Can we eliminate the misunderstandings that are prevalent among IT outsourcing firms?
When contemplating hiring remote workers, it is crucial to debunk the prevalent misconceptions about them. As a business proprietor, it is imperative to verify the reality rather than rely on assumptions. Hence, discovering the truth is crucial to arrive at an informed conclusion.
Several Myths About IT Outsourcing
Debunking the Productivity Myth
Before the worldwide pandemic, people were misguided that remote employees were not as efficient as those physically present since they could conveniently take long breaks during work hours. However, CEOs and managers have been cognizant for the last 18 months that this is not true. To guarantee productivity, it is essential to establish appropriate expectations for remote workers. A flexible routine does not imply slacking off during work hours.
It used to be widely believed that working across different time zones would have an adverse impact on productivity and service. Nevertheless, this may not be valid; meetings should be scheduled when it is convenient for everyone, and in cases where time is of the essence, alternative delivery periods should be considered. As a distributed team, working remotely does not justify inefficiency, and it is critical to pursue better modes of organization.
Busting the Quality Myth
It is a widely held belief that remote workers cannot provide the same level of work quality as on-site personnel. This is completely untrue. Regardless of a candidate’s location, the same stringent recruitment procedures should be implemented. Evaluating the candidate’s competencies, qualifications, and drive is vital to selecting the best person for the job. The employee’s geographical location does not determine the quality of their output.
Hiring an overseas candidate does not necessarily suggest inferior quality. On the contrary, with a broader pool of choices, your company can hire the most appropriate IT specialists.
Effective communication is crucial for any remote team to be successful. While possessing a native-level grasp of the English language is advantageous, it is not mandatory for all remote employees. Many countries across the globe, including India and Eastern European nations, have high levels of English proficiency. For example, both Ukraine and Russia boast a literacy rate of 99.4%, while Poland is ranked 11th globally for its English fluency.
The Security Misconception
Amidst the ongoing lockdown, safety has become paramount for companies. A Cisco survey indicates that 85% of respondents believe that cybersecurity is of high importance or even more crucial than prior to the pandemic. According to Tessian’s study, “Back to Work Security Behaviors,” 56% of corporations believe their employees are engaging in precarious behaviors while working remotely. Additionally, 39% of employees confess to altering their typical security protocols when working from home.
When employee carelessness jeopardizes data security, it indicates the company culture. To prevent such errors, proactive steps should be taken before hiring new personnel. This is especially relevant in the case of remote or telecommuting staff. By recruiting exceptional individuals rather than just those who are qualified, corporations can establish a dedicated team. Candidates should be informed of the company’s security policy and instructed on how to handle confidential documents. Furthermore, even if the workforce is dispersed worldwide, legal arrangements can still be relied on, ensuring that security concerns are not a barrier to recruitment.
The Budget Misconception
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the potential concerns associated with the significant expenses of remote working. Global Workplace Analytics has revealed that businesses can save roughly $11,000 per year for every remote worker. Furthermore, FlexJobs was able to save more than $5 million in office space rentals, transportation allowances, staff relocation expenses, and business continuity. Thanks to remote working, US companies saved over $30 billion per day during the pandemic.
Remote working models, such as the removal of office space, fuel, and perks can result in cost savings that can be allocated for corporate progress and innovation. Nonetheless, this should not be regarded as an excuse for hiring IT professionals with insufficient experience.
The Scarce Availability of Niche IT Positions
It is a popular belief that companies can randomly select non-specialist staff from a pool to fulfill their distinct requirements. Yet, if specific specialisms are necessary, it is critical to seek out professionals with the relevant expertise, irrespective of their location.
It is not practical to assume that remote generalists can perform the same duties as experts adequately. Just as with baking, it is essential to use the proper components to achieve the desired result. For instance, if you use salt instead of sugar, the brownies will not turn out the same way.
To create a reliable remote team, it is crucial to have the appropriate specialists on board. Obtaining necessary services for your company at a reduced cost may aid in adhering to the budget, while still reaching the desired business objectives.
The Potential Job Losses in the United States Resulting from Outsourcing Work to Remote Workers
Employing remote workers does not imply choosing overseas expansion over domestic economic development. It is worth noting that remote employees may originate from any country, and several of those hired by US corporations are either Americans or work within the United States. This may be unexpected news for US business owners.
Rather than attempting to replace current staff members with remote employees, it may be worthwhile considering promoting existing employees. Employing remote staff may increase your current workforce’s capability while also delivering a cost-efficient solution. This approach will not disrupt your present setting. It may instead offer new possibilities to your personnel and relieve some of their workloads, resulting in increased job satisfaction and, consequently, enhanced productivity in their primary positions.
An Additional Misconception: Misidentifying Offshoring and Outsourcing
It is critical to comprehend this accurately. Outsourcing entails hiring an external entity, such as a company or a freelancer, to complete the work. Despite the distance involved, engaging an IT specialist from an offshore location is the same as employing a new team member.
When debating the benefits and drawbacks of remote work, freelance professionals and staffing agencies are frequently compared. Nevertheless, it is worth exploring alternatives besides outsourcing. For instance, in the case of niche or short-term assignments, outsourcing may be a worthwhile approach to consider.
Undoubtedly, there is much more to offshore or remote employment than mere geographical location. It is not mandatory for a team member to be physically present, provided that they are dependable and committed. Maintaining regular contact through face-to-face meetings and online video conversations is crucial for developing and sustaining strong working relationships and partnerships.
Comparing the Misconceptions and Realities of Hiring IT Professionals Overseas
Hiring IT Professionals from Overseas may Drive Your Business to the Next Level
The pandemic resulted in many of us working from home over the past year, and it raised some legitimate worries. Nonetheless, there are numerous false misconceptions about offshore IT employees. Individuals who decided to explore this new working style during the pandemic may not have selected the most opportune moment to do so, but this does not necessarily make those myths true.
In order to ensure successful recruitment of a distributed development team, it is critical to have an efficient interviewing and candidate-finding plan. At Works, we are a worldwide leader in offshore staffing and can offer the knowledge and assistance needed to identify suitable candidates and advance your business.
