• The recruitment process involves searching through online job boards, reviewing resumes, conducting multiple interviews, writing job descriptions, and more. As a business owner, your time and energy should be focused on growing your business and improving your bottom line, rather than sifting through resumes and organizing phone interviews.

    In recent years, recruitment has increasingly relied on artificial intelligence (AI). According to HR Dive, 57% of companies already use AI in hiring, and 74% believe it has improved the quality of their hires. While AI technology has helped companies by analyzing candidate language, handling communication, reviewing resumes, and scheduling interviews, there are still concerns surrounding potential AI bias and inaccuracies.

    While it may look like AI is the future of employee recruitment, there are other ways for business owners to review potential candidates and streamline their hiring processes that don’t involve unreliable AI technology. One effective solution business owners can utilize is a professional employer organization (PEO) partnership.

    PEOs and Recruitment

    Recruiting, hiring, and training employees can be time-consuming for employers, but teaming up with a PEO like Group Management Services (GMS) can simplify this process.

    1. Knowledgeable team

    By partnering with a PEO, you gain access to a range of services and the support of a knowledgeable team of experts. Your dedicated human resources (HR) team serves as your main point of contact and is available to assist with any questions or concerns related to the recruitment process, HR compliance, specific candidates, and more. GMS’ recruitment team can help you write job descriptions, job ads, and implement effective recruitment strategies. They can review applicants and conduct phone interviews, providing you with the extra support needed to hire the right candidate.

    2. Partnerships with job boards and applicant tracking

    One of the most challenging aspects of recruitment is attracting the right candidates. It can be difficult to find individuals who are experienced, focused, and have the specific skills required for the role. GMS’ partnership with Indeed and LinkedIn simplifies the job posting process by reaching a broader pool of applicants.

    3. Assistance in managing the recruitment process

    The recruitment process involves managing multiple responsibilities at once. At GMS, our team is fully equipped to support every stage of the recruitment process, including crafting compelling job descriptions, posting openings, reviewing resumes, and conducting phone interviews. Business owners gain access to powerful tools that simplify and optimize hiring workflows through our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and GMS Connect. An ATS tracks potential candidates throughout the hiring journey and provides valuable insights to business owners and our recruitment team. Onboarding and training are seamlessly managed through GMS Connect, our advanced Human Resources Information System (HRIS), designed to simplify and enhance the employee experience.

    Negative Impacts of Using AI In Recruiting

    While there are several benefits to using AI for employee recruitment, such as cost reduction, task automation, and interview assistance, it also comes with notable drawbacks that business owners should carefully consider. Utilizing AI technology can lead to potential privacy concerns and HR compliance risks. Many organizations haven’t established policies for AI, which increases the risk of non-compliance and privacy violations. These violations can lead to employee distrust and monetary penalties. AI technology also has a history of reinforcing bias, leading to unfair treatment of certain demographic groups.

    GMS acts as your recruitment partner by providing your company with the knowledge, technological support, and expertise needed to interview and hire the right candidate for your open positions. Whether you need help with writing that perfect job description, have questions about the interview process, or need help posting a new open position online, we can lend a helping hand. Running a business is challenging enough; let us take on the administrative burdens associated with employee recruitment.

    Want to learn more about our services? Contact us today!

  • Open enrollment may feel like it’s far off in the future, but the smartest business owners know that preparation starts months in advance. Taking the time now to review your benefit offerings allows you to make informed decisions about your company’s health care plan, identify opportunities to reduce costs, and ensure your benefits remain competitive for attracting and retaining top talent. Waiting until renewal season is in full swing can lead to rushed decisions, missed opportunities for savings, and increased stress for both you and your employees.

    Early preparation is critical when it comes to health care costs. For many employers, these costs represent one of the most significant annual expenses. By reviewing your plan well before open enrollment begins, you can compare options, evaluate whether your current coverage still meets your employees’ needs, and consider alternative solutions that could reduce expenses without sacrificing quality. This is also your chance to address any feedback you have received from employees over the past year and explore benefits that support overall well-being, such as mental health resources or expanded preventive care options.

    Continue reading to learn why early preparation matters, how a group health plan through Group Management Services (GMS) can help you lower health care costs, and what steps you can take now to position your company for a smooth open enrollment season.

