In addition to humanitarian distress, recent world events-the earthquake, tsunami and potential nuclear meltdown in Japan along with the fighting across the Middle East-give company management pause for concern. While these events may not be directly impacting your employees, it is possible that someday there could be another "Katrina." In these cases, our dependence on technology cannot be underestimated.
As employers, so much of what we do is based on technology-direct deposit, employee data maintenance, benefits, etc. What happens when these technology-based services aren't available? How do you pay our employees who often rely on the certainty of a regular paycheck? How do you access employee contact information when communication links have been severed? How do you ensure employees are receiving the necessary benefits-especially medical?
Utilizing a PEO provider can help mediate these problems. PEO providers have the benefits of multiple service locations that are strategically located to minimize the impact of a potential disaster. As a result, service interruptions are eliminated. The PEO provider will have access to payroll and employee data and will continue to provide the level of service demanded in a catastrophic situation.
In addition to back up processing sites, the customer service agents at a PEO provider are prepared for such situations. They are trained to handle calls from employees and employers concerned about unusual situations. Through regular communications-internally and with the client-they are prepared to quickly address the situation according to the client's desires. As an employer, this allows your focus to be on business recovery and continuity, knowing that your employees will be well handled.
Beyond the basic services, PEO providers frequently handle unique situations. For instance, how does a person get paid if there is no power and ATMs have run out of money? In one instance, a PEO provider drove cash to the impacted plant, ensuring employees had money to afford food and other necessities for their families. While not all situations require such dramatic efforts, the knowledge that services such as this exist provides peace of mind.
Most employers depend on technology as a means to stay competitive in the "wired" marketplace. Occasionally, this dependency can compromise a business instead. Including a HRO or PEO provider as part of a strategy can minimize the impact that technology has on day-to-day operations.
Read on to learn more about how PEO providers' IT protocols can save you from an HR catastrophe during uncertain times.