June 2025: Top 11 HR Outsourcing & Outsourced HR - Companies, Providers, Consultants, & Consulting Firms
Updated: June 2025
"Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success." — Henry Ford
Why More Companies Are Handing Off HR (And Why It’s a Smart Move)
Let’s be honest… HR is one of those must-have business functions that can quietly eat up time and resources if you try to do it all in-house.
That’s why a growing number of companies are outsourcing HR tasks, from payroll to performance review, to specialists who live and breathe this stuff. The right outsourced HR partner saves you headaches while freeing your team to focus on what really drives growth.
What’s the Real Value of Outsourcing HR?
For starters, outsourcing means you instantly get access to expert HR knowledge and cutting-edge tools, without the cost of building your own HR department. These firms know compliance inside and out (so you can sleep at night), and they’re pros at managing the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring to retiring.
And here’s the kicker: Businesses that outsource HR often see improved employee engagement and retention. Why? Because professional HR partners bring innovative practices and fresh perspectives to your people strategy, and happy employees stick around.
In short: hand off the admin, double down on growth.
How to Pick the Right HR Partner
Not all HR outsourcing firms are created equal, so how do you find your perfect match?
Start with your own needs: do you want full-service HR or just help with certain areas like payroll, benefits, or compliance? Next, look at each firm’s experience in your industry. Seasoned providers will “get” your challenges faster. Also, consider how scalable their services are. As your business grows, your HR needs will too.
One more key factor: tech. A modern HR firm should offer slick, efficient systems that automate time-consuming tasks, help with compliance, and make life easier for both you and your employees.
TL;DR Top 11 HR Outsourcing & Outsourced HR - Companies, Providers, Consultants, & Consulting Firms
Alpha Apex Group: Alpha Apex Group delivers tailored HR outsourcing solutions, leveraging industry expertise to optimize operational efficiency and foster growth-oriented workplace environments for diverse industries.
ADP: Full-scale HR services plus smart tech, with options from basic support to full-on co-employment.
Exude Human Capital: Tailored HR solutions with an emphasis on compliance, streamlined operations, and strategic hiring advice.
Helios HR: Culture-focused HR services designed to boost recruitment and diversity efforts.
OperationsInc: Flexible HR services that scale with your company, plus deep compliance expertise.
Jumpstart HR: Agile HR services built for startups and small businesses, perfect for fast-growing teams.
Alpha Apex Group. Leaders in HR Outsourcing & Outsourced HR Consulting.
Let’s be real… HR can get messy. But Alpha Apex Group makes it feel like a breeze. They’re all about unlocking time, trimming overhead, and powering up people ops with smart, tailored solutions.
Whether it’s payroll, compliance, or training, Alpha Apex plugs into each company’s vibe and business goals to deliver custom-fit HR support. They’ve got the know-how to turn HR from a stress zone into a strategic win.
Think of Alpha Apex as your behind-the-scenes HR dream team—quietly making everything run smoother while you focus on the big stuff.
Ready to ditch the HR headaches? Check out their HR Outsourcing Services and see what a smarter setup looks like.
Key Services:
Full-spectrum HR outsourcing
Payroll processing and administration
Employee benefits management
Regulatory compliance and risk management
Training and development programs
Why work with Alpha Apex Group?
Alpha Apex Group's HR outsourcing services are designed to offload the complex and time-consuming HR tasks, allowing companies to focus on core business strategies. With their expert guidance, businesses can navigate the complexities of HR management while enhancing their workforce's productivity and satisfaction.
2. ADP
ADP’s been in the game for 75+ years, and it shows. Over 3 million employees across 140+ countries rely on their tools to get paid and stay compliant. If you’re looking for a battle-tested partner with global chops, they’re tough to beat.
The real magic? ADP isn’t just payroll anymore. Their PEO services raked in $1.57B last quarter (up 7% YoY), which means a lot of companies are trusting them to handle the full HR stack. Think: recruiting, compliance, benefits, HR tech: the whole works.
