TriNet Review

Pros

• Strong payroll features
• Advanced employee management
• Excellent HR features
• Easy setup
• Consistent pricing

Cons

• Inconsistent customer support
• Pricier than payroll software
• Poor integrations

What Is TriNet?

TriNet is an all-inclusive professional employment organization (PEO) with solutions designed to handle hiring and training, paying and managing benefits, and exploring performance management over time. Since you’re paying for a complete HR platform, everything is connected: time clocks, expenses, payroll, vacation scheduling, training, health benefits, and insurance is all available in one place.

PEOs tend to be one of the more expensive payroll outsourcing options because they assume more risk. However, if you are looking to turn over your HR responsibilities and bundle payroll, TriNet’s solid PEO services may be a good fit.

TriNet Pricing

TriNet does not publish its pricing online. TriNet uses a custom pricing model under which businesses pay a flat per employee per month fee. While TriNet creates a custom quote for each customer, that quote will be a consistent monthly cost that won’t change, unlike other PEOs that charge a percentage of your payroll each month. TriNet allows prospective customers to watch a fairly in-depth demo video after providing your information for a sales call.

TriNet’s pricing depends on how many employees you have, where the business is located, where employees are located, state tax requirements, what health/retirement benefits are available, and how much you’ll contribute under the PEO model, plus a variety of other small factors. (Note that you must contribute a minimum of 70% of the least expensive benefits option available.)

TriNet Online Full-Service Payroll & HR Suite

Contact TriNet directly for pricing. While pricing varies, here are the features you can expect with a TriNet account:

• Unlimited payroll runs
• Calculates paychecks
• Calculates and files year-end forms
• Payroll tax support
• Free W-2s filed and sent
• Assisted payroll setup
• Help from US-based experts
• Time-keeping platform
• Performance review
• TriNet learn management program (over 500 courses available)
• Mobile app for administrators and employees
• Connect 360 (24/7 HR experts available for all HR-related questions/needs)

Extra TriNet Costs & Fees

If your business needs insurance, you can expect to pay additional premiums. However, this is standard practice for all payroll and HR service providers. On the upside, using a PEO provides improved access to discounted insurance rates that are usually reserved for larger businesses.

So, while you’ll pay for workers’ compensation and health insurance premiums, your business may save money on those costs, solely by using a PEO. If you choose TriNet or any other PEO model, there is a minimum contribution requirement toward health insurance. You won’t pay for a vendor program, but you will need to pay a minimum of 70% of the lowest-priced benefits package.

Is TriNet Easy To Use?

The user interface for TriNet is intuitive and straightforward to navigate. Interactions within the site are easy, and the graphics are modern. Helpful graphs and access to a bevy of reports make the system valuable and interactive.

The program is constantly updating and staying current on compliance issues and ahead of PEO trends. However, TriNet’s integrations don’t have the same usability, and users complain that the integrations are often clunky and unimpressive.

TriNet is cloud-based, with no downloads or installation required. TriNet also offers mobile apps available for both Apple and Android products.

TriNet Features

TriNet offers all the basics you’d expect with a payroll solution, but also a few more bells and whistles for companies in need of more robust solutions. TriNet will handle payroll for your business, including all payroll tax calculations, forms filing, and payments.

Beyond payroll, TriNet offers a full suite of HR and employee management solutions, including time tracking, hiring and onboarding support, benefits administration, and access to an extensive reporting center. In short, if your business needs a payroll solution that is flexible and highly-function, TriNet is a solid option.

Payroll Processing

As TriNet is a PEO, you’ll be responsible for reviewing and submitting your payroll information to TriNet, but they’ll handle everything else. The platform’s employee self-service portal and administrative privileges make it easy for both employees and employers to manage their payroll options.

Here’s a look at TriNet’s payroll features:

• Pay by direct deposit or check
• Multiple pay rates and schedules
• Garnishments
• Time off tracking
• Payroll reports
• Time tracking integration
• Automate time tracking for salaried employees
• Employee pay stub access
• Check printing
• Deductions
• Multistate payroll
• Supplemental pay
• W-2 management
• PTO management

Employee Management & PTO

TriNet’s employee management features are extensive and include everything from tracking vacation days to employee tee-shirt sizes (seriously). The platform’s employee self-service portal makes it easy for employees to manage their information and preferences. Those with admin permissions can track and manage employee information in one place.

TriNet’s employee management and PTO features include:

• PTO request management
• Employee self-service portal
• Time-off accrument
• Tax form access
• Employee management
• Talent recruitment tools
• Talent retention tools
• DocuSign integration

Time Tracking

TriNet offers a time tracking and attendance solution through its mobile app and web portal. However, it’s decidedly less robust than other time-tracking solutions on the market, including those with physical time clock hardware.

Here’s a look at TriNet’s time and attendance features:

• Employee clocking via mobile app or web portal
• Project tracking
• Employee scheduling
• Overtime management
• Auto-track salaried employee hours
• Manage time-off requests
• Time and attendance reports

Payroll Tax Support

As you’ll be handing over payroll responsibilities to TriNet, you’ll also be able to hand over payroll tax filing responsibilities. TriNet handles everything from local-level tax filing and payment to federal unemployment insurance. They’ll also ensure that W-2 forms are sent out to your employees.

