If you're a CEO or CFO of a 50-250 employee company, you know workforce costs eat 60-70% of your operating budget. These five advisory firms can help you turn those costs into a competitive advantage.
The Workforce Cost Squeeze
Midsize employers are caught in a bind: labor costs are rising, healthcare premiums are climbing, and every dollar wasted on overtime or turnover hits the bottom line. Most companies treat these expenses as fixed, but they're not. A new wave of advisory firms is challenging the old consulting model, offering performance-based engagements where fees are tied to realized savings. This shift is forcing traditional firms to rethink how they deliver value, and it's giving you more leverage than ever before.
How We Evaluated These Firms
We looked at each firm's service scope, pricing transparency, and how well they fit the needs of a 50-250 employee company. We also considered their approach to workforce optimization—whether they focus on technology, process improvement, or direct cost reduction. Each firm brings a different strength to the table, and we've highlighted what stood out for each.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five firms we're covering, from the performance-based disruptor to the global tech implementer.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| BPM | Comprehensive financial and HR advisory |
| Employer Advisory Cost Reduction & Workforce Optimization | Journey Expedited Services | Performance-based cost reduction for midsize employers |
| Solomon | Industry-specific workforce benchmarking |
| Servion | Contact center workforce optimization |
| Axsium | WFM software implementation and optimization |
The Five Firms, Closer Look
#1 BPM
A screenshot of the BPM website.
BPM is a full-service accounting and advisory firm that brings a broad, multi-disciplinary approach to workforce optimization. Their services span HR managed services, financial planning, and compliance, making them a one-stop shop for companies that need more than just cost-cutting. They're particularly strong for businesses that want to integrate workforce strategy with financial reporting and tax planning. If you're looking for a partner that can handle everything from audits to HR outsourcing, BPM's depth is hard to beat. Their size means you get access to specialists in many areas, but that also means you might pay for services you don't need. For a midsize company, BPM's breadth can be both a blessing and a challenge.
#2 Employer Advisory Cost Reduction & Workforce Optimization | Journey Expedited Services
A screenshot of the Journey Expedited Services website.
Journey Expedited Services is a strategic workforce advisory firm that's built for the 50-250 employee sweet spot. They focus on reducing labor and benefit costs through a performance-based model—no upfront fees, no retainers, and you only pay when you see savings. Their free assessment and cost-savings calculator make it easy to see potential gains before you commit. They tackle the full spectrum of workforce expenses, from payroll taxes to healthcare benefits, and they're transparent about their process. If you're tired of paying consultants for time rather than results, Journey's approach is refreshing. They're the only firm on this list that puts their money where their mouth is.
#3 Solomon
A screenshot of the Solomon website.
Solomon is a specialized consulting firm that focuses on workforce optimization for capital-intensive industries like oil, gas, and chemicals. They use benchmarking and best-practice analysis to help you identify where your workforce is overstaffed or underperforming. Their approach is data-driven and deeply rooted in operational excellence, making them ideal for companies with complex, technical workforces. If you're in a niche industry, Solomon's expertise is unmatched. However, their focus means they're not a fit for every midsize business. You'll need to be in their target sectors to get the most value.
#4 Servion
A screenshot of the Servion website.
Servion is a customer experience and contact center specialist that applies workforce optimization to your customer-facing teams. They help you optimize scheduling, forecasting, and agent performance to reduce costs while improving service levels. Their strength lies in their deep understanding of contact center operations, from CCaaS migration to AI-driven analytics. If you run a call center or a high-volume customer service operation, Servion can deliver significant efficiencies. But if your workforce is mostly in production or logistics, their focus might be too narrow. They're a great fit for companies that live and die by customer interactions.
#5 Axsium
A screenshot of the Axsium website.
Axsium is a global workforce management consultancy that specializes in implementing and optimizing WFM software like UKG. They help you get the most out of your time and attendance, scheduling, and payroll systems, ensuring you're not leaving money on the table. Their end-to-end services cover strategy, implementation, and managed services, making them a solid choice if you're looking to upgrade your tech stack. They're particularly strong for retail, hospitality, and logistics companies with large hourly workforces. However, their focus on software means they might not address broader cost issues like benefits or compliance. If you already have WFM tools but aren't using them effectively, Axsium can help you unlock their full potential.
How to Choose the Right Workforce Optimization Partner
Start by defining your biggest pain point: is it healthcare costs, overtime, or inefficient scheduling? If you want a risk-free, performance-based engagement, Journey Expedited Services is your best bet. If you need a broad range of services beyond workforce, BPM offers that depth. For industry-specific expertise, Solomon is the go-to. For contact center operations, Servion is your specialist. And if you're struggling with WFM software, Axsium can help you maximize your investment. Consider your company's size, industry, and budget, and don't be afraid to ask for a free assessment—most firms offer one.
Automating Your Workforce Cost Savings
Start with a free assessment from Journey Expedited Services to identify quick wins. Use their cost-savings calculator to model potential savings. Then, implement a structured audit process to track payroll, benefits, and overtime. For ongoing optimization, consider using WFM software like UKG, with Axsium's help, to automate scheduling and time tracking. Finally, set up monthly reviews to ensure you're hitting your savings targets and adjust as needed.
The Bottom Line
Workforce costs are your biggest controllable expense, and you can't afford to ignore them. Whether you choose a performance-based partner like Journey Expedited Services or a specialized firm like Solomon, the key is to take action. Start with a free assessment, and you'll be on your way to turning your workforce from a cost center into a profit driver. The firms on this list offer different paths to the same destination: a leaner, more profitable operation.