HR, Payroll, & Benefits

Professional Employer Organization (PEO) Services for Small & Midsize Businesses.

We free you to focus on what you’re good at.

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#1 High-Touch PEO for Small & Midsize Businesses

As a trusted PEO service provider, Optimum HR delivers HR solutions including payroll processing, employee benefits administration, compliance management, risk mitigation, and HCM software. Designed for SMBs in industries such as software development, manufacturing, wholesale, HVAC, and more, our PEO services reduce HR workload, streamline operations, and provide dedicated support from consultation through implementation.

Optimum HR delivers real people and fast responses, with calls answered by a real person and emails receiving a response in under 2 hours, supported by a strong NPS score of 75. Our PEO software manages payroll, benefits, compliance, and risk while helping businesses meet California, multi-state, and federal regulations. Call Optimum HR at (888) 466-5521 for tailored PEO services, transparent pricing, and responsive HR support that helps SMBs grow efficiently.

Awards & Affiliations

Our PEO Services for Small & Midsize Businesses

Our HR outsourcing services provide SMBs with a comprehensive solution for managing human resources, including recruitment best practices, employee relations, performance management, compliance, and training. Through our co-employment model, we work as an extension of your business, taking on critical HR functions while you maintain all operational control. Our team ensures your business stays compliant with labor laws, manages employee benefits, and fosters a positive work culture – all while minimizing administrative burdens. This partnership allows SMBs to reduce risk, enhance operational efficiency, and improve employee satisfaction, helping their businesses grow and scale confidently.

Optimum HR’s payroll processing and tax administration services offer SMBs and startups a complete solution for managing the payroll lifecycle, from employee compensation to tax filings. We handle direct deposits, W-2s, garnishments, and ensure accurate tax filings, including IRS Forms 941 and 940. With Optimum HR, a trusted PEO, you can mitigate payroll-related risks, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. As your true HR partner, we provide audit-ready records, improve accuracy, and help you avoid costly penalties for tax errors, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

For SMBs, Optimum HR manages employment law and compliance, ensuring your business adheres to key regulations and guidelines, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), ERISA, ACA, COBRA, and EEOC guidelines. As your co-employer, we handle worker classification, employee handbooks, benefits administration, and help mitigate non-compliance risks, including costly violations. We proactively identify compliance gaps and ensure adherence to IRS and Department of Labor rules, adapting to new or updated regulations. With Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) and comprehensive client service agreements, we provide audit-ready documentation to help keep your business compliant and reduce legal exposure.

To help manage workers’ compensation claims and reduce risk exposure, Optimum HR offers claims management support, workplace risk guidance, and return-to-work program assistance. Our team works with carriers and administrators to help coordinate claims handling, support communication throughout the process, and assist with settlement discussions when appropriate.
With our pay-as-you-go billing system, businesses can improve cash flow by eliminating large upfront premium payments. Optimum HR also provides guidance and resources to help employers address workplace risk, manage claims more effectively, and reduce the overall administrative burden associated with workers’ compensation.

Optimum HR provides comprehensive employee benefits administration for SMBs, managing the entire lifecycle, from plan selection and enrollment to ongoing management. We leverage pooled purchasing power to help SMBs access competitive rates on health, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plans while managing overall benefits costs. Our services include managing 401(k) plans, FSAs, EAPs, wellness, and ancillary benefits. We also offer digital platforms that let employees easily manage their benefits, reducing administrative overhead and data errors. We help businesses navigate ACA requirements and regulations while supporting benefits administration, reducing risk, and improving employee satisfaction and retention so you can focus on growing your business.

We offer SMBs a cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) software platform to manage employees throughout their lifecycle, from onboarding to terminations. The system streamlines HR tasks such as competency tracking, compensation reporting, and timekeeping while automating deductions, direct deposits, and tax filings to improve accuracy and reduce administrative work. Employees can access paychecks and W-2s, and update payroll details through the platform, while built-in analytics identify potential wage and hour issues and support both web-based and traditional timekeeping to ensure accurate records and better compliance.

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Ready for a Better PEO Experience?

