Overcoming Outsourcing Challenges: Proven Solutions for Common Obstacles
We’re in the era of quiet quitting and The Great Resignation, and that means acquiring talent is harder than ever. In fact, half of all executives say talent acquisition is their top internal challenge. It seems like outsourcing services would be an obvious solution, but it also comes with barriers that must be overcome.
There are incredible benefits of outsourcing that companies can take advantage of, but it helps to also know the challenges — and how to overcome them — before you begin. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the common outsourcing problems and challenges you may encounter and how you can come prepared with a solution to tackle them all.
Identifying Common Problems
& Challenges With Outsourcing
Some of the challenges of outsourcing are common sense, while others may come as a surprise. We’ve compiled a list of the top obstacles cited by those familiar with outsourcing, along with the actions you can take to avoid or overcome them.
Challenge #1: Different Time Zones
Technology brings us closer together, but there’s not much you can do when it comes to physical distance. It’s very likely that your outsourcing service provider will be located in a different country or continent. That means work will happen across borders and time zones, which can present a big challenge for communication.
The Solution
There are ways to mitigate this, by looking for opportunities to outsource in up-and-coming countries where work days overlap with your own time zone. For example, you might clock in at 8:00 AM ET in the U.S. while your offshore team members in Macedonia are taking lunch. While there is a significant difference, there’s enough time overlap to allow you to check in with your outsourcing partner or on-site staff on a daily basis.
Challenge #2: Language Barriers
If you’re moving operations to an outsourced facility in another nation, there’s likely to be a difference in the spoken native language. While this can be overcome, it’s an especially critical issue to address if your work crew is going to be taking over customer service, or any customer/client-facing job responsibilities.
The Solution
Find a language consultant or translator who can guide you through the process of selecting an outsourcing partner and putting together language/dialect training for your workforce. Look for outsourcing vendors that work with talent pools in countries where English and/or Spanish are regularly taught, such as:
Challenge #3: Lack of Oversight
Being far away from your workforce can leave you stressed and worried, feeling a loss of control. It’s common to be concerned about how it may affect the workflow of your in-house team. Little oversight presents a big problem, as you feel cut off from your team and in the dark about daily operations.
The Solution
It’s not always possible to travel to overseas facilities at a moment’s notice, and that’s when it pays to have an outsourcing partner you trust whose managers are present and on-site. Make sure this is part of your evaluation process when you’re vetting the outsourcing models of potential partners. You want to look for signs of transparency and hands-on management, as well as excellent communications.
Challenge #4: Data Security Risks
Data breaches are a reality in our current technological environment, and outsourcing firms are just as susceptible to them as anyone else. That’s why vetting the security standards of all outsourcing providers is so important.
The Solution
Ask the tough questions when evaluating outsourcing partners for cyber security. Ask to see their documented processes and be sure they have contingency plans in place for disasters and unexpected events, ensuring that business continuity is at the top of their priority list.
Challenge #5: Culture Clash
Cultural differences, like language barriers, are to be expected, but they don’t have to become a problem. Be sure you’re aware of the culture of the locale you select for your outsourcing efforts, and work to build an internal culture as well — one that is inclusive and welcoming.
The Solution
Respect is the name of the game here. Any outsourcing partner should be just that: a partner that can help you navigate and implement standards and processes while considering any local cultural norms. One easy way to start: make a calendar of common holidays and celebrations in the outsourced location, and be sure to give time off or make flexible arrangements. Prioritize workplace wellbeing, so you can maintain a healthy and happy crew.
Challenge #6: Shrinking Talent Pool
Technology is always evolving, and tech workers must evolve with it. However, when technology is booming, the supply may not always be able to keep up with the demand, leaving you in a difficult position. A worker shortage is a problem no one wants to deal with, but it’s a very real prospect for outsourced facilities in many countries.
The Solution
Do your homework and explore up-and-coming countries that may not have been on your radar. Parts of Eastern Europe have an excess of highly skilled and educated tech workers experienced with software development, IT, customer service, and more. Choosing a location like this can give you top talent while offering significant cost savings.
Challenge #7: Legal Compliance
Keeping data private and meeting regulations is hard enough when you’re operating in a single location. When you have outsourcing contracts in other parts of the world, you might be subject to rules and regulations you aren’t familiar with, or you might have to work under laws that don’t exist in your country of origin.
The Solution
Make sure you approach this from a global perspective, and respect all laws and regulations governing technology, business operations, and workforce management.
Best Practices for Successful Outsourcing
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to outsourcing successfully and keeping your business running smoothly. Implement these best practices for a positive and seamless outsourcing experience:
- Don’t pick the first partner that comes along.
Consult with several outsourcing companies and do your due diligence with each one to find the best fit for you. - Ask for proof of performance.
A reputable firm should have easily accessible case studies, testimonials, and reviews that prove their claims. - Demand full transparency and honesty.
Seek out a partner who communicates openly and is easily accessible to you. - Remain sensitive, open, and respectful.
You’ll be working with a new culture and possibly a new language and way of doing business. Put in the effort to learn about your team and your location. - Set expectations right away.
Outline your budget, costs, deliverables, business process, project requirements, and length of service before you ever consider signing anything.
Why to Choose Emapta
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t. There are reputable and trustworthy outsourcing partners out there who are ready to walk you through the process and get you on your way to successful outsourcing. Emapta is one of them. Our experience is second to none, and our track record shows that we’ve got the knowledge and the reputation to deliver. Plus, we operate in five convenient global locations so you can find exactly what you need.
Still have questions? Check out our FAQs to find the answers you need, and if they aren’t there, reach out and we’ll do everything we can to get you the right information.
About Emapta
Founded in 2010, Emapta is a top-tier global outsourcing company with a strong presence in 19 offices across the Philippines, Colombia, Macedonia, Sri Lanka, the United States, and Malaysia. We build high-performing teams as a seamless extension of our clients’ onshore operations and offer tailored solutions with expertise in Customer Experience, Accounting & Finance, Mortgage & Financial Services, Tech and Retail. With over 9,000 employees globally, we build and operate global teams efficiently, transparently and equitably for our clients and talent team members.
