Tri(Net) Before You Buy!

One of their largest struggles. TriNet does not provide dedicated account representatives or support teams, and instead they rely heavily on a support inbox queue. We've found that responses are slow to come and often contain inconclusive or insufficient detail and information, and at times require several rounds of follow-up and/or clarification to resolve. It is also true that TriNet does not empower Administrators to control a large majority of their account setup and configuration, which necessitates a higher amount of outreach to support.

The user interface is actually terrible - this system is not pretty, it's not user-friendly, and it is not intuitive. It is also true that completing tasks and building reports within the system is neither straightforward or easily navigated. There are often hidden dependencies and/or unclear field titles to content with within the datasets, and it is often a shot in the dark with how something will work. Certain fields and processes are set up in a way that is decoupled or fragmented, and it is nearly impossible to audit/QA.

TriNet is useful for small businesses who only have minimal HR, Payroll + Benefit Administration at top of mind. Anything more, and TriNet will fall considerably short of its competitors. A dynamic HRIS with higher functionality around Performance Management, Reporting, Onboarding, Engagement, Org Charting, Employee Directory, etc. is always on my mind as a People leader and administrator. We've had to invest in many non-integrated supplemental technologies in order to fill the gaps that TriNet leaves, and have struggled with their Customer Support model as well.