BBSI PEO vs Fourth

BBSI (Barrett Business Services Inc.) is a PEO founded in 1972, starting out as a staffing company. BBSI, which is also its symbol on NASDAQ, is headquartered in Vancouver, WA. It provides its services to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) spanning eight industries. They serve all 50 states in the US, with offices in 14 states. Their services include business strategy, HR consultation, risk and safety, payroll administration, workers' compensation, staffing and recruitment, employee benefits, retirement benefits, and various technology solutions. With a team of people who meet with clients on-site to understand their culture and dedication to establishing a safe workplace, BBSI provides businesses with customized services. They do not specify plans or pricing on their website, preferring prospective clients to contact them so that they can "create a pricing structure that fits their needs." They are certified by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), whose accreditation is considered the gold standard for PEO reliability and financial assurance. They have repeatedly earned the yearly "Great Place to Work" certification.

Fourth PEO, a leading Human Capital Management (HCM) software company headquartered in Austin, Texas, specializes in Professional Employer Organization (PEO) services for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). With a foundation in HCM since 1999, they have expanded into the PEO sphere, incorporating AI-driven technology into their platform. Catering to industries like restaurant, hospitality, and retail, Fourth offers a range of services, including payroll, HR solutions, benefits administration, tax management, and compliance assistance. While praised for live chat support, a dedicated HR team, and AI-driven tech, drawbacks include the lack of ESAC accreditation and limited pricing transparency. Despite some mixed customer feedback, Fourth remains a reputable choice for SMBs seeking streamlined business operations.