Search Here

Businesses face constant challenges, but one of the most frequently cited barriers to success is staffing. 

From the Great Resignation which saw workers leave companies in droves, to low unemployment making it harder for companies to find suitable workers on the hunt for a job, seeking out qualified candidates for roles is proving increasingly difficult. 

This is especially true for healthcare companies, which experienced a mass exodus of workers in the post-pandemic area, due to high rates of mental health difficulties. 

The solution? Outsourcing.

Outsourcing is ideal for companies experiencing staffing issues. It's a way to get support with aspects of work such as GMP mRNA production without having to hire an entirely new team of staff.

If you're considering outsourcing to soften the blow of staff shortages in your organization, here are some tips to help you find the best firm for the job. 

(Photo : Annie Spratt on Unsplash)

 1. Choose the Right Tasks

Once you've seen the benefits of outsourcing, it can be difficult to know where to stop, but remember that not every business task needs support from an external company. 

Establish which niche tasks can be taken care of with the help of an external firm, and which should be looked after by employees internally. Don't outsource all of the key services that your business provides, or you'll risk losing your USP. 

Instead, focus on especially time-consuming tasks or tasks which require expertise and resources that your team simply doesn't have. 

2. Communicate Regularly 

Your outsourcing firm should be treated as an extension of your internal team. This means frequent contact, meetings, and communication. Nominate a member of staff (in a relatively senior position) to monitor this relationship, and let all internal employees know exactly what is and isn't being covered by the outsourcing firm. 

Make objectives and expectations as clear as possible to avoid any misunderstanding or delay on the part of your outsourcing team. 

3. Commit Long-Term

Switching from supplier to supplier within the space of a few months can be disruptive to your company. For a start, it means the work completed by the previous suppliers becomes essentially ineffective, leaving you having to start over fresh with every new outsourcing firm. 

If you choose to outsource projects or tasks, be prepared to work with a company with which you could share a relationship that lasts for years. That's why it's so important to choose the right company first time, by asking suitable screening questions and asking for examples of similar work they've completed successfully in the past. 

4. Be as Descriptive as Possible

Let's face it, handing over the reins of an aspect of a business to somebody else can be nerve-wracking. To ensure it runs as smoothly as possible, clearly define objectives, goals, and expectations, and establish which metrics you'll use to see if the objectives have been met. 

Check in with your outsourcing firm every month for an assessment of how the previous month's metrics looked. 

If you're struggling to find staff to carry out particular projects or simply want to save time and money with external expertise, outsourcing can be a lifesaver. Put time and effort into finding the right firm and communicating your needs, and you'll reap the rewards.