    Why You Should Start Preparing Now

    Open enrollment is one of the most important periods in the human resources (HR) calendar. It’s the time when employees can review and select benefits for the coming year, but for employers, the groundwork starts much earlier. By beginning your review process now, you give yourself the time to:

    1. Assess your current offerings and identify gaps or redundancies
    2. Gather employee feedback on benefits usage and satisfaction
    3. Research and compare plan options for cost and coverage value
    4. Develop a clear communication plan so employees can make informed choices

    The sooner you begin, the more negotiating power you have with carriers, and the more flexibility you have to adjust your offerings to meet both your budget and your employees’ needs.

    The Impact of Rising Health Care Costs

    For most businesses, health care is one of the largest and fastest-growing expenses. According to recent industry trends, premiums and out-of-pocket costs continue to rise, and small businesses often struggle to secure affordable coverage without sacrificing quality. Employers who wait until the last minute to review their plans often end up renewing existing coverage by default, even if better options exist.

    By reviewing your benefits early, you can explore strategies to manage costs, such as adjusting plan structures, offering multiple coverage tiers, or introducing wellness incentives to encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce claims. These proactive steps can result in significant long-term savings.

    How Group Health Plans Lower Costs for Businesses

    One of the most effective ways to reduce health care costs is to join a group health plan through a certified professional employer organization (CPEO) like GMS. When you partner with GMS, your business becomes part of a much larger benefits pool made up of many small and midsize companies. GMS is the only CPEO that provides an in-house master health plan that helps you avoid large swings in usage, trends, and renewal rates.

    Here’s how it works:

    1. Economies of scale: By spreading risk across a larger group, premiums become more stable and affordable.
    2. Access to top carriers: You can offer high-quality plans that may otherwise be out of reach for small businesses.
    3. Reduced administrative burden: GMS handles compliance, enrollment, and employee communication, freeing your team to focus on operations.

    Building a Communication Plan for Open Enrollment

    Even the most competitive benefits package will fall short if employees do not understand how to use it effectively. That’s why early preparation should include a benefits communication strategy. Employees who receive clear, timely information are more likely to select plans that meet their needs and take advantage of the resources available to them.

    Consider how you will educate employees about:

    1. The value of preventive care
    2. How to choose in-network providers
    3. Ways to use telehealth and urgent care instead of costly ER visits
    4. Wellness resources included in their plan

    Bridging the communication gap not only increases employee satisfaction but can also contribute to lower overall health care costs by encouraging smarter benefits usage.

    Steps to Take Now for a Successful 2026 Open Enrollment

    To make the most of this early preparation period, start with a thorough review of your current benefits package. Look at enrollment trends, claims data, and employee feedback from the past year. Work with a trusted partner like GMS to benchmark your offerings against similar businesses in your industry and region. From there, you can explore cost-saving opportunities through a group health plan, adjust coverage to match your workforce’s needs, and develop a timeline for employee communication.

    By acting now, you position your business to enter renewal season with a clear plan, competitive rates, and benefits that support both your employees and your bottom line.

    Partner with GMS for Affordable, Competitive Benefits

    GMS helps business owners prepare for open enrollment with expert guidance, competitive group health plans, and end-to-end administrative support. The decisions you make about your benefits now will impact your business for the entire year ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute. Start reviewing your benefit offerings today, and contact GMS to secure coverage at competitive rates for 2026 and beyond.

  • Workers’ compensation insurance is essential for the health, safety, and security of both employees and employers when a workplace accident or injury occurs. Employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance annually to provide coverage for employees who sustain injuries or illnesses at work. This coverage typically includes compensation for lost wages and medical expenses such as doctor visits, medications, and more.

    For employers, understanding the limits and structure of their workers’ compensation policy is crucial, not only for compliance but also for financial and operational planning.

    What Are Employer’s Liability or Part B limits?

    Workers’ compensation limits refer to the maximum amount an insurance policy will pay if an employee decides to sue you for a work-related illness or injury. These limits are typically broken down into different categories, such as:

    • Per accident: The maximum payout for a single incident.
    • Per employee: The maximum payout for claims made by one employee.
    • Policy aggregate: The total amount the policy will cover across all claims during a policy period.

