Exploring 5 Ben Admin Alternatives to Employee Navigator Following the Ease Acquisition

Explore top alternatives to Employee Navigator post-Ease acquisition. Discover platforms like Flock, GoCo, PlanSource, and others tailored for SMBs. Assess features, pricing, and strategic fit for efficient HR management. Contact OutSail for expert guidance.

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
April 22, 2024
woman searching for new benefits platform

In the competitive realm of benefits administration and HR technology, the landscape altered notably with the recent acquisition of Ease by Employee Navigator. This consolidation has prompted brokers and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to re-evaluate their reliance on singular platforms and consider a broader spectrum of HR tech solutions.

The merger into a single entity raises concerns about market concentration. Organizations now express a heightened interest in exploring diverse options that ensure resilience and adaptability within their operations. In light of this shift, the search for Employee Navigator alternatives has gained momentum, catalysing a deeper exploration into the various benefits administration tools available in the market.

As the industry continues to evolve, looking into these alternatives is not merely about finding a substitute; it's about mapping out a strategic path for future HR infrastructures that are robust, flexible, and tailored to the unique needs of businesses. Identifying the right platform can greatly impact the efficiency and efficacy of an organization's human resource management capabilities.

The Case for Exploring Alternatives

With the recent acquisition of Ease by Employee Navigator, many small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are considering the implications of such market consolidation. For companies that rely heavily on benefits administration tools, the emergence of a singular, dominant HR tech solution might prompt a reevaluation of their HR software strategies.

Market Concentration Concerns

SMBs often possess unique HR needs that require specific features from benefits administration tools. A market where one provider like Employee Navigator wields considerable influence can lead companies to worry about limited options and flexibility. Businesses are wary of becoming too reliant on a single entity which could lead to reduced bargaining power and potentially higher costs in the long term.

Need for Diversity in HR Tech

A diverse HR tech landscape is crucial for SMBs that need to tailor their HR software to fit varied operational demands. From customization capabilities to user-friendly interfaces, a spectrum of HR tech solutions can cater to the distinctive needs of different organizations. Exploring Employee Navigator alternatives allows companies to leverage competitive pricing and innovative features that may be more aligned with their specific HR objectives.

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Top 5 Alternatives to Employee Navigator

After the acquisition of Employee Navigator by Ease, businesses may be considering other Benefits Administration Tools. Here are five contenders, each offering unique features and pricing to fit different needs within the SMB and enterprise markets.

Flock

Overview and Cost: Flock emerges as a modern, user-friendly benefits administration platform, designed to streamline HR processes. Pricing for Flock is estimated at $3-6 per employee per month (PEPM).

Strengths and Considerations: It offers robust integration capabilities and can serve as a standalone offering. However, customers should stay informed about potential changes due to the recent Paychex acquisition.

GoCo

Overview and Cost: GoCo boasts a modern interface and stands out as a comprehensive benefits administration tool, with costs in the vicinity of $5-9 PEPM.

Strengths and Considerations: GoCo provides extensive support and easily integrates with payroll systems. To leverage its full capacity, businesses must consider investing in additional HR modules that GoCo offers.

See price estimates for each Ben Admin in the OutSail marketplace

PlanSource

Overview and Cost: PlanSource is noted for its seasoned track record and expertise in the field, with pricing that tends to fall between $3-4 PEPM.

Strengths and Considerations: They pride themselves on a robust decision support tool and a focus on mobile-first design. Some users, however, report variability in administrative experience and service levels.

Selerix

Overview and Cost: Selerix is presented as a highly flexible platform with strong insurance carrier integrations. It commands a price range of $3-5 PEPM.

Strengths and Considerations: They offer a committed support model and have a specific industry focus. It's worth noting that Selerix may feature a more traditional user interface that might not align with all user preferences.

Bswift

Overview and Cost: Bswift positions itself as an enterprise-grade benefits administration solution, with a cost around $4-6 PEPM.

Strengths and Considerations: Known for its robust features and positive user reviews, bswift offers comprehensive solutions suited for larger companies. However, smaller businesses might find the platform complex, and some users raise concerns about support experiences.

Making the Right Choice for Your Organization

In the shift following the acquisition of Employee Navigator by Ease, businesses must carefully consider several alternatives for benefits administration. This decision hinges on matching organizational requirements with the right HR tech solutions.

Evaluating Needs and Fit

It is crucial for companies to scrutinize the features of Benefits Administration Tools to ensure they align with specific needs. A small-to-medium-sized business (SMB) might look for an HR Software that offers scalability and user-friendliness to accommodate growth, whereas a large corporation may prioritize comprehensive integration capabilities. A thorough assessment should take into account:

  • Company size: Smaller enterprises may benefit from more streamlined solutions, while larger organizations might require robust platforms with extensive features.
  • Industry-specific demands: Certain sectors have unique requirements that should be reflected in the chosen HR systems.
  • HR tasks prioritization: Whether the focus is on applicant tracking, employee onboarding, performance management, or payroll, different systems will offer varying levels of functionality.

Selecting the right platform means balancing these factors against the features and limitations of available alternatives.

Importance of Partner Ecosystem

The value of a benefits administration system is often amplified by the strength of its partner ecosystem. Working with skilled implementation partners can greatly enhance the effectiveness of the chosen system by providing:

  • Customization to fit unique business processes
  • Expert training for HR teams to maximize software utilization

Moreover, a well-supported solution by resellers can ensure ongoing support and updates, helping businesses adapt to changes in HR regulations and company growth. This partnership is a crucial component in unlocking the full potential of any HR tech solution.

Conclusion

In the wake of the Employee Navigator acquisition of Ease, businesses are urged to assess the landscape of benefits administration tools. This recent consolidation in the HR tech sector underscores the significance of having multiple Employee Navigator alternatives at hand, catering to diverse operational requirements.

Organizations should be proactive in exploring ben admin solutions that align with their unique company culture and operational intricacies. These alternatives stand out for their ability to offer customizable platforms and adaptive services—whether it is for a small business or a large corporation.

Interested parties are encouraged to reach out directly to OutSail to discuss the variety of Ben Admin tools available in the market today. Their team is equipped to assist businesses in evaluating features, cost-effectiveness, and integrations to find the most suitable platform that facilitates a smooth HR management experience in the post-acquisition era.

For an expert consultation:

  • Email: Direct inquiries to hello@outsail.co
  • Phone: Speak with a consultant at (415) 779-0262
  • Website: Fill out a request form on the OutSail consultation page.

It is a critical time for SMBs to assess their benefits administration systems. OutSail stands ready to guide organizations through this important decision-making process with a clear, confident, and knowledgeable approach.

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Meet the Author

Brett Ungashick
OutSail HRIS Advisor
Brett Ungashick, the friendly face behind OutSail, started his career at LinkedIn, selling HR software. This experience sparked an idea, leading him to create OutSail in 2018. Based in Denver, OutSail simplifies the HR software selection process, and Brett's hands-on approach has already helped over 1,000 companies, including SalesLoft, Hudl and DoorDash. He's a go-to guy for all things HR Tech, supporting companies in every industry and across 20+ countries. When he's not demystifying HR tech, you'll find Brett enjoying a round of golf or skiing down Colorado's slopes, always happy to chat about work or play.

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