Many vendors provide human resources (HR) software solutions for SMBs. And increasingly, more of these solutions are delivered in the cloud–removing the IT burden from the backs of resource-constrained SMBs.
But as we all know, this only solves part of the problem. For many SMBs, HR resources are stretched just as thin as IT staff. Sure, HR software can automate and streamline HR functions, but it doesn’t address the problem of sourcing benefits in an increasingly complex marketplace.
Enter Justworks
Justworks, Inc. aims to provide a more complete solution, offering SMBs a one-stop shop for cloud-based integrated payroll and HR software and compliance solutions, as well as a direct link to benefits providers.
I had the opportunity to chat with Isaac Oates, Justworks CEO, about the company, which in March added $33 million in Series C funding, bringing total venture investments in the company to $53 million. Oates started the company to “level the playing field” for all businesses with a single solution that not only provides the software to run HR functions more efficiently, but provide businesses with collective access to health insurance, 401K and other benefits providers.
Justworks partners with Aetna for healthcare, dental and vision plans; with MetLife for dental and vision; and with several providers for 401K plans. Just last week, the company announced that it has integrated One Medical primary care into its offering to help SMBs provide on-demand medical care to their employees. By serving as a collective across many SMBs, Oates says Justworks can provide better benefits at a lower cost than individual SMB could get on their own.
Formed in 2013, Oates and team spent the first 18 months building Justworks’ software foundation and obtaining licensing across the customers in the summer of 2014. The company has now grown to over 100 employees, and is focusing on growing its business by extending its offerings. For instance, Justworks plans to add new, differentiated benefits offerings, such as health advocacy, telemedicine and urgent care. Because health insurance options are very difficult to understand and navigate, Justworks will also devote considerable investment to providing guidance to help companies and their employees better understand their options.
Oates is also committed to continuing to deliver a “rock solid” solution to employers. In contrast to Zenefits, which raised $500 million at a $4.5 billion valuation, and ran into regulatory issues in pursuit of rapid growth, Oates’ strategy is to focus on business fundamentals and earning the trust of Justworks customers.
How Justworks Works
Justworks charges a flat per person per month fee, and employers can choose what they offer via the platform. Payroll and compliance are at the core of the solution, and employers can add health insurance, health savings accounts, and 401K plans as desired.
The vendor’s target market is 5-500 employee companies, but they have smaller and larger customers as well, and are seeing the most traction in 50-plus employee space. Today, Justworks sells entirely through a direct sales model, with enthusiastic customers helping to spread the word.
Perspective
Justworks will face the dual challenges of gaining brand awareness, and convincing SMBs to switch from existing payroll and HR systems and benefits plans. But its all-in-one approach should click with many SMBs, especially fast-growing SMBs that currently use disparate solutions, and need to more and improved benefit plans to attract and retain skilled talent in an increasingly competitive hiring landscape. And, as Justworks continues to add more partnerships with benefits providers, it will amplify its value.
SMBs will incur an upfront switching cost to make the change. However, in many cases, access to a modern, streamlined HR system, coupled with potential cost savings on benefits programs should provide SMBs with cost-savings and significant time savings over the long-term.
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