Scaling a company is exciting—but it comes with growing pains. As your workforce expands, managing employee benefits and leave programs becomes increasingly complex. Internal HR teams face rising volumes of leave requests, compliance requirements grow more intricate, and employee satisfaction becomes harder to maintain.

The right partner doesn’t just take work off your plate—they improve how your leave program functions at every level. But not all providers are created equal.

When it comes to outsourcing leave management, companies face three distinct models:

• Big generalist providers offer standardized, low-touch solutions focused on high-volume processing at a lower cost.
• Self-serve, tech-based providers offer a more automated solution that’s often lower-cost and convenient but lacks the strategic oversight and personal guidance that complex programs require.
• High-touch, tech-backed providers like Larkin take a more strategic and integrated approach, working closely with your team to tailor solutions, provide personalized guidance, and drive long-term program improvements.

As your company scales, the model you choose can have a significant impact on your bottom line and employee experience. So, which type of partner is better equipped to help you manage growth and change smoothly?

Where do large generalists fall short?

Large third-party administrators like Sedgwick and similar generalist firms offer low-cost, high-volume solutions designed for processing efficiency. Their model focuses on handling large volumes of leave requests quickly and consistently—but without much strategic oversight or customization.

Pros of generalist leave administration

• Lower cost per claim: Generalist providers benefit from economies of scale, allowing them to offer a lower cost per claim.
• Faster initial setup: For straightforward cases, generalist providers can get programs up and running quickly.
• Centralized reporting and standardized processes: Standardized systems provide consistency and efficiency in managing claims and data.

Cons of generalist leave administration

• Rigid, one-size-fits-all solutions: Generalist models may not align with your company’s unique needs or culture.
• Limited strategic guidance: Generalist providers focus on processing rather than optimizing or improving leave programs.
• Minimal integration with your internal team: Lack of collaboration with HR means the program may feel disconnected from broader company goals.
• Increased risk of compliance gaps: Without specialized oversight, legal and regulatory changes may go unnoticed, leading to increased liability.

For static companies that have plateaued in their growth, are minimally impacted by societal and economic shifts, and rarely evolve their direction, this set-it-and-forget-it model may be sufficient. But for companies in a high-growth phase or dealing with complex compliance requirements, a low-touch solution can create more problems than it solves.

What are the limits of tech-based self-serve?

Self-serve platforms and tech-based providers offer convenience and automation, but at the expense of strategic oversight and personal guidance. These providers often rely on SaaS platforms to automate claims processing, documentation, and reporting.

Pros of tech-based self-serve

• Lower cost than high-touch models: Automation and reduced human involvement make these platforms more affordable.
• Fast and easy onboarding: Many self-serve platforms can be set up quickly with minimal disruption to business operations.
• Convenient, user-friendly interfaces: Self-serve platforms typically provide dashboards and tools that allow HR to monitor programs easily.

Cons of tech-based self-serve

• Lack of strategic guidance: Automation can only go so far; without human insight, it’s harder to identify trends or make program improvements.
• Increased risk of compliance gaps: Without expert oversight, compliance risks may go unnoticed until issues arise.
• Minimal personalization: These platforms provide surface-level solutions without adjusting to your company’s specific needs or challenges.
• Employee experience can suffer: Employees often face generic responses and automated systems rather than human interaction.

Self-serve providers work well for smaller companies with basic leave programs. But for complex or growing organizations, the lack of human oversight and strategic input can lead to compliance issues, slower processing, and employee dissatisfaction.

Why high-tough providers deliver ROI for growth-focused companies

High-touch providers like Larkin take a more integrated and strategic approach. Rather than simply processing claims, they embed dedicated experts into your team to provide ongoing guidance and oversight. A high-touch provider ensures that your leave program evolves alongside your business—without increasing the burden on your internal HR team—and the numbers back it up.

How NVIDIA scaled seamlessly with high-touch magic

Scaling from 3,300 to 18,000 employees could have been chaotic—but with Larkin, it wasn’t. Larkin’s team embedded themselves in NVIDIA’s HR operations, fine-tuning processes, managing compliance, and keeping service quality high. That level of strategic oversight ensured NVIDIA’s leave program scaled as smoothly as the business itself.

NVIDIA’s smooth growth isn’t an anomaly. A high-touch model makes success consistent and repeatable.

What’s the high-touch secret to smooth scaling?

At the heart of Larkin’s approach is the Client Services Manager (CSM)—a specialized expert who becomes an extension of your HR team. Unlike generalist and tech third-party administrators, Larkin’s CSMs don’t just process paperwork—they actively guide, advise, and support your team every step of the way.

Strategic integration

Larkin’s CSMs work closely with your HR department, integrating into your internal processes and company culture. They’re not just managing leave—they’re collaborating with your team to identify gaps, improve efficiency, and ensure that your programs align with company goals. This level of strategic partnership allows HR to offload the day-to-day burden of leave management and focus on higher-value priorities.

Personalized insights

Because they’re embedded in your team, Larkin’s CSMs provide insights that go beyond surface-level recommendations. They analyze trends, employee feedback, and program data to offer tailored strategies that improve outcomes and maximize ROI. Their recommendations aren’t one-size-fits-all—they’re shaped by a deep understanding of your organization’s unique challenges and goals.

Proactive monitoring

Larkin’s CSMs don’t wait for problems to arise—they actively monitor your program through regular touchpoints and detailed reporting. This allows them to identify potential issues early and make adjustments before they escalate. Whether it’s spotting patterns in leave usage or flagging a compliance gap, their oversight ensures that your program remains efficient and legally sound.

Specialized expertise

Managing leave isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about understanding the human element. Larkin’s CSMs have deep expertise in the specific challenges HR teams face, from handling sensitive medical information to managing intermittent leave cases. Their specialized knowledge ensures that both your organization and employees receive the highest level of care and support.

Relationships that deliver

We build meaningful relationships beyond business—approachable, reliable, and personal. We visit in person for important conversations, send well-wishes for life moments, and always follow through. Clients and brokers know they can count on us to listen carefully, remember the details, and act with integrity.

Scaling your business brings both opportunities and challenges—but the right leave management partner can make all the difference. While big generalist providers and tech-first platforms offer efficiency and convenience, they often lack the strategic oversight and personal guidance that complex programs require. Larkin’s high-touch model provides the best of both worlds: operational efficiency paired with deep strategic partnership.

If you’re trying to take your business to the next level, we’d love to help you get there. Contact us, and let’s get growing!