Big brands like Accor lean on ADP to run global payroll across dozens of countries. You won’t find many vendors with that kind of cross-border muscle.
In other words: if you need HR that just works, whether you’ve got 5 employees or 50,000, ADP’s the safe, scalable bet.
Key Services:
Comprehensive Payroll and Tax Management: Ensures accurate and timely payroll processing along with tax compliance.
Benefits Administration: Manages employee benefits programs, including enrollment and claims handling.
Compliance and Risk Management: Helps businesses navigate the complex landscape of HR regulations.
Recruitment and Onboarding: Assists in attracting and integrating new talent into the organization.
Employee Learning and Development: Offers programs that enhance skills and knowledge.
Customizable HR Management Solutions: Tailored services to meet specific business needs, from part-time support to complete outsourcing.
Why work with ADP?
ADP has valuable experience across various sectors, a proven track record of handling over two million employees, and recognition as a leader in the field by industry analysts. Their use of advanced analytics and integrated technology platforms provides clients with valuable business insights and a competitive edge.
3. Exude Human Capital
When your company loses its only HR person, Exude’s the call you make.
They’ve jumped into messy situations, like a manufacturer who lost their HR lead overnight, and cleaned it up fast: payroll fixed, workers’ comp sorted, HR systems streamlined. case study
They’re pros at making HR feel less corporate and more human. For one global advisory board, Exude rebuilt hiring, revamped performance reviews, and got comp strategies on point. No generic playbook here, just custom fixes.
Non-profits love them too. One major education org leaned on Exude for interim HR leadership, leadership training, and succession planning, results that stuck well beyond the contract.
With 19+ years in the game, 150+ clients a year, and a 95% satisfaction rate, Exude is built for businesses that want real HR results, not just another consultant deck.
Key Services:
HR Outsourcing
Recruitment and Hiring
Employee Morale Enhancement
Leadership and Employee Development
Why work with Exude Human Capital?
Exude offers a blend of personalized expert support that is adaptable to the culture, needs, and budget of any organization. Their approach helps reduce HR-related risks and boosts employee morale and satisfaction through improved benefits and workplace policies.
Their strategic involvement in HR allows businesses to reallocate their focus towards growth and strategic objectives, and this makes them a valuable partner for any organization that wants to improve its human capital management.
4. Helios HR
If your HR is stuck in the “check-the-box” zone, Helios HR is the team that helps you level up. They don’t do cookie-cutter; they do custom solutions that move the needle.
One small biz was losing candidates because their careers page wasn’t up to scratch. Helios rebuilt it and flipped the script.
Another client had a sales team bleeding talent. Helios diagnosed the problem and built retention programs that actually worked.
They’re also RPO pros (Recruitment Process Outsourcing), helping fast-growing companies hire smarter and faster. Helios has 20+ years in the game, is nimble as hell, and is built to scale with you, whether you’ve got 20 employees or 2000.
Industries:
Government contracting
Non-profit organizations
Start-ups
Commercial enterprises
Key Services:
HR Outsourcing
Recruitment Process Outsourcing
Direct Hire Retained Search
Talent Acquisition Consulting
Strategic HR
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Compensation & Total Rewards
Compliance & Risk Management
HR Information Systems
Engagement & Performance
Training & Development
Why work with Helios HR?
Helios HR is known for its comprehensive human capital solutions that transform organizational culture and improve recruitment processes. Their approach to integrating energy and care into their services supports their clients' growth and enriches their community involvement and employee development.
5. OperationsInc
OperationsInc is one of those firms that just gets it done. Hiring blitz? No problem. A healthcare client needed to staff up fast with 40+ hires in 60 days. They pulled off 50 hires in 75 days, keeping cost-per-hire under $1K.
Compliance mess? They’ve handled those too. After an HR audit for one client, they cleaned up processes, cut non-compliance, and helped boost retention.
OperationsInc has helped 1,800+ clients across 70+ industries, from scrappy startups to established enterprises. These guys know how to scale HR solutions to fit your stage of growth.