    Different policies offer different limits, and choosing the right coverage depends on the size of your workforce, the nature of your business operations, and your risk exposure. Typical policy limits are $100,000 per accident, $500,000 per policy, and $100,000 per employee.

    How Claims Impact Employers

    When an employee files a workers’ compensation claim, the employer may face several consequences. If a company has a history of frequent, severe, or high-cost claims, it may receive higher insurance premium costs. A higher number of claims can disrupt operations by affecting productivity and staffing. If an employee is absent from work due to an accident, it can reduce overall production, efficiency, and morale within the workplace. Additionally, the absence of an employee can lead to increased labor costs due to overtime pay for other employees covering for the missing worker.

    Managing these claims requires significant time and administrative effort. Completing paperwork, managing expenses, conducting investigations, and implementing safety measures can shift focus away from core business operations. Understanding policy limits is crucial for reducing these risks and facilitating smoother claim handling.

    GMS Workers’ Compensation Coverage

    Choosing the right workers’ compensation policy and understanding its limits is a key part of responsible business management. Group Management Services (GMS) provides workers’ compensation, assistance, and coverage with a policy limit of  $1 million. This coverage helps protect businesses from the financial strain of workplace injuries while ensuring employees receive the care and support they need.

    Our team can assist with post-accident and claims investigation, return-to-work programs, claims certification, and more. We act as a helping hand as you navigate workers’ compensation and accompanying claims, giving you the expertise and knowledge you need to manage costs, protect your employees, and implement proper safety measures.

    With GMS’ $1 million coverage, employers can feel confident they have strong protection in place. Still, it’s important to regularly review your policy and claims history to ensure your coverage continues to meet your needs. Feel free to contact us and learn more!

  • The home health care industry is currently experiencing significant growth and transformation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of home health and personal care aides is projected to grow 21%, much faster than the average for all occupations. This surge is driven by an aging Baby Boomer population and a preference for in-home care. However, agencies face challenges such as workforce shortages, regulatory compliance, and operational inefficiencies.

    Professional employer organizations (PEOs) are stepping in to address these issues, providing comprehensive solutions that relieve agencies of the burden of workforce management, allowing them to focus on delivering quality care.

    Addressing workforce shortages and enhancing retention

    One of the biggest headaches for home health care providers is recruiting and retaining qualified caregivers. The nature of the work, often physically demanding, emotionally taxing, and irregularly scheduled, combined with a competitive labor market, makes it challenging to keep caregivers engaged and loyal. Group Management Services (GMS)offers strategic solutions to this problem by simplifying hiring through access to broader talent pools and providing centralized recruiting support.

    Beyond recruitment, PEOs also help home health agencies offer benefits packages typically unavailable to smaller businesses, including health insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. These enhanced benefits boost employee satisfaction and retention, which is vital for maintaining continuity of care and controlling operational costs.

    Ensuring compliance and mitigating risks

    Home health care providers must navigate a complex regulatory landscape, including requirements from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), as well as state-specific licensing and employment laws. Noncompliance can result in hefty fines, legal liabilities, and damaged reputations. GMS’ expertise in human resources (HR) compliance ensures agencies stay up to date with changing regulations.

    By managing payroll, workers’ compensation, and benefits administration through a PEO, agencies reduce their risk exposure and gain peace of mind. PEOs also take a proactive approach by helping implement workplace safety programs tailored to home care environments, reducing injury risks. This proactive approach not only protects employees but also shields agencies from costly claims and litigation, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.

    Optimizing operational efficiency

    For many home health care providers, administrative tasks like payroll processing, tax filings, and benefits management consume time and resources that could be better spent on patient care and growth. GMS’ services streamline these functions by providing advanced HR software and dedicated HR professionals who handle day-to-day administrative work efficiently and accurately.

    This eases the administrative burden on small to midsize agencies, allowing leadership and caregivers to concentrate on service delivery. Automated HR systems also enhance accuracy and ensure compliance with tax laws, reducing costly mistakes and potential audits. The outcome is a more streamlined, efficient operation that promotes sustainable growth and improved patient outcomes.

