Human Resources Outsourcing for Small and Midsize Businesses in California
What is Human Resources Outsourcing?
Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) is the practice of partnering with an external HR provider or Professional Employer Organization (PEO) to manage essential HR functions, including payroll, benefits administration, recruitment, onboarding, compliance, employee training, and performance management. Instead of maintaining a full in-house HR department, businesses gain access to experienced HR professionals, proven processes, and advanced HR technology.
For small and midsize businesses, HR outsourcing simplifies day-to-day HR administration, supports compliance with employment regulations, reduces administrative burden, and improves workforce management. By combining dedicated HR expertise with scalable solutions, businesses can better support employees, strengthen operational efficiency, and give leadership more time to focus on strategic growth.
#1 High-Touch HR Outsourcing Partner
Since 2007, Optimum HR has provided dedicated HR outsourcing and PEO solutions with a dedicated HR support team, not a call center or rotating representative. Client emails are typically answered in under 2 hours, and 97% of inquiries are responded to for resolution within 8 business hours. Optimum HR is not a large national provider such as ADP, TriNet, and Insperity. Optimum HR delivers personalized service and a seamless transition for businesses seeking consistent, relationship-driven HR support.
Awards & Affiliations
Our Human Resources Outsourcing Services
For SMBs and startups seeking consistent HR guidance, Optimum HR provides dedicated HR support teams that work as an extension of your organization. Our HR specialists provide employee-relations support, workplace guidance, payroll administration, benefits coordination, compliance support, and performance-management resources, while your leadership team remains responsible for managing employees and making employment decisions. Integrated HR technology and secure employee self-service tools help streamline processes, centralize workforce information, improve communication, and reduce administrative workload for employers and employees.
Through our Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) services, businesses streamline hiring with applicant tracking, background checks, pre-hire assessments, salary benchmarking, structured interview practices, and electronic onboarding. These services help employers identify qualified candidates, make informed hiring decisions, standardize recruitment workflows, and create a seamless onboarding experience that improves employee readiness, engagement, and long-term retention.
We help businesses support knowledgeable, capable, and compliant workforces through practical training resources and guidance. Our solutions include Learning Management System (LMS) training, leadership and supervisor development, harassment prevention training, workplace safety training, and other compliance-focused training resources. These tools help employers strengthen workplace practices, develop effective leaders, support regulatory compliance, and provide employees with relevant training for their roles.
Our HR policy and workplace safety support helps businesses establish consistent workplace expectations and strengthen compliance practices. We assist with employee handbook development and workplace policies, including harassment prevention, anti-discrimination, and remote-work policies. For workplace safety, we provide general guidance, resources, and templates that employers can use to support their own safety programs and practices. These resources can help employers reinforce workplace expectations, promote employee awareness, and reduce employment- and workplace-related risk while the business remains responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining safety practices appropriate to its operations.
By implementing structured performance management processes, we help businesses establish measurable expectations and improve workforce accountability. Our approach includes goal tracking, key performance indicators (KPIs), appraisal cycles, continuous feedback, corrective action planning, and separation counseling during employment transitions. These structured processes provide clear performance documentation, support fair employment decisions, encourage professional development, and strengthen long-term workforce productivity.
Optimum HR helps businesses navigate changing employment regulations while reducing organizational risk through comprehensive compliance and risk management services. Our support includes HR audits, worker classification reviews, FLSA, EEO, and FMLA guidance, employee records management, unemployment claims administration, Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) support, and workers’ compensation support. Ongoing compliance oversight, accurate documentation, and proactive risk management help businesses maintain consistent employment practices, reduce compliance risks, and minimize legal exposure.
Ready for a Better Human Resources Outsourcing Experience?
Call Optimum HR at (888) 466-5521 to access dedicated HR support, expert compliance guidance, and scalable PEO solutions. With emails answered within 2 hours and personalized service from a dedicated HR team, we help businesses simplify HR operations while supporting employees at every stage of growth.
