As companies grow, the limitations of a traditional Professional Employer Organization (PEO) often start to show. If you’re currently in a co-employment model and wondering whether it’s still serving your goals, or if there’s a better way forward, you’re not alone.
At EmphasisHR, we work exclusively on the Paylocity platform to deliver an alternative to the PEO model: one that gives you more visibility, more control, and more room to grow. Below, we offer a clear, side-by-side comparison of PEOs versus Paylocity + EmphasisHR, so you can make the best decision for your business.
What Is a PEO, Really?
A PEO enters into a co-employment agreement with your business. On paper, this means they become the employer of record for tax and benefits purposes. In practice, it often means:
- You’re locked into pre-negotiated benefit plans
- Your payroll and HR systems are bundled into a single (often outdated) platform
- You have limited visibility into backend systems
- You pay a “bundled” service fee, sometimes based on a percentage of payroll—that lacks transparency
While PEOs offer simplicity for startups and very small businesses, that simplicity comes at a cost, especially as you grow.
The Paylocity + EmphasisHR Model: A Better Way Forward
We built EmphasisHR to serve growing companies that want PEO-level support, without the handcuffs of a co-employment relationship.
We’re not a PEO. We’re an outsourced HR and payroll solution built exclusively on Paylocity, offering:
✅ Unbundled Services – Only pay for what you need
✅ Total Transparency – Know exactly what you’re spending and why
✅ Benefit Flexibility – Choose and manage your own plans
✅ Tech You Own – Your Paylocity account is yours, not ours
✅ Scalable Support – From implementation to the first paycheck and beyond
PEO vs. Paylocity + EmphasisHR: The Side-by-Side Breakdown
| Feature | Traditional PEO | Paylocity + EmphasisHR |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Model | Co-employment | You retain full employer status |
| Platform | Proprietary system (not Paylocity) | Built exclusively on Paylocity |
| Control Over Benefits | PEO dictates options | You choose your benefits plan |
| Cost Structure | Bundled, opaque fees | Clear, itemized pricing |
| Flexibility | Limited customization | Fully tailored HR support |
| Technology Ownership | PEO owns the tech | You own your Paylocity platform |
| Scalability | Often restrictive for growth | Designed for growing companies |
| Expert Support | Generalist model | Paylocity-certified specialists |
Why Companies Are Graduating from the PEO Model
When your business matures beyond 20–50 employees, the cracks in the PEO model become hard to ignore:
- You’re paying more, but getting less customization
- You can’t get access to the backend of systems you’re paying for
- You’re ready to build your own culture, with HR that fits your business, not a one-size-fits-all PEO solution
At EmphasisHR, we see this every day. Our clients want to grow, but they also want control, transparency, and a true partnership in HR. And that’s exactly what we provide.
Built for Paylocity. Powered by People.
We don’t just support Paylocity, we specialize in it. Every member of our team is trained on the Paylocity platform. From payroll to talent management, we’re in the system every day, helping our clients optimize every function.
That’s why we say: “Let us do the work.”
Whether you’re switching away from a PEO or starting fresh, we handle everything from onboarding and setup to compliance and employee support. You get peace of mind, and a trusted HR partner, so you can focus on growth.
Is It Time to Leave Your PEO?
If you’re questioning the value you’re getting from your PEO, it might be time to explore something better.
Schedule a free consultation today and see how EmphasisHR + Paylocity can help you build an HR operation that scales with your business.