    PEO Benefits For Home Health Care Agencies

    The home health care industry is changing rapidly. Agencies that neglect workforce retention, compliance, and operational issues risk falling behind competitors and compromising patient care. Partnering with a PEO like GMS offers a comprehensive solution that equips home health care providers with the tools they need to succeed. With GMS’ specialized industry knowledge and hands-on guidance, agencies can confidently handle complexity and stay focused on delivering compassionate, high-quality care where it’s needed most.

    “Our experience with the payroll managers and payroll processing services has been fantastic. We’ve been extremely pleased. GMS has been an invaluable resource. In addition, GMS assisted in implementing the Drug Free Workplace and Professional Development Program (PDP) programs. Without GMS, we would never have accomplished our goals. In short, our partnership with GMS and their staff has been a rewarding experience.”

    – Business owner, Home Health Care Organization

    For more information on how GMS can support your home health care agency, contact us today!

  • Ensuring workplace safety and maintaining regulatory compliance are essential responsibilities for any business owner. While some industries pose fewer risks than others, every organization benefits from implementing strong safety policies and procedures. Prioritizing workplace safety reduces accident rates, improves productivity, and lowers potential workers’ compensation costs. One of the most effective ways to safeguard your workforce and business operations is through a comprehensive risk assessment.

    What Is a Risk Assessment?

    A risk assessment is the process of identifying potential hazards in the workplace and the associated risks within an environment. It helps business owners proactively address safety concerns before they lead to incidents. Risk assessments are a proactive approach towards maintaining workplace safety and should be conducted thoroughly and consistently to ensure regulatory compliance.

    Risk assessments typically follow three steps:

    1. Identify hazards in the workplace
    2. Evaluate the risk level and likelihood of each hazard
    3. Develop solutions to control or eliminate the risks

    While a risk assessment is more detailed, the objective remains the same: identify hazards and implement effective solutions to minimize risk.

    Why Risk Assessments Matter

    1. Protection

    The primary purpose of a risk assessment is to create a safer environment for employees and clients. By identifying and addressing hazards, businesses can prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses. A safe workplace fosters peace of mind, reduces stress, enhances productivity, and can reduce the number of workers’ compensation claims.

    2. Compliance

    As a business owner, keeping up with federal, state, and local safety regulations can be overwhelming, especially while managing day-to-day business operations. Risk assessments help identify areas of concern and help you decide what solutions to implement. When you’re compliant, you keep your employees safe from risk and your company from potential reputational damage and monetary penalties.

    3. Efficiency

    When you have clear and compliant guidelines in place within your workplace, it improves overall safety, morale, and efficiency. Establishing company-wide rules about the proper way to respond to a hazard or accident reduces the risk of mistakes, saves time during an emergency, and gives your workforce peace of mind knowing there is a plan in place. It’s also a good idea to develop emergency action plans, run daily safety checks, and require employees to wear protective clothing to improve the overall safety of your workplace.

    Benefits of Conducting Risk Assessments

    Regular risk assessments offer numerous benefits:

    • Timely intervention to prevent accidents
    • Improved awareness of safety issues among employees
    • Data-driven insights into problem areas
    • Continuous improvement of safety policies and procedures

    Safety policies can always be improved upon; therefore, conducting a risk assessment consistently ensures the overall safety of your workplace and fosters a culture focused on safety, awareness, and accountability. These assessments proactively identify vulnerabilities, preventing emergencies and costly fines.

    Workplace Safety with GMS

    Risk assessments aren’t just another risk management strategy; they’re a vital part of maintaining a safe and productive workplace. Managing workplace safety is an important and challenging responsibility, but you don’t have to do it alone. Luckily, there are third-party companies like Group Management Services (GMS) that can assist with risk management and workplace safety.

    GMS’ safety experts offer a range of services, including conducting risk assessments, performing job hazard analyses, assisting with compliance, consulting on potential safety solutions, and inspecting your workplace through job site evaluations, and more. By investing in safety, organizations protect their people, preserve their reputation, and build the foundation for long-term success.

    For any needs related to risk management and workplace safety, GMS is there to help. Learn more about our risk management services here!