What Are the Benefits of Outsourcing Human Resources?
The benefits of HR outsourcing include lower administrative costs, more efficient HR processes, stronger compliance support, greater workforce scalability, improved talent acquisition, flexible HR solutions, better employee benefits, higher employee satisfaction, and increased focus on business growth. By partnering with an experienced HR outsourcing provider, businesses can simplify workforce management, reduce administrative burdens, and gain access to dedicated HR expertise that supports long-term operational success.
Hiring Employees in Another State? What Employers Need to Know
Why Choose Optimum HR for Human Resources Outsourcing?
Choose Optimum HR for human resources outsourcing, backed by nearly two decades of experience serving businesses since 2007. We provide a dedicated HR support team, average email response times of under 2 hours, a 97% client inquiry response performance, and resolution within 8 business hours. Our California compliance specialists combine transparent pricing, integrated HCM technology, and a high-touch, relationship-driven approach to deliver a seamless transition from national providers. Backed by a 4.8 Glassdoor rating and an industry-leading 75 Net Promoter Score (NPS), we help businesses manage HR with confidence.
Serving Businesses Since 2007
Dedicated HR Support Team
Average Email Response Time: Under 2 hours
97% Client Inquiry Response Performance
Resolution Within 8 Business Hours
California Compliance Specialists
Transparent & Predictable Pricing
Seamless Transition from National Providers
Integrated HCM Technology
High-Touch, Relationship-Driven Service
Industry-Leading 75 NPS Score
See Why Companies Partner with Our PEO
I had a wonderful experience working with Nancy and team at OptimumHR. They are very prompt in responding to any questions or audit requests. The team was very knowledgeable and helped us stay in compliance with state and federal regulations.
The company I work for switched to Optimum less than a year ago and there has been nothing but up-sides since doing so. Everybody in the company is grateful for the benefits that Optimum provides such as Life Insurance and Dental, something that we've never had before. We are very grateful as well for the extra benefits, such as the Working Advantage discounts on movie theater tickets and theme park admissions. Whenever I have a question regarding payroll or benefits, Fabiola and Shaked have always been quick, patient, and kind in their responses, which is something that I'm very grateful for. All in all, we are very pleased with Optimum and everything they are doing for us.
Been using Optimum for over 10 years at my place of business. Great payroll solution for a small to medium sized business. They take care of payroll, taxes, on-boarding and many other HR needs so you can focus on your business.
Switching to Optimum about a year ago was one of the best decisions our company has made. Their team is incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful, making everything from payroll to HR much easier to manage. I highly recommend Optimum to any company looking for a reliable, professional PEO partner. A special thank you to Fabiola and Celeste, they have been exceptional to work with and consistently go above and beyond to provide outstanding support.
I am very pleased with the fast response with the optimum team (specially) with Ana Sakoda on taking care of the questions or events that I have come across. She's very prompt on taking care business.
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!
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!
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.
We use Optimum Employer Solutions as our PEO. They are a great company. I have referred them to multiple partners of ours as well and have had nothing but a great experience. They are very attentive, they care about our company and our employees, and they are super easy to work with. I highly recommend that you use a PEO and you use Optimum for these services.
This company is a powerhouse of people that care about their work and their clients!
Optimum is an amazing company that values its team and clients.
Our Trusted Partners
Integrated HMO healthcare solutions with a focus on preventative care, affordability, and convenience.
Leading provider of voluntary benefits, group life, and disability insurance for employees.
Secure, flexible, and easy-to-manage retirement savings plans for employees of all business sizes.
Comprehensive identity theft protection to safeguard employees against cyber threats and fraud.
Affordable access to legal services, including consultations, document reviews, and attorney representation.
Pet health insurance coverage to help employees take care of their furry family members.
Exclusive employee discounts on entertainment, travel, retail, and more.
Meet Our Dedicated HR Leader
Nicole Cassens
Director of Human Resources
Best part of my job: Collaborating with such great people not only enhances our productivity but also creates a positive and supportive work enviorment that I truly value.
