Archive for category: Press Releases

INFINITI HR team celebrating 10th Inc. 5000 ranking as one of America's fastest-growing private companies in 2026

INFINITI HR Named to Inc. 5000 for 10th Time, Reinforcing Legacy of Sustained Growth

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National PEO Ranks No. 4,955 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies

COLUMBIA, MD – INFINITI HR, a nationally recognized professional employer organization (PEO), today announced it has been named to the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, ranking No. 4,955 among the fastest-growing private companies in America.

The recognition marks INFINITI HR’s 10th appearance on the Inc. 5000 since the company’s founding in 2008, underscoring nearly two decades of growth, innovation and commitment to helping businesses manage increasingly complex workforce needs.

“Earning a place on the Inc. 5000 once is an accomplishment. To reach this milestone for the 10th time is something our entire organization can be incredibly proud of,” said Scott Smrkovski, CEO of INFINITI HR. “Our focus since 2008 has remained consistent: deliver exceptional service, continue innovating and help our clients build stronger businesses. This recognition reflects the dedication of our employees, the strength of our partnerships and, most importantly, the trust our clients continue to place in us.”

For INFINITI HR clients, this milestone reflects something more tangible than a ranking. A partner that has navigated multiple economic cycles, regulatory shifts, and workforce transformations while continuing to grow. A company that makes the Inc. 5000 once may have caught a favorable wave. One that earns it 10 times has built infrastructure and a client service model that sustains growth across any market condition.

Founded in 2008, INFINITI HR provides businesses nationwide with a customizable approach to human resources outsourcing, including payroll, benefits administration, risk management, compliance support and other workforce solutions. As a Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO), INFINITI HR helps employers reduce administrative burdens and navigate the complexities of managing a growing workforce.

INFINITI HR’s return to the Inc. 5000 reflects the company’s continued investment in the people, technology, partnerships and services necessary to support employers nationwide. Today, the company serves businesses across all 50 states while maintaining a high-touch, personalized approach to client service.

For the complete 2026 Inc. 5000 list and searchable database, visit Inc.’s 2026 Inc. 5000 website.

Inc. 5000 List Methodology

Companies on the 2026 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2022. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2025. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2022 is $100,000; the minimum for 2025 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.

INFINITI HR’s 10 appearances on the Inc. 5000 span from 2008 through 2026, covering periods of economic expansion, a global pandemic, and the most significant workforce transformation in modern history. The company’s continued growth across these conditions reflects its model of delivering enterprise-level HR infrastructure including payroll, benefits, compliance, and risk management to businesses that need the capability of a large employer without the cost of building it internally.

About INFINITI HR

INFINITI HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing human resources outsourcing, payroll, risk management, employee benefits, and insurance services to businesses nationwide. INFINITI HR’s tailored solutions help companies streamline operations, stay compliant, and build strong, sustainable cultures.

For the latest company news and press releases, visit INFINITI HR’s Media Center. To learn more about how INFINITI HR can help your organization, call 866-552-6360 or email info@infinitihr.com.

About Inc.

Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

Interested in joining a 10-time Inc. 5000 company? Explore careers at INFINITI HR.

NFINITI HR earns 5-star Newsweek rating for America's Greatest Workplaces in Professional Services 2026

INFINITI HR Earns 5-Star Rating on Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces in Professional Services 2026

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Recognition follows the company’s distinction as a three-time Washington Post Top Workplace

COLUMBIA, MD – INFINITI HR, a leading IRS-Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO), has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces in Professional Services 2026, earning a prestigious 5-star rating. The national recognition builds on the company’s reputation as a people-first employer, following its recognition as a three-time Washington Post Top Workplace (2019, 2022, and 2025).

The national recognition highlights organizations that excel in employee satisfaction, workplace culture, leadership, and overall employee experience. 

INFINITI HR was recognized in the human resources services category and identified as a Maryland-based employer with 5,000–20,000 employees. The annual rankings, presented by Newsweek in partnership with Plant-A Insights Group, evaluate employers based on one of the nation’s largest independent workplace studies. 

“We’re honored to receive this recognition from Newsweek,” said Scott Smrkovski, CEO of INFINITI HR. “We believe exceptional workplaces begin with exceptional people. This recognition reflects the culture we’ve intentionally built… one centered on trust, collaboration, professional and personal growth, and putting people first. It’s also a testament to the values we help our clients cultivate every day as they build workplaces where employees can thrive.”