If you want a flexible HR partner that plugs in fast and solves real problems, OperationsInc delivers. No bloated processes. No corporate jargon. Just results.
Key Services:
Human Resources Consulting and Outsourcing
Payroll Management and Systems
Recruitment and Talent Acquisition
Employee Training and Development
Compliance and Risk Management
Why work with OperationsInc?
Choosing OperationsInc allows companies to access a wide range of HR services backed by experienced professionals. They offer scalable solutions that can grow with your business, with a focus on compliance and optimizing employee management at every stage of your business journey.
6. Jumpstart HR
Jumpstart HR provides customized human resources outsourcing and consulting services aimed at small businesses and startups in the United States. Since its inception in 2011, Jumpstart HR has focused on making significant impacts in businesses as quickly as one month into their service by offering up-to-date and creative HR solutions, coupled with high-quality and personable service.
They specialize in a range of services from employee handbook creation to comprehensive recruitment processes and HR compliance monitoring. Known for their agility, Jumpstart HR helps businesses build a robust HR infrastructure that is poised for growth.
Key Services:
HR outsourcing
Recruitment services
Payroll support
HR consulting
Strategic HR partnership
Employee handbook creation
Compliance and legal HR support
Why work with Jumpstart HR?
Jumpstart HR brings a blend of strategic and reliable HR solutions to small businesses and startups, offering flexible services that are great for companies looking to scale efficiently without committing to full-time HR personnel.
Their ability to swiftly integrate into diverse business environments makes them an excellent partner for managing complex HR tasks, from legal compliance to talent acquisition and employee engagement.If you’re a founder thinking, “I need HR help but don’t want to hire a full-time HR person yet”, Jumpstart is exactly what you’re looking for. They specialize in HR for small businesses, startups, and nonprofits that want pro-level support without the corporate baggage.
They offer Flexible HR Support Subscriptions (basically fractional HR on demand). You get 20 hours/month of expert help for whatever’s on your plate: onboarding, compliance, culture-building, employee handbooks, you name it.
And they’re not just reactive. Jumpstart’s also pushing the space forward. They recently acquired Aspect43, a move that beefs up their HR tech and strategic advisory chops.
When you’re growing fast and want real HR support that scales with you, Jumpstart is one of the best-kept secrets out there.
Key Services:
HR outsourcing
Recruitment services
Payroll support
HR consulting
Strategic HR partnership
Employee handbook creation
Compliance and legal HR support
Why work with Jumpstart HR?
Jumpstart HR brings a blend of strategic and reliable HR solutions to small businesses and startups, with flexible services that are great for companies that want to scale efficiently without committing to full-time HR personnel.
Their ability to quickly integrate into diverse business environments makes them an excellent partner for managing complex HR tasks, from legal compliance to talent acquisition and employee engagement.
7. The HR Team
If you want HR that feels like it’s part of your team (without hiring a full-time crew), The HR Team’s got your back. They’ve been helping small and midsize businesses for 20+ years, from startups to $100M+ companies.
Their specialty? Being your “on-call” HR department. Whether it’s HR audits, recruiting, employee relations, comp/benefits, or leadership coaching, they jump in, get things done, and help you stay compliant (without slowing you down).
Clients dig the fact that it’s custom-fit: no cookie-cutter templates here. They tailor everything to your company’s stage and culture, so your HR actually matches how your business runs.
That makes them perfect if you’re not ready to build an internal HR team, or if your HR leader just needs a serious bench to call in.
Key Services:
HR Outsourcing
HR Consulting
Performance Management
Manager Coaching and Guidance
Compensation Analysis
HR Audits
Employee Surveys
Why work with The HR Team?
The HR Team is committed to creating customized, cost-effective HR solutions that integrate with the cultures of the organizations they serve. Their approach is all about legal compliance, operational efficiency, and strategic alignment with business goals, so clients regain the freedom to focus on their core operations and growth.
