefits packages offered through TriNet?
TriNet offers customizable benefits packages that allow businesses to select options aligning with their specific needs and budgets. Leveraging partnerships with numerous companies, TriNet provides access to quality healthcare plans at reduced rates. TriNet insurance includes health, vision, dental, 401(k) retirement plans, commuter benefits, and wellness programs. This flexibility enables companies to craft benefits packages that attract and retain top talent.
How does TriNet ensure transparency in its pricing and fees?
TriNet maintains transparency in its pricing by offering precise and structured plans. Additional services, such as payroll processing and benefits administration, are provided as add-ons with specified pricing. This straightforward pricing structure allows businesses to understand and anticipate their HR-related expenses.
How does the TriNet customer support model operate?
TriNet provides personalized customer support by assigning each client a dedicated team of HR experts. This team collaborates closely with the business to understand its unique needs and develop customized solutions. TriNet’s Connect 360 platform also offers direct access to HR, payroll, and benefits information, serving as a centralized hub for HR data and facilitating efficient policy development and spending tracking.
Explore the platform’s services and features in this TriNet review to make an informed decision when choosing a PEO provider.
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