Outsourcing, quite simply, involves subcontracting work to another location.

Companies outsource for many reasons. Contract workers and temporary employees can help out during peak times, save companies money on benefits (which can sometimes equal 40% of employee salaries), provide expertise not available in-house, turn around fast deadlines, fill high-demand jobs (such as information technology professionals), and reduce the need for full-time staff layoffs during slow times. Outsourcing can also boost a workforce pared down by downsizing.

If your company has decided to outsource and it falls on your shoulders to find contractors, we can help.

Leap Career does not use offshore contractors, which is an appealing option for many American companies faced with finding offshore help. Many of the challenges associated with offshore outsourcing can be avoided by outsourcing within the United States.  We can offer you significant savings, while preventing language and cultural issues, resentful domestic employees, shrinking salary differentials, high turnover, deficient infrastructure, and even the loss of social capital, all while maintaining a high level of quality control.

As more companies turn to outsourcing to meet their fiscal needs, the benefits of using contractors in the United States will continue to grow, and Leap Career is proud to be a leader in this outsourcing solution.

Outsourcing, in a Nutshell

The practice of outsourcing is steadily increasing, as it allows companies to focus on core-competency areas and releases them from resource- and labor-intensive functions, which can be performed by trained personnel at much lower costs than they are currently having to pay.

Functions that are being outsourced range from customer service and telemarketing to information technology management, software development, market research, and even financial portfolio management.

Outsourcing must be handled carefully. There's more to contracting than the bottom line.  Contingent workers must be added into the overall staffing strategy without damaging employee morale, and an overall staffing balance must be reached. Leap Career offers the assistance of qualified professionals to accommodate your outsourcing needs.

There are downsides to outsourcing, as well. Existing employees might feel threatened, and indeed unions often resist any attempts to outsource. Additionally, outside help may not be as loyal as permanent in-house employees.

The bottom line: Leap Career can save you time and money, as we are outsourcing experts and will assist you with any outsourcing transitions that lie ahead for your business.

Some Outsourcing Tips

Give managers and employees as much notice as possible that some functions will be outsourced. Make the transition in stages, minimize layoffs and transfers, and try to anticipate any problems that might arise.

When deciding on an outsourcing company, choose carefully. Most contractors, whether individuals or firms, are brought on board via requests for proposals. Don't automatically take the lowest bid. Consider such things as expertise, experience, ability to merge with your company's goals and culture, and recommendations from other clients.

With onsite temporary workers, managers need to set clear expectations for temporary and permanent staff. Each temporary worker should have a supervisor, with set working hours, duties, priorities, and a workload planned in advance. They should be introduced to other staff members and given the same access to tools they need to do their jobs, including adequate workspace and relevant company procedure manuals.  

Career Success Story

CEO Calvin Northen was faced with the necessity of finding an offshore company to outsource his claims processing unit. Unlike his company's major competitors, Northen hired a outsourcing expert to contract a company within the United States who could handle his needs, with a significant decrease in costs.

The result? The "Project," an entity which included Northen's facility in Dubuque, Iowa, as well as his outsourcing contractors. The Project provided jobs, training, and modest salaries for employees in small communities throughout the country, and has led to significant savings for Northen's customers. The real payoff for the company, however, has been lower employee turnover, thus providing a higher continuity of service and savings all around.