When your company needs extra help for a project, hiring a staff augmentation provider can be a smart move. Staff augmentation means bringing in outside professionals to boost your team’s capabilities without the long-term commitment of hiring new full-time employees. This can be especially useful when you need specific skills for a short period.
Why is there a need for Staff Augmentation?
In April 2023, CompTIA discovered that tech companies added 18,795 new jobs, marking a consistent increase in monthly hiring since August 2022.¹ During April, these companies posted over 300,000 job listings for tech positions, indicating a sustained demand for tech skills.
While recent layoffs by major companies might suggest an over hiring in tech jobs, Gartner’s research revealed that most of those laid off held non-tech roles. Even after the ten largest layoffs, these companies still employ over 150,000 professionals compared to early 2020.²
In addition to the challenges of meeting hiring demands, employee burnout has become a big issue. According to a Gallup survey, 76 percent of employees experience burnout occasionally. This has notable consequences for industries, as those who frequently experience burnout are 63 percent more likely to take sick days.³
Staff augmentation offers a solution to these challenges. It involves hiring experienced professionals on a contract basis, giving you the flexibility to choose whether they work from the provider’s office or remotely. It can also help relieve your staff of some duties and reduce the complexities of traditional full-time hiring, which often involves a lot of paperwork and administrative tasks.
Benefits Of Staff Augmentation
There are a lot of ways the staff augmentation model can be beneficial for you. Here’s why you should consider it.
It gives access to a wider candidate pool.
Staff augmentation simplifies the process of expanding your existing team with the right expertise you need. Providers excel at sourcing professionals from a large network, ensuring you receive the perfect skill-based match. With staff augmentation, you can assess individuals and determine if they meet your requirements. If not, your provider can quickly find a more suitable replacement.
It’s cost-effective.
If you only need someone’s expertise for a few weeks or months, a full-time employee won’t be cost-effective because they will cost you a lot of money from their benefits, tax expenses, and more. Augmented staffing providers will allow you to work with professionals when you need them without long-term commitment.
It bridges skills gaps.
Managing multiple projects with diverse skill requirements can be a challenge. The demand for specialized skills fluctuates, making it necessary to address skill gaps on a project-by-project basis.
Augmentation companies can provide experienced professionals with the precise skills you need for specific projects. No need to invest time and resources in training your in-house team for skills that may only be required temporarily.
It works well with hybrid or remote work setups.
Remote work remains prevalent, and staff augmentation is perfectly suited to cater to those needs. With staff augmentation, companies can provide additional support to their remote workforce by partnering with providers to meet deadlines efficiently and bridge skills gaps that can arise.
It helps you focus on running your business instead of looking for candidates.
Staff augmentation lets you prioritize running your business while entrusting specialized tasks to a dedicated team of augmented employees. This approach allows you to focus on strategic initiatives and core business functions rather than get caught up in the finer details of specific projects they are handling.
How to Choose the Right Staff Augmentation Provider
Choosing a service provider for staff augmentation, it’s crucial to find a partner you can collaborate seamlessly with as they bring in the people you will need. Here are the things you would need to consider in the staff augmentation process.
1. Check for a Proven Track Record
Experience is a huge factor in the completion of your projects. When considering a provider, look at their reputation and industry expertise. If cybersecurity is your focus, check if they have professionals well-versed in the field. Don’t hesitate to inquire about certifications held by their experts.
Look at their portfolio and seek client reviews to confirm they have the expertise you require. Don’t settle for anything less than a provider with a solid track record.
2. Find a Service Provider You Can Communicate Well With
When looking for a service provider, don’t overlook the importance of strong communication skills. Make sure you can effectively convey your project requirements and discuss contract details with ease.
Determine their preferred communication methods and frequency of contact. Find augmentation experts who are willing to assist you and eager to respond to your concerns promptly.
On top of this, make sure you evaluate the provider’s project management tools, communication channels, and methodologies to ensure seamless collaboration and transparency.
3. Make Sure the Provider Is Committed to Your Security
Security should be a top concern when choosing a staff augmentation service. Look for providers who adhere to stringent security compliance protocols, such as SOC. This ensures your data is in safe hands and your business’s interests and privacy are safeguarded.
Additionally, background checks provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind because you have properly identified the individuals who will be handling and accessing your systems and the sensitive data included in them.
4. Check Their Talent Pool
The quality of the professionals the provider can supply is crucial. Ask about the qualifications and experience of the staff they would assign to your project. It’s a good idea to find out how they recruit and evaluate their personnel. Some providers might even allow you to interview candidates, which can help you feel confident in the people you’ll be working with.
5. Assess Their Onboarding Process
Bringing new people into your project can be disruptive if not managed well. Ask providers about their onboarding process. A good staff augmentation provider will have a system in place to quickly bring their staff up to speed with your project’s goals, your company’s culture, and any other important details. This helps the augmented staff to work efficiently and effectively from the start.
6. Be Certain About Your Contract
When entering contracts with staff augmentation service providers, it’s crucial to cover all the essentials. Here is a list of what you need to know before signing with them.
- Start date: Pin down the earliest start date for each contractor you will be working with.
- Cybersecurity insurance: Ensure the service provider has proper cybersecurity insurance in place.
- Flexibility clause: Secure your right to swap contractors or terminate the service with short notice.
A clear and concise contract will minimize the risk of misunderstandings or legal issues. You and your augmented team can collaborate seamlessly and produce quality results.
FIND THE TECH EXPERTS YOU NEED WITH RASO360
If you’re looking for professionals to work with on your current or upcoming projects, let Raso360 help you connect with potential candidates.
We offer services in Staff Leasing, Staff Augmentation, and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) to help you achieve the business results you are aiming for. Get in touch with us today!
References
- “Tech Hiring Increases While Also Taking a Breather, CompTIA Analysis Shows.” CompTIA, 5 May 2023, www.comptia.org/newsroom/tech-hiring-increases-while-also-taking-a-breather-comptia-analysis-shows.
- “Do Recent Layoffs Mean the Tech Talent Crunch Is Over?” Gartner, 7 Mar. 2023, www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-03-07-do-recent-layoffs-mean-the-tech-talent-crunch-is-over.
- Wigert, Ben. “Employee Burnout: The Biggest Myth.” Gallup, 13 Mar. 2020, www.gallup.com/workplace/288539/employee-burnout-biggest-myth.aspx.