8. Higginbotham
Most folks know Higginbotham for insurance, but they’re way more than that. Think insurance + HR + payroll + risk mgmt + compliance, all under one roof. One vendor, but a ton of boxes checked.
They’ve got $ 450 M+ in revenue, 2,700 employees, and 87 offices in 16 states — so yeah, they can handle scale.
What makes them stand out? Their Day Two Services® model: meaning they don’t just “set it and forget it.” You get ongoing support on risk management, claims, HR compliance, benefits admin, and more, all year long.
They work with a ton of industries like tech, hospitality, life sciences, and more, helping businesses untangle complex risks and stay ahead of the compliance game.
If you’re scaling and want insurance + HR + risk handled in one shot, Higginbotham’s a no-brainer.
Key Services:
Payroll administration
Benefits administration
Hiring and pre-hire administration
Onboarding services
FMLA and leave administration
Why work with Higginbotham?
Higginbotham blends expert HR support with comprehensive service offerings that are customizable to meet the specific needs of any business. This alleviates the workload on internal staff and improves compliance and employee management processes.
9. Armanino
Armanino is an all-in-one ops machine for scaling businesses. Think: HR, payroll, benefits, compliance, AND finance consulting, all under one roof.
They’re a Top 20 U.S. firm pulling in $ 640 M+ revenue with 2,500+ employees across 20+ offices. Yeah, they’ve got serious muscle.
Their HR outsourcing covers employee relations, compliance, payroll, benefits, and HR tech consulting (Workday, anyone?), so you can scale HR without scaling overhead.
They also locked in private equity backing in 2024 to double down on tech investments + M&A growth. Translation: they’re investing big to stay cutting-edge.
Key Services:
Payroll Management
Employee Relations Management
Risk & Compliance Management
Benefits Administration
Talent Management and Acquisition
Compensation and Benefits Planning
Why work with Armanino?
Armanino has a holistic approach to HR services, integrating them with overall business strategies, which can be particularly beneficial for growing companies needing scalable solutions. Their use of leading-edge technology and expert consultancy gives businesses the tools to manage and develop their workforce.
10. James Moore & Co. HR Consulting
Whether you just need a fractional HR pro on speed dial or a full-blown outsourced HR department, James Moore’s got a plan for you. They’ve built smart, flexible subscription-style HR services so you can dial up support as your biz scales.
On-Call HR: Just need answers here and there? You get a certified HR consultant on tap (12 hours/year) and no bloated retainers.
Optimize HR: A dedicated HR director to partner with your team and handle the trickier stuff: compliance, employee relations, benefits, hiring, you name it.
Offload HR: Want to hand off HR entirely? They’ll run your whole HR stack: handbooks, onboarding, compliance, performance management, all of it.
The crew brings many years of combined experience across industries like startups, healthcare, construction, government, and nonprofits.
Oh, and they were named a 2024 Best-in-Class Employer by Gallagher, which means they walk the talk on employee experience.
Key Services:
Compliance and Regulatory Adherence
Compensation and Benefits Strategy
Policy and Handbook Development
Training and Performance Development
Employee Relations and Culture Consulting
Outsourced HR Director Services
Why work with James Moore & Co.?
James Moore & Co. HR Consulting offers HR solutions that integrate deeply with client operations and allow for adaptive support that aligns with each organization's culture and objectives.
Their approach means that HR practices contribute positively to the strategic goals of their clients, which makes them a valuable partner in organizational development and employee management.
11. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.
If you’re looking for HR + benefits muscle that can scale with you, Gallagher’s the real deal. They’re pulling in $ 11.4 B+ revenue advising companies from scrappy startups to the Fortune 500.
Their toolkit covers benefits consulting, HR tech, compliance, and workforce strategy: basically, everything you need to attract + retain talent without tripping legal wires.
They’re also big on data-driven HR. Their Gallagher Drive® platform helps optimize comp, benefits, and engagement, turning HR into a true business lever.
Oh, and they just dropped $660M to acquire Buck, massively expanding their global HR, pensions, and benefits consulting game.
