Dive Brief:
- Small and medium businesses typically don't have the resources to be proficient at all things HR, and often need an outsourcing option to help with some HR-related tasks. With that in mind, Mercer, the global HR consulting firm, launched an HR-on-demand service for small to midsize businesses, according to Employee Benefits News (EBN).
- The site, MercerPeoplePro, is designed to enable benefit managers and other HR staff to ask questions and get connected through the site with the appropriate Mercer consultants.
- The service will cost $250 per hour, with the first hour free for new users, EBN reports. Launching as a mobile-enabled site, there also is an app in the works, EBN reports.
Dive Insight:
Jo-Anne Bloch, partner and team leader at the Mercer Innovation Hub, told EBN that due to the complexity and regulation of the employee benefit space, getting right answers quickly can be elusive. Mercer's new tool will share their knowledge in "bite-sized pieces," especially if a client needs quick turnaround.
MercerPeoplePro experts will handle questions related to compensation, rewards, benefits (including healthcare and retirement), communication and talent management.
Mercer is just the latest big HR name to enter the SMB market with a new offering. As 'freemium' HR platforms gain popularity, more big names seem to be turning their attention to SMB solutions.