  • As summer comes to an end, so do the seasonal hiring surges that many businesses rely on to keep up with demand. From retail and hospitality to tourism and event-based industries, the end of summer often signals a major shift in workforce demands. Employers need to adjust their staffing strategies, manage workforce transitions, and prepare for the fall and holiday seasons ahead, all while remaining compliant with employment laws.

    Here’s what end-of-summer hiring shifts typically look like and how a professional employer organization (PEO) like Group Management Services (GMS) can support your business during this transition.

    Reduced Seasonal Hiring

    The back-to-school season and the end of vacation months bring a noticeable slowdown for many industries. Businesses that increased staffing during peak summer may no longer need extra workers. In response, some employers will greatly reduce or eliminate seasonal positions. Others might choose to keep top-performing seasonal workers through temporary or part-time roles, making retention strategies a smart move. A PEO can help by managing seasonal offboarding, ensuring compliance with wage and hour laws, and simplifying transitions to different types of employment.

    Refocusing on Long-Term Staff

    Once the seasonal rush ends, many employers turn their attention to building and strengthening their core team. This may involve recruiting for long-term roles to support upcoming seasonal operations or investing in current employees through training and upskilling initiatives. Partnering with a PEO gives you access to talent acquisition support, learning and development resources, and performance management tools that help you retain top talent and build a more stable workforce.

    Adjusting Work Schedules

    With reduced workloads, scheduling adjustments are common. You may need to scale back hours, shift work times, or consolidate job duties. These changes should be communicated clearly to employees and tracked accurately to avoid compliance issues with wage and hour regulations. A PEO provides workforce planning expertise and time-tracking solutions that make it easier to manage scheduling changes and compliance.

    Potential for Layoffs

    As demand slows, laying off seasonal employees might be necessary. However, employers must handle this process carefully. If a worker was promised a certain length of employment, early termination could carry legal risks. It’s important to understand notice requirements, severance obligations, and applicable state laws related to seasonal layoffs. With a PEO, you gain access to human resource (HR) professionals and legal experts who can guide you through these procedures while safeguarding your business from compliance issues.

    Increased Demand in Specific Roles

    While some positions wind down after summer, others start to ramp up. Many businesses experience increased demand in customer service, sales, shipping, and logistics as fall promotions and holiday preparations begin. Proactive hiring in these areas is crucial to make sure your business is prepared for the busy season ahead. GMS can support your efforts by helping you identify staffing needs, create effective job postings, manage onboarding, and ensure new hires are properly classified and receive the training they need to succeed.

    Transitioning Seasonal Employees

    If you have standout seasonal employees, this is a great time to consider offering them a more permanent role. Providing training and development opportunities helps these workers grow into new positions and boosts retention. It is also a smart way to fill open roles with individuals who already understand your company culture and operations. Our HR experts can help design clear pathways for seasonal-to-permanent transitions and handle onboarding tasks to ensure a smooth and compliant process.

    Legal Considerations During Transitions

    Employment law doesn’t take a break, and end-of-season transitions can create legal challenges. From classification issues and wage compliance to benefits eligibility and layoff notices, it’s important to stay informed about changing regulations. Mistakes can result in penalties or harm employee relationships. GMS helps ensure your business stays compliant with all relevant laws, including federal, state, and local regulations. We keep your policies current and offer guidance to help you confidently handle complex employment situations.

    Partner with GMS for a Seamless Transition

    As hiring needs evolve with the seasons, it’s important to have a trusted partner that can help you manage workforce changes smoothly and legally. GMS offers comprehensive HR outsourcing services designed to take the pressure off your internal team so you can focus on running your business.

    We’ll help you:

    • Onboard and offboard seasonal staff with proper classification, documentation, and legal compliance
    • Provide expert HR guidance on scheduling, workforce planning, layoffs, and role transitions
    • Support recruitment through job postings, applicant tracking, and hiring best practices
    • Adjust payroll to reflect staffing changes and avoid costly errors
    • Offer training tools to upskill employees ahead of the holiday season
    • Enhance retention by offering competitive benefits

    Let’s simplify your staffing strategy! Contact GMS today to learn how our HR solutions can support your business through every season.

  • Creating a safe work environment isn’t just about limiting accidents or reducing workers’ compensation rates; it’s about protecting your workforce, your reputation, and your bottom line. Workplace accidents can lead to lost productivity, compliance issues, and decreased employee morale. Fortunately, with the right risk management strategies and safety policies, many injuries and accidents can be prevented. Continue reading to learn about a variety of risk management strategies that can help reduce accident and injury rates.

