Horizons PEO Review: Simplifying International Hiring

Understanding Horizons

Horizons was established in 2018 in Europe, focusing on globalization, local expertise, and exceptional customer service. Catering to businesses of all sizes and industries, they are one of the leading international Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and Employer of Record (EOR) providers ( also known as New Horizons or New Horizons Global Partners) that simplify global expansion. By partnering with businesses, their dedicated human resources team ensures compliance with local employment laws and supports worldwide recruitment and HR development excellence.

This company has experienced significant growth, expanding their global presence to reach over 180 global markets. They have a physical footprint in Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Africa, with a 3,000+ customer base worldwide.

Their ongoing support helps businesses navigate international hiring challenges, making them a trusted EOR and global PEO company. With expertise in local employment laws and excellent customer service, Horizons' global PEO stands out from other providers, assisting businesses in overcoming recruitment obstacles globally.

They lack industry-recognized certifications, such as accreditations from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Employer Service Assurance Corporation (ESAC). Additionally, they are not affiliated with the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) and do not have a profile on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website.

Industries & Businesses

Although they don’t specify which companies they work with, they outline the companies that should use a PEO in general. These include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with international employees between 1 and 100 and top-tier enterprises with more than 100 global employees looking to expand quickly and at a lower cost or without establishing their own entity in the country. 

Additionally, businesses that are planning a short-to-medium-length expansion can benefit from them. If you’re considering working with this provider, we recommend contacting them to inquire about your eligibility. 

Features Offered by Horizons

As a global PEO, Horizons offers a wide range of features and services designed to streamline HR functions and support businesses in various industries. Some key features include:

• Payroll management: They provide comprehensive international payroll processing services, handling payroll calculations, employee expenses, tax deductions, direct deposits, and payroll tax filings. This service ensures accurate and timely payroll administration in new markets 
• Employee benefits administration: This global PEO assists in managing employee benefits such as global health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks. They often leverage their larger employee pool to offer competitive benefits packages
• Risk management and compliance: They aid in navigating complex compliance regulations and reducing risks associated with HR functions and company culture. This includes regulatory compliance, workplace safety, and HR best practices to mitigate potential liabilities. They also offer data security per local regulations and laws mandated by the government of the country that client businesses want to start working in
• HR support and consulting: They offer local expert guidance, a supportive team, and training in various human resources topics, including employee relations, performance management, global hiring solutions, and termination procedures. Their professional advice can be invaluable for businesses navigating HR complexities
• Recruitment and talent acquisition: Because they have in-house recruitment staff, they can help in searching for, hiring, and onboarding top talents across all sectors within 48 hours, making the hiring process easier for you and your employees
• Integrated technology: Their fully integrated and innovative platform is a unique offering that gives you safe and easy-to-use internet access for managing your personnel information anytime and anywhere, as well as finding independent contractors

How does Horizons work?

Step 1: Engagement
The initial step involves confirming the engagement details between them and the client. This step includes ensuring that the employee is designated to work exclusively for the client in the country of operations.

Step 2: Employment facilitation
Their team creates an offer letter and an employment contract tailored to the client's requirements. These documents are prepared in both English and the country's local language. 

They then manage the necessary statutory declarations with local authorities and register the new employee with the local labor bureau.

Step 3: Administrative onboarding
Following this, the PEO provider handles all aspects of administrative onboarding. This entails managing local laws' requirements for immigration procedures, work permits, mandatory insurance, in-country tax registrations, and other essential declarations and registrations.

Step 4: Monthly payroll processing
Horizons takes charge of the intricate payroll responsibilities by calculating all regulatory payroll elements, such as individual income tax, social security contributions, and insurance payments. 

Afterward, they ensure timely payment disbursements through the issuance of payslips. Additionally, expense management and monthly reimbursements are incorporated at no extra cost.

Step 5: Ongoing HR and administrative support
As part of their commitment, the provider company assumes complete employer responsibilities in the country of operations. They manage all inquiries related to employment and handle all necessary statutory declarations. 

Furthermore, their support extends to addressing conflicts, overseeing employee renewals, and managing terminations as needed.

Unpacking Horizons’ Pricing Strategy

The cost of engaging a PEO like Horizons varies based on the scale of services required and the company's size. Generally, PEOs charge fees as a percentage of total payroll or a flat fee per employee. This cost structure provides a cost-effective solution for businesses looking to outsource HR functions while gaining access to better benefits and services.

Though the pricing structure isn't explained in detail, it's worth mentioning that their services start at a monthly rate of $299.

