Gusto: Revolutionizing Payroll and HR Services

Gusto is a cloud-based payroll, benefits, and human resources (HR) management platform designed to simplify and streamline the payroll and HR processes for small and medium-sized businesses. Founded in 2011 by Joshua Reeves, Edward Kim, and Tomer London, the company was initially named ZenPayroll. It rebranded to Gusto in 2015 to reflect the expansion of its services beyond payroll. Today, Gusto serves over 100,000 businesses across the United States.

Gusto

Founded: November 2011
Founder: Josh Reeves
Formerly: ZenPayroll, Inc
Headquarters: San Francisco, CA

Services:

Gusto offers a range of services that can be broadly categorized into three main areas: payroll, benefits, and HR.

1. Payroll: Gusto’s payroll service automates the calculation, payment, and filing of taxes for both employees and contractors. It also includes direct deposit, customizable pay schedules, and easy integration with popular accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero.
2. Benefits: Gusto offers a variety of benefits administration services, including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts. They also provide expert advice on compliance, helping businesses navigate complex regulations and requirements.
3. HR: Gusto’s HR services encompass employee onboarding, time tracking, PTO management, and employee record-keeping. The platform also features a suite of HR tools, such as organizational charts, performance management, and employee surveys, to help businesses build a strong company culture.

Advantages:

Gusto’s platform boasts several advantages that have made it popular among small and medium-sized businesses:

1. User-friendly interface: Gusto’s intuitive and visually appealing interface makes it easy for users to navigate the platform, reducing the learning curve for new users.
2. Compliance assistance: Gusto helps businesses stay compliant with ever-changing tax laws and regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties.
3. Integration: Gusto integrates with various accounting and time-tracking software, streamlining workflows and reducing manual data entry.
4. Customer support: Gusto offers excellent customer support through phone, email, and chat, ensuring users have access to help when they need it.

Disadvantages:

Despite its many advantages, Gusto has a few drawbacks:

1. Limited international support: Gusto currently serves only U.S. businesses, making it unsuitable for companies with international operations.
2. Pricing: Gusto’s pricing may be considered steep for some small businesses, especially those with a tight budget.

How Much Does Gusto Cost?

Pricing: Gusto offers three pricing tiers:

1. Core Plan: $39 per month base price plus $6 per user per month
2. Complete Plan: $39 per month base price plus $12 per user per month
3. Concierge Plan: $149 per month base price plus $12 per user per month

Each tier offers a different set of features, with higher-priced plans providing more comprehensive services.

Customer Testimonials:

Many customers appreciate Gusto’s easy-to-use platform, reliable customer support, and comprehensive range of services. They often praise the company’s ability to simplify complex payroll and HR tasks, freeing up time to focus on other aspects of their business. However, some customers have expressed concerns about the platform’s cost, especially when compared to other payroll and HR service providers in the market.

Conclusion:

Gusto has positioned itself as a leading provider of payroll and HR services for small and medium-sized businesses. Its user-friendly platform, robust features, and strong customer support make it an attractive option for businesses seeking a comprehensive solution. However, Gusto may not be the best fit for companies with international operations or those on a tight budget. Overall, Gusto is worth considering for businesses that value simplicity, compliance assistance, and a streamlined payroll and HR experience.

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