HR Service Providers in Knoxville

Are you a business owner or HR leader in the Knoxville area looking for various types of HR support? HR support and consulting can range from a few hundred dollars all the way up to tens of thousands of dollars per month. Here is a fast breakdown of the types of services HR consulting companies provide and a quick definition of each.

We’ve also reviewed local and regional Knoxville-based providers below so depending on what you’re looking for, we can point you to the right provider.

HR Services We help Businesses Find

  • HR Outsourcing & Consulting
  • Payroll Processing
  • Benefit Administration
  • PEOs (Professional Employer Associations)
  • Recruitment
  • Compensation Consulting
  • Leadership Development & Training
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Our Top HR Consulting & PEO Firm in Knoxville

Adams Keegan - Top HR Consulting & PEO Firms in Chattanooga

Adams Keegan

5.0
5/5

Adams Keegan specializes in payroll, HR, and benefits administration, providing customized and comprehensive solutions. They offer a range of HR management services, including recruiting, compliance, and PEO (Professional Employer Organization) services. Their solutions are designed to reduce administrative burdens, streamline processes, and allow businesses to focus on their core operations. Adams Keegan uses technology and a personal touch to deliver high-quality HR services. They serve various industries, including hospitality, restaurants, senior care, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits.

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HR Services

Need HR Infrastructure

For small companies, you sometimes need the basics to get started. You need an employee handbook, pick payroll provider, onboarding forms, and basic compliance in different states.

Need Monthly Ongoing HR Advice

For small companies, you can’t hire a full-time person for HR but you still have HR needs. Every month certain things have to happen such as payroll getting run, reports being submitted to each state, HR compliance questions, and someone to help onboard and offboard employees. There are HR consulting companies to help you with this.

You Want to Outsource HR Projects

You may have one-off projects like a strategic hire you want to outsource, or you want someone to build a training program for your company. There are hundreds of types of one-off projects that may need to be accomplished where you need a training consultant.

You Want to Outsource All or Portions of HR

Some companies decide not to hire HR people as they grow. Instead they outsource all or certain functions of their HR. This can happen in a lot of different ways but thinks like payroll processing, benefits administration, recruiting, and the HR hotline can all be full outsourced or certain functions can be outsourced. Everyone is still hired as an employee of your organization, you just don’t need actual W-2 HR employees or you may only have one or two HR people vs building out an entire team.

You Want to Outsource to a PEO (Professional Employer Organization)

Many people are confused about a PEO and exactly what it is. At it’s most basic level, a PEO takes on employing all your employees. Your organization has little to no employees and everyone works for the PEO (but they still do tasks for your company). This usually has a per employee cost but the benefits are mostly reduced risk and better benefits than a small business can get on their own.

In this article, we aim to simplify this process by highlighting the top five HR outsourcing service providers and PEOs in Knoxville and providing you with important tips to help you choose the best fit for your business.

Why Should a Business in Knoxville Consider HR Outsourcing?

  • Many small businesses hire an HR person once they get to a certain size (50+) employees. When you’re a small business you have a decision of having someone internally handle HR that also has other responsibilities, hiring part-time HR employees or looking for an third party service to help
  • Understanding HR can be very difficult, there are a lot of unique situations that come up where having professional support would help
  • Not having appropriate HR representation can be very risky and potentially expensive. Ensuring you have the right setup, processes, and ongoing support is critical
  • For most businesses your people are your business. Ensuring you’re hiring the right people and making sure they’re engaged is critical – not all business owners know how to do that.

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Check out our detailed video reviews below for the top HR consulting and services providers in Knoxville.

Three Top HR Consulting & PEO Firms in Knoxville

Adams Keegan - Top HR Consulting & PEO Firms in Chattanooga

Adams Keegan

5.0
5/5

Adams Keegan specializes in payroll, HR, and benefits administration, providing customized and comprehensive solutions. They offer a range of HR management services, including recruiting, compliance, and PEO (Professional Employer Organization) services. Their solutions are designed to reduce administrative burdens, streamline processes, and allow businesses to focus on their core operations. Adams Keegan uses technology and a personal touch to deliver high-quality HR services. They serve various industries, including hospitality, restaurants, senior care, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits.