    1. Conduct a job site inspection

    The first step to cultivating a safer work environment is to carefully inspect and review your current workplace for potential hazards and identify high-risk areas. It may be beneficial to make a list of the hazards you’ve found, and then you can begin identifying potential solutions to eliminate them. Common hazards include unguarded machinery, chemicals, improper lifting techniques, proximity to flammable materials, lack of personal safety equipment or gear, and more. If you’re unsure about how to identify a safety hazard or implement measures to reduce those risks, there are third-party companies, like Group Management Services (GMS), that can assist with jobsite inspections and hazard identification.

    2. Develop clear safety policies

    Another way to prevent potential accidents or injuries is by developing clear safety policies. These can include mandating employees to wear protective equipment on a specific machine, requiring eye protection, and providing continuous education and training on certain processes or machines. Create and maintain a written safety program that outlines workplace procedures, responsibilities, and expectations. It’s also important to communicate the details of your safety program to employees, ensure these policies are easy to understand and accessible, and keep your workforce up to date with any changes that are made.

    3. Provide ongoing training

    Safety training shouldn’t be a one-time program or presentation. Training should be a continuous and conscious effort, especially for companies working in high-risk environments such as construction or manufacturing. Business owners should ensure their employees are trained and knowledgeable about the equipment they use, the processes they follow, and common hazards to watch out for. Offering regular sessions on topics like equipment use, emergency procedures, and hazard recognition is a great way to start. It is also best practice to tailor training to specific roles and update it as new risks or regulations emerge.

    4. Use personal protective equipment

    Preparation is a proactive approach to ensuring a safe and healthy workplace. Business owners should ensure employees have access to essential personal protective equipment (PPE) items such as gloves, goggles, helmets, masks, and vests. These items aren’t just recommended, they’re often required, especially in high-risk industries like construction. But no matter what company or industry you operate in, wearing PPE adds an extra layer of protection and is an effective way to reduce risks and potential injuries from a workplace hazard.

    5. Work with safety experts

    To effectively build a safe and compliant workplace, consider working with risk management professionals who can provide on-site consulting, safety audits, and customized prevention plans. Additionally, a third party can assist with job training, carry out job hazard analyses, provide inspection support, and offer compliance support. Their expertise will help you identify potential issues early and streamline your safety policies and procedures.

    Risk Management with a professional employer organization

    Creating a safer workplace doesn’t happen overnight. Accident prevention and workplace safety require ongoing commitment, communication, and collaboration. Establishing a safe and compliant environment can be challenging, especially with constantly changing laws and regulations. This is why many business owners choose to partner with a certified professional employer organization (CPEO) like GMS.

    With the right resources, business owners can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. GMS’ safety experts can assist you in conducting thorough inspections, developing clear safety policies, leading ongoing training programs, and providing compliance support. Our team can also help reduce workers’ compensation rates and claims.

    By investing in safety, you’re protecting the future of your business. Explore all of the ways that GMS can help you create a safer workplace here!

  • When it comes to running a business, time is money. And if your employees are still using spreadsheets, handwritten timesheets, or outdated punch clocks to track their hours, your business could be losing more than you think. Manual time tracking might seem simple, but it opens the door to costly errors, compliance risks, and administrative headaches.

    Investing in time and attendance software isn’t just about making payroll easier. It’s about boosting accuracy, improving compliance, and uncovering the hidden costs that eat away at your bottom line.

    Continue reading to explore why making the switch to an automated time and attendance system like the one available through GMS Connect is one of the smartest moves you can make for your business.

    The Hidden Costs of Manual Time Tracking

    Manual timekeeping methods are vulnerable to human error, whether it’s an employee forgetting to clock in, a supervisor misreading a timesheet, or a typo during data entry. These mistakes can lead to:

    • Inaccurate paychecks
    • Compliance issues with wage and hour laws
    • Time theft or buddy punching
    • Wasted hours fixing timesheet discrepancies

    Even minor miscalculations can snowball into thousands of dollars in overpayments, back pay, or penalties. And if your business is ever audited by the Department of Labor or a state agency, inaccurate time records could expose you to serious fines, legal challenges, and reputational damage.