Best career advice ever received: The best preparation for tomorrow is to do your best today.
Go-to coffee order: Cappuccino
Favorite sports team: Angels – Go Halos!
Secret talent: Backpacked through Europe for two months. Goal to hike the Grand Canyon.
Industries We Serve
Optimum HR delivers tailored HR outsourcing solutions for industries such as technology, construction, financial advisory, engineering, and architecture. Our dedicated HR teams, supported by professional employer organizations (PEOs), provide scalable and compliant services that align with each sector’s operational demands. This approach helps businesses maintain stability, manage risk effectively, and deliver a consistent employee experience across diverse work environments.
Resources & PEO Guides
FAQs
Why Do Companies Outsource Human Resources?
Companies outsource human resources to reduce administrative workloads, access experienced HR professionals, and improve payroll, benefits administration, compliance, recruitment, and employee management. HR outsourcing also standardizes HR processes, strengthens workforce support, and helps businesses keep pace with changing employment regulations.
Is It a Good Idea to Outsource HR?
Yes, outsourcing HR is a practical solution for many small and midsize businesses that want access to dedicated HR expertise without maintaining a full in-house HR department. An experienced HR provider supports payroll, compliance, employee relations, recruitment, benefits administration, and performance management while reducing administrative burdens and improving operational efficiency.
How Much Does Outsourced HR Cost Per Hour?
Outsourced HR costs range from $75 to $400+ per hour, depending on the provider’s experience, service scope, business size, and HR complexity. While hourly consulting is common for project-based or specialized HR support, many businesses choose customized monthly retainers or per-employee pricing for ongoing HR outsourcing and PEO services. At Optimum HR, we provide tailored pricing based on your workforce size, service requirements, and long-term business objectives.
How Long Does It Typically Take to Implement HR Outsourcing?
HR outsourcing implementation takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your business size, workforce complexity, payroll requirements, benefits setup, and existing HR processes. The implementation process generally includes planning, data migration, payroll configuration, benefits enrollment, compliance reviews, HR technology setup, and employee onboarding.
Can I Customize the Services or Just Get a Standard Package?
Yes, you can customize HR outsourcing services to match your business requirements rather than choosing a standard package. Organizations can select support for payroll, benefits administration, compliance, recruitment support, employee relations, performance management, or comprehensive PEO services. Optimum HR tailors HR solutions to your workforce size, operational priorities, and long-term business objectives.
How Does Optimum HR Ensure Data Security and Protect Employee Information?
Optimum HR helps protect employee information by using secure HR technology, controlled system access, and standardized administrative processes. As a SOC 1 certified provider, we maintain controls designed to safeguard sensitive payroll and HR data. Employee records, payroll data, benefits information, and HR documents are managed through secure systems while following confidentiality practices and applicable data-handling requirements to help protect sensitive business and employee information.
What Kind of Support Do I Get if There's an Employee Issue or Urgent HR Question?
You’ll receive support from a dedicated HR team that provides guidance on employee relations, workplace concerns, policy interpretation, payroll, benefits administration, compliance, and performance management. Rather than working with a rotating call center, you’ll have consistent access to HR professionals who understand your business and respond promptly to help resolve workplace issues. When you email, you’ll receive a response in under 2 hours on average, so you can count on timely, knowledgeable support when you need it most.
Start Your Risk Mitigation Partnership Today
Is your business prepared to manage employment-related risks before they affect operations or financial stability? Optimum HR provides structured risk mitigation through our PEO services, combining HR compliance oversight, insurance integration, safety guidance, and workforce management to reduce liability and protect business continuity.
Call Optimum HR at (888) 466-5521 to connect with dedicated HR and risk mitigation support within our PEO framework. Our team supports Workers’ Compensation administration, EPLI coverage, payroll management, and employment law compliance to help SMBs manage workforce risks and maintain stable, compliant operations.