If you're looking to simplify your HR operations while boosting employee engagement, Coastal Payroll might just be the solution you’ve been searching for. Known for its powerful HR technology and standout customer service, Coastal Payroll has become a trusted partner for businesses needing an all-in-one HRIS. In this review, we’ll dive into the key features and strengths of Coastal Payroll, along with some important factors to consider as you evaluate if it’s the right fit for your organization. Let's explore how this platform can transform your HR processes.

Overview of Coastal Payroll

Coastal Payroll is recognized as a leading provider of HR, payroll, and benefits administration services designed primarily for small-to-mid-sized businesses with 50 to 500 employees. Organizations choosing Coastal Payroll gain access to a powerful HR platform along with a boutique-level service model, which has helped Coastal achieve high customer satisfaction and Net Promoter Score (NPS) ratings.

One of Coastal Payroll’s key advantages is its open integration architecture, which allows seamless connectivity with external systems such as benefits administration, accounting platforms, and insurance carriers. In addition to its strong technology, Coastal Payroll offers managed HR services, allowing businesses to outsource administrative tasks and focus on strategic HR activities.

The Strengths of Coastal Payroll

1. Best-in-Class Service Model

Coastal Payroll has built a reputation for its exceptional customer service, providing personalized attention and detailed support throughout the implementation process. Their focus on maintaining strong customer relationships leads to high client retention rates, with consistently strong NPS ratings that highlight their dedication to customer satisfaction.

2. Flexible Managed Services

In addition to offering a robust HR platform, Coastal Payroll provides a variety of managed services, such as payroll processing, benefits administration, and compliance management. These services allow businesses to delegate back-office HR tasks, freeing up time to focus on more strategic initiatives.

3. Strong Integration Capabilities

Coastal Payroll’s platform is known for its open integration architecture, making it easy to connect with leading Ben Admin solutions, accounting systems, and insurance carriers. Coastal also has an in-house integration team that can build custom connectors with external vendors using APIs, offering a high degree of flexibility for businesses needing specialized integrations.

4. Quality ATS and Employee Engagement Tools

The platform receives positive reviews for its Applicant Tracking System (ATS), which streamlines the recruiting process. Additionally, Coastal Payroll offers an employee-centric intranet, which improves employee engagement and enhances communication within the organization. These features make Coastal Payroll an ideal solution for businesses looking to optimize both HR processes and employee involvement.

Learn More: Compare Coastal Payroll and other leading HRIS platforms on OutSail's marketplace

Points to Consider with Coastal Payroll

1. Slower Innovation and Development

Although Coastal Payroll provides a reliable HR platform, it may not be as agile in product development as larger competitors like ADP, Paycom, and Paylocity. The platform’s limited financial resources can result in slower innovation cycles and fewer new features, potentially making it less cutting-edge than other HRIS options.

2. User Interface May Feel Dated

While Coastal Payroll’s user interface is functional and straightforward, it may not provide the modern, sleek experience that some businesses expect. Companies looking for highly advanced or visually refined interfaces may find the platform lacking in terms of design and user experience compared to industry leaders.

3. Best Suited for Small-to-Mid-Sized Companies

Coastal Payroll’s platform is designed for businesses with 50 to 500 employees and may not be the best fit for larger organizations with complex operational requirements. For companies with highly specialized or advanced HR needs, the platform may lack the depth and flexibility necessary to support their processes effectively.

Pricing Structure

Coastal Payroll uses a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) pricing model, with costs ranging between $22 and $28 PEPM, depending on the size of the organization and the specific modules required. This makes Coastal Payroll a cost-effective solution for small-to-mid-sized businesses that want a comprehensive HR platform without the high costs associated with larger providers.

Deciding if Coastal Payroll is Right for Your Business

When evaluating Coastal Payroll as your HRIS solution, it’s important to assess its strengths and potential limitations to determine if it fits your business’s specific needs.

Leveraging Strengths:

• Exceptional Customer Service: Coastal Payroll’s personalized, hands-on service ensures that businesses receive dedicated support throughout the implementation process and beyond.
• Robust Integration and Customization: The platform’s open integration architecture and in-house integration team provide flexibility, allowing businesses to easily connect with external systems and customize their HR setup.
• Managed Services Option: Coastal Payroll offers a wide range of managed services, making it an attractive choice for companies looking to offload administrative HR tasks.

Addressing Challenges:

• Slower Product Development: Coastal Payroll may not offer the latest technological innovations or new features as quickly as larger competitors, which could affect long-term scalability.
• Basic User Interface: The user interface is functional but may feel outdated compared to more advanced platforms, particularly for companies seeking a cutting-edge experience for their employees and admins.
• Limited Fit for Larger Organizations: Coastal Payroll’s platform is best suited for small-to-mid-sized businesses. Larger organizations with complex needs may find the system lacking in advanced features or customization.

Conclusion

Coastal Payroll offers a well-rounded HR platform paired with best-in-class customer service, making it an excellent choice for small-to-mid-sized businesses seeking both technology and service solutions. While Coastal Payroll may not have the brand recognition of larger competitors, it provides a cost-effective, flexible HRIS that meets the needs of companies looking for robust support and managed services.

For businesses that prioritize customer service, strong integration capabilities, and managed service options, Coastal Payroll is a solid option. However, companies looking for rapid innovation or cutting-edge features may find Coastal Payroll’s development pace and user interface a bit behind the curve. Overall, Coastal Payroll offers a compelling solution for small-to-mid-sized businesses that want a flexible, reliable HR platform at an affordable price.

FAQs

1. What are the core strengths of Coastal Payroll?
   Coastal Payroll excels in customer service, providing personalized support during implementation and beyond. The platform also offers strong integration capabilities and a range of managed services.
2. What are the challenges of Coastal Payroll?
   Coastal Payroll may lag behind larger competitors in terms of innovation and new features, and its user interface can feel somewhat dated. It is also best suited for small-to-mid-sized businesses, so larger organizations may find it limiting.
3. What is the pricing structure for Coastal Payroll?
   Coastal Payroll typically costs between $22-28 per employee per month (PEPM), making it a cost-effective HRIS option for small-to-mid-sized businesses.
4. Who is Coastal Payroll best suited for?
   Coastal Payroll is ideal for small-to-mid-sized businesses (50-500 employees) that need a flexible HR platform with strong customer support and integration capabilities. It may not be suitable for larger organizations with complex needs.