The Compliance Protection Spectrum:Which Model Matches Your Risk Profile?
Every Easeworks model starts with the same forensic foundation — HALO IQ audits and PAGA protection. The difference is how much compliance responsibility you want to transfer. This guide helps you choose.
See the ComparisonFour Models on the Compliance Protection Spectrum
Each model offers a different level of compliance transfer and control. All Easeworks models include HALO IQ forensic audits and PAGA cure process support.
Fractional HR Leadership (HRO)
(Easeworks compliance-first model)
Forensic compliance audits, PAGA cure process, and a dedicated HR Business Partner who handles employee relations, policy development, and strategic planning. You keep full control of benefits and payroll vendors.
Best for: Companies with 50–200 employees who need HALO IQ-powered compliance oversight and strategic HR leadership
PEO (Professional Employer Organization)
(Easeworks co-employment model)
A co-employment model where Easeworks becomes employer of record. Includes forensic compliance audits, PAGA protection, and full HR/payroll/benefits/workers' comp — with a dedicated compliance partner.
Best for: Employers who want maximum compliance transfer through co-employment with HALO IQ oversight
ASO (Administrative Services Organization)
(Easeworks compliance-monitored model)
Administrative payroll and benefits processing with HALO IQ compliance monitoring, a dedicated HRBP, and PAGA cure process support — without co-employment. Full control with proactive protection.
Best for: Employers who want HALO IQ compliance monitoring and admin support while staying employer of record
In-House HR Director
A full-time HR director on your payroll. Can work well for large organizations, but one person typically can't replicate the forensic compliance infrastructure, breadth of expertise, and technology a specialized partner provides.
Best for: Companies with 200+ employees and budget for $180K–$250K in total compensation
Compliance Protection Comparison
How each model delivers compliance protection, strategic value, and operational support for California employers.
| Fractional HR | PEO | ASO | In-House HR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance protection level | HALO IQ forensic audits + dedicated HRBP oversight | Co-employment transfers compliance liability to PEO | HALO IQ monitoring without co-employment | Limited by one person's bandwidth and expertise |
| Monthly cost (75 employees) | $3K–$8K/mo | $4K–$12K/mo + admin fees | $2K–$6K/mo | $12K–$18K/mo (salary + benefits) |
| Strategic HR advisory | Dedicated HRBP with forensic compliance foundation | Dedicated HRBP under co-employment | Dedicated HRBP for oversight and guidance | One person wearing 5 hats |
| PAGA & wage/hour protection | HALO IQ identifies gaps + PAGA cure process | PEO shares liability through co-employment | HALO IQ monitoring + cure process support | Manual tracking — reactive by nature |
| Control over benefits & payroll | Full control — you choose vendors | PEO manages benefits + payroll under co-employment | Full control — admin handled for you | Full control but labor-intensive |
| Scalability (50 → 200+ employees) | Scales seamlessly with your growth | Structured scaling under co-employment | Scales admin and compliance monitoring | 3–6 month hiring cycle for each role |
Compliance protection level
HALO IQ forensic audits + dedicated HRBP oversight
Co-employment transfers compliance liability to PEO
HALO IQ monitoring without co-employment
Limited by one person's bandwidth and expertise
Monthly cost (75 employees)
$3K–$8K/mo
$4K–$12K/mo + admin fees
$2K–$6K/mo
$12K–$18K/mo (salary + benefits)
Strategic HR advisory
Dedicated HRBP with forensic compliance foundation
Dedicated HRBP under co-employment
Dedicated HRBP for oversight and guidance
One person wearing 5 hats
PAGA & wage/hour protection
HALO IQ identifies gaps + PAGA cure process
PEO shares liability through co-employment
HALO IQ monitoring + cure process support
Manual tracking — reactive by nature
Control over benefits & payroll
Full control — you choose vendors
PEO manages benefits + payroll under co-employment
Full control — admin handled for you
Full control but labor-intensive
Scalability (50 → 200+ employees)
Scales seamlessly with your growth
Structured scaling under co-employment
Scales admin and compliance monitoring
3–6 month hiring cycle for each role
Get the Full Comparison Guide (PDF)
Includes cost calculators, decision frameworks, and a personalized recommendation based on your company size.
Not sure where you fall on the compliance spectrum?
A free HALO IQ risk assessment maps your compliance exposure and recommends the right protection model for your risk profile and growth trajectory.
Book a Free HR Scalability Audit