Building Better Workplaces for Employees and Clients

Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, INFINITI HR provides comprehensive HR outsourcing and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solutions to businesses across all 50 states. As an IRS-Certified CPEO, the company delivers integrated payroll administration, employee benefits, HR consulting, compliance support, risk management, and recruiting designed to help employers reduce administrative complexity while creating exceptional employee experiences.

Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces in Professional Services 2026 rankings recognize organizations that demonstrate excellence across key dimensions of the employee experience, including leadership, compensation and benefits, work-life balance, training and career development, corporate culture, company reputation, and belonging. The rankings are based on hundreds of thousands of employee interviews, millions of company reviews, and analysis of more than 37 million workplace data points. 

To view the complete Newsweek America’s Greatest Workplaces in Professional Services 2026 rankings, visit:
https://rankings.newsweek.com/americas-greatest-workplaces-in-professional-services-2026

About INFINITI HR

INFINITI HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing human resources outsourcing, payroll, risk management, employee benefits, and insurance services to businesses nationwide. INFINITI HR’s tailored solutions help companies streamline operations, stay compliant, and build strong, sustainable cultures.

Interested in joining a Newsweek-recognized workplace? View open positions at INFINITI HR.

Learn more about how INFINITI HR builds purpose-driven workplaces for clients and team members alike.

For the latest company news and press releases, visit INFINITI HR’s Media Center. To learn more about how INFINITI HR can help your organization, call 866-552-6360 or email info@infinitihr.com.

INFINITI HR recognized by Washington Business Journal as one of Greater Washington's largest employers 2026

INFINITI HR Ranked Among Greater Washington’s Largest Employers by the Washington Business Journal

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Leading HR outsourcing provider ranks #243 among the region’s 862 largest employers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – INFINITI HR, a leading IRS-Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO), has been recognized by the Washington Business Journal as one of the Largest Employers in Greater Washington, ranking #243 among 862 organizations based on local employee count.

The annual ranking includes businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government entities across the Greater Washington region, recognizing organizations that make a significant impact on the local workforce. This year’s list represents 862 employers collectively employing more than 977,000 people throughout the Washington metropolitan area. 

“Being recognized among the largest employers in Greater Washington reflects the strength of our organization and, more importantly, the trust our clients place in us every day,” said Scott Smrkovski, CEO of INFINITI HR. “As businesses continue navigating an increasingly complex employment landscape, we’re proud to help employers across the country attract, support, and retain exceptional talent while providing the HR expertise they need to grow with confidence.”

Supporting Businesses Through Comprehensive HR Solutions

Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, INFINITI HR delivers comprehensive HR outsourcing and Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solutions to businesses in all 50 states. As an IRS-Certified CPEO, the company provides integrated payroll administration, employee benefits, HR consulting, compliance support, risk management, recruiting, and workforce solutions designed to help organizations reduce administrative burden while creating exceptional employee experiences.

The recognition highlights INFINITI HR’s continued growth and its role as both a significant regional employer and a trusted HR partner serving businesses nationwide. Through its people-first approach and innovative HR solutions, the company continues to help organizations navigate today’s evolving workforce while empowering business owners to focus on growth.

To view the complete Washington Business Journal Largest Employers list, click here.*

About INFINITI HR

INFINITI HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing human resources outsourcing, payroll, risk management, employee benefits, and insurance services to businesses nationwide. INFINITI HR’s tailored solutions help companies streamline operations, stay compliant, and build strong, sustainable cultures.

For the latest company news and press releases, visit INFINITI HR’s Media Center. To learn more about how INFINITI HR can help your organization, call 866-552-6360 or email info@infinitihr.com.

*Denotes a paywall.



INFINITI HR team attending PrismHR LIVE 2026 conference in Denver Colorado June 14-17

Leading PEO, INFINITI HR, Attending PrismHR LIVE 2026 in Denver, Colorado, June 14–17, 2026 | Showcasing HR Solutions

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COLUMBIA, MD – INFINITI HR, a national leader in human resources outsourcing and professional employer organization (PEO) solutions, is excited to announce its participation in PrismHR LIVE 2026, the premier event for PEO/HRO professionals taking place June 14–17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.

Meet the INFINITI HR Delegation

Attending on behalf of INFINITI HR are representatives from benefits, payroll, implementation, client services, operations and information systems, representing the firm’s core service areas. Attending are Jennifer Hardesty, Maria Villain, Dawn Cloin, Michelle Bowie, Javier Ramirez, Joan Stewart, Becky Jacobs, and Debbie Van Meers.