    The Benefits of Automation with GMS Connect

    GMS Connect offers a powerful time and attendance system that integrates directly with your payroll and HR software. This eliminates the need to juggle multiple systems or manually re-enter data.

    Key features include:

    • Automated time capture using web, mobile, or physical time clocks
    • Real-time visibility into employee attendance and hours worked
    • Scheduling tools to reduce labor costs and avoid understaffing
    • Built-in compliance tracking for wage and hour laws
    • Seamless payroll integration to reduce processing time and errors

    By streamlining your time and attendance processes, you save time each pay period, reduce payroll mistakes, and gain peace of mind with accurate, audit-ready records.

    Benefits for Business Owners and Employees

    Automated time tracking supports everyone in your organization. With GMS Connect, employees can clock in, view schedules, and request time off from one easy-to-use platform.

    Business owners and HR teams benefit from:

    • Less time spent on administrative tasks
    • Faster and more accurate payroll
    • Improved employee satisfaction
    • Data-driven labor decisions based on real-time insights

    All records are stored securely in the cloud, so you have reliable access to time data anytime you need it.

    Stay Compliant, Cut Costs, and Focus on Growth

    Inaccurate time tracking can lead to more than just payroll errors. It also increases your risk of non-compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws. Automated systems like GMS Connect help reduce that risk by improving accuracy and simplifying labor law compliance.

    At GMS, we believe business owners should focus on growth, not chasing timesheets or fixing avoidable errors. Our software helps streamline your time and attendance operations so you can make confident, informed decisions.

    Ready to Eliminate Time Tracking Errors?

    Your time is valuable. Stop relying on manual processes that cost your business money and increase your risk of error. Group Management Services (GMS) can help you implement a smarter time and attendance solution through GMS Connect, backed by expert support and seamless payroll integration.

    Let’s talk about how GMS can help you improve time tracking, reduce risk, and build a stronger workforce. Schedule a 15-minute conversation today and take the first step toward smarter workforce management!

  • As a business owner, you didn’t start your company to get buried in paperwork, chase down timesheets, or spend your evenings decoding state employment laws. But those are the realities of running a business unless you partner with a professional employer organization (PEO).

    A PEO like Group Management Services (GMS) becomes the back office of your business, managing time-consuming tasks so you can stay focused on growing your company. From payroll and human resources (HR) to risk management and employee benefits, GMS streamlines operations across the board through expert support, powerful tools, and a team of experts.

    Here’s how GMS takes administrative burdens off your plate and helps you run a more efficient business.

    Simplified Human Resources

    Hiring. Onboarding. Employee handbooks. Compliance. Performance management. HR can get complicated quickly, especially for small to midsize businesses without a dedicated HR department. GMS simplifies HR by acting as an extension of your team or even your entire HR department.

    We handle the heavy lifting by:

    • Writing job descriptions and recruiting candidates
    • Managing onboarding and offboarding
    • Maintaining compliance with labor laws
    • Creating HR policies and performance review processes

    All of this is powered by GMS Connect, our all-in-one HR software platform that makes it easy to access employee data, approve paid time off (PTO), and stay organized. Whether you’re managing one employee or 100, our technology and support team streamlines your day-to-day HR functions.

    Simplified Payroll Processing

    Payroll is more than just cutting checks. It involves managing tax filings, direct deposits, deductions, garnishments, and compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations. That’s a lot of pressure and a lot of potential for costly errors.

    GMS handles payroll processing with precision and efficiency. With GMS Connect, you can automate time tracking and payroll submission, generate reports, and ensure tax filings are accurate and on time. Plus, as a certified professional employer organization (CPEO), we assume liability for payroll taxes and ensure compliance with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations.

    No more late filings. No more payroll headaches. Just more time to focus on growing your business.

    Simplified Risk Management and Compliance

    Workplace injuries. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) audits. Employment law changes. Business owners are exposed to various risks and managing them without expert guidance can result in fines or lawsuits. GMS helps simplify risk management by offering:

    • Workers’ compensation coverage through our self-insured program
    • Safety training and onsite audits
    • Claims management and return-to-work programs
    • Ongoing guidance on changing regulations

    As we are self-insured, our clients enjoy consistent and stable coverage, free from the volatility of the open market. And when incidents happen, our team is there to support both your business and your employees.

