Dagne Dover

A single solution to handle an expanding menu of HR functions

When the cofounders set out to pay their first employees, they had a decision to make. Like most start-up entrepreneurs, their expertise was not in compliant payroll and benefits administration, so they quickly recognized the value of outsourcing these HR functions. With a professional employer organization (PEO) that bundles HR services like payroll processing, HR expertise, access to benefits, 401(k) plan administration, risk management services and many more, they could stay focused on the crucial business function of thoughtfully designing products. “We needed a solution that would make providing access to benefits easy for us. Through some recommendations and evaluation of a couple of different companies, we came to TriNet and haven't looked back since,” acknowledged Deepa.

For companies like Dagne Dover who are committed to staying lean, intuitive, self-service technology plays a crucial role. “Since we started working with TriNet in 2014, I haven't had to worry if payroll processed properly, about our payroll taxes nor benefits. It’s a one stop shop; I love having one place to go,” said Deepa. The single TriNet technology platform takes the bulk of payroll administration off Deepa’s plate. The platform handles payroll tax calculations, payroll tax filings, electronic W-2 preparation and delivery and the ability to enroll in benefits, extending into a positive payroll experience for their leadership and employees alike. Like many businesses in the age of COVID-19, Dagne Dover secured a PPP loan but they didn’t lose sleep over the required documentation and forgiveness process. Through Workforce Analytics, TriNet’s reporting tool within the platform, Deepa could access pre-built PPP-specific report templates developed by TriNet experts.

TriNet understands that not everything can be handled in a technology platform, so Deepa can also work directly with HR experts to help her navigate employment-related complexities spanning termination processes, company policy templates and immigration needs. “Having an expert answer those questions gives me peace of mind as a business owner,” acknowledges Deepa.

Supporting a culture where people matter

“Culture at Dagne is extremely important. I love to describe it as a people first culture—the people who work at the company matter, our customers matter. The team is small which allows us to have a very strong community feel to it which extends to all of our partners, investors and customers. It's all about the humans that are part of our ecosystem and building a conscious, empathetic culture,” emphasized Deepa.

Dagne’s culture thrives because they foster an environment where employees feel valued, which is in part demonstrated through a comprehensive benefit offering. “Ensuring that our team doesn't just have benefits, but good benefits is important,” said Deepa. “That was another differentiating factor and the reason we work with TriNet—I'm able to provide access to cost-effective, high quality health, dental, and vision benefits to our employees.” Dagne Dover can tout that their offering includes access to a range of benefits with TriNet that go beyond medical plans, including flexible spending accounts, critical accident and illness policies, telemedicine, vision, disability, life insurance and 401(k), among many more designed to meet their employees’ needs.

By adopting the TriNet 401(k) plan, Deepa’s team isn’t bogged down with the vast amount of plan requirements such as contribution and data submission, compliance testing, Form 5500 filing and investment monitoring. That’s because TriNet helps alleviate these administrative, compliance and fiduciary responsibilities. Since the plan fees are paid out of participant accounts, there’s no out-of-pocket cost to their company. Plus, plan fees are lower than the industry average which makes it easier for their employees to save for retirement. *

*Reprinted under license from Pension Data Source, Inc. Publishers of the 401(k) Averages Book. The 401(k) Averages Book provides 401(k) Plan average cost information compiled from a variety of sources. The data is used to compare costs of similar sized retirement plans typically in a single employer plan design. TriNet offers a multiple employer plan that clients have the option of offering. Clients that adopt a multiple employer plan will be varying in size. Asset size & participant count will have an impact on total cost. TriNet assesses 401(k) Plan fees through a combination of asset based percentages and flat dollar amounts.