What is Gusto?

Gusto is a comprehensive payroll, human resources (HR), and benefits management platform designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses. With over 400,000 businesses relying on Gusto, the platform aims to simplify the complexities of payroll processing, HR management, and employee benefits. By leveraging smart technology, Gusto enables businesses to manage their workforce efficiently, ensuring compliance with tax regulations and providing valuable insights into employee management.

Features

Gusto offers a wide range of features that cater to the diverse needs of businesses. Here are some of the key features:

Payroll Management

• Automated Payroll Processing: Gusto allows users to run payroll in just a few clicks, significantly reducing the time spent on payroll tasks. The platform automatically calculates employee hours, paid time off (PTO), and holiday pay.
• Tax Filing and Compliance: Gusto automatically files payroll taxes and helps businesses stay compliant with state and federal regulations. The platform provides alerts and software integrations to ensure that businesses are always up to date with tax requirements.
• Tax Credits Identification: Gusto identifies potential tax credits that businesses may qualify for, helping them save money without needing to navigate complex regulations.

HR Management

• Employee Onboarding: Gusto simplifies the onboarding process for new hires by allowing businesses to create custom onboarding checklists and track the progress of new employees.
• Performance Management: The platform includes tools for performance reviews and feedback, enabling businesses to manage employee performance effectively.
• Time Tracking: Gusto offers time tracking features that sync with payroll, ensuring accurate payment and compliance with labor laws.

Benefits Administration

• Health Insurance Management: Gusto acts as a broker for health insurance, allowing businesses to administer employee benefits without incurring additional costs. The platform helps businesses move existing plans or find new coverage.
• Affordable Employee Benefits: Gusto provides a range of employee benefits options, making it easier for businesses to support their teams and attract top talent.

Additional Tools

• Job and Applicant Tracking: Gusto includes features for tracking job applicants and managing the hiring process, streamlining recruitment efforts.
• Insights and Reporting: The platform provides valuable insights and reporting tools that help businesses understand their workforce better and make informed decisions.
• Support for Remote Teams: Gusto accommodates businesses with remote teams by offering state tax registration in all 50 states, ensuring compliance regardless of employee location.

Use Cases

Gusto is versatile and can be utilized in various scenarios. Here are some common use cases:

Small Business Payroll

For small businesses that may not have the resources to manage payroll in-house, Gusto provides an easy-to-use platform that automates payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance. This allows business owners to focus on growth and operations rather than administrative tasks.

Startups

Startups often face unique challenges as they grow rapidly. Gusto's onboarding and employee management features help startups streamline their HR processes, making it easier to hire and retain talent during critical growth phases.

Remote Workforces

With the rise of remote work, businesses need tools that can manage payroll and compliance across multiple states. Gusto's ability to register for payroll taxes in all 50 states makes it an ideal solution for companies with distributed teams.

Contractor Management

For businesses that work with contractors, Gusto offers features that simplify the management of contractor payments and compliance. The platform allows businesses to run payroll for contractors seamlessly, ensuring that payments are made on time and in accordance with tax regulations.

Pricing

Gusto offers a variety of pricing plans to cater to different business needs. Here’s a breakdown of the available plans:

• Simple Plan:

  • Cost: $49/month + $6/month per person
  • Best for: New businesses and startups paying employees in one state.

• Plus Plan:

  • Cost: $80/month + $12/month per person
  • Best for: Businesses running payroll in two or more states, with built-in time tracking and HR tools.

• Premium Plan:

  • Cost: $180/month + $22/month per person
  • Best for: Businesses with complex HR needs that require a dedicated success liaison.

Gusto offers a free trial, allowing businesses to start using the platform without any upfront costs until they are ready to run payroll.

Comparison with Other Tools

When comparing Gusto to other payroll and HR management tools, several unique selling points stand out:

• User Experience: Gusto is consistently rated highly for its user experience, with a customer rating of 4.6 out of 5. The platform's intuitive design makes it easy for users to navigate and utilize its features effectively.
• Comprehensive Features: Many payroll solutions focus solely on payroll processing, but Gusto offers a full suite of HR tools, including benefits administration, onboarding, and performance management. This makes it a one-stop solution for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Customer Satisfaction: Gusto boasts an impressive 99 out of 100 in payroll satisfaction, indicating that users are highly satisfied with the service and support they receive.
• Time Savings: Gusto claims that businesses save an average of 5 hours running payroll each month compared to competitors like ADP. This efficiency can significantly impact a business's operational effectiveness.

FAQ

How does Gusto ensure compliance with tax regulations?

Gusto automatically files payroll taxes and provides alerts to help businesses stay compliant with state and federal regulations. The platform also offers state tax registration in all 50 states, ensuring that businesses can manage payroll for remote teams without worrying about compliance issues.

Can Gusto handle contractor payments?

Yes, Gusto includes features specifically designed for managing contractor payments. The platform simplifies the payroll process for contractors, ensuring that payments are made accurately and on time.

What kind of support does Gusto offer?

Gusto provides a robust support system, including a help center with instant answers to common questions. Additionally, businesses can contact Gusto’s support team via phone during business hours for personalized assistance.

Is Gusto suitable for businesses with remote teams?

Absolutely! Gusto is designed to accommodate businesses with remote workforces. The platform allows for payroll tax registration in all 50 states, making it easy to manage payroll for employees located in different regions.

How long does it take to switch to Gusto?

On average, customers report that it takes two weeks or less to switch to Gusto from another payroll provider. The platform is designed to facilitate a smooth transition, minimizing disruptions to payroll processing.

Can I try Gusto for free?

Yes, Gusto offers a free trial, allowing businesses to sign up and explore the platform without any upfront costs. You can create an account and start using the features before committing to a paid plan.

In conclusion, Gusto stands out as a comprehensive solution for payroll, HR management, and benefits administration. With its user-friendly interface, robust features, and commitment to customer satisfaction, Gusto is an ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses looking to streamline their workforce management processes.