PrismHR LIVE 2026, features keynotes by PrismHR President Kevin Andrews, Shark Tank investor Robert Herjavec, and business growth strategist Tiffani Bova. The conference offers dedicated content tracks for operations, sales, and executive leadership, with sessions covering AI-driven productivity, compliance updates, talent and workforce management, and sales strategy, along with an expanded discovery studio showcasing the latest platform innovations across PrismHR, PrismHR HCM, and Execupay.

Advancing HR Tech, Compliance, and Workforce Strategy

PrismHR LIVE 2026 supports INFINITI HR’s ongoing mission to stay ahead of the rapidly changing HR technology landscape and bring meaningful innovations back to their clients. The INFINITI HR team will be on the ground to highlight the company’s latest capabilities and gather expert perspectives on the compliance challenges and workforce trends shaping 2026. From AI-powered tools and integrated talent solutions to evolving federal and state regulations, the conversations at this year’s conference speak directly to how leading PEOs are raising the bar for their clients.

INFINITI HR’s leaders will return with actionable insights across all of these areas, ready to apply them to the work they do for clients every day. “What sets PrismHR LIVE apart is the depth of what’s covered — compliance guidance, product innovation, strategic content — all in one place. Our team walks away with insights they can put to work immediately for our clients,” said INFINITI HR CEO Scott Smrkovski.

As a trusted partner to businesses nationwide, INFINITI HR remains committed to driving the kind of innovation and expertise that helps clients navigate an ever-changing HR landscape. Industry professionals attending PrismHR LIVE 2026 who want to explore what INFINITI HR can do for their organization are encouraged to connect with the team at info@infinitihr.com.

For more information, visit the conference website.

About PrismHR
PrismHR transforms the way human resource outsourcing (HRO) service providers deliver value to their clients. With a modern suite of products and a continued commitment to innovation, PrismHR leads in HR technology — delivering advanced tools to optimize efficiency, scale seamlessly, and enhance client satisfaction. For more information, visit prismhr.com.

About INFINITI HR
With deep expertise in human resources outsourcing, INFINITI HR is a leading professional employer organization (PEO) that provides customized HR solutions, payroll, risk management, and benefits administration to businesses nationwide. As an IRS-certified PEO, INFINITI HR empowers companies to optimize their human capital while reducing costs and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. For more information, visit infinitihr.com.

INFINITI HR mental health and wellness EAP support for employers during Mental Health Awareness Month

INFINITI HR Expands Mental Health and Wellness Support for Employers During Mental Health Awareness Month

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COLUMBIA, MD – INFINITI HR, a national professional employer organization (PEO) providing HR, payroll, benefits, and risk management solutions, is marking Mental Health Awareness Month this May by spotlighting the mental health and wellness resources available to its employer clients and their workforces, and helping businesses build strategies that get used.

Despite widespread EAP adoption, utilization rates average just 3% to 8% across most organizations. Offering a benefit is not the same as making it accessible. Through its EAP partnership, INFINITI HR gives client employees confidential 24/7 access to a comprehensive suite of support services, all through a single, integrated platform.

Employees have access to:

  • Emotional Support: Face-to-face or virtual counseling sessions for anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, and relationship conflicts.
  • Wellness Coaching: Flexible coaching sessions covering nutrition, fitness, weight management, smoking cessation, and resiliency.
  • Work and Lifestyle Support: Help with child, elder, and pet care; relocation; and government assistance resources.
  • Legal Guidance: Free consultation and discounted local representation for family law, wills, estate planning, and more.
  • Financial Resources: Guidance on retirement planning, budgeting, debt, taxes, and more.
  • Digital Access: 24/7 online support including on-demand articles, videos, podcasts, and training.

“Every employer wants employees to feel supported, and more companies today understand that mental health resources are an important part of that commitment,” said Javier Ramirez, COO of INFINITI HR. “The challenge is making sure employees actually know what’s available and feel comfortable using those resources when they need them. Awareness, accessibility and reducing stigma are what make these programs truly effective.”

For small and mid-sized businesses especially, access to this level of support is often out of reach without a PEO partner. INFINITI HR’s platform bundles mental health and wellness benefits alongside payroll, compliance, and risk management, giving employers a single infrastructure to support their people without the administrative complexity of managing it independently. The company was recently recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being 2026.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, INFINITI HR has published employer-focused resources including “Building a Mental Health Strategy That Goes Beyond EAP Brochures,” available at infinitihr.com/media/blog.