Call Optimum HR, a leading PEO service provider, at (888) 466-5521 to experience unmatched responsiveness and strategic HR support. Let us help streamline your operations, reduce risks, and drive business growth with our high-touch, tailored solutions.

Why Choose Optimum HR for PEO Solutions?

SMBs and startups choose Optimum HR for our comprehensive PEO services, including high-touch HR support, streamlined compliance, and cost-effective solutions that drive growth and efficiency. Our PEO software and solutions help businesses in industries like software development, light manufacturing, wholesale, and HVAC by managing payroll, benefits, and risk while ensuring regulatory compliance. With real people answering your calls and emails receiving a response in under 2 hours, we offer unmatched service and transparency. Backed by a dedicated team of California compliance specialists, a 75 NPS score, and 10x “Best Place to Work” recognition, Optimum HR is committed to empowering businesses and their people to reach their highest potential.

Dedicated HR Support Team

Industry-Leading 75 NPS Score

Average Email Response Time: Under 2 Hours

Transparent & Predictable Pricing

Compliance Specialists

10x Orange County Business Journal “Best Place to Work”

Seamless PEO Transition from National Providers

Full-Service PEO with Integrated HCM Technology

See Why Companies Partner with Our PEO

Bryan Guardado
Bryan Guardado 12 hours ago

Optimum HR has been an excellent partner for our company. Their team has provided strong support in payroll, HR, employee benefits, and compliance-related matters. They are responsive, professional, and always willing to help when questions come up. Having a dependable partner like Optimum HR has made a real difference for our business, and we truly value the support they provide. I would highly recommend them to any company looking for reliable HR and payroll services.

Optimum has been our payroll and HR partner for the last 12 years. They have grown and adapted alongside our business as we expanded and transitioned toward a more dispersed workforce. They eliminate the stress of managing payroll across multiple states and staying current with compliance regulations. Their team is very knowledgeable, friendly and happy to help!

Mike R
Mike R 3 weeks ago

I am very satisfied with the level of service we receive from Optimum in providing support for payroll, benefits and HR. My team is Nicole, Julio, Lindsey and Nicki. Thank you Optimum Team!

Tania Chevalier
Tania Chevalier a month ago

I've had the privilege of working with Optimum HR to support our mutual client, and I've always been impressed by them. The team is professional, thorough, and very responsive. I'm especially grateful to work with Nicki Tran and Julio because I can always count on their support.

Tester 16
Tester 16 a month ago

Shaked went on a zoom call with me and was super friendly and knowledgeable to the general information I had. For very specific questions, she provided me the information needed to get.

Sue Regan
Sue Regan 2 months ago

I always had a great experience working with the OptimumHr team. I would highly recommend this company to anyone!

Cherron Hart
Cherron Hart 2 months ago

What a life savor for our small business. We no longer worry about HR, compliance reports, payroll reports and filing of payroll taxes. Employee handbooks too. Optimum takes care of it all. Work comp too. They are a 5 star one stop shop that takes care of all of your payroll and HR needs by leading professionals that know the task at hand. We've been a happy client of just over 5 years.

Britney Harner
Britney Harner 2 months ago

We have had an excellent experience partnering with HR PEO Optimum and would highly recommend them to organizations seeking a knowledgeable, responsive, and reliable PEO - particularly those operating in California. From the outset, Optimum’s entire team has been outstanding. Their sales and transition team ensured a smooth onboarding process, and their payroll, HR generalists, and support staff have consistently been friendly, respectful, extremely responsive, and easy to work with. Their level of professionalism and subject-matter expertise inspires confidence and makes day-to-day HR operations significantly more manageable. We are very satisfied with Optimum’s payroll and expense platforms, which are well-suited for a small business. Beyond technology, their depth of resources has been invaluable. Optimum assisted us with drafting a compliant employee handbook, managing leaves of absence, and supporting both hiring and separation processes with clarity and care. As a California-based PEO, Optimum’s knowledge of state-specific employment laws and regulatory requirements is a major advantage. Their guidance has helped us navigate complex compliance issues proactively, reducing risk and allowing our leadership team to focus on running the business. What truly sets Optimum apart is their partnership mindset. They are not just a service provider, but a trusted extension of our organization—thoughtful, responsive, and genuinely invested in our success. For any executive team evaluating PEO options, Optimum delivers exceptional value, expertise, and peace of mind. We are extremely pleased with their services and consider them a wonderful partner.