Picking the right PEO for your business can be difficult. That's why we recommend asking all the necessary questions about their prices before you sign any papers to avoid any added costs you were unaware of.

Advantages of Choosing Horizons

• Extensive features: They stand out by offering an array of comprehensive features that cover a broad spectrum of HR functions. These include payroll management, benefits administration, risk and compliance management, employee relations, training, regulatory support, and more. Their diverse suite of services caters to the multifaceted needs of businesses, providing a one-stop solution for managing various HR aspects under one roof
• User-friendly interface: Their Horizons platform and system are praised for their user-friendly design, making it easy for businesses to navigate and manage different HR processes effectively
• Cost-effective solutions: Horizons typically offers cost-effective pricing structures, which can be based on a percentage of total payroll or a flat fee per employee, providing value for the services rendered
• Customizable plans: Horizons tailors its services to meet the specific needs of diverse industries. This adaptability ensures that businesses receive specialized solutions that align with their unique requirements
• Local HR experts: One of the distinctive strengths of Horizons lies in their access to local HR experts. Their global reach enables businesses to tap into a network of professionals who possess extensive knowledge of the local laws, culture, and business practices

Limitations of Horizons 

• No industry certifications: While they offer a range of HR solutions, the absence of industry-specific certifications like NAPEO, the IRS, and ESAC certifications might concern some businesses. Industry certifications often act as a stamp of approval, signifying that a service provider meets specific industry standards or qualifications. The absence of these certifications might lead to uncertainties among businesses seeking adherence to industry-specific standards or regulations. If you are someone looking for these certifications in the PEO you want to work with, we suggest reading our top five IRS and ESAC-certified PEOs
• Unclear pricing structure: When a PEO service provider doesn't present a transparent pricing model, businesses may face challenges in understanding the full scope of costs and how they are applied. Because it’s challenging to understand the difference between their EOR and global PEO pricing structure, we suggest you get in touch with them and ask for clarification in that area
• No demo: Horizons doesn’t offer a demonstration or trial of their services. A lack of a demo or trial could pose a challenge for businesses considering a PEO solution. Demonstrations or trials allow potential clients to experience the platform's functionalities and evaluate how the services align with their specific business needs
• Lack of mobile app: The absence of a dedicated mobile application might present a limitation in terms of accessibility and convenience. In today's fast-paced business environment, having access to services on-the-go is essential. A mobile app allows for easy access to HR-related functions, enabling users to manage various HR tasks from their mobile devices

While important to consider, these limitations impact businesses differently based on their specific needs and preferences. Understanding these limitations allows potential clients to make more informed decisions when considering Horizons as their PEO service provider.

What Customers Are Saying About Them

Although there are customer reviews about this provider on trusted platforms such as Trustpilot and G2, most of them are about their EOR services and not their global PEO. They have a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot and a 4.9 out of 5 rating on G2.

Usability

Many customers praise the company for its user-friendly interface and intuitive platforms. Businesses can easily navigate various HR processes thanks to Horizons' systems' simplicity and ease-of-use.

Guidance and support

Customer reviews frequently highlight Horizons' exceptional guidance and support, especially regarding local laws and international regulations. The dedicated support teams are commended for their responsiveness and knowledge, providing timely assistance and expert advice, and helping businesses easily navigate complex HR situations.

Is it worth it?

Horizons' value proposition makes them a compelling choice for companies seeking to streamline HR functions. The array of services, cost-effectiveness, and high-quality support and guidance make the investment worthwhile for many businesses.

Although there's no documented negative feedback on this company's global PEO services, it doesn't mean there aren't customers with less pleasant experiences. Some people may choose not to share their feedback. It's a good idea to connect with current or past customers to get more insights and understand different perspectives for a thorough company evaluation.

Customer Support 

Horizons provides multiple channels for contacting their support teams in Europe or the Americas. Clients can reach out via phone at +1 (737) 265-6065 or through their online support portal. They also provide a resource page for more information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Horizons is a reliable and efficient PEO, catering to diverse industries and businesses. Their comprehensive services, user-friendly interface, robust support, and impactful solutions make them a valuable partner for companies looking to alleviate HR burdens and enhance their overall operations.

While there are inevitable trade-offs, the benefits of streamlined HR, access to better benefits, and responsive support far outweigh the disadvantages for many businesses. Ultimately, for those seeking an effective HR outsourcing solution, Horizons proves to be a worthwhile and trusted ally in navigating the complexities of HR management.

If you are unsure about this provider, we recommend visiting our PEO review, blog, and comparison pages to look through other alternatives and make the best decision for you and your employees.

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