Staffing is a real problem these days. “Help wanted” signs are nearly in every store window. Not to mention, jobs are plentiful in corporate America too. With the pandemic, there has been a lot of shifting in workplaces. This has evidently led to a shortage of employees but a rising demand from employers.
Even with a potential recession on the horizon, it can be challenging to find and keep employees. No matter how many job postings you create, finding talent is hard. And when you’re not fully staffed, your current employees also suffer. They have to make up for the work that another employee would be doing. This, of course, can cause burnout and may lead to more departures.
While the staffing situation is a bit grim, there is a solution. Extra help is available via outsourcing. This may be an avenue that you or your company has yet to explore. Keep reading to discover why outsourcing could be the answer to your pleas.
1. Cut Costs
First and foremost, outsourcing can help your bottom line. Hiring a new employee is expensive. In addition to a regular salary, a new employee also incurs costs like a benefits package and payroll taxes. Also, you can’t forget about any required equipment and training materials. And keep in mind that a new employee will need to be onboarded, which will take time away from doing the job outright.
With outsourcing, however, many of these costs are non-existent. Depending on the role, a contract position can start on the job immediately. Often employers can find skilled employees who come in knowing what needs to be done and shouldn’t need much training. On top of this, they may have their own equipment and you won’t have to worry about providing office space.
Outsourcing for niche roles can be even more advantageous. If you are a startup, for instance, and just need an engineer for a certain amount of time, it doesn’t make sense to hire someone long-term. In this case, engineering staffing agencies can help you source talent and get them quickly hired for your team. These agencies have a pool of ready applicants who are searching for work, and they know what type of skills are needed to excel in your requested role. This saves you and your hiring manager precious time and money.
2. Gain Flexibility
Another benefit of outsourcing is the flexibility that comes with it. Your regular, full-time employees likely work 40 hours per week. These hours likely fall within the typical business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Of course, every team is different and you may have some employees who work outside of these hours for personal reasons. Regardless, you likely don’t have employees working in the middle of the night when your site unexpectedly goes down.
With outsourcing, your team is more flexible in terms of working hours. You can hire contractors in other locations to meet the hours that you need staffing. If they’re working during the hours your other employees go home, you customers can benefit from 24 hour service. Your company can also boost productivity. Remember, the parameters about working hours should be laid out in their contracts.
Additionally, with an outsourced employee you can decide how often they work. If you are a small business, this once again can help you stay in control of costs. You can lean on these employees during holidays, for instance, when your full-time staff deserve a much needed break. Or, if you are gearing up for a big launch, you may pull in the contractors again to help. This flexibility is great for your business as you learn what type of work is needed and how often.
3. Focus on Growth
Lastly, outsourcing can provide you with the time and energy to focus on your company’s growth as a whole. Regardless of how great of a leader or manager you are, you can’t do it all. And you also don’t have all the necessary skills. Think of outsourcing as a way to fill in the gaps. These staff members are skilled and knowledgeable in particular areas, areas where you or your team may be lacking.
Bringing in this type of talent can help your business grow. Instead of trying to fix a problem or muddling over a solution, you can outsource to get it done. This, in turn, gives you and your team the time to focus on other areas of work that you’re skilled in. Not only is this efficient, but it’s also smart.
In relation to growth, outsourcing is a way to bring in top talent without having to incur the costs of hiring them full-time. These contractors likely have experience working in various companies, some of which may be your competitors. They may be able to offer solutions that you would never have thought about in the first place. This is a winning strategy and a great return of investment for your overall business.
Takeaways
As you can see, there are many benefits to outsourcing. It’s a way to cut costs, gain flexibility, and grow your business. As a leader, it can be hard to let go of the reins and ask for outside assistance. However, doing so is a way for your business to flourish. It’s also a way to keep your current employees happy and your entire operations to run smoothly.