Wayne Nakasone
Wayne Nakasone 2 months ago

Nancy and the other team members at Optimum HR has always been helpful and very knowledgable on all my HR and Payroll questions. Easy to to work with and quick response time.

Optimum is the PEO of my company in Los Angeles and my team consists of Nancy, Ana, and Shaked. They are very responsive, efficient and friendly.

Our Trusted Partners

Industries We Serve

Optimum HR provides tailored PEO services to a wide range of industries, including technology, construction, financial Advisors, engineering, life sciences, logistics, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, architecture, marketing, wholesale, and more. Our expertise in HR, payroll, and compliance helps businesses in these sectors focus on growth while ensuring operational efficiency. We deliver customized solutions that reduce risks, enhance employee satisfaction, and streamline processes to meet the unique needs of each industry.

Resources & PEO Guides

What Is a Professional Employer Organization (PEO)?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) is a full-service HR partner for SMBs that manages critical HR functions, including payroll, compliance, employee benefits, and risk management. Through a co-employment relationship, the PEO shares responsibility for employees, allowing businesses to focus on core operations while ensuring HR compliance and efficiency. Optimum HR offers SMBs the support they need to streamline operations and minimize risks with comprehensive PEO software and solutions.

PEO pricing is typically structured either as a percentage of payroll or as a per-employee-per-month (PEPM) fee. Optimum HR usually uses a PEPM model, which provides more predictable pricing and helps clients avoid costs increasing simply because payroll increases. Final pricing depends on factors such as employee count, benefits needs, workers’ compensation exposure, and service scope – but the general PEPM administrative cost per employee per month is normally between $100.00 and $150.00.
PEO benefits include comprehensive HR support, including payroll processing, employee benefits administration, tax compliance, and risk management, as well as access to better employee benefits at competitive rates. Partnering with a PEO service provider like Optimum HR helps SMBs and startups streamline operations, reduce administrative overhead, and ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations. Additionally, businesses gain a dedicated HR team, scalable solutions, and the ability to offer attractive benefits that improve employee satisfaction and retention.
The process of setting up with a PEO involves an initial consultation, customizing a service plan to meet your business needs, and transitioning HR functions such as payroll and compliance management. With Optimum HR, we guide you through every step, from assessing your specific requirements to seamlessly integrating our tailored PEO solutions, ensuring a smooth setup and ongoing support.
A PEO partners with your business through a co-employment model, helping manage payroll, benefits, compliance, and HR administration while you retain control of daily operations. An EOR typically serves as the legal employer for workers, often for companies hiring in states or countries where they do not have an entity. For businesses looking for ongoing HR support within their existing company structure, a PEO is often the better fit.

Small and midsize businesses (SMBs) use PEOs to streamline HR, payroll, compliance, and benefits administration, allowing them to focus on core operations. Industries like software development, manufacturing, wholesale,  HVAC and many other industries rely on PEOs to manage HR processes, mitigate risk, and ensure compliance. Optimum HR helps these businesses reduce administrative burdens, stay compliant, and scale effectively.

To switch from your current PEO, you will review, research, compare, and choose a new PEO provider, sign an agreement, prepare necessary data, notify your current PEO, and transfer benefits. Optimum HR will guide you through each step, ensuring a seamless transition by handling all administrative details, including payroll, benefits, and compliance. We will also help inform your employees and ensure minimal disruption to your business operations.

Start Your PEO Partnership Today

Are you ready to streamline your HR operations and focus on growing your business? Optimum HR offers tailored PEO solutions that reduce administrative burdens, ensure compliance, and help you scale efficiently. With our high-touch HR services and dedicated support team, we ensure SMBs have the tools and expertise they need to thrive.

Call Optimum HR at (888) 466-5521 to unlock comprehensive HR solutions designed to save you time, reduce risk, and drive business growth. As a leading PEO service provider, we offer unmatched responsiveness, industry expertise, and transparent pricing to help SMBs and startups stay compliant and achieve their full potential. Let us be your trusted partner in growth and success.