Many organisations are relying on outsourced services for their operational needs. According to research from the business data company Clutch, many companies outsource to receive expert assistance while improving efficiency.
An outsourced workforce is a cost-effective means of scaling productivity in a break-glass-pull-handle way. Outsourcing is often seen as the most practical choice for small to medium businesses on a tight budget.
While outsourced employees are quick-fix solutions for ramping up productivity during crunch time, they may be less efficient than full-timers due to their inexperience with an organisation’s culture and beliefs. This leads to clashing working styles, petty arguments, and a plethora of errors.
The temporary nature of outsourced hires makes it easy for employers to overlook the need for employee engagement. Although it might be challenging for employers to maintain a close connection with a highly flexible workforce, the good news is that it is still possible.
Provide Purpose and Future Possibilities
An outsourced worker is more likely to perform well if the initial job builds up to exciting future opportunities. For example, employers may consider sharing long-term marketing plans with a team of outsourced digital designers.
A core aspect of employee engagement lies in providing meaning to an individual’s role. As such, it is important to acknowledge the significance of an outsourced worker’s contributions to an ongoing project. Employers may also emphasise on how a contractor’s actions will have a long-term impact on the organisation’s growth. This will give outsourced staff a heightened sense of purpose and responsibility to do their best work.
Consistent Communication
The largest work-from-home-experiment during the early days of the COVID season proved to be an effective testing ground for remote workplace capabilities. Organisations faced the daunting task of optimising digital communications with home-based workers, Daily Zoom check-ins, and Messenger IMs became a familiar part of the online routine.
These remote channels may be utilised as powerful employee engagement tools for your outsourced team. Employers can help get outsourced workers acquainted with the in-house team and give them an orientation of the workplace culture. This will promote greater team chemistry and harmony among workers regardless of their location.
Provide Constructive Feedback
Feedback is a powerful motivator. Showing appreciation for a job well done or suggesting ways for improvement indicates just how attentive an employer is. Also, silence is never a good thing during remote collaborations as it might lead to procrastination or even miscommunications down the road.
Employers should provide timely feedback via email or leave comments on job management sites such as Trello, to establish a system of honesty, transparency, and empathy.
Employee engagement may be put to the ultimate test with an outsourced staff but the right set of strategies will help gain an invaluable addition to your team.
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A devotee at the altar of language and a celebrant of expression. Laurenzo has written for various SMEs, MNCs, startups and international brands over the last three years. He specializes in topics of psychology, lifestyle, employee management, and digital trends.
Aly is StrengthsAsia’s marketing and communications guru and lead editor. She's over the top inquisitive and everyone in the company knows her as “The Googler” as she practically googles everything. Honestly, we all worry for her… She is also the Principal Trainer for our one of a kind ice cream team building workshops in Asia.