Industries:
Aerospace
Automotive
Construction
Healthcare
Higher education
Law firms
PEO and temporary staffing
Private equity and M&A
Public sector & K-12 education
Senior living
Technology
Key Services:
HR and compensation consulting
Strategic HR planning and compliance
DEI consulting
Employee communication and engagement solutions
Leadership development
Executive search and compensation consulting
Why work with Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.?
The company's global presence and expertise across multiple industries make it a reliable partner for organizations looking to bolster their HR functions and overall employee well-being. Their commitment to ethical practices and client-centric solutions means tailored services that align with specific organizational goals.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an HR Outsourcing Partner
Not all HR outsourcing firms are built the same. Some are perfect for scrappy startups, others are built for scaling companies or enterprise beasts. Here’s what to look for when picking the right HR partner for your business:
Have They Solved Your Kind of HR Problems Before?
You don’t want to be someone’s trial run. Look for a firm that’s been around the block, and more importantly, one that’s solved problems similar to yours. Got a remote team? Growing internationally? Heavy compliance needs? Make sure your HR partner has real-world wins in those lanes. Bonus points if they’ve handled companies at your size and growth stage.
Will Their Services Scale With You (Not Against You)?
HR isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some firms just do payroll. Others can run the entire HR machine: onboarding, compliance, benefits, employee relations, leadership training… you name it. Think about what you need right now and what you might need 12 months from now. The best HR partners offer à la carte services and full-stack solutions that can flex as you grow.
How Modern (and Compatible) Is Their HR Tech?
Old-school spreadsheets aren’t gonna cut it. Look for firms using modern HR tech like self-service portals, HRIS systems, and automated onboarding workflows. Even better if their tech stacks integrate seamlessly with your existing tools (like your payroll or ERP systems). A good HR partner saves you time; a great one supercharges your ops.
Can They Actually Keep You Compliant (and Covered)?
HR comes with serious compliance baggage: labor laws, employee privacy, benefits regulations, and more. A slip-up can get expensive fast. Make sure your HR partner knows the rules inside and out and has airtight security protocols to keep your employee data safe. (Tip: Ask about how they handle sensitive data and audit trails.)
Are Their Fees Transparent, Or a Hidden Cost Trap?
HR outsourcing shouldn’t be a mystery box. Watch out for firms with vague pricing or hidden fees buried in the fine print. Look for clear, transparent pricing that matches the level of support you actually need. Whether it’s a monthly retainer, per-employee fee, or project-based model, know exactly what you’re paying for (and what you’re not).
In the graphic below, you can see a few green flags to look out for in your next HR outsourcing partner:
What HR Outsourcing Partner Will You Choose?
Finding the right HR partner is all about choosing a strategic ally. The right partner helps you hire smarter, stay compliant, keep employees happy, and scale faster.
Take the time to vet your options. Ask the hard questions. And when you find the team that “gets it”? Game-changer.
FAQ — Finding the Perfect Outsourced HR Partner
What is outsourced HR?
It’s when you hire an outside firm to handle some (or all) of your HR work, like payroll, compliance, hiring, benefits, and employee relations, so you can focus on growing your business, not managing paperwork.
What is an example of HR outsourcing?
Say you bring on a firm to run payroll and handle compliance for your team: boom, that’s HR outsourcing. Some companies go even bigger and outsource everything, essentially having a fractional HR department.
How much does it cost to outsource HR?
It depends on how much help you need. Light-touch support might run a few hundred bucks a month, while full-service HR outsourcing typically costs $100–$200 per employee per month (sometimes more for high-touch or complex setups).
What is the advantage of outsourcing HR?
You get expert HR help without hiring a full-time HR team, saving time, money, and risk. Plus, you can scale support up or down as your business grows.
What HR functions should not be outsourced?
High-touch stuff like culture-building and day-to-day leadership decisions should stay internal, but for admin-heavy tasks (payroll, compliance, benefits), outsourcing is usually a smart move.
