It’s not news that New Zealand businesses are battling with the reality of a skills shortage. Our country’s labour supply has struggled to meet the demand for years, and last month the NZ Government acknowledged the severity of the issue by announcing an employment strategy that aims to build a skilled and diversified workforce to support our industries and regions. For now, we have outsourcing!
While we do not doubt the skills shortage is an issue requiring systemic solutions, we’re also aware that it’s 2019 and our global and digital economy means we don’t always actually need employees in our same offices, cities or even countries to get business done. Leveraging the benefits of outsourcing can solve many a skill-gap issue whilst being more cost-effective and a better generator of growth.
If outsourcing was a band we think it’d be The Beatles.
We’re THAT obsessed. Here’s why.
It gives you the freedom to play to your strengths
Outsourcing the tasks you don’t have time or skills to manage yourself can feel like a huge weight off your shoulders. Handing the job over to an external expert leaves you to focus on your core business, the stuff that makes your company unique and the reason you sacrificed that cushy 9-5 in the first place.
It’ll increase your ROI
Outsourcing can boost your ROI in two ways. Firstly, by going directly to an individual or firm that specialises in what you need, you can usually guarantee the job will be done better and more efficiently than were you to hand the task to a generalist or overwhelmed employee. Secondly, outsourcing allows you to achieve your aims without scary overheads. Perhaps your business is growing faster than you expected and you require more office space or a new piece of expensive equipment. Outsourcing the work allows you to get the job done, without the upfront costs and associated risks.
You get the best person for the job
If you’re going to outsource, head straight for the specialists. Hire an individual or company (depending on the size and scope of the project) that focuses solely on the skill set you are lacking and can tell you what you need, not the other way around. They might come with a slightly higher price tag, but more often than not you’ll reap the benefits many times over.
Develop staff on the job
Another benefit of bringing in specialists on a contract basis is the upskilling by osmosis that can occur. When a project requires outsourced talent to work on-site, your people can work alongside them and learn on the job. It could even pave the way for future growth opportunities for the talent you already have.
Manage risk
When employees are sick or resign unexpectedly, the inconsistency that arises can hit a small business hard. Outsourcing in times like these can bridge the gap in resources and offer your business the continuity it needs to protect your brand and reputation.
Love ‘em and leave ‘em
Most contractors know they’re in for a good time, not a long time. It’s the name of the game. Outsourcing is fantastic for businesses with peak seasons or cyclical demands. You can guarantee the talent and resource levels you need for those busy periods and say ‘thanks and goodbye’ when they’re over. No worrying about carrying the cost of an employee through the quieter months.
Feeling like outsourcing is the resource you need to take your business to the next level? Hire skilled and dedicated staff at the click of a button with one of our newest partners, Kinetic Innovative Staffing! Click here to learn more.