About INFINITI HR

INFINITI HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing human resources

outsourcing, payroll, risk management, employee benefits, and insurance services to businesses nationwide. INFINITI HR’s tailored solutions help companies streamline operations, stay compliant, and build strong, sustainable cultures.

To learn more, visit infinitihr.com, call 866-552-6360, or email info@infinitihr.com.

Leading PEO, INFINITI HR, Celebrates National Volunteer Month with a Year-Round Commitment to Community Impact

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COLUMBIA, MD – In recognition of National Volunteer Month, INFINITI HR is proud to highlight its ongoing commitment to giving back, powered by the passion and participation of its employees. Through a combination of hands-on volunteering, employee-led initiatives, and community partnerships, INFINITI HR continues to make a meaningful impact both locally and beyond.

While National Volunteer Month shines a spotlight on service each April, INFINITI HR has embedded community engagement into its culture year-round. Here’s what that looks like in action:

  • Supporting Families in Need: Each year, INFINITI HR adopts families during the Thanksgiving and holiday season, ensuring they have meals, gifts, and support during times that matter most.
  • Honoring Veterans: Through participation in programs like Adopt-a-Wreath, the team proudly supports efforts to honor and remember those who have served our country.
  • Back-to-School Drives: Now entering its seventh year in 2026, employees donate time and essential supplies through the annual backpack drive, helping equip students with the tools they need to succeed. In its fifth year alone, the initiative achieved record results, with more than 3,000 school supplies collected and distributed to students at Burtonsville Elementary School in Burtonsville, Maryland, and Bond Mill Elementary School in Laurel, Maryland. INFINITI HR also partners with local organization Neighbor Network (Neighbors Helping Neighbors) to provide fully stocked backpacks to low-income families… ensuring students start the school year prepared, confident, and supported.
  • Community Wellness & Engagement: From participating in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk on May 2nd to organizing the company’s annual Chili Cook-Off and Bring Your Kids to Work Day (complete with a scavenger hunt), INFINITI HR fosters connection, inclusion, and fun while giving back.
  • Employee-Led Giving: Team members are encouraged to support causes close to their hearts, from local shelters to community-based organizations, reinforcing a culture where giving back is both personal and collective.
  • Internal Initiatives for Impact: Programs like the company’s annual Water Challenge promote both wellness and awareness, bringing employees together around shared goals that extend beyond the workplace.

Recognized this year by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being 2026, INFINITI HR’s approach is rooted in the belief that strong communities and strong businesses go hand in hand. 

“Giving back isn’t separate from business… it’s part of how we build it,” said Scott Smrkovski, CEO of INFINITI HR. “When employees feel connected to something bigger than their day-to-day work, it drives engagement, strengthens culture, and ultimately creates better outcomes for our clients.”

This National Volunteer Month, INFINITI HR encourages organizations to reflect on the role they play in their communities and the legacy they are building beyond the workplace.

About INFINITI HR

INFINITI HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) providing human resources outsourcing, payroll, risk management, employee benefits, and insurance services to businesses nationwide. INFINITI HR’s tailored solutions help companies streamline operations, stay compliant, and build strong, sustainable cultures.

Learn more about how INFINITI HR helps businesses align values with action at infinitihr.com, and discover how you can get involved, support our community initiatives, and make a lasting impact alongside us.

Javier Ramirez, new Chief Operating Officer of INFINITI HR professional employer organization

INFINITI HR Appoints Javier Ramirez as Chief Operating Officer

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BURTONSVILLE, MD – INFINITI HR, a leading professional employer organization, announced that Javier Ramirez has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Ramirez steps into the role following the departure of Rob Blunt, who retired and served as COO since 2019.

“Javier brings a rare combination of financial expertise and operational instincts that very few leaders in this industry possess,” said INFINITI HR CEO Scott Smrkovski. “His track record of building and scaling PEO organizations, combined with his genuine passion for people and client service, makes him the right leader to take INFINITI HR into its next phase of growth. We are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”

Ramirez brings more than two decades of experience spanning PEO operations, finance, and executive leadership. Having served as CFO and senior financial executive at organizations including Alpha Staff, Engage PEO, CoAdvantage, and Access Point, he has led major accounting transformations, navigated multiple M&A transactions, and helped position several PEOs for successful acquisition. He is bilingual in English and Spanish and has led teams across Latin America throughout his career.

In his new role, Ramirez will oversee day-to-day operations, lead the integration of AI and automation tools to improve efficiency and client responsiveness, and drive cross-functional alignment across all service teams. 

