Offshore Operations 24 April 2024

5 Signs That Mean It’s Time to Offshore

By Unient Team
Unient

Offshoring is a mature industry that needs little introduction and boosting. It has numerous proven benefits, and the biggest names in business all utilise offshoring to varying degrees. There is no shortage of compelling success stories bound to persuade even the most doubtful sceptics.

Previously, offshoring was only seen as a means to augment in-house staff. Now, organisations are truly embracing the vast potential of an offshored workforce.

But before we list the possible signs that you also need to start offshoring, let us dive in first on what makes offshoring an attractive strategy to companies of any size.

The Top Reasons For Offshoring

The Top Reasons For Offshoring - 5 Signs That Mean It’s Time to Offshore - Unient

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Risk-reduction

When partnering with an offshoring firm, they naturally take on their share of operational risk. For example, at Unient, our Managed Resources model is a comprehensive and hassle-free option to build your dream offshore. As your partner, we fulfil all Human Resources Management functions and provide a dedicated Operations Manager accountable for implementation and performance and a dedicated Client Success Manager acting as your account manager and liaison to internal stakeholders. You retain control of what matters most while delegating the crucial day-to-day work of management and monitoring to experts you can trust.

Business continuity

Operations and supply chains are vulnerable to disruptions brought about by crises and calamities. Having offshored operations, especially outside your local location, helps ensure business continuity by providing contingency and an extra support layer.

Being able to delegate business functions to remote offices when necessary can spell the difference between a business staying open or shutting down — temporarily or permanently.

Cost

Last and most compelling is the savings from offshoring. With offshoring, you get access to the same or even higher-quality talents at a reduced cost. Experts estimate up to 70% savings on operational expenses.

5 Signs You Should Offshore

If those reasons are not enough for your organisation, here are five signs you need to look into offshoring!

1. Your competitors are doing it

Your competitors are doing it - 5 Signs That Mean It’s Time to Offshore - Unient

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Just because your competitor is doing something doesn’t strictly mean you should follow suit, but it does warrant consideration.

In highly competitive industries where every differentiator is crucial, it pays to look at what your competitors are doing right and then adopt it in your context when applicable.

If your competitor is utilising offshoring and enjoying its benefits while you’re organisation is making do with limited in-house resources, that can already put you at a disadvantage.

2. Your in-house team is overburdened

Your in-house team is overburdened - 5 Signs That Mean It’s Time to Offshore - Unient

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A booming business is great if you have the manpower to sustain it. If not, you will end up with an overburdened workforce more prone to errors and burnout. It may also result in employees ending up in poorly matched roles, which is detrimental to their performance.

Rather than hiring more in-house employees, consider offshoring instead. You can keep your onshore team lean and manageable while offshoring non-core functions to a competent service provider, keeping costs low and helping you focus on business development and profit-generating functions.

3. Your customer base is growing, but your customer service team is not

Your customer base is growing, but your customer service team is not - 5 Signs That Mean It’s Time to Offshore - Unient

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A growing customer base is generally a good thing. But if your customer service capabilities don’t grow in proportion to it, it may end up hurting your business in the long run and leaving a permanent stain on your brand and reputation.

In-house customer service and experience teams can easily get overrun and overwhelmed by surges in customer requests, inquiries or complaints.

There’s a reason why customer service is one of the most offshored functions. Competent and reputable BPOs have perfected the art of customer experience, and delegating the function to them may be the right call for your company. This way, you can provide an even better quality of service to your clients and consumers and lessen the burden from your in-house team.

4. You’re having a hard time hiring the talents you need

You’re having a hard time hiring the talents you need - 5 Signs That Mean It’s Time to Offshore - Unient

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There has always been a mismatch between available jobs and the labour force, which is one of the primary drivers of offshoring. And in the last few years, the global talent and labour shortage has only intensified. This is particularly true for highly sought-after and specialised skills.

To widen your talent pool and ensure you’re getting the best person for the job, it’s time to consider offshoring. Tapping into a workforce with remote capabilities means you will no longer be limited by proximity or hampered by local labour laws.

5. You’re ready to scale

You’re ready to scale - 5 Signs That Mean It’s Time to Offshore - Unient

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One of the hindrances of business growth is the general lack of resources. The market may be ripe, but if you lack the budget and personnel to pursue your growth plans, you will lose momentum and opportunities.

Offshoring is a viable alternative for businesses looking to scale because it costs less overhead, there are more options and greater availability when it comes to manpower and engagement models tend to be very flexible and pro-client. You can scale up and down quickly and as needed without all the usual barriers to growth.

Unient: Your Versatile Partner For Better Offshoring

Unient: Your Versatile Partner For Better Offshoring - 5 Signs That Mean It’s Time to Offshore - Unient

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Having the right offshoring partner who will take the time to get to know your business and understand your goals, needs and pain points to provide you with a truly customised service and engagement model is essential to your success.

Check out this blog to learn how to identify the partner for you!

Unient offers an offshore Managed Resources engagement package and provides you with day-to-day people management to comprehensive operational functions. We are your versatile partner every step of the way. To learn more, book your commitment-free consultation today.