Information Services Group, a global AI-centered technology research and advisory firm, has launched two research studies examining human resources outsourcing (HRO) providers that help enterprises modernize HR operations, strengthen employee experience and manage increasingly complex workforce and benefits programs.
Findings from the studies will be published in two comprehensive ISG Provider Lens® reports, scheduled for released in September 2026. The Transformational HR Outsourcing (HRO) Services study will evaluate providers delivering multi-process HRO solutions that enable global enterprises to consolidate and transform HR delivery across multiple process towers, often powered by AI-driven approaches. The H&W Benefits Administration Services study will assess providers that support U.S. enterprises with enrollment and eligibility, claims and billing administration, as well as compliance and reporting.
Enterprise buyers will be able to use insights from the reports to evaluate their current vendor relationships, identify potential new engagements and compare available offerings, while ISG advisors use the information to recommend providers to the firm’s buy-side clients.
HR organizations are under increasing pressure to deliver consistent employee experiences, improve data flow and manage compliance while modernizing fragmented processes. In benefits administration, rising employee expectations, increasing regulation and the growing complexity of benefit plans are exposing the limits of legacy models. In the broader field of HRO, enterprises are shifting toward integrated, multi-process arrangements that combine operational accountability with workforce analytics, AI-enabled automation and more adaptable service models.
“Enterprises are seeking HR outsourcing partners that combine operational discipline with employee-centric experiences and richer data intelligence,” said Namratha Dharshan, chief business leader at ISG. “As companies embed AI, automation and analytics into HR delivery, choosing the right providers for workforce transformation and benefits becomes a critical strategic decision.”
For the H&W Benefits Administration Services study, ISG has distributed surveys to more than 20 providers. Working in collaboration with ISG’s global advisors, the research team will produce one quadrant representing the health and welfare benefits administration services typical U.S. enterprises are buying, based on ISG’s experience working with its clients:
- H&W Benefits Administration Services, evaluating providers offering consult-to-operate models for midsize and large enterprises, supporting benefits programs for active employees, eligible dependents and retirees. Providers will be assessed on their use of intelligent automation, AI-based decision support and self-service capabilities to improve accuracy, compliance and participant engagement.
The report produced from the study will examine H&W benefits administration services available in the U.S. ISG analyst Gaurang Pagdi will serve as lead author of the report.
For the Transformational HR Outsourcing (HRO) Services study, ISG has distributed surveys to 17 providers. Working in collaboration with ISG’s global advisors, the research team will produce one quadrant representing the multi-process HRO services typical enterprises are buying, based on ISG’s experience working with its clients:
- Multi-process HR Outsourcing (MPHRO) Services, evaluating providers that help enterprises consolidate and transform HR delivery. Providers will be assessed on their ability to design integrated multi-tower solutions, deliver managed HR services, support major HR technology platforms and apply AI-based automation and workforce analytics.
The report produced from the study will cover the global market for transformational HRO services and examine HRO services available globally. ISG analyst Gaurang Pagdi will serve as lead author of the report.
Further details on the Transformational HR Outsourcing (HRO) Services study and a list of identified providers are available in this digital brochure. Details on the H&W Benefits Administration Services study and a list of identified providers are available in this digital brochure. Companies not listed as HR outsourcing service providers can contact ISG and ask to be included in the studies.