For Ramirez, the opportunity comes down to one thing: client impact.

“I want our clients to know we are the PEO that really listens,” Ramirez said. “When you bring us a concern, we act. We call you back. We tell you not to worry, and then we follow through. We have long-standing clients who trust us, and they deserve that level of service every single day.”

Originally from Medellín, Colombia, Ramirez holds a master’s degree in accounting from Florida Atlantic University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida Atlantic University. He resides in the Mid-Atlantic with his family. 

Click to read Javier’s bio.

About INFINITI HR 

INFINITI HR is the home for industry-leading top talent and proud to be The Professional Employer Organization for Franchises®. This customizable PEO by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs is the first of its kind, providing industry-leading, state-specific HR through an on-demand one point of contact, full federal and state regulatory compliance management, True-Group Master Policies for all mandatory and voluntary employer insurance (including Fortune 500® Level Custom Employee Benefits, Workers’ Compensation Insurance, EPLI, Joint-Employer Liability Insurance), recruitment process outsourcing, working capital funding, POS/time clock integration, tax filing, and payroll services for franchises of all sizes, located in all 50 states.

Click here for the latest press releases and up-to-date news on human resources outsourcing. To learn more about how your business can save time, reduce labor costs, and mitigate employer liability, call INFINITI HR at 623-455-6234 or email info@infinitihr.com.

INFINITI HR Releases 2026 Employer Compliance Guide to Help Businesses Navigate Changing Workforce Regulations

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COLUMBIA, MD – INFINITI HR, a national professional employer organization (PEO) providing HR, payroll, benefits, and risk management solutions, announced the release of its 2026 Employer Compliance Guide, a practical resource designed to help small and mid-sized businesses understand evolving employment regulations and reduce compliance risk.

As regulatory complexity continues to grow across federal, state, and local levels, many employers face increasing pressure to keep pace with changes affecting payroll, tax reporting, healthcare mandates, and workforce management policies.

“Many businesses are entering 2026 facing a combination of wage pressure, expanding compliance obligations, and operational complexity,” said Scott Smrkovski, CEO of INFINITI HR. “We help employers step back, reassess their HR infrastructure and rebuild systems that are designed to scale with growth rather than create risk.”

The 2026 Employer Compliance Guide provides business leaders with a clear overview of the most important updates impacting employers this year, including:

  • New federal tax withholding rules for tips and overtime
  • Updated ACA affordability thresholds and penalty exposure
  • Retirement plan changes under SECURE 2.0
  • State minimum wage increases across 22 states
  • Multi-state compliance challenges and overtime classification risks
  • A clear, month-by-month 2026 compliance timeline

“Many employers only discover compliance gaps after an audit or employee complaint,” said Smrkovski. “Our goal with this guide is to give businesses practical tools they can use now to reduce risk and build stronger HR infrastructure before problems arise.”

The guide is part of INFINITI HR’s broader initiative to provide educational resources that help business owners strengthen their workforce infrastructure while minimizing legal and financial exposure.

Businesses can download the 2026 Employer Compliance Guide at: infinitihr.com/resources/2026-employer-compliance-guide/

About INFINITI HR
INFINITI HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO). The INFINITI HR PEO platform provides full regulatory compliance management, on-demand HR guidance, real-time payroll/tax filing, POS integration, and access into industry-leading True-Group Master Policies for Workers’ Compensation, Employment Practices Liability Insurance, and other operational business coverages.

Click here for the latest press releases and up-to-date news on human resources outsourcing. To learn more about how your business can save time, money, and mitigate employer liability, call INFINITI HR at 866-552-7360 or email info@infinitihr.com.



INFINITI HR joins Wreaths Across America, to honor veterans by placing wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery

INFINITI HR Joins Wreaths Across America’s Journey to Honor American Heroes in Arlington National Cemetery for Second Year in a Row

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Continued partnership reflects the company’s commitment to honoring veterans and supporting communities nationwide

ARLINGTON, VA – INFINITI HR, a leading national human resources provider, is honored to continue its partnership with Wreaths Across America, joining communities across the country in honoring veterans and preserving their legacy of service and sacrifice.

This December, Wreaths Across America once again embarked on its annual journey from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery—traveling more than 700 miles through communities along the Eastern Seaboard. Over the course of several weeks, the convoy carried thousands of veterans’ wreaths, stopping at cemeteries, memorials, and monuments to bring communities together in a powerful display of honor, gratitude, and remembrance.

