The shift from traditional employment to co-employment is a simple process. Once you decide to use a professional employer organization the next decision to make is when the transition is to take place. A typical transition takes about two weeks, but it could be sooner or later, depending upon the situation.

Once a timetable has been established, a "pre-orientation" meeting is scheduled. During the meeting, we carefully review the Service Agreement to make sure everything is clear and that everyone understands how it will work. Many of the details of the transition process are resolved at the pre-orientation meeting, such as:

• Setting a date for the employee orientation
• Establishing pay periods, paydays, and methods of payment
• Outlining special reports needed
• Customizing the employee handbook to include company vacation and holiday benefits, schedules, dress codes, etc.
• Using the transition to a PEO as an opportunity to introduce new or revised policies

The next step is a meeting with all employees. The main objectives for this meeting are to:

• Make sure the employees understand what is happening (explain the co-employment relationship and how Staff One fits in)
• Explain the new benefits that will be available and enroll the employees
• Provide copies of the customized employee handbook
• Have them fill out the necessary paperwork (required forms like the W-4, I-9, etc.)
• Answer any questions they might have
• Make sure they see how working with Staff One will improve their jobs and help the company

This transition process is just the beginning of an ongoing relationship between Staff One and the client company. We want you to be happy with and excited about your decision to use Staff One. Likewise, we want your employees to understand the benefits of the co-employment relationship and appreciate what you are doing for them.

Bottom line: we strive to make the transformation to a co-employment arrangement as simple as possible. Staff One is about taking away headaches, not adding them! Admittedly, the process will require an initial investment of the owner's time and energy. However, we have found that making sure everyone is "on the same page" from the beginning is the key to a smooth and successful transition.