    Simplified Employee Benefits

    Offering competitive benefits is essential for attracting and retaining top talent, but managing those benefits can be complex and time-consuming. Through GMS, you gain access to high-quality, affordable benefits typically reserved for large corporations.

    Thanks to our group buying power, we help small businesses offer:

    • Retirement plans
    • Comprehensive health insurance packages
    • Dental, vision, and life insurance
    • Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account options

    Our team handles benefits administration from enrollment to renewal, ensuring your employees have the necessary coverage and your business remains compliant.

    Run Your Business, Not the Back Office

    At GMS, we simplify the complexity of business ownership. Our job is to manage the administrative work behind the scenes so you can focus on what you do best. Whether you need help hiring new employees, managing payroll, minimizing risk, or offering better benefits, we have the tools, technology, and team to make it easier.

    “Over time, I was just really comfortable with what they were offering, and I don’t have to worry as much. They [GMS] handle it, and it’s all done through them. They have their own legal team and people who ensure things are done correctly. So, it takes a lot of that stress off me, and I don’t have to worry about inputting data and trying to ensure things are done correctly. It’s done and taken care of, and I can move on to other things.”

    — Owner, Plumbing Company in Richfield, Ohio

    Let us take care of the back office so you can move your business forward. Schedule a 15-minute chat to explore whether a PEO is right for your business.

  • Knowledgeable and experienced employees are the foundation of a strong company and future business success. Effective training programs are essential for fostering a skilled, motivated, and productive workforce, helping your business in the long run. The more knowledgeable and motivated your employees are, the greater their creativity, productivity, and loyalty. Continue reading to learn why employee training is important and how it can contribute to future success.

    Reduce employee turnover

    Depending on the position and tenure of an employee, employee turnover can cost a company as much as one and a half to two times the employee’s annual salary. Therefore, from a financial standpoint, it’s more beneficial to focus on retaining employees. One effective strategy to improve retention rates is to offer employee training. Employees are more likely to stay at a company if they feel that they are being invested in by learning meaningful skills, gaining experience, and gaining industry knowledge. A strong training program can enhance the employee experience, develop the skills of your workforce, and retain top employees.

    Enhance skills and knowledge

    Effective employee training enhances the skills and knowledge of your workforce. By providing continuous education and development opportunities, employees can stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. This not only improves their performance but also helps your organization maintain a competitive edge in the market. Training can take various forms, such as presentations, online courses, seminars, conferences, and mentorship programs, but it should be customized to suit your workforce and their preferred learning styles.

    Reduce potential risks

    Compliance is a crucial element of business success. When your workforce is well-educated, employees will have a better understanding of safety standards, industry practices, and company protocols, lowering the risk of errors and potential confusion. A compliance error or workers’ compensation claim can be damaging to your company’s reputation and expensive, which can quickly chip away at your bottom line.

    Foster creativity

    A well-trained workforce is more adaptable and open to change. Training encourages employees to think creatively and think outside the box of their previous experiences. With this newfound knowledge, employees can bolster their creativity and offer more innovative ideas to your company. This creativity can also give your company a competitive edge in your industry.

    Strengthen Your Employee Training Program

    Employee training programs are beneficial for employers and employees. Organizations that invest in their employees tend to have a more dedicated workforce, higher productivity and creativity, and greater quality of work. While companies recognize the importance of employee training, implementing it can be a challenge. Unfortunately, companies often run into a myriad of problems implementing a training program, such as a lack of time to administer training, a lack of employee motivation, cost, and more. Luckily, a solution exists.

    Group Management Services (GMS) is a professional employer organization (PEO) that helps businesses streamline their back-office tasks, assists with employee management, and more. Our online employee training software simplifies job training, enhances employee performance, and reduces learning costs for online platforms and in-person training. GMS also provides an online learning management system, making it easier for workers to access training courses on their laptops or mobile devices and gain the skills necessary to support your business.

    Are you interested in learning more about our training services and how we can benefit your workforce? Click to learn more here!