TriNet’s tax support features include:

• Payroll tax calculation, filing, and payment at all levels
• Employee access to W-2s
• Form 940 and Form 941 filing
• Employee TurboTax integration option
• Expense management

Reporting

TriNet allows for custom reports and many variations of similar reports. Reporting features are extensive and very intuitive. The software includes a number of built-in reports across major categories like payroll and HR, plus a comprehensive reports library that allows businesses to create custom reports on the fly.

HR & Onboarding

HR is one of the areas where TriNet stands above the competition. The platform boasts stand-out features like 24/7 HR support, a robust learning management platform, and solid compliance support. Moreover, new employees have access to a comprehensive self-service onboarding process that makes it easy to get all the onboarding essentials sorted.

Here’s a breakdown of TriNet’s most notable HR and onboarding features.

• Learning management (500+ built-in courses)
• Secure document storage
• New-hire reporting
• New-hire self-service onboarding
• Employee performance reviews
• Connect 360 provides 24/7 expert HR support
• Risk mitigation services
• Compliance support
• Unemployment benefits management
• EPLI coverage
• COBRA administration
• ACA compliance
• Workers’ compensation

Benefits Administration

TriNet offers a comprehensive range of benefits options that range from commuter benefits to health insurance coverage. Businesses can build custom benefits packages that best suit their employees’ needs. TriNet’s benefits administration options include:

• Health, vision, and dental benefits options
• Workers’ compensation
• Employee self-service enrollment portal
• New-hire enrollment
• 401(k) retirement plans
• Commuter plans
• Custom employee benefits plans

TriNet Customer Service & Support

TriNet doesn’t have a stellar reputation when it comes to customer service and support. If you need help, TriNet offers lengthy phone support hours from 6 AM to Midnight ET, Monday through Friday. Otherwise, you can reach the company via email or live chat at any time.

Despite the company offering a plethora of ways to connect with customer service representatives, the majority of customer complaints cite poor customer service. Interestingly, many users have noted that TriNet’s drop in customer service coincided with its release of the Connect 360 solution. This could mean that the drop is only temporary, while the company and its customers acclimate to the change.

TriNet Integrations

TriNet offers 12 pre-built integrations, including Xero, QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, and Sage Intacct. The software also integrates with identity providers and HR software options that include BambooHR, Lattice, Microsoft Azure, Google Workspace, and more.

TriNet does have an API that supports business-to-business applications and end-user applications. If you use several programs already for bookkeeping and time-tracking, you’ll be unimpressed with TriNet’s integrations. While the company says it will work with you to manage integrations, ultimately, the goal is for you to stay within TriNet’s umbrella.

Alongside a limited number of integrations, customers have cited issues with syncing and API functions, so if your business will rely on third-party software integration, you might consider other options.

TriNet Reviews

As with any company working in HR and payroll, not everyone is a happy customer at the end of the day. Consumer Affairs gives TriNet 2.9/5 stars (based on 165 ratings). Although most of the recent reviews are positive. Not accounting for employee reviews of the app, managers are impressed with the program’s ease of use and comprehensiveness. The primary criticisms in the reviews are about employee complaints and fees.

G2 reviewers gave the software 4/5 stars based on 534 reviews, while reviewers on TrustRadius rated TriNet 7.5/10 stars based on 1,000+ reviews. Many users praise it for being an easy-to-use, all-in-one solution for payroll, HR support, and benefits administration.

Negative TriNet Reviews & Complaints

• Nontransparent pricing and fees
• Poor customer service
• Poor integrations

Positive TriNet Reviews & Testimonials

• Easy to access and use
• Onboarding help
• Constantly updating

Is TriNet Secure?

TriNet is certified with the Department of Commerce and says that it uses Privacy Shield Principles. Unfortunately, TriNet does not mention any specific controls as far as security is concerned. If you’re interested in learning more about TriNet’s security features, you’ll need to reach out to TriNet directly.

The Final Verdict: Is TriNet Worth It?

TriNet may be a good solution for small to mid-sized businesses that are in need of PEO services, but for those that just want a basic payroll software solution with HR features, there are better options. From a pricing standpoint, TriNet is a bit more expensive than other PEOs specifically designed for small businesses (such as JustWorks, which is designed for companies with fewer than 100 people). However, the prices aren’t based on a percentage of payroll like other PEO structures, and TriNet’s HR suite won’t leave your business wanting.

There are some glitches with integrations, but if you need an HR system from the ground up, you can tailor the experience to match your needs. Payroll is simple and accommodating, and you won’t be nickel and dimed into building a vendor list through various marketplaces. Everything you need to offer an employee can be done through the PEO. With the addition of tax support and even termination support, TriNet has customers covered.

Businesses looking for a standalone payroll software solution should consider other options, as TriNet is a PEO and offers a robust set of features that may go unused. For simple, affordable payroll software solutions, check out our guide to the best payroll software for small businesses.

TriNet FAQs?

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Try A Top Pick For Payroll

ADP Payroll	Get A Quote Read our Review

We like ADP Payroll for its advanced employee management, strong payroll features, and great customer support. Get three months free when you sign up through our links! Get Started.

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