Tech workforces need a boost and maybe yours does too. With the tech skill gap still affecting various industries and the burnout many employees are going through, companies are going to need some help. 

This is where the solution of staff augmentation comes in. Here are the things you need to know about it and why you may need it to improve your business results and workforce productivity. 

The Tech Workforce Today: Demand for Talent Continues 

In April 2023 CompTIA found that tech sector companies increased their staffing by 18,795 positions. This marks a rise in monthly hirings since August 2022. Employers posted over 300,000 job postings for tech positions this April, proving the demand for tech skills continues. Still, tech occupations declined by 99,000 positions, with the unemployment rate increasing to 2.3 percent.¹ 

The recent layoffs done by big companies may make it seem like there’s over-hiring in tech. However, Gartner found that many of those affected by layoffs held business functions instead of tech roles. Their research found that the companies behind the 10 largest layoffs are still employing over 150,000 professionals compared to early 2020.²

On top of the tech layoffs and challenge meeting the demand for new hires, employee burnout has become a pressing issue. A Gallup survey revealed that 76 percent of employees experience burnout at least occasionally. This has significant implications for industries, as individuals who frequently experience burnout are 63 percent more likely to take sick days.³  

Related Reading: Will Engineers and Tech Professionals Ever Stop Being In Demand? 

What You Need to Know About Staff Augmentation 

If you’re looking for extra help for your team, staff augmentation is an outsourcing solution you may want to consider. It is cost-effective and flexible while offering you huge benefits to fill important roles in your business on a short-term basis. 

With staff augmentation, experienced professionals are hired on a contract basis, providing you the flexibility to choose whether they work from the provider’s office offering your staff augmentation services or remotely from their own homes. This eliminates the complexities associated with full-time hiring. It also saves you time and effort on documentation and administrative hassles. 

Advantages of Staff Augmentation 

The are a lot of ways the staff augmentation model can be beneficial for you. Here’s why you should consider it. 

Gives You Access to a Wide 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 have the opportunity to assess individuals and determine if they meet your requirements. If not, your provider can quickly find a more suitable replacement.  

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. 

Bridge the Skills Gap in Your Business 

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.  

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. 

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. 

Choosing the Right Partner in Staff Augmentation 

In 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. 

Choose a Staff Augmentation Provider with a Proven Track Record 

Experience is a huge factor in the completion of your projects. When evaluating a provider, take a look at their reputation and industry expertise. If cybersecurity is your focus, ensure they have professionals well-versed in the field. Don’t hesitate to inquire about certifications held by their experts. 

Take a peek at their portfolio and seek client reviews to confirm they possess the right expertise you require. Don’t settle for anything less than a provider with a solid track record. 

You can also review their portfolio or look up client reviews about their services to make sure they have the right expertise you need. 

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. 

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.  

Be Certain About Your Contract 

When entering into 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.  

Related Reading: The Staff Leasing Solution for Growing Businesses: What You Need to Know 

Empower Your Team of Experts with Staff Augmentation 

Efficiently accomplish projects and meet desired business results by getting help from staff augmentation experts. You can save costs while elevating the productivity of your teams with the contract-based experts they bring you.  

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 now! 

References 

1 “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. 
2 “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. 
3. Wigert, Ben. “Employee Burnout: The Biggest Myth.” Gallup, 13 Mar. 2020, https://www.gallup.com/workplace/288539/employee-burnout-biggest-myth.aspx.