Workbliss Video Review

HR Services

Marvel HR

5.0
5/5

Marvel HR specializes in HR outsourcing and consulting services, providing customized solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. Their services include HR compliance, payroll, employee benefits, technology integration, recruitment, retention, and strategic HR planning. Marvel HR emphasizes personal relationships and aims to support businesses through expert advice, administrative assistance, and tailored HR management.

Workbliss Video Review

HR Services

Integrity HR Services

5.0
5/5

Integrity HR Services, provides HR consulting, human resources outsourcing, benefits brokering and administration, and payroll services to businesses in Knoxville, Tennessee. They offer professional HR solutions with a focus on brokering and benefit administration. Integrity HR Services aims to manage HR tasks for businesses, allowing them to focus on success while ensuring compliance and streamlined HR operations. They also handle employee payroll and benefits management.

Workbliss Video Review

HR Services

How to Choose the Top HR Consulting & PEO Firms in Knoxville

  • Packaging Options

    Start by reviewing the different packages offered by HR outsourcing providers. These packages can range from basic HR support to comprehensive solutions that include payroll, compliance and employee training. It’s important that you choose a service that not only meets your current needs, but also has the flexibility to adapt as your business evolves. Consider the scalability of the packages and whether they can keep pace with the growth of your business.

  • Range of Services

    Evaluate the range of services offered by each firm. Not every HR outsourcing company offers the same services. For example, if you are primarily looking for staff, you should make sure that the provider specializes in talent acquisition and recruitment. If your primary focus is employee training and development, look for companies that have a strong track record in these areas. Your goal should be to match your immediate and future staffing needs with the services they offer.

  • Support and Account Management

    The amount and type of support offered is crucial. Some companies offer local support, while others operate regionally or internationally. Check whether you have a dedicated account manager who can attend to your needs immediately. You should also ask about the availability of specialized support, such as access to employment lawyers or HR consultants to deal with complex situations or legal matters. The quality of support can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of your HR functions.

  • Location and Accessibility

    The location of the HR outsourcing firm can affect your working relationship. Local firms may offer a more personalized service and be more familiar with the local business environment and regulations. On the other hand, national or regional providers may bring broader expertise and more resources to the table. Consider how important a local presence is to your business and whether you prefer face-to-face contact or remote collaboration.

  • Pricing Structure

    Finally, consider the pricing structure of the HR outsourcing services. Costs can vary widely, ranging from affordable monthly fees for basic support to larger investments for comprehensive HR management. Check your budget requirements and compare them with the offers of the individual packages. It’s important to find a balance between the cost and the value of the services provided to ensure that the investment contributes positively to the efficiency and growth of your business.

Frequently Asked Questions about Top HR Consulting & PEO Firms in Knoxville

Are there local HR outsourcing firms in Knoxville that specialize in small businesses?
Yes, firms like Integrity HR Services, LLC, and Marvel HR offer tailored HR solutions for small and medium-sized businesses, focusing on personalized service and local expertise.
A PEO (Professional Employer Organization) provides comprehensive HR services including employee benefits management as a co-employer of your staff, while traditional HR outsourcing may offer a more a la carte selection of services without the co-employer relationship.
HR outsourcing can be quite affordable, with options ranging from basic support packages to more comprehensive services. The cost depends on the level of service required, but it can be a cost-effective solution for businesses that are not ready to hire a full-time HR team.
Look for firms with strong client testimonials, high satisfaction ratings, industry awards, and a history of success in helping businesses similar to yours manage their HR functions effectively.
They typically offer expert guidance on employment law, help implement compliant HR policies and practices, conduct risk assessments, and provide training to ensure that businesses minimize legal risks and remain compliant with local and federal regulations.