INFINITI HR employees volunteered their time to lay wreaths at Seaside Cemetery in Blue Hill, Maine, on December 6, 2025 and INFINITI HR proudly sponsored 20 veterans’ wreaths that were laid at Arlington National Cemetery on December 19, 2025.

“Participating in Wreaths Across America is a powerful reminder of the responsibility we share to honor those who served,” said Christine Knisley, office manager and social chair of INFINITI HR. “Coming together as a team and community to remember our nation’s heroes is both humbling and deeply meaningful.”

The procession southward includes powerful moments as thousands of Americans gather to line the streets, waving flags and sponsoring wreaths to pay tribute to those who served. This partnership reflects INFINITI HR’s unwavering commitment to supporting military communities and fostering a culture of appreciation for the values of service, freedom, and unity.

About Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America coordinates wreath-laying ceremonies at more than 4,000 locations nationwide and abroad. Through its mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach future generations the value of freedom, the organization ensures every veteran is remembered and their service is never forgotten.

About INFINITI HR
INFINITI HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO) offering scalable solutions for payroll, human resources, compliance, risk management, and employee benefits. As a trusted partner to businesses nationwide, INFINITI HR empowers growth through customizable services tailored to each client’s unique needs.

To learn more about INFINITI HR and its charitable initiatives, visit infinitihr.com. For information about Wreaths Across America or to sponsor a wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.

Group of business professionals discussing HR and payroll budgeting for 2026

Budgeting for HR & Payroll in 2026: Planning for Wage Increases, Compliance Costs, and Workforce Growth

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COLUMBIA, MD – INFINITI HR, a leading national Professional Employer Organization (PEO), has released guidance to help employers plan for HR and payroll budgeting in 2026 amid shifting labor demands, new regulatory requirements, and rising workforce costs.

As organizations prepare for the year ahead, many employers are facing increased wage pressure, expanding compliance obligations, and higher costs tied to hiring and retaining talent. INFINITI HR’s 2026 outlook outlines the key HR and payroll budget considerations businesses should address now to remain competitive, compliant, and financially resilient.

“2026 is shaping up to be a year where tighter forecasting isn’t optional anymore,” said Scott Smrkovski, CEO of INFINITI HR. “Mandatory wage changes, new rules going into effect on January 1, and the cost of growing teams in a competitive market all point to one thing: employers need to build flexible budgets that can absorb change without derailing operations.”

Key HR & Payroll Budget Considerations for 2026

  • Wage Increases Across States: Many states… and a growing number of cities… will implement higher minimum wage rates in 2026, immediately increasing hourly labor costs. Beyond statutory changes, continued market pressure for professional and hard-to-fill roles is driving compensation upward, impacting payroll taxes, benefits expenses, and overall salary structures.
  • Rising Compliance and Administrative Costs: New leave requirements, overtime rule updates, and heightened enforcement activity are expected to drive compliance-related expenses higher. Employers should plan for additional HR expertise, updated policies, improved recordkeeping, and refreshed training programs to mitigate risk and avoid costly penalties.
  • Workforce Growth and Talent Strategy: Hiring challenges persist across industries. Employers should expect to invest more in recruiting, onboarding, and employee benefits. Retention strategies–often more cost-effective than repeated hiring–should be intentionally included in HR and payroll budgets rather than treated as secondary considerations.
  • Technology and Payroll Modernization: Setting aside funds for automation, updated timekeeping tools, and HR platforms that really talk to each other can take a lot of pressure off internal teams. Fewer mistakes. Less rework. Cleaner data. In real terms, that translates to time saved and risk reduced.The savings don’t always show up immediately on a line item, but over time, modern systems tend to pay for themselves through smoother operations and lighter administrative lift. Maybe that sounds obvious. But it’s still one of the most common gaps we see in HR and payroll planning.

Employers can better position themselves to manage uncertainty, support growth, and maintain compliance throughout 2026 by taking these factors into consideration.

About INFINITI HR
INFINITI HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO). The INFINITI HR PEO platform provides full regulatory compliance management, on-demand HR guidance, real-time payroll/tax filing, POS integration, and access into industry-leading True-Group Master Policies for Workers’ Compensation, Employment Practices Liability Insurance, and other operational business coverages.

Click here for the latest press releases and up-to-date news on human resources outsourcing. To learn more about how your business can save time, money, and mitigate employer liability, call INFINITI HR at 866-552-7360 or email info@infinitihr.com.