The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations reported that 84% of PEOs say it’s likely there will be an increase in the number of worksite employees, based on a new survey released Monday. And 33% say the increase will be significant.

“This most recent survey demonstrates a continued pattern of sustained, vibrant growth by PEOs,” said NAPEO President and CEO Pat Cleary. “It’s clear that more and more small and mid-sized businesses have realized that using a PEO is good for their business and their employees. PEOs deliver enormous value to businesses by providing HR services and solutions that they would otherwise be unable to afford.”

A total of 50 PEO executives responded to the survey, which is conducted each quarter. The current survey, which took place in October, also found that third-quarter revenue and gross profit increased somewhat year over year while the average number of worksite employees and number of internal employees stayed the same.

Execs also said the number of clients increased somewhat in the third quarter and the number of workers’ comp claims reported to carriers remained about the same.