Ongoing Services HR Outsourcing Companies Can Provide

HR Management and Admin Services
  • Termination processing
  • Promotion and transfer processing
  • New employee onboarding
  • New hire/rehire processing

Compliance:
  • Establishing corporate policy manuals and employee handbooks
  • Printing and distribution of compliance documentation
  • HR audits and full summary reports
  • EEO-1/VETS-100 reporting
  • Compliance assistance and response to formal HR complaints
  • Electronic I-9 file compliance audit
  • E-Verify services
  • Employment posters distribution
Strategic HR Services:
  • Performance management, succession planning, employee engagement consulting
  • Creating job descriptions on behalf of the company
  • State unemployment guidance (key strategy depending on the type of business)
  • Custom exit interviews for employees leaving the organization
  • Any type of project based consulting
  • General legal advice from an employment perspective (most have employment lawyers on retainer or staff)
  • Custom training projects
    • Compliance
    • Leadership development
    • Coaching
    • Harassment
    • Safety, etc.
  • Online employee training (compliance or otherwise)
  • Drug and background check process
  • Salary survey work to determine correct pay ranges by location
Payroll Processing:
  • Providing weekly summary for management to approve
  • Setup of payroll in HRIS/HRMS
  • Initiating payroll cycles
  • Calculating pay
  • Investigating and resolving calculation errors
  • Handling payroll audit issues
  • Schedule annual payroll calendars
  • Retroactive payment calculations
  • Special payment type processing
Deductions:
  • Submitting and approving deduction data
  • Inputting deductions
  • Reviewing and resolving process errors
  • Providing remittance payment instructions
  • Arrears deduction processing
Payroll Files:
  • Monthly/quarterly/yearly commission
  • Bonuses
  • Annual flex perk
  • Annual sick time
  • Annual merit
Payroll Taxes:
  • Calculating and deducting federal, state, and local taxes
  • Preparing and filing payroll tax returns
  • Completing payroll regulatory reporting
  • Handling W-2 preparation and distribution
  • Processing tax adjustments/corrections
  • Handling tax withholdings on non-wage earnings
  • Handling unemployment insurance provider data files
Payroll Reporting:
  • Providing payroll operating reports
  • Offering ad hoc payroll reports
  • Providing employment and wage verifications
  • Handling new hire reporting
  • Multisite reporting
Distribution:
  • Preparing payment distribution
  • Processing direct deposits and print/distributing checks if necessary
Data Maintenance:
  • Submitting and approving employee record changes.
Benefits Administration Services:
  • Handling employee and customer inquiries
  • First-line support for questions
  • Interpretation of plan designs and policies
  • Incoming inquiries management
Enrollment:
  • Ongoing benefit enrollment and general assistance.
  • Annual enrollment
Event Change Processing:
  • Processing change-in-status events
  • ACA compliance reporting
Premium Administration:
  • Calculating monthly premiums
  • Reconciliation with carrier invoices
  • Benefits billing
  • Benefits billing for participants requiring direct payments
Ongoing Service Delivery:
  • Any calls/questions made to HR
  • Managing and maintaining employee online records
  • Single point of contact for routine service requests
  • Corporate communications assistance
  • Setting up global notifications and HR process escalations
  • Any calls/questions made to HR
  • Managing and maintaining employee online records
  • Single point of contact for routine service requests
  • Corporate communications assistance
  • Setting up global notifications and HR process escalations
This summary includes a wide range of HR and payroll services that HR outsourcing companies can provide to small businesses. The specific services you choose should be based on your business’s needs and priorities

Conclusion

In summary, HR outsourcing is an increasingly strategic choice for Chattanooga businesses because it offers a blend of expertise, efficiency and cost-effectiveness. By choosing the right outsourcing partner, companies can navigate complex HR landscapes, ensure compliance and drive growth. This article outlines the top 6 HR consulting & PEO firms in Chattanooga and gives you key tips for choosing a suitable provider. Whether it’s cost management, access to specialized services or scaling operations, HR outsourcing is a flexible solution tailored to the diverse needs of Chattanooga’s dynamic business environment.

If you are looking for other locations in the area feel free to look at our reviews below:

Or reach out to learn more about any of the services we offer as a part of the work we do at Workbliss & OutboundView.

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